Bar Terroir, a new South Tampa bistro from the Rocca team

If you have noticed activity at Bar Terroir, the South Tampa French bistro and wine bar, it has been dabbling in a soft opening before its official public grand opening on June 12. It comes from the celebrated team behind Rocca, the Tampa Heights Italian restaurant that was one of the first in the area to earn a Michelin star. The team also runs South Tampa’s buzzy Streetlight Taco.

Like a true French bistro, Bar Terroir will have seating for roughly 40 people inside, plus another 60 or so between the bar and outdoor patio. It is a wine-forward operation, with 27 wines by the glass and 250 by the bottle in addition to a dozen specialty cocktails. The food is a Francophile’s dream, with lots of French classics.

Bryce Bonsack, left, and Max McKee at Bar Terroir, which opens in June in Tampa. [ Bar Terroir ]

Where it’s located: It opened in the former Little Leon building at 3636 Henderson Blvd. in Tampa, a busy area not far off Dale Mabry Highway. There is valet parking, and they also lease spots at nearby Barrow’s Deli.

What they serve: Chef Max McKee, formerly the executive sous chef at Rocca, is helming the kitchen and the menu, which focuses on French classics like beef bourguignon, French onion soup, hand-cut steak tartare, escargot, cassoulet, steak frites and roasted chicken. There is also a sizable cheese and charcuterie selection, including several cured meats and pâtés made in-house.

What to expect: It will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but it will be open Mondays in an effort to better serve the area’s robust hospitality community, a rarity in the Tampa market. Hours are 4-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 4-10 p.m. Thursday and Monday.

Reservations are live now, and you can book through Resy.com or by calling 813-535-7922. barterroir.co.