Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine Opens in St. Pete's EDGE District

The popular Central Florida restaurant brings Anatolian flavors and an Istanbul-inspired vibe to downtown St. Petersburg.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine, one of Central Florida's most well-known Turkish restaurants, has officially opened its doors in downtown St. Petersburg's EDGE District. The 5,200 square foot restaurant, located at 1246 Central Avenue, takes over the space formerly occupied by Furnish Me Vintage and offers dinner service from 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with plans to add lunch hours in the future.

Why it matters

The opening of Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine in the EDGE District is a significant addition to the growing culinary scene in downtown St. Petersburg. The restaurant's focus on fresh, authentic Turkish cuisine and its Istanbul-inspired design are expected to attract both local residents and visitors to the area, further enhancing the neighborhood's reputation as a destination for unique dining experiences.

The details

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine's interior draws inspiration from Istanbul's Basilica Cistern, featuring ornamental pillars, stone textures, mosaic tile accents, warm wood tones, colorful lighting, silk carpets, and handmade Turkish glassware. The menu is organized into cold and hot appetizers, soups and salads, pastries and pides (Turkish flatbreads), seafood, specialties, entrees, and desserts. Meals often begin with made-to-order lavas bread served warm and paired with spreads like hummus, babaganoush, fresh feta, and muhammara. Entrees generally range from the low $20s to high $30s and feature a variety of proteins including chargrilled beef, braised lamb shank, grilled sea bass, sautéed shrimp, chicken skewers, and grilled lamb on a vertical rotisserie known as döner kebab. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.

  • Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine is now open at 1246 Central Avenue in the EDGE District of downtown St. Petersburg.
  • Dinner service is currently offered from 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with the lunch hours to be added in the future.

The players

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine

A popular Turkish restaurant that has expanded across Central Florida, known for its focus on fresh, authentic Turkish cuisine and Istanbul-inspired design.

Doved and Tammy Sexter

The longtime restaurateurs who have opened the Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine location in downtown St. Petersburg's EDGE District.

Furnish Me Vintage

A longtime furniture and home decor shop that previously occupied the space now home to Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine, before closing in 2019.

Amorino Gelato

A gelato shop that has plans to debut in the EDGE District in March or April, on the south side of the building that houses Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine.

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What they’re saying

“The opening has been years in the making.”

— Doved and Tammy Sexter, Owners, Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine (St. Pete Rising)

The takeaway

The arrival of Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine in the EDGE District of downtown St. Petersburg is a significant addition to the city's growing culinary scene, offering residents and visitors alike the opportunity to experience authentic Anatolian flavors in a uniquely designed, Istanbul-inspired setting.