Catch of the Day: Truly Authentic Mexican Food at Catrinas South Tampa

Warning! This is no ordinary Mexican restaurant! If you're looking for truly authentic, super fresh Mexican cuisine in Tampa, head on over to Catrinas South Tampa. Catrinas showcases traditional Mexican cuisine and offers over 350 tequila choices, all in an upscale, artsy environment.

Co-owner Chef Tisbeth Mejia has been cooking her whole life. She grew up cooking in the kitchen with her grandmother in Guadalajara, Mexico and opened her first restaurant when she was only 17. She eventually moved to Tampa and opened Catrinas so she could continue to share her love of authentic Mexican cuisine.

Using her grandmother’s ancestral recipes, Chef Tis offers unique, authentic Mexican cuisine using only the finest and freshest local and imported ingredients. You won't find any tex-mex here! Specialities include fresh citrusy ceviche, delicious guacamole, homemade moles, salsas and tamales, chiles poblanos, fajitas, tacos, and an expansive seafood selection.

Chef Tis makes each plate with love and believes that the little details make a big difference. While many think Mexican food is all fried, greasy and unhealthy, Chef Tis says it doesn't have to be that way. "When you use the right ingredients, you don't need fat for flavor".

Everything at Catrinas is fresh and made to order. They source their seafood direct from local commercial fishermen and hand cut it on site, their Mole is made using 72 ingredients and everything, including the salsa, chips, tamales, chorizo and mole, is handmade using fresh ingredients.

So, let's talk about the guac. Catrinas has been named the "Best Guacamole in Tampa" by CBS Tampa Bay for the past three years and after tasting it, I can understand why. It's pure heaven on a molcajete.

Made fresh to order, served in a large molcajete, the traditional Mexican hand carved lava stone bowl, with homemade chips, this guacamole is unlike any I've ever tasted. The perfect consistency, texture and spice but what really sets this guacamole apart is what's on top: grilled jumbo shrimp, succulent lobster meat, queso fresco and fresh pomegranate seeds. Magnífico! It's big enough for a meal or great to share as an appetizer with a few friends.

I also had the opportunity to try the Cochinita Pibil Tacos. The tender pork had just come out of the oven and was served on 4 warm homemade tortillas with red onion, cilantro, a thick slice of Haas avocado, homemade salsa, and a fresh slice of lime. Perfection!

Since woman can't live on food alone, Catrinas offers a fantastic selection of cocktails as well as a beautiful Tequila Bar! Whether you’re in the mood for a margarita, sangria, cocktail, or tequila, Catrinas has the answer.

All of their inventive margaritas are made to order and feature fresh squeezed juices. You won't find any pre-made mixes here! Try the “Corazon Sangrante” made with fresh Sour Sop Juice, Orange Liqueur, Fresh Lime Juice, Hibiscus and Fresh Pomegranate Seeds. Or the “La Ardida” made with Coconut Water, Fresh Lime Juice, Melon Liqueur and Chile de Arbol. Delish.

If it’s Tequila you’re after, take a seat at Catrinas beautiful Tequila Bar! Catrinas offers the largest Tequila selection in Tampa Bay with over 350 types to choose from. Pick your poison from a long list of Blanco Tequilas for mixing, Reposado and Anejo Tequilas for sipping, Mezcal, as well as Ultra Premium brands. Can't decide? Leave the choosing to Catrinas and pick a tequila flight, served with a traditional Sangrita chaser.