Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant
from
5 ratings
Type: Mediterranean Bar
Price: $$ ($9-$15)
Hours: Dining room: Sunday and Monday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday 5 p.m. to Midnight Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The Meditteranean decor and the cave-like nooks will make guests feel as if they have traveled to southern Spain where gypsies dance flamenco to the sounds of Spanish guitar. The Tampa version of Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant actually changed locations in early 2008 from the quaint and charming first floor of a condominium building, to the now former-St. Bart's restaurant location, which is further north on Howard Avenue in Soho near Hyde Park Village. Not only has it expanded the seating capacity, but there is a patio with a live flamenco band, and an atmosphere comparable to the cafes in Spain.
The menu has expanded as well. Old favorites like rabo de toro (oxtail), banderillas mixtas (skewers with grilled meats and vegetables), patatas bravas (potatoes with a creamy, spicy sauce), bizcochos de bacalao (cod cakes), vieras rellenas (scallops in a sherry cream sauce), albondigas (meatballs) and puerco Salamanca (pork in a wine sauce with potatoes and olives. These are all small plates, which are good for sharing or eating alone. New plates at Cevice have a Meditteranean influence, like hummus and pita, and many others. There are also regular entree-sized meals like the traditional Spanish dish, paella.
And Ceviche's Sangria is somewhat of an area classic. There are three options, red wine, white wine and champagne sangria, each of which has its own distinct flavor, but will suit a variety of palates. The servers have as much character as the restaurant, and for the indecisive diners, the staff is aways willing to help with drinks and meal choices.
User Reviews
One of my favorite restaurants in South Tampa! The red sangria is excellent; highly recommend ordering a pitcher if you have 3-4 people at your table. I am a huge fan of the hot tapas and they are fun to share with the table. Must have tapas: albondigas (veal meatballs), piquillos rellenos (stuffed red peppers in this amazing butter sauce), and the vieiras puerros (grilled sea scallops). Ask for extra bread: you will want to dip it in all the delicious sauces from the tapas. Save room for dessert. My favorite is the almedrado (a hot almond pastry with ice cream and fresh berries). The creme brulee is also excellent, but you can get creme brulee anywhere... go for the almond pastry! The restaurant does get busy and they will only take reservations for parties of 6 or more so get there early or go on a weeknight if you can't stand the wait.
The waiter (Hachem) could hardly speak English and could not explain the menu. He was arrogant and rolled his eye, like I should know the menu. The cost was 354.47. The menu is poorly designed.(no explanation how food is cooked or NOT cooked) We will never eat at Ceviche again. Terrible experience and definitely over priced.
The food, prices, and atmosphere are beyond compare! Muy bien! However...if you are a mature Gringo with upward mobility and would like to meet the mature Latina for an evening of outstanding...everything...this is the place to go. Look for the pair of middle age Latinas having dinner and flashing the eyes around. Send a drink to their table and then introduce yourself, you will not miss. They look into your eyes and then your wallet but they are worth it. This is an upscale place with upscale women. Viva Latinas!