Malio’s Prime Steakhouse, initially opened in 1969 by Malio Lavarone along South Dale Mabry Highway, is now located along the Tampa Riverwalk, on the ground level of Rivergate Tower (aka The Beer Can Building). The restaurant is known for its high-end steaks, seafood, wine and other dishes.
In 2005, the original Malios Steakhouse on Dale Mabry Highway closed, before a Riverwalk revival two years later, helmed by Lavarone’s son, Derek Lavarone.
A social media post says the new Malio’s restaurant will be located at 4945 Gulf Blvd. in St Pete Beach, taking the place of Prima Cantina, a Mexican restaurant that opened in early 2023. The Cantina has not officially posted online that they’ve closed, and is still listed on its website as being open— with users able to still place orders.
Some patrons online have complained about the lack of transparency at Prima Cantina and have placed orders without being notified that the restaurant is closed.
Regardless, Malios—which hopes to open on the beach in 2025—has already moved along in renovating the new location, with signage reported up by patrons earlier this month.
The exact opening date is yet to be announced.
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This article appears in Nov 14-20, 2024.