In 2009, artist Gordon Huether’s iconic “Wave” sculpture was installed at the intersection of Beach Drive and 2nd Avenue North, creating an instant landmark that would welcome thousands of visitors, annually, to St. Petersburg’s waterfront. Shortly after the unveiling, as tourists and locals, alike, paused to admire this striking public art, another kind of masterpiece was taking shape nearby, one that would prove equally enduring and far more prescient about the neighborhood’s culinary destiny.
When business partners Philippe Berriot and Lisa Wannemacher opened Cassis American Brasserie, in spring 2010, downtown St. Petersburg was still years away from its current renaissance. The new St. Petersburg Pier, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary on July 27th (7/27 Day, as Visit St. Pete Clearwater celebrates for Pinellas residents), was merely a concept. Yet Berriot, drawing on his experience from Philadelphia’s legendary Le Bec Fin, and Wannemacher, bringing her architectural expertise as president of Wannemacher Jensen Architects, recognized the transformative potential of Beach Drive and made a substantial investment that would quietly anchor the area’s culinary evolution.
The business model Berriot and Wannemacher crafted was deliberately sophisticated: a 7,250-square-foot French American brasserie with one of Tampa Bay’s most advanced kitchen operations, featuring stainless steel throughout and an interior recirculating filtration system. By September 2010, they had added an in-house bakery and by 2011, established Cassis Market, creating multiple revenue streams that demonstrated remarkable foresight as downtown St. Petersburg began attracting major development interest.
Today, more than a decade before the Pier’s completion transformed Beach Drive into a major tourist destination, Cassis stands as vindication of Berriot and Wannemacher’s early vision. Under Chef Trevor Lyman, whom they have recognized as their first fully endorsed executive chef since opening, the restaurant represents more than operational maturity. It embodies the strategic patience and excellence that established the culinary standards for what would become one of Florida’s most dynamic dining corridors, setting the bar that subsequent Beach Drive establishments continue to chase.
Step through Cassis’s doors, and you’re instantly transported from downtown St. Petersburg to the charm and intimacy of a Parisian café. Blending the essence of a traditional European brasserie with the laid-back ease of American dining, the restaurant’s design evokes a sense of both refinement and warmth. It’s polished yet inviting, ideal for everything from a casual lunch meeting to a celebratory dinner. This sophisticated European sensibility carries through to the menu, where American staples are elevated with subtle French nuances and Mediterranean flair, curated to delight even the posher palates.
Brunch at Cassis represents the restaurant at its most convivial, a perfect fusion of European sophistication and American weekend indulgence. The experience begins with the details that matter most to discerning diners: every juice is freshly pressed in-house, from traditional orange to more adventurous combinations that showcase seasonal Florida fruits. This commitment to fresh, quality ingredients sets the tone for everything that follows.
In addition to the standard lineup of well-executed craft cocktails, Cassis surprises and delights with featured libations that elevate the brunch experience. One such standout is the Freedom Fizz, a patriotic yet playful concoction layered with strawberry purée and lemon juice, topped with champagne and Kinship Conniption gin, then garnished with fresh strawberries and blueberries. It’s more than a drink; it’s a vibrant, effervescent celebration in a glass, designed to awaken the palate and set a celebratory tone for the rest of the meal.
The culinary artistry matches the sophistication of the cocktail program, with dishes that demonstrate Chef Lyman’s thoughtful creativity and attention to detail. Consider the Smoked Salmon Benedict, a masterclass in reimagining brunch classics. Rather than simply nodding to tradition, this dish delivers a quintessential New York experience: house-smoked salmon nestled on a toasted everything bagel with a schmear of scallion cream cheese, topped with perfectly poached eggs and finished with hollandaise that brings every element into harmony. It’s a true New York moment in one forkful, proving that brunch at Cassis represents culinary artistry rather than mere weekend indulgence
For those with a sweet tooth, the house-baked pastry selection elevates breakfast to an art form. Every item is crafted fresh in-house daily, from the giant blueberry muffin that redefines what a muffin can be, to flaky chocolate and almond croissants that rival those found in the finest Parisian patisseries. These aren’t afterthoughts or purchased accompaniments; they represent a dedicated commitment to the complete breakfast experience that distinguishes Cassis from establishments that compromise on any element of their offering.
Not every weekend calls for a full sit-down affair and Cassis has thoughtfully accounted for that too. Just steps away from the main dining room, Cassis Market offers a more casual yet equally curated experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a scoop of house-made gelato, a fresh pastry or a light salad or sandwich, the market makes it easy to grab something delicious on the go. It’s the perfect place to design your own impromptu picnic and enjoy it beneath the iconic banyan trees along Beach Drive, blending local flavor with the laid-back charm of downtown St. Pete.
For nearly fifteen years, Cassis has anchored Beach Drive’s culinary landscape, adapting to downtown St. Petersburg’s renaissance while maintaining its unwavering commitment to excellence. From leisurely weekend brunches to power lunch negotiations to intimate evening celebrations, each experience reflects the sophisticated standards that Berriot and Wannemacher established from day one. In a city experiencing unprecedented growth and change, Cassis stands as both witness and catalyst, demonstrating that exceptional restaurants don’t merely survive market evolution, they define it.
