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Bella Brava has become our St Pete, Florida, New Year’s Eve tradition! When we moved to St. Pete, FL, in 2015, we had no family or friends in the area and knew we wanted to start new traditions in our new city. Back in Columbus, Ohio, we often dressed up and went out for Italian food and either went to parties and get-togethers or hung out at home with our pets. I wanted to do at least part of that original tradition, so we looked up Italian restaurants in Downtown St. Pete.
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Bella Brava came up right away and was in the heart of downtown on Beach Drive. From 2015- 2020, the area was under construction with the removal of the old pier and the building of the new pier, but they would often have a parade, marching bands, and fireworks in one of the other waterfront parks. Now that the new pier is complete, they have started an NYE at the Pier party, and Bella Brava is right across the street from all the action!
The Food is Outstanding
Let’s talk about the food for a moment. Bella Brava St Pete has incredible traditional Italian food and American favorites, a vast wine list, and one of Tampa Bay’s most extended happy hours. We have taken many family and friends here because the location is outstanding, and even the pickiest of eaters can find something they will love. They also have lots of vegetarian and gluten-free options too! Just look at these photos – some of our favorites include Bruschetta, Caprese, Lasagna, Crostata, Bucatini, and Meatballs. Click to see the full menu here.
St Pete – Beach Drive Location
As I mentioned, the location is perfect. We typically park in the Sundial parking garage and walk the two blocks to Bella Brava, located on the corner of Beach Drive and Second Ave. It’s directly across the street from the entrance road to the St. Pete Pier and the Museum of Fine Arts. Read our St Pete Pier first impression post here.
We always use the Open Table app to make a reservation, try to get downtown early to find parking, and beat the crowds before sunset. Mark and I enjoyed our meal and wine, then strolled along the waterfront to watch the sunset. We are not big on fireworks and like to be home safely with our pets, so we don’t linger downtown for long after dark anymore…. I guess we are maturing with age, LOL!
After dinner, we walked down St. Pete Pier, grabbed a quick drink at the Spa Beach Bistro, and watched the sunset from Spa Beach. As we walk back, the city is all lit up, and the Bending Arc by Janet Echelman shines with all of its glory. It’s always a lovely backdrop for the last night out of the year.
Here are some archive photos of New Year’s Eve past. NYE 2010 – 2024, my oh my, where has the time gone? I am thankful for these memories together.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy, safe, and wonderful new year full of great adventures and beautiful memories! Cheers!
If you missed out on our very first Newsletter of 2024 – you can read it at this link! – NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2024
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We love Bella Bravo and The St Pete Pier! I was there again with a friend today.😁❤️
We’ve eaten here on our last vacation… it was superb!
Yes!! 🙌