Moscato’s Bella Cucina is a family-owned authentic Italian restaurant located in St. Petersburg, FL. We feature fresh handmade Italian staples, impeccable service, and an inviting atmosphere - making every guest feel at home.

As a boy growing up in New Jersey, Chef William Iorio-Helwig (“Bill” to patrons) learned the craft of making pasta from scratch by watching his Grandma. She had come to America from Italy settellng in the primarily Italian neighborhood of Newark, New Jersey and brought with her a passion for Italian cuisine and time-honored family recipes.  She kept tradition alive, cooking up an Italian feast every Sunday, and having la familia over to enjoy delicious meals, good wine, and great conversation. His sister Donna, opened Moscato’s Tuscan Trattoria in 1996, where he refined his skills and perfected many of his special meals.  All of Bill's pasta and bread are made from scratch and by hand.  He lovingly kneads the dough every morning to bring you the freshest homemade italian staples you have ever eaten.  NO PRESERVATIVES in his pasta, breads, sausage, soups and sauces.  Gluten free options will also be available in our new location!

 


With a first success under his belt, Bill decided to bring his cuisine to a warmer climate. With the support of his wife Yolanda, sister-in-law Maria and her husband Richard Lendino, Bill opened up his first Floridian Moscato’s. He opened up a small takeout and catering business in Florida which quickly flourished. Soon Bill was serving hundreds of hungry customers a week- with more lining up each day. The need for a bigger space was obvious!

Thanks to delectable dishes and a loyal following of customers, Moscato’s has outgrown their original sit-down location and are looking to expand to accommodate more visitors and expand their offerings.

Moscato’s will be bringing the history-filled Kress building at 475 Central Avenue back to life. Originally part of S. H. Kress & Co.’s fleet of five and dime stores operating in the 1890’s, the Kress building is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. 

Moscato’s will be reinvigorating the space with an elegant Italian eatery where you can enjoy wonderful food, delicious cocktails and a downstairs piano and jazz lounge.The entire team is dedicated to providing an unparalleled dining experience to the St. Pete community, while maintaining a warm and welcoming environment.They’re moving away from the crowded tourist areas on Beach Drive and moving towards the more eclectic arts district -- allowing locals and tourists alike to linger and enjoy the European style of eating without rushing through their meal.

While we will still feature handmade staples like our Eggplant Parmesan and Stuffed Lasagna, we’re also excited to be adding SEAFOOD as a major addition to their menu.  Something sorely missed in the downtown area. They are also introducing a full spirits and a brandy library.  The underground piano and jazz bar will be a unique venue to enjoy music events, shows and host private functions!

​

With plans to open our upscale jazz lounge, we are adding a completely unique offering to our community.  Our stunning new location and wider range of menu options make us the premier Italian Dining and Nightlife destination.  We are committed to maintaining our current favorite menu offerings while giving you more options to choose from to please everyone's palate.

Moscato’s started as a small-scale takeout and catering business. We quickly moved to a restaurant that seated 50 and are consistently booked. We have also received glowing reviews from customers, food critics and the media for our service and food.  This is truly a great success story for a family owned business.  Become a part of this by supporting our move to the historic Kress building.....TOGETHER we can bring this beautiful buidling back to its glory!

Media Placements:

 
Testimonials:
 

Construction has alread begun utilizing personal funds to create a truly independent restaurant.  Become a part of that independent mind set and be a Moscatos sponsor/community owner!   We will be using funds raised to  restore the historical building at 475 Central Avenue back to its original glory. We will soon be able to seat 200 guests comfortably in an elegant but casual atmosphere.

We’re also expanding our food offerings to include new menu items and more fresh seafood options.  Our adjacent jazz lounge will feature craft cocktails and a brandy library along with dancing and special comedy nights.  A truly different experience in the downtown Saint Petersburg area!  Come see the pre-construction going and and see what YOU can be a part of!

We appreciate your support in helping bring our legacy of great service and excellent Italian cuisine to a new and improved location!

You'll receive a personalized thank you card from Bill and Yolanda along with a shout-out on our Facebook page as a Moscato's friend and 1 FREE glass of beer or wine on your first visit.

You'll receive an exclusive Moscato's Supporter polo shirt, your name listed on our website as a community supporter and “Friend,” PLUS a gift card for 10% off your first visit in our new establishment for you and 1 guest.

You'll receive everything from the $50 level plus your name listed on our Moscato's family wall as a community supporter plus an upgrade on your gift card for 10% off your first 2 visits for you and 1 guest.

You'll receive everything from the $100 level plus 2 VIP tickets to our grand opening gala -- be part of the photo with Chef Iorio and his wife Yolanda as they cut the ribbon to their new establishment! You'll also receive a bottle of select wine or select liquor from our “Brandy Library” for your first visit.

Everything from the $250 level plus 2 personalized Riedel glasses etched with our logo. Your name will be listed as a community owner on our family wall inside the restaurant and on our new website! PLUS upgrade on your gift card for 10% off your first 3 visits for you and 1 guest PLUS exclusive access to our special wine tasting and music events. You will be provided with a VIP card for these events.

You'll receive everything from the $750 level PLUS Private Chef’s table for up to 14 guests where Chef Iorio will prepare a customized meal for you and your guests up to 3 times per year -- includes 2 bottles of top shelf wine. 
(You are still responsible for your bill at the end of your exclusive dinner for food and anything beyond 2 bottles of wine.)

You'll receive everything from the $2,500 level plus 10% off for life for you and one guest. Platinum VIP includes your own exclusive table with your name on it! Seats up to 6! (Only 2 of these exclusive tables available. You will receive a lifetime card printed with your name.)

You'll receive everything from the $5,000 level plus an entrée named after you on our menu. You come up with the dish and we will name it after you on our new Moscatos menu! PLUS we'll upgrade your gift card to 15% off for LIFE for you and up to 4 friends!