
The Lure
The Lure: A hip St. Petersburg fusion spot where vibrant decor meets a menu of creative sushi and flavorful tapas, plus pool tables for added fun.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

The Lure

Highlights
Must-see attractions
The Lure: A hip St. Petersburg fusion spot where vibrant decor meets a menu of creative sushi and flavorful tapas, plus pool tables for added fun.
"From unique sushi creations to standout tapas, The Lure delivers a fun and flavorful experience with a cool vibe."
Try Diverse Menu Options
Explore both tapas and sushi to savor the diverse menu. Ask staff for recommendations on specialty dishes.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during less busy times.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Sushi, Tapas, American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unique Fusion Sushi
Creative sushi rolls with intriguing combinations, including Italian-inspired pasta dishes on the menu.

Hip Atmosphere with Pool Tables
Vibrant and trendy spot with colorful brick walls and free pool tables, perfect for a fun night out.

Flavorful Tapas and Small Plates
Beyond sushi, explore a diverse menu featuring tapas and small plates, with the 'Miss Lita' tapa being a standout.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try Diverse Menu Options
Explore both tapas and sushi to savor the diverse menu. Ask staff for recommendations on specialty dishes.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during less busy times.
Specialty Rolls Stand Out
Don't shy away from adventurous rolls like the 'Bacon-H8ter' or the shareable 'El Jefe'.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try Diverse Menu Options
Explore both tapas and sushi to savor the diverse menu. Ask staff for recommendations on specialty dishes.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during less busy times.
Specialty Rolls Stand Out
Don't shy away from adventurous rolls like the 'Bacon-H8ter' or the shareable 'El Jefe'.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Lure offers a vibrant atmosphere with a diverse menu blending sushi and tapas, praised for its creative rolls and friendly service. While many enjoy the unique flavors and hip vibe with pool tables, some reviews mention issues with cleanliness and consistency in food quality, with one diner comparing it unfavorably to mass-market sushi.
"My boyfriend and I had a fantastic lunch date at The Lure in St. Pete! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was inviting, cool, and laid-back—perfect for a relaxing meal.
Our server, Joelle, was absolutely wonderful—attentive, fast, and incredibly friendly, making our experience even better. The food was outstanding! I had the blackened grouper with sweet potato fries, and everything was cooked to perfection. My boyfriend ordered the chicken wrap, which was fresh and flavorful.
Overall, we had an amazing experience and will definitely be back. Highly recommend!"
Juana Zavala
"I really wanted to like this place. The concept sounded great, and the 30% off sushi boat on Sundays was what brought me in. Unfortunately, from the moment I walked in, the experience just didn’t deliver.
The atmosphere felt grungy, and the restaurant and bathroom were noticeably dirty…not what you want to see when you’re about to eat raw fish. The server was kind and tried to make the best of it, but that was about the only bright spot.
We ordered a sushi boat with nine rolls, and sadly, they all tasted like Publix sushi….maybe even a bit worse. Nothing stood out in terms of freshness or flavor. If Golden Corral started offering sushi, this is exactly what I’d expect it to taste like.
Bottom line: this was my first time, and probably my last. There are far better sushi spots in town ….cleaner, fresher, and more flavorful."
Jeffrey Wayne
"First time eating their last night and enjoyed the restaurant. They have a large diverse menu with just about everything on it. I ended up going with the sushi and it was super fresh and tasty. Service was friendly and attentive"
Dave Cope
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lure offers a fusion of sushi, tapas, and cocktails. They are known for their creative sushi rolls and have a diverse menu with options like flatbreads, bowls, and salads.
Yes, The Lure has pool tables and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a great spot for a fun night out with friends.
Yes, The Lure offers nice gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options on their menu. It's recommended to ask the staff for specific recommendations.
Popular items include creative sushi rolls like the 'Red Dragon Roll' and 'Bacon-H8ter,' as well as tapas such as the 'Miss Lita.'
Many reviewers find The Lure to be a great spot for date nights, with its hip ambiance, good food, and attentive service.
Yes, The Lure offers outdoor seating areas where you can bring your pet and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.
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Best Places for Sushi in St. Petersburg FL 2024
Our favorite items to get at The Lure are: Sashimi appetizer – Tuna, Salmon and Yellowtail. Red Dragon Roll (L) – Shrimp Tempura, spicy tuna, and cucumber rolled in seaweed and rice, topped with more tuna, eel sauce, and spicy mayo. The Lure Roll (R) – Spicy kani, asparagus, cream cheese roll topped with salmon, avocado, and masago, drizzled with jalapeño cilantro lime aoli (on the side here).
Savor St Pete: Unforgettable Eats in Florida's Sunshine City
There are a lot of delicious sushi places in St. Pete, but The Lure is my favorite. There are so many intriguing sushi roll creations that we always have a hard time choosing!. We keep going back for the Hunter roll with its tempura tilapia and avocado, but don’t hesitate to try even crazier ones like the Bacon-H8ter, complete with bacon and tempura chips!
Best Sushi in St. Petersburg
The Lure is not exactly what you would expect from St. Petersburg Foodies' 2020 Best Sushi Restaurant, but sometimes what you see is not what you get. Walk past the garage-style open doors, through the billiards tables, and arrive at what appears to be your local ocean-themed dive for some serious sushi. This location boasts a selection of 31!!
Cool Block in St. Petersburg: Central Avenue
There’s Two Fold Bicycle Shop, specializing in funky folding bikes, and The Lure, a restaurant popular for cocktails, small plates and pool. Next door is Brew D Licious, where coffee drinkers sink into cushy chairs and the talk is as thick as the espresso. (Or sit outside where water bowls bring relief to thirsty dogs.)
10 of the Best Places for Sushi in St. Petersburg
The Lure is a sushi and tapas fusion restaurant, housed in a super hip and trendy space. With colorfully painted brick walls and pool tables, you really get a cool feel from The Lure. If you’re looking to have a fun, dressed up dinner with the girls for pictures and great food, then The Lure is the best option for you.
Explore Central Ave, St. Pete's Coolest Street
Sushi lovers can wasabi it up in style at Pacific Counter or The Lure (both 600 block). Locals love hitting up Bodega (1100 block) for their authentic Cuban dishes. And stylishly appointed Baba (2700 block) serves up lovingly made Greek and Lebanese-inspired dishes.
The 25 essential Central Ave restaurants in St. Petersburg | Tampa
The Lure’s nationality-bending menu offers a wide array of sushi options in addition to Italian inspired pasta dishes, tacos and tiki cocktails. Aside from The Lure’s distinctly international menu, the restaurant offers billiards and a variety of local microbrews.
13 Best Sushi Places in St Petersburg, FL (Photos and Maps)
The Lure is a fun, laid-back place where the St. Petersburg action is. This place offers unique sushi creations in the downtown’s most vibrant part. In 2020, it received the top Best Sushi Restaurant Recognition from St. Petersburg’s Foodie Awards.
21 Best Downtown St. Pete Restaurants 2025: A Local's Guide
When you’re in the mood for sushi, head straight to The Lure. It’s got a laid-back vibe with a pool table if you’re feeling extra casual, but the sushi is what really draws me back. The Vesuvius roll is something you just have to try for yourself.
Best Brunch in St Petersburg, FL (2025) — 20 Top Places!
661 Central Avenue NorthSt Petersburg, FL 33701(727) 914-8000. This eatery downtown is a go-to brunch spot in St Petersburg for its exquisite benedicts and other American favorites, plus some Mexican-inspired fare, served in casual environs.
Central Avenue in St. Pete/Clearwater from Sunrise to Sunset
Share tapas or sushi rolls at The Lure and sip on one of their handcrafted cocktails. For a fine dining experience, head to Il Ritorno where owner and executive chef, David Benstock, builds the menu based on in-season products.
St Petersburg FL Things to Do, What to See, & Eat in the Sunshine City
If you can get the pork belly with mac and cheese tapas, you might die and go to heaven. I also loved the fig flatbread. The Lure is one of the best restaurants in St Petersburg, and they serve sushi, tapas & cocktails!
The Burg's Top Taco Spots
The Lure offers five types of tacos, but our favorite is for sure the Hugo. It’s Ybor city-style marinated pulled pork with jicama slaw, pickles, and sliced avocado. https://www.instagram.com/p/BwXOxr9g36g/
A fun, friendly and laid-back atmosphere with five-star taste sensations and service. It reflects decades of restaurant experience, countless food-inspired travels and our passion for savoring every moment.
The Best Restaurants In St. Pete, FL
A great little spot on Central Ave in DTSP for sushi and drinks. I love the “water my lawn” drink – I could drink those forever!. The sushi and vibes are really cool to.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit