When it comes to new restaurants on the up and up in the Tampa Bay area, it's not surprising that Carmel Cafe and Wine Bar consistently pops up in conversation when it comes to an eclectic assortment of Mediterranean cuisine, wine, and more in their brand new South Tampa location.

As the fourth location alongside others in Carrollwood, Countryside, and Sarasota, the new Carmel Cafe and Wine Bar takes the elements that made their first three locations so successful and aims to amplify them even more with their new restaurant.

This means a cornucopia of fresh, Mediterranean-inspired eats born from the mind of executive chef Steve Cook.  This includes a variety of small plates like edamame hummus, stuffed Madeira dates with cream cheese and Serrano ham, warm marinated olives, and Danish baked Brie with toasted walnuts and dried cranberries in a puff pastry.

Head out to Carmel for a full meal to get a real idea of what they're all about.  Entree highlights include a Seafood Medley with scallops, shrimp, calamari, mussels, olives, roasted red peppers and chorizo in a saffron broth; Spinach gnocci in a creamy Parmesan sauce; grilled lamb and veal sliders with a mint cucumber sauce; and Moroccan lemon chicken with all natural chicken breast, pine nuts, saffron, olives, lemon,  and quinoa couscous.

Carmel Cafe and Wine Bar also serves up an assortment of delectable wines and inventive cocktails.  For more information including a full list of menus and more, visit carmelcafe.com.