After years of anticipation, one of Tampa Bay's most talked-about restaurant openings is finally becoming a reality. Forbici Modern Italian has officially announced its opening date in downtown St. Petersburg, bringing its popular blend of elevated Italian cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and lively atmosphere to the heart of the city.
Located in the iconic Sundial complex at 183 2nd Avenue North, Forbici will officially open its doors on June 24, 2026, taking over the former Sea Salt space that has sat vacant since late 2024.
A Major Addition to Downtown St. Pete
The new restaurant represents a significant investment in downtown St. Petersburg's dining scene. Following a multi-million-dollar renovation, the 12,000-square-foot space has been completely transformed into a modern Italian destination featuring an expansive outdoor patio, private dining room, multiple bars, and seating for up to 350 guests.
Forbici first opened in Tampa's Hyde Park Village in 2019 and quickly became known for its Roman-style pizzas, house-made pastas, brunch offerings, and energetic atmosphere. The concept was created around the idea of bringing people together over great food, cocktails, and conversation.
Reservations Are Now Open
Guests eager to be among the first to experience Forbici St. Pete can already secure reservations for opening week through OpenTable. Given the excitement surrounding the opening and the restaurant's strong following from its Tampa location, early reservations are expected to fill quickly.
What to Expect on the Menu
While the St. Petersburg location is expected to feature many of the favorites from Tampa, diners can look forward to an extensive selection of artisan pizzas, fresh pasta dishes, Italian-inspired entrées, shareable appetizers, handcrafted cocktails, and brunch offerings. Previous reports have indicated that much of the beloved Tampa menu will carry over to the new location.
A New Chapter for Sundial
Forbici's arrival marks another milestone in the continued evolution of the Sundial district. The highly visible second-floor location has long been viewed as one of downtown St. Pete's premier restaurant spaces, and many locals have eagerly awaited its next chapter since Sea Salt's closure.
With its combination of indoor-outdoor dining, vibrant social atmosphere, and proven success in Tampa, Forbici appears poised to become one of downtown St. Petersburg's most popular dining destinations.
Opening Details
- Opening Date: June 24, 2026
- Location: Sundial, 183 2nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg
- Reservations: Available now for opening week
- Concept: Modern Italian cuisine, pizza, pasta, cocktails, brunch, and private dining options
Whether you're planning a date night, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for your next favorite restaurant, Forbici's long-awaited debut is shaping up to be one of St. Petersburg's biggest dining openings of the year.
*Photo credit: StPeteRising
