St. Petersburg Wine Bar Ranks 5th Best in U.S.

A Florida hotspot just made it big. Allelo, nestled in St. Petersburg, grabbed the number five spot on USA Today's 10Best wine bars nationwide - the only Florida spot to make the list.

This downtown favorite boasts an incredible collection: 500 different wines and 1,200 bottles, mainly from small-batch wineries. Their amazing wine lineup caught attention, landing them a prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence this year.

Small, family-owned wineries from Mediterranean and Aegean regions dominate the handpicked wine menu. Top-shelf bottles from Gaja, Ornellaia, and Château Margaux line the walls.

The beautiful Italianate building on Beach Drive sits beside a lovely plaza. Inside, guests find tall ceilings, glittering chandeliers and an eye-catching glass wine wall. Local artist Annette Gloomis adds her creative flair throughout.

In the kitchen, Chef Tim Lentsch whips up Mediterranean-inspired small plates perfect for sharing. Black squid ink linguine, spicy 'nduja-sauced clams, and a carefully selected charcuterie board entice diners. The Portuguese Touriga Nacional Musgo red wine goes great with fresh Branzino or the showstopping tableside beef tartare.

The Greek word allelomimesis - describing how birds flock together - inspired the name. This idea comes to life in an entrance mural showing Florida birds and matches the restaurant's social dining style.