St. Petersburg’s vibrant Edge District has a dazzling new addition to its culinary landscape, Sparrow, a rooftop restaurant and lounge atop the Moxy hotel. This chic and energetic space combines Asian-inspired cuisine with a lively lounge atmosphere, making it the perfect destination for delightful small plates and captivating cocktails in the heart of La V St Pete.
Upon entering the Moxy hotel, you’ll find the entrance to Sparrow tucked away in the back left corner, near the elevators. A friendly host will check you in and escort you to the seventh floor, where Sparrow awaits. After a warm greeting from the rooftop host, you’ll be guided to your table within this expansive venue, capable of accommodating up to 250 guests both indoors and outdoors. Given its popularity, especially on weekends, securing a reservation, whether for indoor or outdoor seating, is highly recommended. On a recent Friday evening visit around 6:30 PM, Sparrow was already buzzing, reaching full capacity within an hour, both inside and on the terrace.
The design of Sparrow is truly thoughtful, showcasing edgy interior elements that define this trendy hotspot. The dining room, stretching across the hotel’s length, offers diverse seating arrangements, from intimate tables for two to larger setups for groups, including a relaxed lounge area with armchairs and a couch. The outdoor tables are particularly coveted, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the la v st pete skyline – a view that truly embodies the spirit of la v st pete. These prime outdoor spots are reservable, ensuring you can soak in the cityscape while you dine. For those arriving without reservations, two bar areas provide ample seating – a stylish marble-topped indoor bar and a second, equally inviting bar outdoors.
The ambiance at Sparrow leans more towards a sophisticated lounge than a traditional restaurant. The atmosphere is vibrant and high-energy, thanks to a live DJ who sets the mood Thursday through Saturday. This lively setting is a key part of Sparrow’s appeal, perfect for those seeking a spirited evening with expertly crafted cocktails in la v st pete. If you’re after a quiet, intimate dining experience, Sparrow might not be the ideal choice, but for a dynamic and stylish night out in la v st pete, it’s unmatched.
Sparrow’s menu further reinforces its lounge-centric identity. Our server, the wonderful Danielle, explained that the menu features small plates designed for sharing, served as they are ready rather than all at once. This approach encourages a relaxed and social dining experience. It’s also wise to note that the tables are on the smaller side, making it best to order just one or two dishes at a time to fully enjoy the culinary journey. The menu is organized into sections: Small Plates, Large Plates, Sushi Corner, Bao Buns, and Sides, all showcasing Asian-inspired flavors that complement the la v st pete setting.
The beverage menu is equally well-structured, divided into five intriguing sections: The Journey Begins (non-alcoholic options), Cruise Control (tropical twists on classic cocktails), Adventurous (luxury tiki-inspired creations), Group Format (shareable cocktails), and Bubbles & Wine. This format simplifies the often overwhelming cocktail selection process. Venturing into the Adventurous section, I opted for the Gentleman Kaiju, a compelling mix of Canaima gin, green chartreuse, and nori. Its savory and spirit-forward profile was perfectly aligned with my preferences – a drink I would happily order again and again while enjoying the la v st pete night. My husband chose Kodama’s Groove from the Cruise Control section, a refreshing blend of Ten to One rum, Wray & Nephew, Midori, Luxardo bitters, lime, pineapple, and matcha. This easy-drinking cocktail is bright and tropical, though perhaps not for those who dislike matcha.
Following our strategy of ordering dishes incrementally, we started 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 shrimp were lightly coated and perfectly sized for easy eating, and the combination of crispy shrimp, chili sauce, and pickled slaw created a harmonious and flavorful bite, perfectly embodying the vibrant culinary scene of la v st pete.
Next came the Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna Tartare from the small plates section. Four bite-sized pieces of crispy rice were topped with a mixture of tuna, avocado, sriracha mayo, and a thin slice of serrano chili. While the presentation was appealing and the flavors were generally well-balanced, the “crispy” rice leaned more towards chewy, and the serrano chili slice proved overpowering, masking the other delicate ingredients.
Our drinks were in need of refreshing, prompting a second round. I chose The Edge of Central, a mix of 512 reposado, Lofi Dry, celery, lime, jalapeño, and salt. This was another enjoyable and easy-drinking choice, perfect for the warm la v st pete evening. My husband’s selection, The Way of the Mariachi, featuring Don Fulano blanco, Del Maguey chichicapa, pear, Skinos Mastiha, and fino, was a standout. This highball offered prominent notes of smoke and pear and became his favorite drink of the night.
Given Sparrow’s dedicated sushi corner, we felt obliged to try a roll. We opted for the Hamachi Roll with cucumber, serrano pepper, and wasabi tobiko. Unfortunately, this was the most disappointing dish of the evening. The roll seemed hastily prepared, lacking attention to detail in presentation, and the flavor was somewhat bland, a bit of a letdown compared to the other vibrant offerings at Sparrow. On a future visit to la v st pete, we’ll definitely explore the other sushi roll options.
Sparrow Rooftop Restaurant offers a unique and elevated dining experience in la v st pete. With its stunning views, lively atmosphere, and creative Asian-inspired small plates and cocktails, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of la v st pete‘s dining and nightlife scene. While some dishes shone brighter than others, the overall experience at Sparrow is one of style, flavor, and vibrant energy – a perfect reflection of the dynamic spirit of la v st pete.
