Bite Club: We tried the revamped Predalina
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Predalina’s lounge area. Photo: Kathryn Varn/Axios
We made our way through Downtown Tampa — during a Lightning game, no less — to visit Water Street's Mediterranean restaurant, Predalina, last week.
Why it matters: Predalina earned a nod from the Michelin Guide in 2024, but it closed in October for a makeover after the restaurant group behind it, which also runs Oxford Exchange, said the space "didn't feel like us."
- It reopened earlier this month.
The vibe: The old well-lit minimalist look is out.
- In its place are a giant disco ball, artwork set against its gray stone walls, floor-to-ceiling drapes, and a dimmer, more relaxed ambiance.
State of plate: With Bureau Chief Kristen, Editor Jeff, Kathryn and me seated, we ordered with abandon. We started with whipped feta ($9), stuffed peppadews ($7), salmon skewers ($14) and bruschetta ($16).
- Then we moved on to a Predalina Caesar ($18), stroma bites ($14), fries ($10) and roasted mushrooms ($13) for the table.
- Kathryn ordered the eggplant rigatoni ($28), while Editor Jeff chose the shaved-lamb dip sandwich ($26).
- Bureau Chief Kristen and I decided to split a table-side salt-crusted branzino (a whopping $100).
Best bites: You can't judge a meal's quality without weighing it against the price, and if you haven't already punched the numbers into your calculator, the dishes we ordered totaled more than $200, which sets a high bar.
- A few dishes cleared it. For one, the stuffed peppadews — sweet piquanté peppers filled with Boursin cheese, balsamic vinaigrette and shallots — were addictive in the way small plates are supposed to be.
- The salmon skewers were well-seasoned with a nice char, and the potato stroma bites with kefalograviera and truffle aioli earned repeat bites.
- By far, the best dish was also the most expensive. We watched as the salt-crusted branzino was set ablaze and its crust peeled back to reveal tender fish that tasted divine.
Yes, but: Our only gripe was that the serving felt too small.
Six-word review: Not for the faint of wallet.