Cali Aji Latin Kitchen and Bakery - Riverview — Restaurant in Florida

My husband and I were on the search for a new place and had seen this restaurant in passing many times. When walking in it was very quiet but the atmosphere was very nice. My children and I were fascinated with the Art pieces and I asked our server if the restaurant was Argentinian Style. She laughed and said that while they do serve dishes from other countries (Argentina being one of them) their dishes were mostly Colombian A little disappointed to get the country wrong I still was thrilled. Due to my family background (Cuban and ex-military brat) I am familiar with Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Mexican Dishes. I was very excited to try a new Latin style. We were not disappointed. The fried yucca appetizer was delicious as well as the dipping sauce that came with it. I ordered the Paella and it was delicious. The sauce wasn't too heavy and the seafood just seemed to melt in my mouth. The rice was cooked perfectly and I had so much food I couldn't even finish half the bowl. My son who is a very picky eater(he is 6) got the shrimp tacos and could not stop telling me how much he loved the taco. He also got a side of rice because wherever we go he knows that he will at least be able to eat the rice. He ate half the plate of rice and the most of the taco. For my son that is amazing. We decided then and their didn't matter what the other dishes tasted like if he was willing to eat that much and liked it that much totally worth it to come back for that alone. My husband and daughter ordered bowls that the meat style was very similar to ropa vieja, which happens to be one of their favorite latin meat dishes. My other daughter ordered the soup of the day which was a seafood bisque and it was so creamy and rich that even though I had my own food I wanted to eat hers as well. Very good service and very good food. Can't wait to go back again. We didn't get to try the baked goods but we all agreed they...

Cali Aji Latin Kitchen is one of those rare places you stumble upon and instantly know you’ve found something special. Tucked away in a cozy spot, it may be a small restaurant, but don’t let the size fool you—this place delivers big on flavor, hospitality, and authentic Latin vibes.

From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warm, welcoming energy that feels like home. The space is clean, inviting, and has that “family-run” charm where you know the people behind the food actually care.

Let’s start with the drinks: the mint lemonade is incredible. So refreshing, perfectly balanced—not too sweet, not too tart—with fresh mint that hits just right. Honestly, I’d go back just for the lemonade alone. It’s the perfect drink to pair with a flavorful meal, especially on a hot Florida day.

Now, onto the food—next level. Every dish we tried was packed with flavor and clearly made with fresh, quality ingredients. Whether it's the empanadas, arroz con pollo, or their perfectly seasoned grilled meats, every bite had that homemade, soul-satisfying taste that’s hard to find in bigger, chain spots. Their sauces, spices, and presentation all feel authentic and thoughtful.

And don’t even think about leaving without checking out their bakery. From fresh pastries to traditional Latin sweets, everything looks like it came straight from someone’s abuela’s kitchen. The desserts are beautiful, made fresh, and absolutely delicious—definitely save room, or take some to go (you’ll thank yourself later).

Cali Aji may be a smaller place, but it’s full of heart, flavor, and quality. It’s the kind of local spot that you end up recommending to friends over and over again. Whether you're grabbing a casual lunch, a comforting dinner, or just swinging by for a drink and dessert, this place is 100% worth the visit.

Can’t wait...

Being honest, my wife had suggested going here a couple of different nights recently, and I shot it down both times. Went with the flow tonight and very glad I did. We got the Colombian empanadas to start, which tasted just how they should. The crust is key for me and they were spot on. The shredded beef and potato is exactly what I think an empanada should be.

Next, my son got the shrimp soup. Creamy and slightly spicy/sweet with about a dozen nicely cooked shrimp in the soup. It was delicious. My wife got the Ropa Vieja bowl and very much enjoyed it. I got the Pabellon Criollo and the flavors were perfect. I ate till I was full and have more than enough for a nice lunch tomorrow.

We ended up having a great conversation with the owner/chef and overall we thoroughly enjoyed the food and experience. Having some Aguila beers with dinner didn’t hurt. I saw a different review that mentioned this not being authentic Colombian food, and not sure what is meant by that. The owner is from Cali for crying out loud. The menu is certainly filled with many dishes from different Latin American countries, but I don’t see why that should be a negative thing. We plan on returning...