An Orlando-based restaurant known for its ceviche-centric Peruvian cuisine is making its way to downtown St. Pete this summer.

Ají Ceviche Bar will open a new location at 200 1st Avenue South—formerly occupied by Ford’s Garage. Ford’s will downsize and continue operating alongside Ají.

The new restaurant announcement follows Monday’s purchase of the 9,700-square-foot property by Miami-based Torose Equities, St. Pete-based RKG Holdings, and HSH Holdings Co. Jenna Malowany of The Archer Group represented the seller in the transaction.

Ají’s menu features more than 15 varieties of ceviche, including customer favorites like El Achorado, a fusion of traditional ceviche with crispy seafood, and El Carretillero, made with fried calamari and yellow pepper sauce.

Beyond ceviche, the restaurant offers an extensive selection of seafood dishes, rice bowls, stir-fries, pastas, sushi, and more.

El Achorado, a fusion of traditional ceviche with crispy seafood | Aji Ceviche Bar

Peruvian cuisine draws influence from Spanish culinary traditions, as well as Chinese and Japanese flavors, due to waves of Asian immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

One example of this cultural blend is Ají’s Arroz Chaufa, a Chinese-style fried rice made with yellow pepper cream, soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and oyster sauce, typically served with chicken, beef, or seafood.

The St. Pete location will expand Ají’s sushi offerings with rolls such as the Antarctic Roll, which includes smoked salmon, avocado, cream cheese, tempura shrimp, fried sweet potatoes, passion fruit, and a Peruvian-Japanese acevichado sauce.

Peruvian specialties include Lomo Saltado, a classic stir-fry of beef, onions, tomatoes, and fries, seasoned with soy sauce and served with rice. Another standout is Pulpo Anticucho, featuring grilled octopus, potatoes, choclo (Peruvian corn), and a house-made ají sauce.

chalaquita tostones with octopus, shrimp, and squid at Ají Ceviche Bar | Ají Ceviche Bar

In a conversation with St. Pete Rising, owner Freddy Zubieta also teased new menu items like squid ink pasta.

Beverage options range from classic espresso martinis, mules, and sangrias to unique lemonades and smoothies made with natural juices.

Specialty drinks include Limonada de Coco (coconut lemonade), Limonada de Piña (pineapple lemonade), and Limonada de Menta (mint lemonade). Guests can also enjoy fruit juices made with real coconut, strawberry, and passion fruit, as well as Inca Kola—a sweet, fruity Peruvian soda dating back to 1935.

Ají Ceviche Bar was founded by Freddy Zubieta, a restaurateur who began cooking at age 15. He studied culinary arts in Peru and Mexico and honed his skills in Spain and the United States.

Owner of Aji Ceviche Bar, Freddy Zubieta | Aji Ceviche Bar

In 2015, he launched the Ají food truck in Orlando, introducing modern Peruvian cuisine to the city’s diverse food scene. The first brick-and-mortar location opened in 2018.

Today, Ají operates locations in Tampa, Orlando, Casselberry, and Sarasota. Zubieta’s business partners include Reinhold Lotterer and Gabriel Romero. The new St. Pete location will be managed by Sergio Palacios.

Ají Ceviche Bar is targeting a summer opening in downtown St. Pete.

Follow Ají Ceviche Bar on Facebook and Instagram for updates on the grand opening and full menu details.