I was invited as a guest to sample the new upscale Mexican restaurant Caliza in Tribeca on Greenwich Street. After perusing the menu, I knew I was in for a treat.

I love that they make their classic margarita (I chose tequila over mezcal) with Combier orange liqueur and fresh lime juice ( $19); I requested the spicer version made with fresh serrano juice. Nicely done with just the right amount of spice.

My dining partner went for their red sangria, thinking it wouldn’t be as strong a cocktail. They combine red wine with Flor de Caña rum, Combier orange liqueur and blackberry cordial ($18). She needed to request club soda to dilute it.

We chose a couple of platos pequenos (small plates) to enjoy with our cocktails. Their guacamole ($17) comes with four thin black corn tostadas. They top the delicious mashed avocado with pepita salsa macha and serrano chilies. And their vuelve a la vida ($23) of octopus, shrimp, striped bass and grape tomatoes flavored with chile serrano, clamato and lime juice. Don’t miss.

Next, we chose the Camarones ($16 for two) from their taco menu. The guajillo marinated shrimp, black beans, Chihuahua cheese and pico de gallo on a fresh tortilla.

For our platos grandes (large plates), we chose the incredibly tender branzino a la talla ($45) flavored with chile Cascabel and adobo, then garnished with both garlic aioli and watercress. The fish comes with fresh corn tortillas and various salsas. Also worth trying is their pulpo con pipian rojo ($35), seared octopus and roasted tomatoes. Our server strongly suggested we also sample the calabaza ($24) with zucchini squash, Mexican spring onions) onions, pea shoots and pipian verde (a sauce of pumpkin seeds, herbs and spices).

We ended churros with chocolate for dipping and a choice of fruit pops (paletas). Yum.

I highly recommend a visit. Come hungry!

Caliza
Tribeca
378 Greenwich St,
New York, NY 10013
212-220-6218
calizanyc.com/