After seven years in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District, popular Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurant Baba is saying “wada’an.”
On Thursday, Baba took to Instagram to announce that the concept, as well as its attached tinned fish bar Barbouni, will permanently close on Friday, July 3, adding that “it’s not a goodbye, but the beginning of something new.”
The space, located at 2701 Central Ave., will make way for Kaixo, a new dining experience inspired by the “food, wine and cultural traditions of the Iberian Peninsula,” and led by Baba’s Chef Andrew Duncan and Sommelier Danielle McCoy, says the post.
The group is also bringing back the popular pintxo pop-up bar Barra Barra, as a full-time fixture in the Barbouni space.
“So, yes. This summer, we’ll be closing Baba to remodel, reimagine, and make way for an entirely new chapter,” said owner George Sayegh.
No exact opening date was announced for Kaixo or Barra Barra, though the team promised “more to share in the coming days.”
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This article appears in June 18 – 24, 2026.