The Bavaro's tradition of Neapolitan pizza and other homemade Italian fare has made its debut in St. Petersburg.

A long-awaited third location for the downtown Tampa-based restaurant opened Friday at 945 Central Ave. In the EDGE District, the outpost weighs in at 1,700 square feet and features seating, inside or out, for 80.

Items like antipasti, salads, soup, pasta and classic Italian desserts are offered, but the restaurant's focal point is its wood-burning oven for Neapolitan-style pies with 00 flour and wood-fired panini (served during lunch). Fourth-generation craftsman Stefano Ferrara supplied the 127-year-old oven, imported from Italy; authentic Neapolitan pizza, which Bavaro's bakes under 900-degree heat, calls for these traditional wood-fired ovens.

Diners will also find wines on tap, by the glass and bottle, plus Italian beer.

In addition to his Tampa International Airport restaurant at Airside C, slated to open in August, Bavaro's founder Dan Bavaro has plans to launch other locations in state.

Bavaro's St. Pete is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

"We feel this is a great location for Bavaro's," the founder said. "St. Petersburg is a booming community. The time is right to introduce our 'Napoletana' style of food to residents and visitors."