Aji Ceviche Bar Opening in St. Petersburg This September

Aji Ceviche Bar, a growing Peruvian restaurant franchise known for its fusion of traditional Peruvian and Japanese flavors, is preparing to open its newest location in downtown St. Petersburg the first week of September. Owner Sergio Palacios told Business Debut that the new restaurant will be located at 200 1st Ave South, Suite B, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

“We are presenting the Peruvian food, one of the top culinary places in the world. And we're very excited to bring that to St. Petersburg,” Palacios said.

The 3,000-square-foot space can accommodate about 120 guests inside, and there are an extra 20 seats outside on the sidewalk patio. It will be a full bar offering specialty drinks, such as pisco-based cocktails like the signature pisco sour. “St. Petersburg has started to develop a new image, and the menu has improved. It’s like a fine dining restaurant but keeps the freshness of a ceviche bar,” Palacios shared.

The restaurant will offer a diverse menu showcasing Peru’s culinary delights, including seafood dishes and Japanese-Peruvian fusion. It will also highlight ceviche as their main offering, and expand other traditional Peruvian dishes and beverages.

Aji Ceviche Bar will be open from 12 pm – 10 pm Sunday through Thursday and 12 pm – 11 pm on Friday and Saturday. It will also have live music, and extended hours may happen in the future.

This will be Palacios’ second U.S.-based location under the Aji Ceviche Bar brand, following a successful run in Tampa. Originally from Peru, Palacios attended Le Cordon Bleu and has worked across food service ventures in Peru, Miami, and Tampa, from food trucks to catering to full-service restaurants.

The St. Petersburg location represents a new start for the franchise, introducing a new fine dining concept that blends the casual energy of a ceviche bar with better presentation and service.

For photos and updates, visit the Aji Ceviche Bar website!