The New Mediterranean Inspired Restaurant Luma Opens at St. Petersburg’s SkyBeach Resort
Helmed by Chef Ryan VanDusen, the waterfront restaurant has a Levantine essence that pairs well with Florida flavors…
Known for its award-winning beaches and the Salvador Dali Museum, St. Petersburg is one of south Florida’s places to be. Another reason to visit the city is to dine at Luma at the new SkyBeach Resort, found on the southern tip of the city. Luma joins two other food and beverage eateries SkyBar + Girlle and Paradeco Coffee Roasters. Opened on January 22nd the restaurant, which means light in Latin, overlooks the resort’s newly renovated marina that serves up a Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Luma was opened on January 22nd
“We’re proud to continue elevating the guest experience at SkyBeach Resort with the addition of Luma,” explains Allie Singer, VP of commercial strategy and asset management at Willner Realty & Development Co. (WRDC), the resort’s ownership group—in notes.
As you walk in, you notice a retro feel of midcentury-modern touches, rattan accents in the light fixtures, and warm seaside tones of blue. After a particularly cold winter, the vibe of Luma is a ray of hope for the summer days to come. “This concept completes our food and beverage vision in a meaningful way—one that resonates with both our guests and the local community. LUMA is meant to be a place you return to, where the food leaves a lasting impression, the service feels personal, and the setting makes every visit feel a little extraordinary,” continues Singer.
The Garlic Hummus | Photo Credit: Cris Molina
As you take your seat you’ll want to dive into a custom cocktail like the Golden Empress, the Santa Sol, or the Sundrift made with Black Market THC (5mL), strawberry, lemon and lavender syrup. The menu ranges from mezze items like Tear + Share, which feature items like market Crudité with pita, grilled naan, and homemade lavash that pairs nicely with garlic hummus, smoky baby ghanoush, golden whipped feta, and muhammara sweet heat pepper spread.
The menu is concocted by Executive Chef Ryan VanDusen. The Michigan native has twenty years’ experience in respected eateries like Soho House Chicago and the Don CeSar Hotel, also in St. Petersburg. “The menu honors Mediterranean classics while embracing Gulf Coast influences, resulting in a seasonal approach that captures the flavors and energy of Florida,” say VanDusen.
The Gulf Ceviche | Photo Credit: Cris Molina
Small plates of Gambas al Ajillo and Florida Gulf Ceviche, are made with local Florida seafood. With an Arabic Mediterranean touch, you’ll want to try the Halloumi Esh with flaming halloumi cheese that you finish with Arak (a fermented Lebanese milky drink made from grapes). Entrée items include the Mediterranean Roasted Whole Fish that come with new potatoes and olive-artichoke salad, the Four-Hour Slow-Braised Short Rib Kebab with guava bbq sauce, spiced carrot purée, and Lamb ‘Over Fire’ Skewers with Zhoug, cipollini agrodolce and whipped goat cheese.
Every Friday from 9-11pm visitors can dance to a guest DJ. And, if you’re arriving by water, there is a dock-and-dine experience, where you can dock your boat at the SkyBeach Marina while eating.
The hotel at the SkyBeach Resort was originally built in the 1950s, and the property sits on 18-acres and was purchased in 2022 by Willner Realty & Development Co., which saw it through a major renovation. The resort reopened in July 2024 with an appeal due to its Old Florida charm and contemporary edge. Sports, dining, a marina, the Azibi Stage, a beachfront entertainment venue for live performances, and events center makes the resort a little city within a city.
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