We only needed one step in the door before deciding Ruya is going to be one of our new favorites. The Mediterranean-inspired cafe and wine bar made its debut in October at 2200 1st Avenue North, and it has already become one of our go-to spots to catch up with friends or do a little remote work.
The bright and airy cafe has a fantastic selection of coffee, teas, wine, spritzes, and baked goods—each inspired by different parts of the world. The coffee selection leans Italian (and strong!), and the Citrus Tonic cold brew is a revelation. It’s the coffee version of an old fashioned.
The tea experience is in the traditional Moroccan style, meant to be shared among a group. The excellent wine list comes from Spain, Italy, and France.
Ruya is in the building that was most recently home to the If I Brewed The World craft brewery. Those who visited (and we still miss their Crunch Berry beer) will barely recognize the place. Not only has the bar moved, but the space is now sleek, bright, and popping with colors. It’s the perfect ambience for Ruya’s Mediterranean inspiration.
A dream brought to life
The owner of Ruya, named Sarah, has been dreaming for years of bringing a cafe like this to St. Pete, inspired by the places she has frequented in her own travels. Sara was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis eight years ago, and she took that as her sign to start traveling the world. For years she traversed the globe, working as she went, and regularly finding herself in places so much like Ruya—warm, friendly, and full of community and culture.
Those experiences inspired her dream to open a day-and-night cafe in St. Pete that could be a community gathering spot, a place for people to come work during the day, and a destination that has something for everyone.
Sarah’s family is Moroccan, and most of her travels abroad were in Europe and the Middle East. Those cultures and experiences shine through at Ruya. In fact, the name itself—Ruya – is a play on an Arabic word meaning dream or vision. It’s appropriate that the cafe itself is the fulfillment of Sarah’s vision.
Ruya is open Sunday-Thursday from 8 am – 6 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 8 am – 8 pm. The cafe will regularly host events in its cozy lounge and spacious back patio. This Sunday, November 9, you can catch a co-branded coffee rave, featuring coffee by Ruya, a pop-up brunch by Drift Kitchen, and music from four different DJs.
Follow Ruya on Instagram to see the latest.
Dining and Cooking