By Kelly Rouse
Happy New Year! 2026 finds us with several new restaurants open in the Sunshine City. These four range from the upscale and decadent to the more affordable, yet delicious. A new year is always a good time to try new things – so what are you waiting for?
ELLIOTT ASTER
From the moment you walk into Elliott Aster at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, the setting will have you hooked. The restaurant has beautifully restored the hotel’s historic charm while adding modern elegance – rich velvet banquettes, a fluted-glass chandelier above a sweeping horseshoe bar. The atmosphere feels both glamorous and welcoming.
We started with cocktails from their well-curated drink list. The drinks were balanced and inventive, a nice prelude to dinner. For our first course, we shared the antipasti board: house-sliced salumi, whipped ricotta, marinated olives and roasted eggplant spread. As a main, I chose the 45-day dry-aged bone-in ribeye. It arrived perfectly seared from the wood-fired grill with a rich, smoky crust and tender inside. My companion opted for a handmade pasta special, which was delicate, perfectly cooked, and topped with a light sauce that didn’t compete with the quality of the noodles and ingredients.
For dessert, we had a silky tiramisu paired with a well-crafted after-dinner cocktail – a satisfying, indulgent finale. The ambiance, thoughtful touches throughout the meal, and the high caliber of food made the evening exceptional.
Tues.-Sun. Dining 5pm-10pm | Lounge and Bar 4pm-12am
Brunch 10am-2pm Sat.-Sun. | elliottaster.com
SLIM CHARMER
From the outside, Slim Charmer feels more like a secret hideaway than your typical downtown bar – a small 800-square-foot cocktail lounge tucked into an unassuming building, lit inside by candlelight with an ambience that whispers “come inside, if you know.” The drinks menu here is clearly a point of pride and they are made to sip slowly. We went all in on small plates and shared several. A standout was the chorizo-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates: sweet, smoky, and a little spicy. Dessert was the salted-caramel and milk-chocolate tart with crème fraiche – yum! If you’re looking for a date-night out, a quiet drink, or a tucked-away spot where cocktails and well-crafted small plates take center stage, Slim Charmer absolutely delivers.
Wed.-Thurs. 5pm-11pm | Sat.- Sun. 5pm-12am
slimcharmer.com
ADRIAN’S PRIME & WINE
Newcomer Adrian’s Prime and Wine in St. Pete Beach has a vibe that is warm, welcoming, and quietly upscale. It’s a spot where people come to savor their meal, not eat in a hurry. The space isn’t massive, which lends itself to intimacy; the lighting, furnishings, and general atmosphere all suggested a casual elegance that felt perfect for a date night or a relaxed evening out.
We began with a bottle of wine from their curated list – it was a nice touch to see thoughtful wine selections, and the server offered sensible recommendations that paired well with our meal. Service the whole evening was attentive.
For appetizers, we shared chilled lobster (one of their specialties) – the seafood was fresh, the flavors clean, and the portion generous enough for two. For mains, you can choose from a prime cut grilled ribeye and a seafood-forward dish (the menu leans toward surf-and-turf and fresh seafood offerings). The ribeye came perfectly cooked at medium-rare with a good sear, the seafood dish was light yet flavorful. We finished with a dessert (the house specialty chocolate cake was suggested) and it was a satisfying end to the meal. Paired with a final sip of wine, it felt like the sort of meal that leaves you pleasantly full and already thinking about when you might return.
Thurs.-Mon. 5pm-9:30pm | Closed Tues.-Wed. | https://www.facebook.com/p/Adrians-Prime-Wine-61574625706258/
1 CHICK, 1 BRO CAFÉ BISTRO
Entering 1Chick 1Bro Cafe Bistro felt like stumbling onto a hidden little neighborhood favorite – modest on the outside, but full of warmth and good energy. The space is simple and unpretentious, a cozy café-bistro vibe with friendly staff. You’ll notice immediately their portions don’t mess around. We ordered crispy empanadas that were flaky and savory. Then for the main event, we shared one of their signature arepas. It came stuffed to the brim: in our case, with shredded pork, gouda, tomato, and bacon. The meat was tender, the cheese melted just right, and the cornmeal “shell” had the satisfying crisp-outside, soft-inside texture that defines a good arepa. If you want something lighter or vegetarian, try their veggie-style arepa, a mix of chickpeas, tofu, veggies and herbs. Drinks are worth a mention, too. I tried a house juice- it was bright and refreshing; the café-style coffee is good for a little pick-me-up. If you’re in Gulfport and craving something different – hearty Latin comfort fare, generous portions, and a welcoming atmosphere, 1Chick 1Bro Cafe Bistro hits the mark.
Closed Mon. | Tues.- Fri. 10am-7:30pm | Sat. 10am-7pm | Sun. 10am-3:30pm | https://www.facebook.com/p/1Chick-1Bro-Cafe-Bistro-Gulfport-Fl-61556710201112/
