Where everything that happens around the table is considered Sacred.
Since 2016
Our Philosophy
Sacred Pepper is a dining destination where everything that happens around the table is considered sacred. Food. Flavors. People. Style. It’s all curated and highly considered, purposely reflecting a collection of tastes and travels. We set out to build a new experience for North Tampa, and that’s just what we’ve done. Best defined as Contemporary American with Italian flair, we’re a place where you can experience familiar favorites with fresh twists. Recipes are tried, tested and refined with excitement in mind. We source ingredients locally. We select the freshest meats and seafood. We make all our pastas and sauces from scratch. And our drinks take you around the world and throughout time as our bartenders explore cultures near and far with modern, traditional and pre-prohibition cocktails. Sacred Pepper is a restaurant focused on providing inspiring flavors and delicious experiences.
CANDY DEBARTOLO, OWNER & PROPRIETOR
Traveling the world has given Candy DeBartolo, our owner and proprietor, an eye for dynamic flavors and cultures. So, when she moved to North Tampa from Ohio, and found herself surrounded mostly by generic chain restaurants, she set out to fulfill a life-long dream. Driven by her love of curating unique recipes and inspired by West Coast ambiance, Candy created Sacred Pepper to offer deliciously bold twists on old favorites in an atmosphere that is as sophisticated as it is comfortable. Here, guests can have an authentic and vibrant experience that goes beyond just a meal without having to travel too far from home. Here, the community has a restaurant to call their own. With her flare for excitement and convention breaking ideas, Candy is ready to bring new life to the North Tampa restaurant scene.
CANDY DEBARTOLO, OWNER & PROPRIETOR
Traveling the world has given Candy DeBartolo, our owner and proprietor, an eye for dynamic flavors and cultures. So, when she moved to North Tampa from Ohio, and found herself surrounded mostly by generic chain restaurants, she set out to fulfill a life-long dream. Driven by her love of curating unique recipes and inspired by West Coast ambiance, Candy created Sacred Pepper to offer deliciously bold twists on old favorites in an atmosphere that is as sophisticated as it is comfortable. Here, guests can have an authentic and vibrant experience that goes beyond just a meal without having to travel too far from home. Here, the community has a restaurant to call their own. With her flare for excitement and convention breaking ideas, Candy is ready to bring new life to the North Tampa restaurant scene.
JAMES MAITA, EXECUTIVE CHEF
Classically trained with over 20 years of restaurant experience, Executive Chef James Maita is recognized for his dynamic take on modern comfort food. He enjoys reinventing traditional dishes with fresh, bold flavors and unexpected twists. Chef James looks to make Sacred Pepper a place for the community to share meals and experiences. To him, the most rewarding part is being able to see the look on guests’ faces when they take that first bite. His dedication to his craft and authenticity have earned him numerous accolades and recognition within and beyond the Tampa Bay area. Chef James treats guests like family and provides a culinary connection worth coming back for.
Executive Team
T. WALKER WILSON
General Manager
JOE PETRELLA
Director of Operations
STACY BOYLL
Assistant General Manager
NICK GRELLA
Assistant General Manager
CRAIG SPURZA
Culinary Manager
