A taste of the Mediterranean is coming to the Gulf Coast. LUMA, the highly anticipated dining concept at SkyBeach Resort (6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane South), is officially opening to the public on January 22. Reservations for the new experience are available now.
Born from a thoughtful, intentional creative journey, the restaurant introduces an elevated Mediterranean menu that pairs effortlessly with sand, sea, and sky—an expression of the spirit of SkyBeach Resort. The design-forward indoor-outdoor space is striking, where a well-appointed bar and lounge flow seamlessly into a breezy patio dining experience.
Photos by Cris Molina Photography
Mediterranean dining in the St. Pete sun
Leading the culinary vision at LUMA is Executive Chef Ryan VanDusen, one of the area’s rising stars. VanDusen’s previous stops include The Don Cesar on St. Pete Beach and the famed Soho House in Chicago.
LUMA’s menu feels right at home in St. Pete, showcasing coastal flavors and locally sourced ingredients throughout. Thoughtfully composed, the menu unfolds across three refined sections: an expansive mezze selection designed for sharing, Coastal Harvest featuring crudo alongside vibrant greens and seasonal vegetables, and a curated lineup of Mediterranean-inspired mains.
The mezze options feature a selection of dippables, including pita, house-made lavash, market crudité and grilled naan paired with a choice of spreads such as smoky baba ganoush, garlic hummus, sweet heat pepper spread, golden whipped feta and more. Additional standouts include the Crispy Snapper Milanese with arugula-artichoke salad, grilled lemon, and fried capers; as well as Halloumi Esh, a dramatic tableside presentation of flaming halloumi finished with arak and served with grilled naan.
Main dishes showcase bold, fire-driven flavors, including Mediterranean Roasted Whole Fish with new potatoes and olive-artichoke salad; Ember-Braised Short Rib Kebab with guava barbecue sauce, spiced carrot purée, and sunflower seed crumble; and Lamb ‘Over Fire’ Skewers with zhroug, cipollini agrodolce, and whipped goat cheese.
Photos by Cris Molina Photography
In addition to elevated dining, guests can look forward to inventive craft cocktails such as The Sunstone, made with bourbon, date syrup, saffron, and cardamom bitters, and the Golden Empress, featuring vodka, Moroccan mint tea, lemon juice, and honey. The bar program also features a curated wine menu, and a mix of local and imported beers.
The name LUMA, derived from “lumen,” meaning light, reflects the restaurant’s inspiration from the Gulf Coast’s natural beauty, “where the golden St. Petersburg sun meets the timeless warmth of Mediterranean dining,” according to the restaurant.
Reservations to visit LUMA are available now. The resort is offering complimentary valet parking throughout the first month of Luma’s opening, and dockside arrival will soon be available, as well.
Photo by Cris Molina Photography
Dining and Cooking