St. Petersburg Welcomes Pulpo Kitchen & Lounge
St. Petersburg is experiencing a culinary enhancement with the grand opening of Pulpo Kitchen & Lounge, a restaurant that draws inspiration from Latin and Peruvian cuisines. The new eatery is located at 2147 Central Avenue, right in the heart of the Grand Central District.
Owners and Culinary Vision
Pulpo is owned by Jason Ruhe and Hope Montegomery, who are also the minds behind the well-regarded Brick and Mortar restaurant. Their goal with Pulpo is to offer diners an exciting and distinctive dining experience that highlights the unique flavors from Central and South America, featuring prominent influences from Peru and Mexico.
Menu Features
The menu at Pulpo showcases over twenty small plates, two salads, and several larger entrees, providing a wide variety of options for customers. Standout items include Pulpo a la Gallega (charred octopus) and a refreshing Peruvian-style ceviche. Unique appetizers such as crispy sweet plantains and mixed seared skewers are expected to be popular among guests, as well.
For those who enjoy rice dishes, Pulpo offers two types of paella: one featuring seafood and another with duck confit and roasted mushrooms. Each dish is crafted to provide a one-of-a-kind flavor experience.
Drink Offerings
The cocktail menu is equally impressive, providing a selection of creative libations such as the Magonda and Lavanda, in addition to a sweeter option known as Coco Verde. These drinks complement the diverse array of food, aiming to elevate the dining experience further.
Atmosphere and Design
The interior of Pulpo Kitchen & Lounge is designed to be vibrant and inviting, featuring royal blue booths, herringbone wood floors, and bright colors including greens, yellows, and pinks. Central to the layout is a large circular bar surrounded by various dining tables and booths, creating an engaging atmosphere for guests. Additionally, the restaurant boasts an outdoor patio and a performance stage for live Latin music, truly embodying the spirit of its culinary inspiration.
Culinary Leadership
The kitchen is helmed by Ruhe and chef Jason Cline, who previously served as the head chef at Birch and Vine. Their combined dedication and experience are set to drive the innovative culinary vision of Pulpo.
Operational Hours and Community Engagement
Pulpo is open daily to cater to diners and will soon introduce lunch and brunch services. The restaurant encourages patrons to stay informed about updates and special offers through their social media platforms.
Conclusion
Pulpo Kitchen & Lounge marks a new chapter in St. Petersburg’s dining scene. With its focus on unique flavors, vibrant atmosphere, and a commitment to excellent service, it aims to become a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
