Another remarkable meal! It was just me so I sat at their cozy bar. The first thing I ever had there was the Squash and chorizo appetizer, so I started with that. Just a mouthful of flavor! One of the specials was Scallops and risotto and a lemon based sauce. I used a spoon to get every drop of the sauce! Just a delightful evening! read more

Calida Kitchen & Wine - Scallops - Wine Bars Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

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An intimate dining experience with a variety of flavors & good service. Calida's has a rotating menu of amazing pairings that just make sense. If you're looking for somewhere that feels like you're apart of their family this is the place to go! Definitely reserve well in advance read more

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I went to celebrate a friend's birthday at Calida, a small but cozy restaurant and it was a great surprise! The service felt very personal our server, Sara was amazing and fun she explained the menu and the wines very well, we liked many of the wines, and she even brought us a few samples to help us choose i picked a Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa, super tasty with a little fruity flavor. I tried a bit of everything and everything was really good, the watermelon salad was different but very delicious, We also ordered The Board which came with cheeses, meats, and bread all tasty. The potatoes with lemon sauce were fresh and full of flavor. A special moment was when they brought my friend a birthday dessert ice cream with chocolate and it was so good! A really nice touch. The place has an old-style decor but feels warm and friendly. I would definitely go back! read more

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Calida has earned its 5 reviews. Wow. I had such a great experience here. When you get there your GPS will probably take you to a shoe repair place (go around to the front and it's right next door). The restaurant is cozy and small so as it fills up it gets very crowded and noisy but that doesn't take away from the experience. For starters we had the board, tuna crudo and a special of the night which was fried smelt. The smelt was so good I wish it was always on their menu. The crudo had amazing flavor and came with these wonderful sauces. The board was fine (we like to have things to nosh on but I don't think this is necessarily something I'd recommend. I think it could have used some condiments like a jelly or mustard but the selection was good and the crostini bread was flavorful) For our mains we tried the duck, the flank steak, and there was a lamb special. Everything was out of this world. Presented beautifully, and so flavorful. We paired our dinner with a bottle of Pinot noir from Austria and it was so good. For dessert we had the dessert board and cheesecake and we each got an affogato. I know I keep saying it but everything was freaking amazing. So so so good. I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant or our experience. read more

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The BEST restaurant in all St Pete ! I have been 3 times and loved everything that we ordered. And a great wine list . Don't miss it ! read more

we dined in several times and thoroughly enjoy Calida Kitchen and Wine. This is a small intimate restaurant and when you dine here you will have a romantic and intimate experience. The Chef here is very talented and his food really stands out to me as some of the best that I have had in St.Pete. I in particular, really enjoyed the fish that was available the day I came in, it was Arctic Char. The Noodle dish that is a menu staple I would also highly recommend. The Chef and his wife (the owners) are very friendly and usually will come by and chat and have wine selection recommendations as well. I would say you need a reservation and be on time. Since the restaurant is small the space is limited. You will absolutely have a great time. If it is still being offered try the vanilla ice cream with lemon zest and caviar. It is everything read more

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Very personable and accommodating service. Warm ambiance. Beautiful and delicious menu. Go if you can!

California and Florida = Calida! I call it California chic yet the food is better than that. Probably one of the best restaurants in the area. Do call or email to make a reservation for they have e 3 tables of 4 and two tables for 2. The bar can fit 8 comfortably. We started with the ribs as the appetizer, Wow! We were told they were cooked for 16 hours- yea they were, fall off the bone, flavors were amazing, the broth was divine. So glad we were given a spoon to pour the broth over our ribs. Main course- i had the duck perfectly cooked over wild rice and on top of a Penang curry broth, flavors were excellent. My date got the skirt steak that was perfectly cooked over root vegetables (he loved it). Grand finale- dessert: ice cream with an underlaid hint of lemon with dollop of fresh whipped cream & caviar on top. Service was outstanding, professional and friendly. There is only 3 of them - husband in the Kitchen, wife and friend work the floor. Very friendly & accommodating. I am gluten-free and they had many GF options on the menu. One of the best dinners in the area. 9th Street is turning into great restaurant row with this exquisite establishment joining the ranks. read more

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After months of trying to secure a reservation at Calida Kitchen & Wine in St. Pete, I can confidently say: it was 100% worth the wait. From the moment we arrived, everything felt intentional and elevated. The atmosphere is small, boutique-style, and beautifully designed. The lighting, the table setup, even the dishware--every detail showed craftsmanship and care. This isn't just a restaurant--it's an experience. The service was flawless, especially considering it's run by such a small team. Chef Ian Florence and his wife Dayna Bennett, who warmly hosts and manages the front of the house, work in perfect sync alongside their sous chef. The timing, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality were incredible from start to finish. The meal unfolded like a perfectly orchestrated multi-course experience--starting with starters, then appetizers, sides, salad, and entrées. Each course transitioned seamlessly into the next, building on the last, and every single dish was nothing short of spectacular. The wine selection was expertly curated, complementing each course with precision down to the finest detail. And the food... unreal. Everything tasted like a dream. Every bite melted effortlessly in your mouth. You could distinguish every ingredient, every herb, every layer of flavor--each one intentional, each one perfectly balanced. It was one of those rare experiences where your senses are completely engaged--where every bite sparks something new, almost like your brain is lighting up from the depth and complexity of flavor. Each dish told its own story, yet together it created something unforgettable. I travel specifically for food. While most people take vacations for beaches or resorts, my wife and I travel to experience top restaurants--sometimes flying out just to eat and coming right back. We've dined at incredible places across the country and around the world, and this experience ranks right up there with the best of them. For Florida, this is easily one of the best dining experiences I've had. Hands down, one of the top restaurants you can visit in St. Pete--maybe even the entire state. If you're serious about food, this place is a must. read more

Amazing! Went back after some time and words can't describe how blown away we were with the absolutely spectacular food and service. Even more amazing than our first time here. Chef Ian really outdid himself, each dish was not just innovative, but packed full of flavors and exquisitely presented. A tasteful treat not only for the eyes and stomach, but for all of the senses. Dayna and Sarah at the front of the house made sure to treat us just like old friends coming back home. From the starters, which included a fresh, crisp tuna crudo with an accompaniment of aromatic sesame oil and edible flowers topped with thinly, sliced heavenly crisp garlic. It tasted as great as it looks. As well as an innovative spanish inspired dish, charred zucchini slices topped with spicy chorizo, smoky cojita or goat cheese with just the perfect kick of acid with a squeeze of lemon. Yum! For mains, there was perfectly grilled, luscious lamb chops with a side of fresh, sweet green peas. Tender pork loin chops with Isreali pearl couscous and charred baby carrots. Melt in your mouth, grilled flank steak with a chimchurri sauce and sauteed wild mushrooms. Just wow! Roast, crispy duck breast over forbidden wild black rice pilaf, pickled red onion, charred lime, married in a divine, thai inspired spicy panang curry and a side of perfectly roasted fingerling potatoes with garlic aioli. Lastly, was my dish..succulent, delicately grilled branzino filet with a side of sauteed broccolini, roasted baby carrots, accompanied by a luscious lemon sauce and a pop of fresh microgreens. Finally, the night was not complete without dessert. Homemade, fresh vanilla bean ice-cream with a dollop of caviar! (Because why not!!?) And lemon zest for that perfect freshness and zing. Can we say sinfully decadent! ..The perfect umami, sweet and savory in one bite. And last but not least were hot, fried, bananas foster wontons sprinkled with just a touch of sugary goodness, snowy powdered sugar. The wine selections were amazing too. If you haven't tried Calida yet, you are missing out! Definitely one of the best restaurants, we have been to. I would even venture to say Michelin star worthy, for sure! read more

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Very kind and friendly owners. I would expect an evening of dinner and talk as there is no rush, meal comes out after about an hour, which was ok as we were with friends. I wouldn't come if I was rushed. The food was unique and flavorful. Husband got a scallop apps for $24, didn't realize it was one scallop with some caviar on it. That was a big oops! Dinner was about 2.5 hours in total. We weren't not ready for the longish dinner. Loved the place, the hostess/wife and chef/husband. Very cool concept! read more

Unique hidden gem. Love the small, intimate space. Wonderful staff/hosts. Had both the specials (watermelon salad and bruschetta with sea bass), which were prepared perfectly. read more

Wonderful restaurant. Amazing food and Ambiance. The chefs wife Dayna made the evening very fun.

Finally got to try this place! Started our meal with charcuterie board. That had two meats, two cheese options. Came with toasted baguette, charred tomatoes and grapes, and a lovely apricot with pepitas and walnuts. It was delicious! Main dish was the duck for me and my boyfriend got the steak. Both were excellent! We shared the roasted potatoes. They were so good but we didn't finish those. Ended up taking them home. Wish we would have been able to try dessert but we're were so full! Will be back for sure! It's pricier but it's worth it. Do need reservations so email them to get table. read more

Calida Kitchen & Wine - Duck breast - Wine Bars Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

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Calida is the marriage of California and Florida, found in Dana and Chef Ian. Calida also means warm in Spanish and that's exactly how I felt throughout my evening here.... Warm, happy, and take care of. The space is so nice and inviting, the service superb and let's talk about the food: Oysters- out of this world. Local supplier elevated by 2 different toppings from Chef Ian Watermelon salad- simply delicious Squash with chorizo- best combo i have had in a while Ribs- tender, flavorful Noodles with sous vide chicken- beautiful flavor combinations Dessert- tried both the dumplings and the strawberries with chocolate and was pleasantly surprised. Dana introduced us to wines from Germany, France and Spain for the pairings.... All approachable and affordable. Food was creative, sophisticated and perfectly executed. Beyond happy to have found this gem in the Tampa Bay area and cannot wait to go back! Email Dana today to make your reservation! read more

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I've heard a good thing about Calida, so we decided to check it out. It was all true :-) Super cute restaurant, it is small but they did a good job with the space. It feels intimate and cozy. Our server and one of the owners took care of use, and they both were a delight. The owner gave us the story of how Calida started, and our server was a hoot, very personable and entertaining.They both checked on us, kept our drinks replenished, and made sure everything was great. Everything was great, really good wine selection. The food came out in a timely manner, and it was delicious. We ordered a bunch of small plates, the potatoes, the baked Chevre with tomatoes, the zucchini topped with chorizo and feta, the beef empanda and the pork tenderloin served on corn. The pork tenderloin was cooked to perfection, so tender and the corn was creamy with a nice kick of heat. Everything was well seasoned, full of flavor and fresh ingredients. It's been a while since I've had a dining experience that everything was on point ! I will definitely be back, and Calida is a great addition to St. Pete. read more

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What a wonderful experience! Celebrated our 15 year anniversary with an amazing dinner at Calida. The ambiance was so cool, and every bite of food was mouth watering. The staff was so hospitable -- they've created a real gem and totally nailed every detail. Make a reservation! read more

It was our first time at Calida after reading the rave reviews. We were very eager to try it and it did not disappoint! The Chef and his Wife were absolutely amazing hosts. The ambiance was so warm and welcoming, very intimate. We had the duck, the mushrooms, the lamb chop lollipops, and the cheesecake. Every dish we had amazed us! Will definitely be going back! read more

Calida Kitchen & Wine - Lamb chop lollipops - Wine Bars Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

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Cross posting from Next Door: We just went to Calida for the first time - 2 month old tiny and delightful restaurant on MLK. We loved everything about it: warm welcome, cozy ambiance, and most important - excellent dishes. The baked chevre w roasted tomatoes was piping hot n creamy, the aioli for the potatoes was creamy yet light with a hint of citrus and just the right amount of kick, the charcuterie n cheese board plenty, and the ahi special w ponzu sauce was my husband's favorite. It does get a bit noisy but that adds to the vibe. Definitely coming back! read more

Calida Kitchen & Wine - Ahi w ponzu sauce - Wine Bars Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

Another amazing meal at Calida on Friday! Food and wine all fantastic and the atmosphere is perfectly cozy! read more

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Small, quaint restaurant on MLK that you must make reservations for. It is a perfect spot for a date night. The food was outstanding and so flavorful! We started with the empanadas and tried multiple entrees; the Ribeye and Baked Polenta were our favorites. Only wine is served here but it pairs great with their food. read more

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Everything. Just returned after being out of town for a few months. This place is an experience. The food, the decor, the owners/chef and the staff will all give you fond memories. All the love in this place! read more

Been trying to get a res here for a little while and finally did. Everything about our first time out to Calida was excellent. When we got there for our 8:45, our table hadn't opened up yet so Dayna offered us glasses of wine on the house while we waited. Our table opened up not long after. Had the oysters, empanadas, and ribs for starters, all of which were very tasty. Mains were the chow noodles with shrimp, and the chicken thighs dish. Again, both were perfect. Almost didn't do dessert because we were stuffed and it was late, but we were convinced to get the banana wontons with nutella/chocolate. Awesome (although the wife says they should try with plantains rather than bananas because they fry better). Such a chill spot with great food and lovely owners. read more

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Great new addition to St Pete. Great food, you need reservations. Park in the back. I'm read more

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5 stars aren't enough!! Clearly the finest in St. Petersberg. Dana greats you with a smile and the warmth of someone entering her house. The food is simply amazing! It'sca small place so make reservations well in advance. If it takes a while to get in, be assured the wait is worth it. read more

Wonderful food and service at this small cozy place. Incredible food, very nice wine list and we got to watch the chef in action. Great use of the small space. Reservations suggested. Will definitely be back. read more

Second visit to Calida + it was just as amazing as the first time. My need for Vegan / Gluten Free was easily accommodated. The wine list is exceptional + the food presentation is beautiful. Can't wait to dine here again. read more

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Calida it's a little hidden gem on the uptown area of St Petersburg. The locale it's quite small so reservations through their website is the only way to secure a table, especially since they are normally fully booked on the nights they are open (Thursday-Saturday). The food is excellent. What the chef owner accomplishes in their small and limited kitchen during dinner service is magical. He picks his fresh ingredients with the same care that he prepares every dish he makes. His cooking skills and love for his craft shows in every bite. Everything I've tried I have enjoyed. On my last visit I shared a delicious bowl of Mussels as an appetizer. The chorizo flavored broth was so good that we needed extra bread to continue dipping into sauce after all the mussels were gone. The fresh fish catch was an Arctic Char perfectly pan seared with a crispy skin and a flesh texture that melted in your mouth. The service is great. While mainly tended by the chef's wife, you get a very attentive and personable experience. The ambience is warm and relax. Highly recommend. read more

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Our first time to Calida we found the service, ambience, and food quality to be very good. Would absolutely give this place a try. Its very small so be sure to get a reservation! I had the duck which was prepared very well. Appetizers were well presented and flavorful as well read more

I was recommended this place by quite a few people and still it EXCEEDED my expectations. Very comfortable and intimate, perfect for a date or somewhere to bring a friend from out of town. A rare gem in St Pete! We had the smelt small plate, the duck, and the steak. Everything was delicious and I will absolutely be back to try the rest of them menu! Compliments to the chef and the host! Thank you both! read more

My wife and I had the pleasure of dining here on Valentines Day, and had a marvelous experience. The restaurant is very small, but cute and unique in it's in own way. It reminded us of dining in a small restaurant in a village in Spain. Dayna's compassion,service and hospitality were superb. The chefs delivery on our food selections were exquisite. We ordered the Pork Loin, Flank Steak, Scallops and ended with a family recipe, a delicious cheesecake. My wife and I frequently dine out in the St. Pete area, and would place this restaurant in the top tier category. We will definitely be back! read more

I highly recommend visiting this restaurant! The food, atmosphere, and service are impeccable. It's a small, charming place that only accommodates around 25 people. I was pleasantly surprised to score a reservation on the same day. My husband followed the website's instructions and left a message around 2pm. To our delight, the restaurant called us back as soon as they opened and offered us an 8:30pm slot. Upon arrival, we were blown away by the intimate and beautiful setting. Our welcoming, knowledgeable server( we later found out she is part owner with the chef) recommended some of her favorite dishes. We opted for the special, which were the most delicious oysters I have ever tasted. We also shared the beef ribs, which were bursting with flavor, and finished with the mouth-watering chicken thighs. The chicken skin was perfectly crispy and garnished with the delicious sauce. We even had the pleasure of meeting the chef, who explained the restaurant's concept and his inspiration for fusing different flavors. Though we were already full, he mentioned dessert and we couldn't turn it down. A warm and gooey banana tostada-type thing was served with a tasty sauce that complimented it perfectly. The price was very reasonable for such an amazing experience. We will definitely be returning and have already recommended Calida to everyone we know. read more

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The food was amazing and the quaint atmosphere makes it great for a relaxed but sophisticated meal

What a special place! Dining here is a whole experience. You feel like you've been transported to somewhere in Europe. It's small and intimate inside. We ordered the potatoes for an appetizer, the Branzino and the noodles for dinner, the cheesecake for dessert, and two bottles of delicious wine. The owners are so sweet and you can tell how passionate they are about Calida. Highly recommend. read more

Wonderful! A hidden gem that won't disappoint. The food was delicious and the owners Dana and Ian make you feel like family. read more

Favorite hidden gem. Very nice to have this so close and you don't even have to go DTSP. Be sure to make a rez, not many tables. About 5 bar seats. Owner is very nice and friendly. Great food and wine. read more

Danya and Ian have a wonderful restaurant that has excellent food and atmosphere! Very small but quaint. Loved the Branzino!

We loved the dining experience at this restaurant! The food was delicious. We had the potato small plate, a goat cheese small plate, the charcuterie, and then we split the chow noodles. We had a delicious bottle of wine and really enjoyed the experience! read more

Amazing!!!!! The food was so good; duck breast, jerk chicken and trout. We will be back. Thank you Ian & Dana.

Calida was amazing! The food is delicious, the ambiance romantic and cozy and Dayna makes everyone feel welcome. Dining at Calida was the best meal and culinary experience we've had in ages! We can't wait to go back. read more