ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (BLOOM) – If you’re in the mood to dine like Gatsby, you have to try the newly opened Elliott Aster at The Vinoy in St. Petersburg. This modern steakhouse embraces a roaring 20s theme, dark wood, golden accents, and smooth jazz ambiance that feels like stepping into another era, one where elegance is the default and the cocktails never stop flowing.
The restaurant, which just opened a few days before our visit, is already finding its groove. We arrived for our 8 p.m. reservation and didn’t leave until after 10:30, a full experience meant to be savored slowly.
First Impressions
Walking into Elliott Aster feels like slipping into a modern-day speakeasy, where every element has been carefully considered, right down to the lighting. And we mean literally. Our hostess mentioned that the restaurant brought in lighting engineers to fine-tune the ambiance, and it shows. The soft glow isn’t too dark, nor too bright, just the right moody warmth that invites conversation.
Gold accents shimmer subtly throughout the space, drawing your eyes toward the bar, which anchors the room like a centerpiece. The soundtrack? Smooth and jazzy, a refreshing departure from the DJ-fueled steakhouses popping up around Tampa Bay. Here, the music stays in the background, allowing your meal and your tablemates to take center stage.
The Cocktails
Elliott Aster’s cocktail program is as sharp as its décor. We sampled three standout drinks throughout the night:
- Early Retirement ($18): A rich blend of Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Giffard Cacao, and black cherry cordial—like a grown-up chocolate cherry Florida Florida manhattan.
- Downtown St. Pete ($18): Also bourbon-based, but brightened with Montenegro Amaro, raspberry cordial, and grapefruit for a citrusy contrast.
- Old Havana ($18): A smoky-spicy-sweet mix of Appleton Estate rum, Ancho Reyes chile liqueur, and pineapple. A vacation in a glass.
All three drinks were beautifully balanced, strong without overpowering, and thoughtfully garnished to match the setting.
What We Ate (and Loved)
Our table of three featured three very different entrées—and all three impressed.
- I went with the 22oz Dry-Aged Prime Bone-In Strip ($114), served with béarnaise on the side. The steak was rich, funky in the best way, and expertly charred. The béarnaise helped cut through the depth of the dry-aged flavor for a well-balanced bite.
- Kiana ordered the 14oz Australian Wagyu Strip ($123), elevated further with the black truffle butter. It was decadent, tender, and felt worthy of a celebration.
- Keira, the birthday girl, opted for the Ricotta Gnocchi ($21)—pillowy soft with spring peas, pancetta, and pesto. Comfort food with finesse.
On the side, we shared Truffle Parmesan Fries and Grilled Broccolini. The fries had great flavor but leaned chewy over crispy. The broccolini, unfortunately, was a miss—tough, fibrous, and overshadowed by better bites at the table.
Star Service and Sweets
Let’s talk about Chris, our server, because we still are. All three of us couldn’t stop raving about his attentiveness, patience, and knowledge. We grilled him on every detail, from wine pairings to sauce breakdowns, and he answered with confidence and charm.
To kick off the meal, we shared the Sweet Focaccia Pull-Apart ($13), warm with a touch of honey, and the Antipasti Board ($30). While the bread was a win, the antipasti selection didn’t quite match the wow factor of everything else.
For dessert, the kitchen surprised us with a birthday ice cream treat that brought smiles all around. Kiana and I split the Chocolate Cake (more like a dense, fudgy torte) and a Limoncello Ice, which even I loved, despite typically avoiding anything lemon-forward.
About Elliott Aster & The Vinoy
Part of what makes Elliott Aster so special is its seamless connection to the history of The Vinoy, a St. Petersburg icon originally built in the 1920s. The restaurant honors that Jazz Age heritage with moody lighting, vintage flair, and a timeless steakhouse ambiance, making it a fitting modern addition to the recently reimagined Vinoy.
Elliott Aster features a waterfront patio, elegant main dining room, and an elevated lounge perfect for cocktails before (or after) your meal. The menu leans indulgent, with wood-fired steaks, handcrafted pastas, and a curated antipasti bar.
The restaurant is open to the public, Vinoy Club members, and hotel guests, with dinner service offered Tuesday through Sunday. Walk-ins are welcome at the bar and patio, but reservations are strongly recommended for the main dining room.
Final Thoughts
Elliott Aster is a high-end experience through and through, expect to spend at least $70 per person, and well over $300 for a date night with cocktails and dessert. But for a special occasion or a night you want to remember, it’s absolutely worth it.
From standout service to steakhouse staples with elevated flair, this roaring 20s-inspired gem is one of the most exciting new additions to Tampa Bay’s dining scene.
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