Prime Steaks, Burgers, And Wine At Malio’s
Tampa, Florida USA
Cuisine Style: Steakhouse
Average Price: $$
Overall Rating: 4/5
Dined in: September 2018
By Sean Overpeck (CFE)
**A full article and index glossary of restaurants, wines, recipes and travel for
Wine Dine and Play are in the pages section above, or by following these links:
Malio's Prime Steakhouse Zomato rating:
Malio's Prime Steakhouse Executive Chef:
Gabriel Silva
Picture courtesy of South Tampa Magazine
Malio’s Prime Steakhouse opened in 1969 providing the finest quality in hand-cut steaks, freshly caught seafood, premium wine, and spirits along with impeccable service standards. 40 years later when you walk through the door you will still receive the same high level of service, food, wine, and spirits in an elegant space inside the Rivergate Tower which I like to nickname the cigar building next to the Hillsborough River. High-end American fare, along with power lunches, and great date night dinners are all check-marked off as a place to add to your list in Tampa's newest old premier family-owned restaurant. My wife and I came for an early lunch while walking around the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, and noticed the sign for Malio’s and decided to choose them based on the menu selections. This was our experience and my thoughts.
Malio's Lunch Menu:
- Appetizers
- Salads
- Fresh Pastas
- Prime Filet Burgers
- Sandwiches
- Entrees
- Desserts
My wife started with the 2016 Fleurs de Praire, Rosé, from Cotes de Provence, part of the Deutsch Family of wine and spirits.“Fleurs de Prairie” translates as “wildflowers,” celebrating the beautiful fields of wisteria, lavender, poppy, and sunflowers carpeting Provence. The wine is a blend of 55% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, and 15% Syrah. The winemaker Vincent Euzet notes are of a crafted traditional Provençal style wine. Fleurs de Prairie is a pale salmon color with delicate flavors of strawberry, rose petals, and herbs. It’s bright, refreshing acidity making it a perfect companion with a meal or as an aperitif.
I had a glass of the 2016 Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet from Healdsburg, California. The wine is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 2 % Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot awarded 88 points by the Wine Advocate. According to the Winemaker Kevin Hall’s notes, the Cabernet is a classic Alexander Valley wine with medium body, great fruit flavors, and smooth, structured tannins. 13% Merlot was added for structure, a touch of Cabernet Franc for floral notes, and Malbec plus Petit Verdot for color. There are aromas of black cherry, cassis, plum, slight blueberry, vanilla, oak, and chocolate. In the glass, there are rich flavors of cherry, cassis, blackberry, and chocolate. This is a fruit forward wine with lush flavors, nice balance, and a long, silky finish.
With the bread service, my wife and I shared a cup of lobster bisque with a Caesar salad. The bisque was blended to a perfect cream and tomato mixture with an abundant flavor of lobster with hints of sherry and light spice similar to old bay seasoning. For an entree my wife had the truffle burger under the lunch sandwich and prime burger sections with a side of whipped potatoes. The burger which is recommended medium-rare, my wife had cooked up to a medium which is low for her as she prefers meat more to the well-done side but ordered it like that so we could share. She knows that I like my steaks to be cooked medium rare. The burger is served with an over easy egg, arugula rocket lettuce, provolone cheese, and truffle oil on a toasted brioche bun. Other side options besides the potatoes are hand cut fries, onion rings, vegetable of the day, or the soup du jour. The burger was sweet and mouthwateringly delicious to every bite with a light truffle accent.
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| Malio's / Prime Truffle Burger |
For my entree, I had the pepper crusted filet Alla Crema seared to medium-rare served with a pappardelle pasta tossed in a Stilton blue cheese cream sauce, and fresh sweet peas. Stilton is a very pungently strong English blue cheese that I fell in love with after eating at Stilton Burger while visiting London in 2010 and cooked down with this cream sauce did temper the strong flavor making it delightful with every bite, especially with the cuts of filet.
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| Malio's / Filet Alla Crema |
Dessert:
Beyond a shot of Bailey’s to go in my coffee, and an espresso martini for my wife, we bypassed dessert beginning completely full, though a few items such as the adult milkshake with Amaretto, dark cream de cacao and banana liquor sounded interesting for a future visit, as well as the triple layer chocolate cake top with a shot of Frangelico. For those who enjoy cheese platters to finish the options are a Purple Haze goat cheese, pecorino with truffle, and brie with some San Marcona almonds, honey, plus grainy mustard.
Please see these guidelines for Tipping in Restaurants and on following proper etiquette, customs, cultures, and avoiding assumptions when you dine out.
Wine regulatory’s for the tastings in this article:
“In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is the strength, in the water there are bacteria.” - David Auerbach
United States:
California:
Sub region:
European Union:
France:
VDP: Vin de Pays
Other noteworthy Steakhouse articles and restaurants similar to Malio's Prime Steakhouse:
A steakhouse or chophouse is a restaurant that specializes in steaks and chops. Modern steakhouses can also offer other cuts of meat such as roast prime rib, veal, and seafood. Chophouses started in London in the 1690s and served individual portions of meat, known as chops. The steakhouse started in the United States in the late nineteenth century as a development from traditional inns and bars with establishments such as Delmonico's in New York City.
5A5 Steak Lounge Modern Japanese steakhouse with chic design in San Francisco, California
Bascom’s Chophouse A steakhouse that uses organic, hormone-free, and locally grown produce in Clearwater, Florida
Council Oak Steakhouse Upscale eatery with butchery at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa, Florida
Fleming’s Steakhouse High-end steakhouse chain (69+) with aged prime cuts, reviewed in Akron, Ohio
Fogo de Chão An upscale Brazilian chain with 49 locations. Review based in Buckhead, Atlanta, Georgia
Frevo Restaurant Authentic churrascaria dining at the Fairmont on Palm Island, Dubai, UAE
Grill 225 Top 10 American fine-dining ornate chophouse, Market Pavilion Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina
Halls Chophouse Esteemed old-school steakhouse with gospel brunch in Charleston, South Carolina
Laurent Tourondel / BLT A swanky French-American steakhouse fair with 14 restaurants
Oak Steakhouse High-end elegant steakhouse with sustainable seafood in Charleston, South Carolina
Sunset Terrace A classic outdoor American chophouse at Omni Grove Park Inn, in Asheville, North Carolina
Waterfront Restaurant Steakhouse restaurant on inlet offering Gulf views in Sarasota Florida
See the whole list by visiting “The Wine Dine and Play Article Glossary”
Other Tampa restaurants, and articles on Wine Dine and Play:
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Rustic native American and Floridian fare w/Barbacoa Grilling
Tampa, Florida, USA
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Vibrant spot for classic Spanish dishes & tapas
Tampa, Florida, USA
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American eatery, at TPA
Tampa, Florida, USA
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A few Florida restaurant favorites:
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Old-School Rustic Tuscan
Gulfport, Florida, USA
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A family-owned sushi house
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Laid-back bar with cocktails, wine, & Cigars
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See the whole list by visiting “The Wine Dine and Play Article Glossary by country”
Final notes, review basics, observations, and more pictures:
Most reviews are subjective, depending on the writer; but they should also be responsible, and respectfully written, upholding the truth, and accurately conveying the experience to the best of the writer's knowledge, even if it includes metaphors the restaurant may not like to read about. My ratings are by the stars I award (from 0 to 5). The rating is calculated on a point accumulation of six separate factors based on individual experience. They include wine and other beverage selections, plate presentation, customer service, restaurant or café ambiance, food quality, and wow factor. To see more details of this rating list, read this article:
Overall from this experience and the score factors outlined in the ‘about page’ section, based on my individual experience and rating, I give Malio's Prime Steakhouse 4 out of 5 stars, meaning that they not only exceeded my expectations and were far above the average dining experience of most restaurants, but they were just outstanding. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our lunch, and I look forward to returning in the future.
Scores are detailed in the factor chart below:
Formula Factor Conclusions and Overall Ratings for Malio's Prime Steakhouse
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Max Points Possible:
|
Total Points Awarded:
|
Total Points deducted:
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Ambiance
|
11
|
11
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0
|
Food quality
|
11
|
9
|
2
|
Plate presentation
|
10
|
10
|
0
|
Customer service
|
13
|
12
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1
|
Alcohol and other beverages
|
9
|
6
|
3
|
Total regular points awarded
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54
|
48
|
6
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Total percentage — less the Bonus
|
0.888888888888889
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“Wow” factor BONUS
|
5
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1
|
0
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Total bonus percentage
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0.0185185185185185
| ||
Total percentage and bonus for a final star rating
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0.907407407407407
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Stars Awarded (see chart below)
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0 - 5
|
4
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**A full break down and explanation of the observations and point disbursement is available in the linked article above. To receive a detailed copy of your score, feel free to contact me at any time and I will provide it to you.**
***
Overall Star Rating:
|
4 of 5 Stars:
91% Rating with a 1 point “wow” bonus
An Outstanding Dining Experience
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Malio's Prime Steakhouse Wine rating:
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5 of 10
Old World selections:
France, Italy, Spain
New World selections:
Argentina, California, Canada, New Zealand, Oregon
|
Corkage fees:
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Malio's Prime Steakhouse does not list any corkage fee’s however, most American restaurants charge $25.00 per bottle
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Restaurant style:
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Fine to Conservative dining
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Cuisine Style at Malio’s:
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American, Seafood, Steakhouse
Allergen or dietary accommodations:
Gluten-free choices, Low Carb Choices, Pescatarian, Vegetarian Options
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Reservations:
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Not Required, but Recommended
Walk-Ins:
Accepted, but not guaranteed
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Dress code:
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Business casual to Conservative attire
It’s Florida, everybody wear’s flip-flops!
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Child policy:
|
The Restaurants reviewed on this site may have a kids menu or cater to them; however, for full enjoyment of food and wine, it is recommended that kids not to be in attendance, unless they have been trained in proper etiquette.
If not then:
Hire a Babysitter!
|
Mailo’s Experiences:
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Place for foodies, Contemporary, Modern, Business parties, Romantic, Great bar, Good for special occasions, Beautiful décor, Intimate, Classy, Upscale, and a Neighborhood Gem.
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Payments:
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Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express
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Parking:
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Malio's Prime Steakhouse has a valet, and validated parking in the Rivergate Tower garage
Valet is a $4.00 charge
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Wifi
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The restaurants reviewed on this site may have Wi-Fi, but do not require you to go online, because the excitement of the food and wine alone will keep you too entertained instead of checking your social media and emails.
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Noise level:
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Low to Medium
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Smoking:
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Malio's Prime Steakhouse is a non-smoking restaurant
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Patio or terrace:
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No
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Food Prices
(excludes, alcohol, taxes & 20% gratuity’s)
$£€¥ - Under 50.00 (inexpensive)
$£€¥ x 2 - 51.00- 99.00 (moderate)
$£€¥ x 3 - Over 100.00 (pricey)
$£€¥ x 4 - Over 200.00 (expensive)
$£€¥ x 5 - Over 400.00 (very expensive)
**Currencies reflect the world’s major travelers, restaurant, or wine connoisseur’s**
Currency:
|
Price
|
United States Dollar (USD)
|
$$
|
Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP)
|
££
|
Canadian Dollar (CAN)
|
$$$
|
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
|
¥¥¥¥
|
European Union (EUR)
|
€€
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Alcohol prices:
$25 USD
Malio’s Prime Steakhouse:
Rivergate Tower
400 N Ashley Drive
Tampa, Florida
33602
Contact Information:
Restaurant website:
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Maître d or host:
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+1 813-223-7746
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Online reservations
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Email Us:
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Serving hours:
Eastern Standard Time
(GMT, Zulu, or UTC - 5:00)
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Mon - Tue
11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Wed - Thur
11:30 am - 10:00 pm
Friday
11:30 am - 10:30 pm
Saturday
5:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Closed Sunday
Happy Hour:
Monday thru Friday
3-7pm
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Social Media
And
Accolades for
Malio’s Prime Steakhouse:
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****
The worlds best restaurants is a subjective list of who is writing it and changes on a regular basis. The Wine Dine and Play best experiences are based on my highest rated stared restaurants, meaning that the visit was an outstanding or extraordinary experience. From cafés, chains, mom + pops, hole in the walls, to fine dining including a few Michelin spots. Visit the Top 100 page to see the entire list.
A few to tease you with…
|
Eclectic and Innovative New Zealand cuisine
Christchurch, New Zealand
|
A classy southern seafood eatery house
Charleston, South Carolina, USA
|
Waterfront upscale new American cuisine
Sanibel Island, Florida, USA
|
Other Malio’s Pictures:
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| Malio's / Entrance |
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| Malio's / Fresh Bread |
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| Malio's / Soup and Salad |
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| Malio's / Rivergate Tower, Tampa |
“Culinary perfection consists not in doing extraordinary things,
But in doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.”
-Angelique Arnauld (1591-1661)
Who is John Galt?
TTFN
