Although Calida is a ways away from the bustle of downtown St. Pete, its eclectic menu and curated wine selection certainly make it a destination for foodies across The 'Burg.
One of its more popular dishes is chow noodles, loaded with ginger, garlic, fresh vegetables, tamari, sesame and lime. Calida also offers a rotating charcuterie board, empanadas, baked polenta and decadent weekend specials—like its spiced ahi tuna with sesame ponzu, radish, and garlic chips.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, Calida is owned by Dayna Bennett, a California native with a resume stacked with experience at highly-regarded St. Pete restaurants like Il Ritorno and Z Grille. Bennett named her concept Calida, since it's the combination of the words "California" and "Florida."
Executive Chef Ian Florence helms Calida's seasonally-influenced kitchen, and patrons can expect a steady stream of weekend specials and new additions to his menu. To accompany its intimate menu, Bennett also offers exclusive wines that are hard to find elsewhere in Tampa Bay.
For the latest updates on Calida, follow its Instagram at @calidastpete or head to
The intimate, 25-seat eatery is now open in St. Pete's Crescent Heights neighborhood from 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. each Thursday-Saturday.