Asian-Inspired Sab Cafe Is Family Affair

ST. PETERSBURG – As neighbor to and , Sab Cafe fits right in at the plaza near Baywalk. Located at 111 2nd Ave. NE, the Asian-infused menu draws a clientele that seeks something different.

Melanie Rattanachane says that there are very few places that carry anything close to what Sab Cafe’s menu has to offer. Rattanachane manages the family-owned restaurant.

The idea to open a restaurant has been around for quite some time for her family. “This has been in the works for about three years,” said Rattanachane. 

“It’s been a total family affair,” she said. “We finally settled on a fast, casual Southeast Asian concept.”

A selection described as “fast and casual” can be found at Sab Cafe. Items like specialty rice wraps, vermicelli bowls and Banh Mi sandwiches are a rarity in the downtown St. Pete area. There also is a variety of rice/noodle bowls and spring rolls.

Rattanachane says that one of the goals is to “enlighten people who are unfamiliar with the cuisine and what they've been missing out on.”

As a native to the area and veteran to the industry, Rattanachane has mastered some key elements to restaurant success. She says that there is “a much needed focus on building relationships with customers that has been lost in hospitality.”

In addition to their hefty food menu, Sab Cafe offers Bubble Tea, wine, beer and sake. The restaurant is a nice combination with the other establishments in the plaza. On weekends (Fridays and Saturdays), Sab Cafe is open until midnight so guests can indulge a late night-craving.

According to Rattanachane, Sab Cafe strives to give customers “a fresh and healthy dose of their veggie intake.” Meat lovers and vegetarians can coexist at the cafe, as it offers a little something for everyone.