My first visit to Calida Kitchen & Wine started with a bar seat at 5:30PM, one of the few ways you might slip in without a reservation. The small, European-inspired space feels like a private dinner party, with just a handful of tables, a warm glow from the lamps, and soft conversation carrying through the room. Owner Dayna Bennett was an absolute delight and made me feel instantly welcome.
I began with a trio of wine tastings before choosing a glass of Vigna Petrussa Friulano — a 100% Tocai Friulano, a native grape of Friuli, Italy to pair with my meal: the scallop special and a side of pan-fried potatoes from Chef Ian Florence’s one-man kitchen. The menu is globally inspired and changes with the seasons, and fresh specials that I could not resist.
Reservations are currently booked about a month out, and even bar seats fill quickly, so plan ahead if you can. Book by DM on Calida’s Instagram or email info@calidastpete.com. I’m already planning my next visit for a closer look at both the menu and wine list.
If you’re looking for an upcoming reason to visit: Calida’s next wine dinners are set for August 20 and 21, 2025. It will be a five-course dinner paired with Chris Hamilton wines. If you’d like to be on the list for details, reach out via email or DM on social media — they’ll send the information to everyone on the list each time a dinner is announced.
See more upcoming wine dinners on our Events Calendar.
📍 2909 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St N, St. Petersburg, FL
Thursday–Saturday, 5:30–9:30 p.m.