St. Petersburg, Florida, continues to blossom as a culinary hotspot, and a new gem has quietly emerged in the north part of the city. Green Pagoda, an Asian fusion restaurant and cocktail bar, has opened its doors at 7900 4th Street North, taking over the space previously occupied by E.B.I. Sushi and Hooks before it. This exciting new venture is spearheaded by Sean Thongsiri, with the valuable support of Serena Raynard, the same team that brought the beloved tropical Asian flavors of Mangosteen to Central Avenue.
Ambiance and Setting
Stepping into Green Pagoda is an experience in itself. Guests are greeted by stately lion statues at the entrance, leading into a welcoming dining room bathed in natural light from unique circular windows. The thoughtful décor creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Brass lamps and green bench seating add to the cozy yet elegant feel of the space, which comfortably accommodates around 120 diners. For those who prefer al fresco dining, a spacious 45-seat outdoor patio, surrounded by lush greenery, offers a tranquil escape.
Culinary Delights: A Menu Blending East and West
Green Pagoda’s cuisine is a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western culinary traditions. The menu is extensive, featuring classic Asian dishes with a contemporary Western twist. Sushi lovers will be delighted by the full sushi menu, a nod to the location’s history as a sushi restaurant.
“This space was originally a sushi restaurant. Even though it closed, we recognize that people tend to build a restaurant into their routine,” Raynard explained. “People enjoy what’s near their house, which is why we wanted to offer sushi at Green Pagoda.”
The sushi menu boasts an impressive selection of 17 different rolls, alongside traditional nigiri and sashimi. Diners can find familiar favorites like the Spicy Tuna Roll, California Roll, and Mexican Roll, as well as signature creations such as the Pagoda Roll, a vibrant mix of tuna, salmon, snapper, escolar, crab, asparagus, cream cheese, tobiko, scallion, and teriyaki.
Beyond sushi, Green Pagoda’s menu is rich with options, including flavorful dumplings, refreshing spring rolls, and vibrant salads. Stir-fries and entrees showcase the kitchen’s versatility. In the “Traditional Favorites” section, two claypot dishes stand out: the Chicken Claypot, featuring bell pepper, carrot, Thai eggplant, basil, and onion in a fragrant coconut red curry, and the Pork Belly Claypot, served with rice, bok choy, jalapeño, and onion.
While meat options like filet mignon and ribeye are available, seafood takes center stage in the entree selection. Dishes like Grilled Salmon and Snapper Risotto, both enhanced with a coconut curry drizzle, highlight the fresh, high-quality ingredients. The Peppercorn Tuna, served over asparagus and shiitake mushrooms, is another must-try.
Raynard emphasizes the restaurant’s commitment to quality: “Because we serve sushi, we carry sushi-grade fish, which is a much higher quality product. Diners will be able to taste what it’s like to have a freshly cut sushi-grade salmon.” For a unique side dish, the shiitake mushroom and edamame risotto, originally conceived for Thongsiri’s upcoming restaurant The Crane, is a standout, described as “American comfort food with an Asian twist”.
Complementing the food menu is a full craft cocktail bar, focusing on Japanese cocktail culture, promising a well-rounded dining experience.
Expanding the Mangosteen Experience to North St. Pete
Sean Thongsiri and his team are not new to the St. Pete dining scene. They are also the masterminds behind Mangosteen, the wildly popular tropical Asian restaurant and bar located on Central Avenue’s 600 block. Mangosteen has quickly become a downtown favorite since opening six months prior to Green Pagoda, known for its vibrant atmosphere and flavorful dishes. The opening of Green Pagoda represents an expansion of Thongsiri’s culinary vision to north St. Pete.
“Mangosteen is doing very well. It’s in a great location and always busy,” Raynard shared, highlighting the success of their downtown venture and the solid team they’ve built there. Building on this success, Green Pagoda aims to bring a similar level of quality and dining experience to the 4th Street North area.
Thongsiri also has another downtown project in development, The Crane, an upscale steak and seafood restaurant. While its opening has been delayed, it signals a continued investment in St. Pete’s evolving culinary landscape. The team sees significant potential in north St. Pete, anticipating 4th Street North to become the city’s next arts and dining destination, noting the success of established restaurants like Noble Crust in the area. As downtown St. Pete becomes increasingly dense, Green Pagoda offers a welcome alternative, providing a high-quality dining experience with easier access and parking in the north part of the city.
A Taste of the Future in St. Pete Dining
With Green Pagoda now open, Thongsiri and Raynard are excited about the future and hint at even more culinary concepts on the horizon. “We love opening new restaurants,” Raynard stated. “I think we’ll have more down the road. Maybe a hand-made noodle house or a dumpling house. We want to open what St. Pete residents want to eat. So let us know!”
Green Pagoda is currently open seven days a week for lunch and dinner at 7900 4th Street North, St. Petersburg. For a taste of Asian fusion crafted by the team behind the popular Mangosteen, be sure to visit and follow their journey on Instagram and Facebook.
