A taste of Tampa is coming to St. Petersburg, with a plan for a second location of Forbici Modern Italian to open downtown.

The popular Hyde Park spot known for Roman-style pizza, pasta and a robust wine selection will open in Sundial (153 Second Ave. N), in the downstairs spot where Locale Market closed in 2019.

It is expected to open in spring 2024, said Jeff Gigante, founder of Next Level Brands, which owns the restaurant among others like Tampa’s Boulon and Union New American.

Last year, Paradise Ventures and Ally Capital Group purchased Sundial from Bill Edwards for $27.5 million. Earlier this year, the investment firms revealed plans to redevelop the shopping center.

Gigante’s Next Level Brands partners are Andrew Wright and Joseph Guggino. Wright is also a managing partner with Ally Capital Group, so the Sundial connection is there, especially given the vision to make the center a mixed-use destination with more communal space.

While he lives in Tampa, Gigante is originally from St. Petersburg so he said he’s excited to bring the restaurant there.

The menu will stay the same, with pastas such as cacio e pepe and pesto rigatoni and also gluten-free fusilli; entrees including veal, chicken, seafood and steak; and salads and sandwiches. Brunch features goodies like the blackened shrimp bowl with polenta and fresno peppers; and eggs in purgatory — baked eggs in pomodoro with goat cheese, avocado slices and chili oil with toast. Save room for desserts like lemon olive oil cake and cannoli.

Gigante said he also hopes to expand Forbici outside the Tampa Bay area. In St. Pete, guests can expect a friendly neighborhood spot with indoor and outdoor seating and live music seven days a week.

“We have lots of different reasons for them to come in, between the great food, hospitality, live music, a little entertainment, and I’m just excited to get Sundial back up and where it should be,” he said.

What to know if you go to Forbici Modern Italian

Forbici Modern Italian’s Hyde Park location is at 1633 W Snow Ave., Tampa. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-midnight Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. 813-251-8001. eatforbici.com.