St. Petersburg’s Edge District is constantly evolving, and the recent addition of Sparrow, a rooftop restaurant and lounge atop the Moxy hotel, has truly elevated its dining scene – both literally and figuratively. Sparrow offers a unique combination of Asian-inspired cuisine and a chic, high-energy lounge atmosphere, making it the perfect destination for those seeking flavorful small bites and expertly crafted cocktails.
To experience Sparrow, enter the Moxy hotel and proceed to the back left corner, near the elevators. A host will greet you and, after a quick check-in, escort you to the seventh floor. Upon exiting the elevator, another host welcomes you into Sparrow and guides you to your table.
Sparrow boasts a spacious layout, accommodating up to 250 guests across its indoor and outdoor areas. Despite its size, securing a reservation, especially for peak hours, is highly recommended. On a Friday evening visit around 6:30 PM, the restaurant was already vibrant, reaching full capacity both indoors and outdoors within an hour.
The thoughtful design of Sparrow is immediately apparent. Edgy interior elements blend seamlessly with a chic aesthetic, creating a visually stunning hotspot. The dining room, extending the hotel’s length, offers diverse seating options, from intimate tables for two to larger arrangements for groups, including a relaxed lounge area with armchairs and a couch. Outdoor seating provides breathtaking panoramic views of the St. Petersburg skyline, and these coveted tables can be reserved in advance. For spontaneous visits, two bar areas – an indoor marble-topped bar and an outdoor counterpart – are available for walk-ins.
Sparrow cultivates more of a lounge ambiance than a traditional restaurant. A live DJ enhances the lively atmosphere from Thursday to Saturday, creating a spirited and energetic environment. This vibrant setting is ideal for those seeking a sophisticated cocktail experience in a high-energy space. However, it’s worth considering if you prefer a quieter dining atmosphere. For those who thrive in a dynamic, social setting and appreciate expertly mixed drinks, Sparrow is undoubtedly the place to be. For a different kind of experience, perhaps with a more casual, automotive-themed vibe, you might consider exploring places like Ford’s Garage St. Pete, known for its burgers and extensive beer selection. While Sparrow offers rooftop elegance and Asian-inspired flavors, Ford’s Garage St. Pete provides a distinct, down-to-earth dining option in the area.
Sparrow’s menu reinforces its lounge-centric concept, featuring small plates designed for sharing, rather than traditional individual entrees. Danielle, our exceptional server, explained that dishes are served as they are ready, encouraging a shared dining experience. Given the intimate table sizes, ordering one or two items at a time is advisable.
The menu is organized into enticing sections: 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 options), Cruise Control (tropical twists on classics), Adventurous (luxurious tiki-inspired cocktails), Group Format (shareable cocktails), and Bubbles & Wine. This clear categorization simplifies the cocktail selection process considerably.
Drawn to the Adventurous section, I opted for the Gentleman Kaiju, a sophisticated blend of Canaima gin, green chartreuse, and nori. This savory and spirit-forward cocktail perfectly matched my preferences, and I would readily order it again. My husband chose Kodama’s Groove from the Cruise Control section, a refreshing mix of Ten to One rum, Wray & Nephew, Midori, Luxardo bitters, lime, pineapple, and matcha. This easy-drinking cocktail is bright and tropical, though those who dislike matcha may want to choose differently.
Our strategy of ordering dishes incrementally worked flawlessly. We 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 an instant hit. The light, crispy shrimp coating and the balanced combination of chili sauce and pickled slaw created a truly satisfying bite.
Next came the Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna Tartare from the Small Plates section. Four bite-sized pieces of crispy rice were topped with tuna, avocado, sriracha mayo, and a thin serrano chili slice. Crispy rice dishes are universally appealing, and this one was no exception. While the presentation was excellent and the flavors harmonized well, the “crispy” rice leaned slightly towards chewy. We also felt the serrano chili was overpowering, detracting from the other ingredients.
As our drinks needed replenishing, I chose The Edge of Central, a refreshing mix of 512 reposado, Lofi Dry, celery, lime, jalapeño, and salt. Another easy-drinking and enjoyable choice. My husband selected The Way of the Mariachi, a highball featuring Don Fulano blanco, Del Maguey chichicapa, pear, Skinos Mastiha, and fino. With prominent smoky and pear notes, this was his standout drink of the evening.
Given Sparrow’s dedicated Sushi Corner, ordering a roll was essential. We opted for the Hamachi Roll with cucumber, serrano pepper, and wasabi tobiko. Regrettably, this was the most disappointing dish of the night. The roll’s presentation lacked attention to detail, appearing somewhat rushed, and the flavor profile was rather bland, which was a letdown. On a future visit, we will definitely explore other sushi options.
In conclusion, Sparrow offers a vibrant and stylish rooftop dining experience in St. Pete’s Edge District, perfect for cocktails and shared small plates. While some dishes shone brighter than others, the overall ambiance, cocktail selection, and energetic atmosphere make Sparrow a noteworthy addition to St. Petersburg’s evolving culinary landscape. For those seeking diverse dining experiences in St. Pete, exploring options ranging from the elevated Asian-inspired cuisine of Sparrow to the classic American fare found at places like Ford’s Garage St. Pete provides a taste of the city’s dynamic food scene.
