Sea Salt to close in downtown St. Pete

Sea Salt, a seafood restaurant located in The Mall at Sundial in downtown St. Petersburg, has announced it will close its doors at the end of 2024.

In an email sent to Sea Salt newsletter subscribers Tuesday, co-owner Ingrid Aielli said the restaurant will close down after the last dinner service on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, at the expiration of its lease in the Sundial. A representative for Sea Salt told the Catalyst the seafood eatery has no plans to open elsewhere in St. Pete. Instead, the Aielli family will focus on the other four restaurants in the Aielli Group portfolio, all located in Naples, Florida.

“The past 10 years have been nothing short of amazing,” said Aielli, reflecting on the Sea Salt St. Pete’s journey, in a prepared statement. “We are so proud to have been a part of this incredible community and grateful for the memories we’ve made together. The friendships and connections that have formed here are what make this farewell bittersweet. We will forever cherish these experiences.”

Sea Salt, known for its fresh seafood and extensive wine offerings, will remain open in Naples. Photo: Sea Salt St. Pete website.

In the coming weeks, Sea Salt will continue its regular service hours, including specials like daily happy hour.

On its website, Sea Salt is described as “Venetian-inspired ocean-centric cuisine,” led by co-owner and chef Fabrizio Aielli, who grew up in Venice, Italy. He and his wife began their culinary and entrepreneurial journey in the ’90s with three restaurants in Washington, D.C. After almost two decades in the D.C. area, the Aiellis moved to Florida in 2008 and opened Sea Salt in Naples. Sea Salt’s success encouraged them to expand and resulted in the addition of Barbatella, Dorona, Grappino in Naples and Sea Salt St. Pete.

“We want to thank everyone who has been a part of Sea Salt’s story,” said Aielli. “Our team, our guests and our community have been at the heart of everything we do. This chapter may be closing, but the memories and the connections will live on.”

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