A popular South Tampa restaurant is crossing Tampa Bay as Bocelli Modern Italian prepares to open its second full-service location in downtown Largo.

The restaurant has signed on for 6,400 square feet at 40 West Bay Drive within Horizon West Bay, the new mixed-use development anchored by Largo City Hall. Bocelli is currently in the design and permitting phase and is targeting an opening between March and April 2027. (St Pete Rising)

The new restaurant will feature a full-liquor bar, private dining room, outdoor seating and a larger kitchen than its original South Tampa location. Bocelli plans to maintain its neighborhood-oriented concept, including live music several nights per week and a menu centered around housemade pasta, wood-fired pizza and Italian classics. (St Pete Rising)

Horizon West Bay Continues to Build Its Tenant Mix

The opening represents another significant addition to Horizon West Bay, Largo’s redevelopment project surrounding its new City Hall.

Bocelli will join several food and beverage concepts at the development. Upcoming tenants include Live at Dead Bob’s and Louis Pappas Fresh Greek, while Parlor Doughnuts and Strachan’s Ice Cream have already opened. (St Pete Rising)

The City of Largo approved a 10-year lease with Bocelli in August and agreed to reimburse up to $1.6 million in restaurant buildout costs. The restaurant’s total buildout is expected to exceed $2 million. (St Pete Rising)

Downtown Largo’s Redevelopment Takes Shape

From a commercial real estate perspective, Bocelli’s decision to open its second location in Largo is another indication of the investment taking place around the city’s downtown core.

The larger location also gives Bocelli an opportunity to expand its catering operation, with nearby City Hall employees, offices, corporate lunches and private events creating additional daytime demand. (St Pete Rising)

Restaurants can play an important role in mixed-use redevelopment by creating activity beyond traditional office hours. Bocelli’s combination of dining, outdoor seating, private events and live entertainment could help generate additional evening traffic within Horizon West Bay as more businesses open.

The project also illustrates a broader trend across Tampa Bay: established concepts from Tampa and St. Petersburg increasingly have opportunities to expand into growing suburban downtowns as municipalities invest in walkability, mixed-use development and new gathering places.

For commercial real estate investors, developers and tenants, downtown Largo is becoming another Pinellas County submarket worth watching as Horizon West Bay continues to establish its retail and restaurant lineup.