Downtown Eatery Opens In St. Pete Complete With Picnics In The Park

Just the two of you, a bottle of wine and a picnic at sunset. But who will pack the basket?

Emilio will. Emilio's Bistro Bakery and Bar recently opened at 437 Central Ave. in downtown St. Petersburg. And not only do they have a menu of burgers, paninis, seasonal wines and craft beers, but they cater picnics, too.

Emilio's Picnic in the Park is delivered complete with food, linens, china and bottle of wine. Emilio's will pick it up afterward.

"The imagination is the only limitation to the Picnic in the Park," says owner Emilio Brandl. "St. Petersburg has beautiful parks and some are waterfront, which are just inviting us all to slow down, grab a picnic and enjoy!"

This is the third restaurant for Brandl, whose previous businesses include a café and sub and pizza shop. He wanted to create something more upscale with his St. Petersburg location.

"My intention here was to create a warm inviting atmosphere where locals and tourists alike could come and relax, enjoy some great food with unique beer and wines while receiving wonderful service," says Brandl.

Brandl chose St. Pete for his new restaurant to be closer to his family."I like the vibe of St. Petersburg, which is a combination of funky, yet very up and coming," he says. "The city seems to be on a path to the next big thing happening."

And St. Pete seems to love Emilio's, if reviews are any indication. One week after opening, Emilio's had six raving reviews on Urbanspoon. Writes Tanya Sharkey, "What made me stay the first time, beside the warm ambiance and beautiful local artwork, was the beer selection. Many choices of craft beers and interesting wines. And the best espresso we've found since our trip to Italy."

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Source: Emilio Brandl, Emilio's Bistro, Bakery and Bar