Juno & the Peacock
A Coastal Gem in Downtown St. Petersburg
Nestled along the vibrant Beach Drive in Downtown St. Petersburg, Juno & the Peacock offers a refreshing take on New American Coastal cuisine. With its impeccable blend of seafood and steaks, this newly opened hotspot is set to make waves in the local dining scene. The restaurant, designed by the award-winning New York-based firm AvroKo, offers a laid-back yet sophisticated interior that merges “mission nouveau” aesthetics with hints of the roaring ‘60s. The ambiance is inviting and comfortable, with a unique design that perfectly complements the flavorful dishes.
At the heart of Juno & the Peacock’s menu is a commitment to locally sourced ingredients, prepared in-house to ensure maximum freshness. The raw bar is a standout, offering an array of seafood delicacies, including oysters, shrimp cocktail, and a flavorful ahi tuna tartare. Seafood lovers will find plenty to indulge in, while the restaurant’s modern coastal twist on classic dishes brings new life to traditional favorites.
The shared plates at Juno & the Peacock are a great way to start your meal, offering a chance to sample a variety of the restaurant’s signature flavors. The Maryland Crab Cake is packed with fresh, sweet crab, perfectly seasoned and paired with a zesty aioli, while the Wagyu Beef Carpaccio is a must-try for meat lovers—tender, delicate, and bursting with rich flavor.
The entrée menu offers a well-curated selection of seafood and steak options that showcase the best of both land and sea. The 10-ounce bone-in filet we sampled was cooked to absolute perfection, tender and flavorful with a beautiful sear. If you’re in the mood for seafood, the Chilean Sea Bass is a standout choice. Served with corn cream, pepper relish, and almond salad, the sea bass is light and flaky, with a balance of sweet and savory flavors. For something a little more indulgent, the Crab-Crusted Grouper is another seafood option worth exploring, combining rich flavors with delicate textures.
The bar program at Juno & the Peacock is equally impressive, offering a unique cocktail menu titled “Cocktails Through the Decades” created by beverage director Ingi Sigurdsson. This thoughtful collection features drinks from different eras, ranging from the classic Manhattan of the 1900s to the modern Espresso Martini of the 2020s. Each cocktail is skillfully crafted by the talented mixologists who have taken these timeless drinks and elevated them for contemporary tastes. The attention to detail in both presentation and flavor makes this a highlight of the dining experience.
We couldn’t resist sampling a couple of the desserts, and both were absolute winners. The Key Lime Pie was tangy, sweet, and served with a buttery graham cracker crust, while the deconstructed tiramisu offered a playful take on the beloved classic, with rich mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a hint of cocoa.
For those looking for a pre-dinner or post-dinner drink, be sure to visit Pluma, the adjacent cocktail lounge. Exploring the rich flavors of South and Central American spirits, Pluma is a cozy hideaway with dark teal walls, velvet drapery, and intimate lighting — perfect for quiet conversations. The plush seating invites you to sit back, sip, and savor the moment.
Juno & the Peacock is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. Whether you’re indulging in a fresh seafood dish, savoring a perfectly cooked steak, or sipping on a nostalgic cocktail, this downtown gem is sure to become a favorite. M
—By Ronda M. Parag
Juno & the Peacock
400 Beach Drive NE
St. Petersburg 33701
772.258.4222
www.junoandthepeacock.com
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sat. – Sun. 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Brunch: Sat & Sun – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
