St. Petersburg, Florida, is blossoming into a true culinary hotspot, and if you’re on the hunt for the best restaurants in St. Pete, your search should definitely include a visit to the Edge District. This vibrant area is now home to Sparrow, a rooftop restaurant and lounge that’s quite literally taking the dining scene to new heights. Perched atop the Moxy hotel, Sparrow offers a unique blend of Asian-inspired cuisine, a chic and energetic atmosphere, and stunning city views, making it a prime destination for those seeking memorable small bites and expertly crafted cocktails.
To experience Sparrow, you’ll enter the Moxy hotel and head towards the elevators tucked away in the back left corner. A host will greet you there, and after a quick check-in, you’ll be whisked up to the seventh floor, where the entrance to Sparrow awaits. Upon arrival, another host will welcome you and guide you to your table within this expansive venue, which can accommodate up to 250 guests both indoors and outdoors.
Given its popularity, especially on weekends, securing a reservation is highly recommended, whether you prefer an indoor setting or a coveted spot on the outdoor terrace. During a Friday evening visit around 6:30 PM, the restaurant was already buzzing, reaching full capacity both inside and out within the hour. This immediate energy speaks volumes about Sparrow’s appeal as one of the best restaurants in St. Pete for a lively night out.
The design of Sparrow is clearly intentional, creating a hotspot that is both edgy and chic. The interior dining space stretches across the hotel’s length, offering diverse seating arrangements to suit various group sizes, from intimate tables for two to larger setups, including a more relaxed lounge area with armchairs and a couch. However, the true gems are the outdoor tables, which provide breathtaking panoramic views of the St. Petersburg skyline. These outdoor tables are reservable, ensuring you can enjoy the vista with your meal. For those opting for a more spontaneous visit, Sparrow features two bar areas: an elegant marble-topped indoor bar and a second bar located outdoors.
Sparrow cultivates more of a lounge vibe than a traditional restaurant setting. Adding to the vibrant ambiance, a DJ spins tunes from Thursday through Saturday, contributing to a high-energy atmosphere. This lively environment is something to consider when planning your visit, as it might not be for everyone seeking a quiet, intimate dinner. However, if you’re looking for a spirited and sophisticated spot in St. Pete to enjoy exceptional cocktails, Sparrow firmly positions itself as one of the best restaurants in St. Pete for that experience.
The menu at Sparrow reinforces its identity as a bar and lounge with a focus on dining. As explained by our server, Danielle, the menu is designed around small, shareable plates, served as they are ready rather than all at once. This approach is crucial to know when ordering, especially considering the tables are somewhat small, suggesting that ordering one or two items at a time is the best strategy.
The menu is thoughtfully organized into sections like “Small Plates,” “Large Plates,” “Sushi Corner,” “Bao Buns,” and “Sides,” with the cuisine described as Asian-inspired. The beverage menu is equally well-structured, divided into “The Journey Begins” (non-alcoholic), “Cruise Control” (tropical classic riffs), “Adventurous” (luxe tropical-tiki), “Group Format” (sharing cocktails), and “Bubbles & Wine,” simplifying the drink selection process.
Drawn to the “Adventurous” section, the Gentleman Kaiju cocktail, a mix of Canaima gin, green chartreuse, and nori, proved to be an excellent choice. Its savory and spirit-forward profile was perfectly aligned with personal preferences, making it a highly recommendable drink. From the “Cruise Control” section, the Kodama’s Groove, with Ten to One rum, Wray & Nephew, Midori, Luxardo bitters, lime, pineapple, and matcha, was ordered. This cocktail offered a bright, refreshing, and easy-drinking experience, though those not fond of matcha might want to consider other options.
Following the strategy of ordering dishes incrementally, the meal began with the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos (crispy fried shrimp, tangy chili sauce, pickled slaw), which arrived promptly. These street-style tacos, served three per order, were a standout dish. The light coating on the small shrimp and the balance of flavors from the chili sauce and pickled slaw made for a perfect bite.
Next up was the Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna Tartare from the “Small Plates” section. This dish featured four bite-sized pieces of crispy rice topped with tuna, avocado, sriracha mayo, and a thin slice of serrano chili. While the presentation was appealing and the combination of flavors generally worked, the “crispy” rice leaned more towards chewy than crispy. Additionally, the serrano chili slice felt overpowering, detracting from the other ingredients.
As drinks were running low, a second round was in order. The Edge of Central, with 512 reposado, Lofi Dry, celery, lime, jalapeño, and salt, was a refreshing and easy-to-enjoy choice. The Way of the Mariachi, a highball with Don Fulano blanco, Del Maguey chichicapa, pear, Skinos Mastiha, and fino, was the standout drink of the second round, boasting prominent smoky and pear notes.
Given Sparrow’s dedicated “Sushi Corner,” trying a roll was essential. The Hamachi Roll, with cucumber, serrano pepper, and wasabi tobiko, was selected. However, this dish proved to be the most disappointing of the evening. The presentation appeared rushed and lacked attention to detail, and the roll itself was somewhat bland, which was unexpected. Exploring other sushi roll options will definitely be on the agenda for future visits, hoping to discover sushi that matches the high standards set by other dishes and cocktails.
In conclusion, Sparrow offers a compelling dining experience that positions it as one of the best restaurants in St. Pete, especially for those seeking a vibrant rooftop setting with Asian-inspired small plates and a dynamic cocktail program. While some dishes like the Hamachi Roll might need refinement, the overall experience, highlighted by standout dishes like the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos and innovative cocktails, makes Sparrow a must-visit destination in St. Pete’s thriving culinary scene. For a lively night out with friends, impressive city views, and a taste of creative Asian fusion, Sparrow is an excellent choice and a strong contender for anyone exploring the best restaurants in St. Pete. Remember to make a reservation to fully enjoy this elevated dining experience.
