Michelin-starred chef to debut new restaurant at The Vinoy in downtown St. Pete
/The lounge and bar area inside Elliott Aster, a new restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Lee Wolen at The Vinoy Resort in downtown St. Pete | The Vinoy
A Michelin-starred chef will open a new sophisticated steak and seafood restaurant at the historic Vinoy Resort and Golf Club along St. Pete's downtown waterfront in early 2025.
Elliot Aster, the new restaurant debuting at 501 5th Avenue Northeast inside the Vinoy, is a concept from Boka Restaurant Group and Chef Lee Wolen, who is behind Chicago Michelin-award-winning Boka restaurant, Italian eatery Alla Vita, and GG's Chicken Shop.
The new restaurant, named after a native Florida wildflower and pays homage to the real estate developer Gene Elliott who named the Vinoy after owner Aymer Vinoy Laughner, will replace Marchand's Bar & Grill, which has been closed since 2020.
The main dining room at Elliott Aster, coming soon to the Vinoy in downtown St. Pete | The Vinoy
The restaurant will serve "redefined dinner in the beautiful dining room, as well as a bustling waterfront patio for aperitivos and cocktails," according to an announcement.
Elliot Aster's sophisticated menu will include a 45-day dry-aged prime bone-in ribeye, pasta, seafood dishes, and appetizers such as grilled octopus, and more.
In the heart of the restaurant, there will be an antipasti bar offering freshly sliced Italian meats, whipped ricotta, marinated vegetables, and more.
Wolen, who previously worked at the Four Seasons Palm Beach resort in the early 2000s and has visited The Vinoy with his family, said he was captivated by the historical background and charm of the Mediterranean Revival-style hotel that opened in 1925.
Elliott Aster will feature an expansive outdoor terrance overlooking the downtown St. Pete waterfront | The Vinoy
“Boka Restaurant Group’s vision and Chef Wolen’s remarkable talent perfectly complement our dedication to exceptional hospitality. We look forward to offering both locals and visitors something truly special," Vanessa Williams, General Manager of The Vinoy, said in the announcement.
The restaurant marks the The Vinoy’s final phase of its years-long expansion and renovation project.
Last year, The Vinoy opened Parasol, an open-air poolside restaurant with unrivaled waterfront views, and Lottie, an elegant French patisserie located in the lobby of the historic hotel.
Be sure to follow Elliott Aster on Instagram for the opening date and future announcements.
