The Most Delectable Cuban in Tampa

CAO Bakery & Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.9 (14)

"Welcome Cao Bakery from Miami! So glad you are here! I had to check this out, and let you know we were very happy. It was packed on a Saturday and this place use to be a Latin chicken shop, so we had been to this location before.We ordered a guava and cheese tequeno which was my fave, two chicken croquetas, received a free pastelito from signing up for coupons and picked coconut. Also a media dia sandwich and cafe con leche.Very happy with everything. It did take a long time but I can tell that the place was popular. The location is nice and spacious and has the same decor as the previous place which is also comfortable and clean.Definitely check it out for your fave Cuban snacks."

La Caridad Bakery

★★★★☆ 3.7 (82) • $

"My cuban co workers vow for this place and i completely understand why.Everything was great.The pastelitos with a delicious flaky crust, good flavor and generous filling. I had the medianoche, pastelitos de pollo, cream cheese and guava, guava, cream cheese and cheddar and they were all great.Definitely recommended."

Shorty's Breakfast & Gourmet Deli

★★★★☆ 4.2 (100) • $$

"Excellent on all fronts. Don't let the convenience store curb appeal deter you. It has a surprise for you on the back deck. My husband and I chose seats on the patio. It was 74 degrees at 10 am (January) and half the patio was in the sun and the rest was in the shade. The breeze was just enough to roll a straw off the table or blow away an untucked napkin, but we adjusted and really enjoy watching birds dive into the water looking for their breakfast. Tammy was our delightful and appreciative server. My choice was the Western Omelette - perfect portion and cooked well. It came with hash browns when were clearly homemade. Crispy and yet soft and yummy when you cut into it. My husband chose the Corn beef Hash. The meat was excellent, as I would expect for a small hole in the wall-like shop with an exceptional deli!! Perhaps my favorite part was the music-- Kansas, ELO, some of the best oldies easy listening around"

Las Palmas Latin Grill

★★★★☆ 4.3 (272) • $$

"I came here to try some dessert. I ordered two flans which were 6 dollars a piece. They tasted great but were fairly small for the price. They seemed to be running low on other dessert so that will have to wait till next time. Easy parking and in a great location with a good amount of seating. Unsure of the recent closures as I had tried to visit a few times before last year but the timing listed wasn't matching the opening. I believe this may be figured out now so this is definitely worth trying"

Pepo's Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.9 (135) • $

"Been coming here 20 years, never disappointed. Also try the Oxtails when they have them, melt in your mouth!"

Cafe Caribe

★★★★☆ 4 (112) • $

"Great value and friendly service. Came here for breakfast on a weekday. I ordered the Caribe special: eggs, sausage, bacon, and potatoes. Tried the chorizo from my friends plate and it was a little too oily and salty for me. Their cafe con leche is pretty good and is included with the breakfast special. Will definitely be back to try lunch one day."

Franci's Cafe

★★★★★ 4.5 (44) • $

"Have driven by this place countless times but had not gone in due to "fear of the unknown". BUT, thanks to my fellow Yelpers and their helpful reviews I went "All In".Franci' s is located in Plantation Center, a small neighborhood, unassuming strip mall. With only 5-1/2 tables, you'd do well to get there early and best the crowd if you plan to find in.I was craving a Cuban sandwich upon arriving but changed my mind when I saw the selection of the days' hot food items. I wanted chicken and yellow rice, but they don't have yellow rice; only white or morro (white rice mixed with black beans). Well, that wasn't going to work. So, as they serve breakfast all day, I ordered an egg with Swiss on Cuban (no meat) pressed sandwich and a medium café con leché. As Boon C. wrote in a previous review, their portions are generous and prices are affordable. My sandwich, as shown in the photo was warm, crisp and cheesy. I plan to return soon for a late lunch or dinner to try the chicken.I recommend Franco's Cuban Café. Just be sure and save me a seat!"

Liborios Latin Cafe

★★★★☆ 4 (165) • $$

"Stopped here recently for lunch. It looked good and got good reviews here on Yelp. Let me say we were not disappointed. The restaurant is set up cafeteria style. You start out with picking a rice and then your sides and then a protein. I decided on spainish rice with sweet plantains and a garbanzo bean soup with the fried fish. Everything I got was good. Next time I would probably switch out the garbanzo bean soup. There were so many options certainly something for everyone. I also added a tamale. It was good but I would probably hold off on getting that again. The wife got a Cuban Sandwich. That was very good. The dining room is spacious and they had additional seating outside. I also saw a bar area which I would assume is open on the weekends. The service was good and prompt but limited if you don't know Spanish. We will totally be back."

Igmara's Caribbean Cafe

★★★★★ 4.5 (6)

"Wow. Just wow. This place is a gem hidden next to the piers of Tampa.I was hesitant at first because there were only a few reviews on yelp but Google showed hundreds of reviews raving about this place. This place did not disappoint. I decided to try them for breakfast. I purchased a bacon egg sandwich, a breakfast platter, and a beef empanada ( not all are posted because it was devoured so quickly) everything was amazing. The ladies up front were nice and offered people free samples of coffee as they waited. It was a little busy, but they were fast and moved the line along great. This place has a small indoor seating area and benches outside for outdoor seating. This place exceeded my expectations. Can't wait to go back! 10/10"

Sal Rosa

★★★★☆ 4 (23)

"We stopped in after dinner for some dessert. Their only options were gelato and churros so we went with the churros. They were excellent and had a good chocolate dipping sauce. In the morning we came here for our complementary hotel breakfast. It comes out on a large board with a variety of items. We were given an option between two flavors of muffins and two flavors of breakfast quiche pastry. The almond flavored granola was really good with the yogurt and berries. It was a light breakfast, but we had eaten so much the night before it was fine for us. My husband said the coffee at the restaurant was good and he got some to go. There's a coffee and gelato bar at the entrance of the restaurant. We were able to get a complementary specialty coffee here using his Marriott loyalty membership. I think that is only good for people staying at the hotel, but we were never asked for our hotel key. The waiter probably guessed that we were staying there. They didn't have many guests the night of December 23. Their dinner menu looked really good with Cuban cuisine. I would like to try dinner here sometime."

Kim's Cuban Sandwich Shop

★★★★☆ 4.3 (75) • $

"so I stopped by this morning - I was in the mood for a delicious Cuban b'fast sammy -ham, egg & cheese on pressed Cuban bread - ad they delivered! Fast service at a reasonable price!"

Central Cafeteria

★★★★★ 4.5 (4)

"Tampa Cuban was middle of the road. Not bad but nothing to write home about. Just a basic sandwich, and light on the pulled pork."

Soup'R Cuban Sandwich Shop

★★★★☆ 3.6 (53) • $

"This little sandwich shop doesn't look like much, but I have to tell you, the food is FANTASTIC! It's been here for a long time, and the family that owns/runs it are super friendly.Their chili is one of my favorite items, which runs neck-in-neck with their cuban sandwich. SOOO GOOD! I don't buy cuban sandwiches from anywhere else in Polk County, because they all make them wrong! I am a sort-of cuban sandwich connoisseur, who used to drive all of the way to Tampa/Ybor City multiple times a month, just for a decent Cuban sandwich. But since I found Soup 'R Cuban sandwich shop, I don't need to make that long drive nearly as often, for a sandwich that is as close to authentic as it can be. They make them when you place the order, not ahead of time, and they use REAL Cuban bread... so your sandwich is always fresh and delicious, as it should be.They have a variety of other sandwiches, soups, multiple delicious lunch entree meals and even yummy desserts to round off your meal. And they even sell Cuban bread loaves, in case you want to make cuban toast in the morning! This place is great! It's been my GO TO for Cuban sandwiches in Polk County for many years, and will continue to be my Cuban sandwich/Chili place for as long as I have teeth to chew the sandwiches with.... And even then, I'll still go here and just "gum" my sandwich until I can get it down my throat. Lol! Yes, their food is THAT good!"

Cuban Foodies

★★★★★ 4.6 (194) • $$

"Our Sunday after church with family, wife & I, eldest daughter, youngest daughter and two youngest grandkids. Visited on a recommendation from a friend and online ratings.Small but comfy, we found a table for 6 right by the window.I was surprised that a server came to wait on us. Mayte took our drink orders while we glanced at the menu. We decided on the Family Meal with Ropa Vieja and Pollo A La Plancha, with Yellow Rice and Black Beans. Grandkids also wanted Fries. We also ordered one each of Empanadas, Beef, Chicken and Spinach and an order of Mari-k-tas Plantain Chips.Shortly Mayte brought our Plantain Chips, followed by the assorted Empanadas. The Chips were great, fresh, hot and crispy. I divided the Empanadas into sections so all could try some. They were good, but not hot and had apparently been in the warmer I saw earlier. Disappointing since I was the one that really looked forward to them.Next came Cuban bread, crispy and terrific. Then our meals came. A huge bowl of yellow rice, a nice bowl of black beans, fries, and bowls of Ropa Vieja and Chicken A La Plancha. The meats were delicious, full of flavor. The rice was very good and the beans were the best I've ever had. And the fries were terrific, hot and crispy and super tasty. Bread was so tasty we had to order more.And of course Momma had to get desserts to share. The Rice Pudding was great, took me back to my childhood. The Flan was ok, not a big fan of Flan. Sadly they no longer have Tres Leche cake.The food was excellent and the service was great. Definitely the best Cuban food I've eaten in years. The only disappointment was the Empanadas. They can be pre-made and cooked fresh very quickly. But not enough to deter a 5 star rating. Another "must try" place."

Cuban Express

★★★★★ 4.6 (5)

"Follow the Flavor This is the Cuban of Tampa Bay? This Food Truck has got it going on. They have the Dancing Queens Yania & Yusnerys making your cuisine. Fast, Friendly & Full of Flavor! This Cuban Tampa Bay is like no other! The bread is tender. They load it up. Well Presentation with all the extras. I drove over an hour to try this Food Truck & it was worth it. Plus they have a delicious Cafe con Leche. Very Organized area. Clean Food Truck and Tables. This is definitely on my Comeback List meaning I will return again!Sigue el Sabor ¿Este es el cubano de Tampa Bay? Este camión de comida lo ha puesto en marcha. Tienen el Dancing Queens Yania & Yusnerys haciendo su cocina. ¡Ayuno, amigable y lleno de sabor! ¡Esta bahía cubana de Tampa es como ninguna otra! El pan es tierno. En ellos lo cargan. Para bien Presentación con todos los extras. "Conduje más de una hora para probar este camión de comida y valió la pena. Además tienen un delicioso Cafe con Leche. Esto está en mi lista de regreso, ¡lo que significa que volveré otra vez!"

Edge Eatery

★★★★☆ 4.1 (26)

"This place is addicting! Went here for lunch with hubby and two kids (6 yo & 8 yo). We ordered sushi, sashimi, and creme brulee from the sushi counter, ceviche from the peruvian place and hot chocolate, cappuccino, and sweet crepes from the french counter. Everything was fresh and delicious. Kids are already begging to come back to eat there again!"

Hemingway’s Cuban Kitchen

★★☆☆☆ 1.5 (2)

"Decent Cuban food. We ordered food via DoorDash not sure it was worth $193. The Cuban sandwich was okay, but the pork was so dry it had the consistency of cotton swabs (no lie) . Id give it a rating of 2/5. The Yuca Fries fries were actually really good and the dipping sauce was good too give them a 4/5. The Tostones Camarones were decent 3/5, but tasted a little like Italian food. The tres leches was okay, but a little bland 2.5/5. The croquettes were way over cooked and had a burnt flavor to them 2/5. My wife said the beans and rice were good 4/5. Overall id give this place 2.5 out of 5. Way overpriced for decent food, I feel Elenas is better Cuban food and the pricing is way better."

Carmine's Restaurant and Bar

★★★☆☆ 3 (585) • $$

"When Ybor City you gotta have a Cuban Sandwich! We found Carmine's. The place has history. Is huge with a comfortable bar.We bellied up starving and thirsty. We waited and waited. Finally the bartender stopped by and dropped menus turned on his heels and he was off to win the came to continue a conversation with bar patrons. No offer of drinks just menus. So we waited again.. finally another stop. We each ordered local beers and then he forgot to pour as he was off to see the bar patrons. A glance caused him to remember.. finally beers. Seizing the moment we each ordered their famous Cuban Sandwich.The sandwich arrived and did not disappoint however the prep time was long and our beers were getting low. The bar patrons were getting louder and the bartender was an instigator. So no 2nd beers for us.3 stars for food1 star for food runner0stars for bartender"

Buchito

★★★★★ 4.6 (344) • $

"The Benny Cubano was so good that I came back after having it a year ago. I got the media noche which has sweeter bread and it was just as good. Enjoyed the cafe con leche as well!"

Cibao Market

★★★★☆ 4 (4)

"Awesome local Cuban market and restaurant! A small place right on the corner, they have most of your basic staples AND delicious food! I got the Cuban sand which and it was huge. I had to eat half and save the rest for later. The people are nice and the prices are unbeatable!"

Interbay Meat Market & Groceries

★★★★☆ 4.4 (154) • $

"I don't make it in here enough! I came in for a quick hot/already made dinner. No one was in line. I ordered the palomilla with arroz amarillo and frijoles negros. I asked if the palomilla could be done without breading. the guys serving was very nice and said yes, no problem!I waited a few minutes, my food was up, it was hot and hot when I got it home. It was a lot more salty than I like, but the flavor was good and I got 2 meals out of it.I didn't peruse around this time for anything in the rest of the store, but they still do have convenient store items up front and groceries all around the rest of the store.I remember now they have great Spanish spices and other items that might be hard to find elsewhere. I will have to definitely come back more often. It's a gem!"

Flan Factory

★★★★★ 4.7 (500) • $$

"Mamey flan, coquito flan, empanadasLove this placeThe flags taste exactly like the flavor they advertise. The staff is so sweet and now they have more space!I'm so happy to see them growing!"

Arco Iris Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.9 (134) • $

"It's a must stop when in Tampa for your Cuban food fix. The food is always on point, wide range of selections from sandwiches, breakfast, main dishes, deserts, and coffee. Service is always good and they are always attentive...food comes out super fast so many people come here for lunch. Ambiance is your typical Cuban food establishment with many tables & booths...when in Tampa give this place a shot."

El Cubano

★★★★☆ 4 (1)

"Looking for a sandwich a little after noon, google maps lead us to El Cubano food truck. It's a fairly stationary food truck with about 8 well cared for picnic tables outside. We ordered at the truck and waited. It seemed to be a bit of a longer than expected wait. But, well worth waiting for. Certainly one of the best Cuban Sandwiches I've had."

Abuelo Lechon

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"I was craving a good Cuban sandwich and behold found this new spot "AbueloLechon" 4 minutes from home- ran right over and had a Cuban sandwich and pork sandwich-both were amazing!!! Give them a try you won't be disappointed"

La Bamba

★★★★☆ 4.2 (159) • $

"Good food. Good prices. Good people. Very relaxed down home Cuban restaurant. Had the yellow rice with black beans and roasted pork. Excellent!! My daughters had white rice, fried plantains and a couple of sandwiches. All very delicious. No complaints."

Box Of Cubans

★★★★★ 4.7 (23)

"Stopped by after seeing an advertisement on the Wesley Chapel Local instagram channel. Looked delicious and was a bit concerned that the food would not be the same...boy was a wrong. The food was fresh and authentic. We showed up right when they closed the doors, but saw us and opened back up; I thought that was pretty great. We had the typical Cuban as well as the Cheeseburger Cuban...both were delicious. I have not seen success for businesses in this spot, but hope Box of Cubans changes things. Very nice place, friendly staff, and I strongly recommend if you are looking for an awesome Cuban meal while in New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area."

Delicias Latinas

★★★★☆ 3.9 (39) • $$

"This is a perfect local spot right down the street from me and it always offers me great consistent ropa vieja, yucca, y arroz con frijoles. I was a little upset they were out of the mofongo and sancocho when we went last time but they usually do have that in stock. Everything is super fresh and it's always super busy around lunch time."

Ole' Tampa Cubans Lakeland

★★★★☆ 4 (26)

"Best Cuban's and devil crabs in Lakeland. You really need to check this place out. Huge sandwich for the money. It's a meal. The owner really keeps the place clean and the food is fresh. I love coming here and will stop every time I'm in Lakeland."

Latin Grill - Brandon

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (203) • $$

"This paella is good for three, maybe 4 and is so delicious, just like my pineapple ginger monito. Banda Fonseca on Fri is great. We had a great time."

Pepo's Cuban Cafe

★★★★☆ 4.1 (195) • $

"My wife and I happened upon this place while visiting St. Petersburg and what a find. Very friendly and informative staff. We both ordered the El Habano Cubano Sandwich. A delicious combination of pork, ham, salami and Swiss cheese on Cuban bread. Unlike Cubanos we have had in the past, it was absolutely delicious. The restaurant is delightfully decorated with Cuban paraphernalia."

Fusion Street Eatery

★★★★★ 4.6 (151) • $$

"Found a new spot in a strip center in Dunedin. Fusion street eatery. It's close to downtown Dunedin. Parking is easy. But enough of location location location. We love anything birria and this spot popped up on FB because they spy on you. I'm glad they were spying on us this day because it lead us here. We ordered a few items and split everything to try, the birria fries, grilled cheese and a few tacos. everything was delicious. The dining area is small and it works. They have a selection of beers also. Will be here again !"

D & D Delights

★★★★☆ 4.4 (35) • $

"**** Updated Review ****Popped back into D&D because I remembered how awesome their roast pork sandwich was. Well, it was very good again with super soft Cuban bread and tender chunks of pork. I will say that I remember it being a lot more moist as this time it was kind of dry. Though, I might have ordered it with extra au jus last time. Also, the service was super fast and the black beans side is a meal in itself - just like before. Well done, D&D."

Moreno Bakery

★★★★☆ 4.1 (795) • $$

"Came in for lunch with my mother and she got the steak sandwich and I got the Cuban sandwich and I have to say her sandwich was far superior to mine. Not to say that my sandwich was bad just liked her sandwich much better. I will say they have the best desserts! We received our sandwiches in a timely manner. Always enjoy visiting Moreno's Bakery."

Red Mesa Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4 (722) • $$

"Consistently delicious. We came here straight from the airport (FL is our home). We were craving margaritas & good food. We were not let down. The chips were served warm with salsa, very good!I had the salmon plank, gluten-free with mixed vegetables. Delicious!!! Salmon cooked perfectly, moist not dry. My hubby had his usual (puntas de filet) an off menu item that is a ol fan favorite from back in the days. The service was outstanding, very accommodating and kind. Price is reasonable and my margarita hit the spot.Ambiance - upscale casual Mexican. We highly recommend"