California’s Prima Cantina & Tacos in Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades has garnered rave reviews and a fan base. Now, St. Pete Beach is home to one of the most authentic Baja restaurants in the former Dockside location near Dolphin Village. Even better, downtown St. Pete can ride the free SunRunner to their beach for a taste of Baja.
Prima Cantina owner Nando Silvestri (who also owns Matteo Trattoria & Pizzeria in downtown St. Pete and Tampa) partnered with Buya Ramen’s Kevin Woitoqicz and Jon LaBudde, and the trio of respected restauranteurs deliver on the promise of an exciting addition to Paradise’s culinary scene.
Says owner Nando Silvestri: “Prima Cantina reflects the spirit and essence of Baja and the regional Mexican culinary heritage. Our menu blends elements of mainland Mexico with the lighter, ocean-inspired, unique coastal cooking of the Baja peninsula, fused with the natural, produce-driven approach of California cuisine with a touch of the Gulf Coast. Vibrant fresh herbs, smoky dried chilies, fresh Pacific seafood, bright salads, savory tacos, and a focus on grilled food express these regional inspirations and our distinctive take on tradition.”
Start with the shrimp or mahi ceviche, taquitos or the best housemade guacamole served with homemade tortilla chips and share the La Paz chopped romaine salad with corn, avocado, jack cheese, tomatoes and green beans drizzled with a vinaigrette dressing. For a delicious lunch, go for the Mexican tortas (shredded chicken breast in tomato sauce, chipotle chili or Yucatan burger), veggie or Baja rice bowl with Norteño beans (add carnitas, chicken, steak, salmon, mahi, shrimp or impossible ground beef).
Tacos are the star of the show, served with cilantro rice and Norteño beans, ranging from grilled salmon to mahi mahi and spiced up with chile mayo, cilantro pesto and pickled red onions, but my favorite is the short rib, lobster and carnitas crispy pork. If you love enchiladas, indulge in shrimp, chicken, or crab with a side of street corn. The homemade salsa flight (3 for $4) features pico de gallo, house salsa with fresh cilantro, a hot salsa rojo with pasilla chili and tomatillos, a garlicky salsa verde and El Jefe, made with habaneros, garlic and mayo. The Salsa Ajo (roasted garlic with roasted arbol chilis) paired well with the carne asada.
Entrees feature the best of Mexico, from the mahi mahi Veracruz sauteed with onions, tomatoes, garlic, green olives and fresh herbs to the Beef Colorado and Sea of Cortez (clams, shrimp, scallops, mussels, fish in a spicy tomato seafood broth). There’s a kid’s menu for ages 12 and under (quesadilla, taco) and traditional desserts.
With Latin music and colorful décor, Prima Cantina seats 200 inside with a private dining area for 32, and has eight outdoor tables. You can order in advance to go and get delivery (GrubHub, Uber Eats, Postmates, ChowNow, Slice); catering is available. With a full liquor license, craft and Mexico cervezas (14 drafts on tap) and an amazing tequila selection, you’ll rave about their unique margaritas (Prickly Pear, Kiwi, Raspberry, Strawberry Basil).
Happy Hour Tues.-Fri. 4-6pm
Open Mon.-Sun. 11:30am-9pm
Brunch Sunday, Taco Tuesday
4945 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach
727-289-2635
primacantina.com/st-pete-beach-food