Mouthwatering Latin American in Tampa

Happy Fish

★★★★☆ 4.3 (743) • $$

"I enjoyed having Liz as our server. Very pleasant and professional. The food hit the spot as always. Must come hungry!"

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"

Melao Bakery - Orlando

★★★★☆ 3.5 (366) • $

"What a hidden gym!!!! We saw it on signs got curious looked it up! And yummy we were so overwhelmed by so much offerings there, we needed bigger stomachs!The staff celebrated another staffs birthday! Omg so cute! Great work environment for sure!We did the hot line this time with a few pastries togo!Next time we come we are getting the sandwiches!"

Mi Viejo Latin Cafe’ & Catering

★★★★★ 4.5 (171)

"5 starsPricePortionsConsistencyEat here way more than I should.The cafe con leche is the best in this area.They have rotating entree's that keep me from ordering the same thing every time. Spicy ropa, beef stew, grilled chicken & pepper steak are some of my personal favorites. Steak sandwich was my favorite before going gluten free....please find a gluten free cuban bread?"

Cali Viejo Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.9 (225) • $$

"We were in the area between breakfast and lunch so we decided to pop into the bakery side for a breakfast sandwich. The Cali Bakery is just to the left of Cali Viejo. We walked into an empty place but we were sort of greeted when walking in. I took it upon myself to go find a menu and then was asked if I would like to order to-go or sit down. We chose to sit down as I was with my kids. The kids ordered orange juice and I ordered water. After some time, the kids were brought fresh OJ that was delicious. I was brought a bottle of water. I ordered the cheese egg and sausage Cuban for the kids to share and I ordered bacon egg and cheese croissant. That also took a good amount of time. There were a couple more people that came in after we ordered and they were still sitting there waiting after we were done eating. My croissant was a little burned on the bottom but otherwise as was expected, and they kids enjoyed their sandwich. Nothing special for the price aside from fresh orange juice $3 each. We probably won't come back here but it was an ok breakfast."

Latin Twist Cafe

★★★★☆ 4 (203) • $

"This is a really wonderful place. Not our first visit but it had been a while. We ordered a Cuban sandwich and some combo fajitas. The Cuban sandwich was perfectly presented, crispy outside and had very fresh ingredients. The combo fajitas came out super hot, fresh tortillas, and they also brought a side of very fresh sour cream. Perfectly cooked, seasoned and delicious. Drinks are self serve and that works fine. If you like Cuban food, definitely eat here!"

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 !"

La Lechonera

★★★★☆ 3.8 (199) • $

"This is another hidden gem that I can't be selfish with anymore. I believe this is my second visit to this establishment. OMG!! It seems they cook with love and flavor. It feels like you are back in Puerto Rico with someone's grandmother who is cooking for you. We started with the traditional Coco Rico sodas. As for the entree the oxtail which was more fat them meat as you can see in the pictures. A side of Maduros, and dirty rice and peas. The flavors when combined are delicious. We also ordered a shrimp Mofongo which was also very delicious but ordered 1 because it is made for 2 people. The only real problem is the line wait if the help isn't there you will be online a bit. But I promise you it's worth it. These are the mom-and-pop shops we should be raving about. That old traditional cooking with flavor and love that these cooks are using. The ambiance is like an old lunchroom when you would go to school back in the 80s. The decor, old history of Puerto Rico. If you love some real authentic Puerto Rican food this is the establishment to be.Kudos to LA Lechonera for giving the community some flavorful dishes. I wish nothing but success for this establishment and may they continue to be an establishment to be reckoned with. Till next time and hopefully, my fellow Elites will stop by as well."

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."

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."

Bogota Kitchen & Bar

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (179) • $$

"I usually don't do reviews, but felt obligated to warn other diners about the shrimp and grits at this place. We were here with a group of 10 people. I was the only one to order the shrimp and grits. I'm a big fan of shrimp and grits and have tried many versions around the US. This has to be the worst iteration of this dish I have ever had. The dish consists of cheddar cheesy grits and 5 small blackened shrimp set on top. No bacon pieces, scallions, tomatoes, green peppers, no sauce and served with French fries on the side which I thought was weird. The grits were tasteless even with the cheese and the shrimp were over cooked. Don't order this entree! The rest of our group had no issues with their choices and really the main reason you come here is for the music. They have some very good local bands play. Also I want to add the service was very good!"

Santiago’s Restaurant

★★★★★ 4.5 (84)

"Being my lazy self I've always ordered delivery from Uber Eats multiple times and enjoyed the Authentic Latin food EVERY time.Finally ventured out to the establishment and encountered a buffet-style setup. The fresh food items aren't labeled but have no fear because they will be able to let you know. Definitely love the variety, generous portions, and great price! Random Note: I thought it was neat when ordering to go they'll wrap the box in saran wrap to help prevent messy spills!"

Latin Bowl Restaurant-Brandon

★★★★★ 4.5 (69)

"My rating is 3.5 stars I ordered via Door Dash. Delivery was quick and everything was as requested. However, the food was cold and had to be reheated. After being packed it was delivered within 20 mins so the temperature it arrived it doesn't make sense. That complaint aside, the food was very tasty and all of the flavors complimented each other. Shredded Beef Rice Bowl- including small pieces of sweet plantains along with the cilantro lime sauce elevates this dish. I also included corn, tomatoes, lettuce and cheese. 5/5 Chicken Rice Bowl- the chicken was hard even after reheating. I included spinach, sweet plantains, tomatoes, corn, and cheese . The Jalapeño sauce added a very small kick to it and they were generous with the sauce. 4/5Beef Empanada- after reheating it lost its crispiness. The beef was well seasoned and included olives and a yellow something (not sure what it was) . 4/5 Free Chips and Salsa- Chips were crispy but salt less and the salsa had the consistency of marinara sauce. My husband and I were not fans of these. 2/5I would like to come in and try new items in person. I would also like to note for anyone that orders on Door Dash, you are limited with how you can customize the bowls. For example, you can choose your sauce but there isn't an option to let you put it on the side instead of on top."

El Ranchito Restaurant & Foodmarket

★★★★☆ 4.3 (70) • $

"So glad we came across this place! The food was AMAZING! We ordered Parrillada and fajitas with chicken, shrimp, and beef. The entrees came with salad, tortillas, rice and beans. The servings are very generous. We had enough food to bring home for my husbands dinner and for tomorrows lunch too! The complimentary chips and salsa was super fresh too! Service was pretty speedy and our server Adaly was super sweet and attentive. It's a pretty small place but it was popping for lunch time on a Thursday! We will definitely be back again to try more things!"

Tropical Cuisine

★★★★☆ 3.8 (88) • $

"SERENDIPITYSerendipity is defined as good luck in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries. This was certainly the case as a crack caused me toI have the windshield replaced. "There will be a two hour wait." said the technician." A friend who had accompanied me and I set out to find a coffee shop to grab coffee and a snack as it was noon. We spotted what appeared to be a restaurant within walking distance.The sign outside "Tropical Cuisine" did not prepare us for what awaited inside. The restaurant is located at 9005 E Adamo Dr, Tampa, FloridaAs we entered and the door closed behind us we were amazed at the size of the restaurant and we found ourselves on a food line that stretched the full length of the restaurant. As we sat sipping a coffee and enjoying a doughnut Federal Express, postal workers, police, contractors, business workers and families with children provided a steady flow of customers to the unending line. We both decided to jump on the food line. The trip through the line presented two problems. With so many culinary choices we were selecting more than we could eat. When we got to the table we both realized we had more food than was possible to consume. The quality and taste of the food explained the unending arrival of customers. My friend begins to load his Takeout Box which will provide two additional meals.We will be returning in the near future. What a great find."

Alvarez Authentic Latin Food

★★★★★ 4.6 (59) • $

"WoW! JUST WoW! To think that a hole in the wall inside a dilapidated Sunoco gas station would earn 5 stars is a bit mind-boggling. But it did. And I can't wait to return!After exiting my vehicle, I almost walked back to it once I scanned the sign on the corner of the convenience store. It screamed old (& possibly dirty). But then I recalled how this eatery has dozens of 4 & 5 star reviews; forty-five patrons could not be wrong. And they weren't! I ordered two empanadas @ $2 each & a beef burrito @ $6. (The steak burrito is $8.) Cash, debit, & credit are accepted. I waited nearby as my order was prepared. I can tell you that if Hispanic men who do manual labor are who you're into, you've arrived at wonderland. This place is the quickest way to get a date:) And I plead the 5th. The enpanada I tasted was easily the BEST I've ever tried. It was so flavorful! And the crust was perfectly crisp. The burrito was huge & heavy. And it, too, was packed w/ flavor. Just an INCREDIBLE burrito! I will be eating off it for days! However, do NOT put the red sauce on your food unless you can tolerate VERY HOT sauces. I learned the hard way; a warning should have accompanied it.Prices are low, the food was EXCEPTIONAL, staff was polite, & patrons were male & friendly. What more could a gurl ask for! Lol."

Faith Latin Cuisine

★★★★★ 4.9 (47)

"This spot is a hidden gem in Apollo beach! A family-owned food truck parked off of Apollo beach Blvd that makes some of the most delicious Latin food is a welcome surprised upon moving here.We've tried the salads, empanadas, tacos, tostones, and Cubans just to name a few of the items on their menu. The owners are so kind & make adjustments to ingredients easily to personalize our orders. We come back often and hope they're always around!"

El Chuzo Bbq

★★★★☆ 3.9 (71) • $

"This is a good place to go if you want a grease bomb at pretty much any hour. They are generous with their french fries, and they provide a high calorie to dollar ratio value. This review is for delivery via Uber Eats. My family ordered the perro, the choriperro, the chicharrones, the pork kabobs, and the chicken tender kids meal. It was a ridiculously huge amount of food.The chicharrones are good, especially the ones that are heavily sprinkled with lime. Some of the pieces were not as well fried, and that made for very chewy eating. The choriperro, which is Venezuelan chorizo sausage treated like their perro dog (covered in cheese and fried potatoes, on a hot dog bun) was huge and served automatically with a ton of fries. I expected more spice and heat from a chorizo, so that was disappointing. The grilled pork kabobs were good. I got them with two sides of salad, which were just a couple slices of tomato with shredded iceberg lettuce. My son loved his perro, which was huge. My daughter's chicken tenders were not quite tenders. They were a deep fried chicken breast cut up into slices. I'm not complaining, although she (a toddler, mind you) was taken aback as the appearance was not as she expected. I will say that the fries held up their crispiness despite the half hour journey down to my home.I think if I got this food at 2AM after a night of drinking, this place would be perfect. However, despite my love of junk food, for a family dinner, the food was a little too greasy, even cut with a beer. It's better for a greasy snack."

Plato Latino

★★★★☆ 4.1 (64) • $

"So you know when you have that craving of wanting homemade food without having to sacrifice too many calories and flavorful? This is the place! Such a nice and clean small but spacious restaurant. Friendly service and a nice variety of ready made Buffett food that you can quickly choose from. I wasn't in the mood to cook dinner for me and my son so I opt out. Lol we ordered baked chicken with yellow rice, greens beans and a side of black beans. Also, 2 devil crabs. Omg good!! It hit all the spots and I must add the dinner was packed with a lot of food and only paid $8.95 for it. I'm definitely a customer and will return."

Pepitos & More

★★★★☆ 4 (65) • $

"We legit ordered like half of the menu and the bill only came to $57. Four of us were completely stuffed and had leftovers to take home. The highlight of my meal here were these cheese things (I can't remember what they're called) that put mozzarella sticks to shame. Shame I tell you!!! My mouth is watering just thinking about it! We also had some kind of fries with cheese and cut up hot dogs in it. Also delish. A rice platter with chicken, steak, onions and peppers on top. Amazing! Skirt steak was also tasty. Low key, this place is doing the damn thing. I'll definitely order from here again!"

Borinquen Restaurant & Pizzeria

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (89) • $$

"New owner, food taste even better, owner is super friendly and you can tell they're doing their very best to improve this restaurant."

Mojo Grill Latin Fusion

★★★★☆ 4.2 (54)

"What a fun and tasty place to eat! They were super busy on this hot Sunday, so they must be doing something right! And that tres leches cake!.... So good and leche . Light flavor and it was perfect for sharing with my son! They also offer flan and Choco flan, several sodas, wine, sangria, and water. My empanada came out piping hot and the Cubano was one of the best I've had. Both made with shredded seasoned beef. The empanada shell was light and flaky, perfection! There's roomy indoor seating and outdoor seating. It was nice to get out of the Florida summer heat and have room to sit down inside."

El Rincon Latino

★★★★☆ 4 (50) • $

"A random meeting in this strip mall brought our group to lunch at El Rincon Latino, and it didn't disappoint. It's served cafeteria style and portions are more than plentiful. There is a distinct lack of labeling, so picky eaters and those with allergies, beware. That said, everything I tasted was great. Some sort of pork was salty for my taste but still good, and the fried plantains, stewed yucca, and a tomato avocado salad (extremely generous with the avocado) were all great and seemed fresh. The line was extremely fast.I'm never really in this part of Tampa so I don't know if/when I'll be back but if I lived or worked in the area I could see myself being a regular."

The Latin Grill - Tampa

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (66)

"The location was excellent to meet a friend that was visiting. Miguel was our server he was very helpful. But you could tell he was extremely busy. I had to ask for water.... The food was yummy. But it was weird that my dish had fries & rice. I asked for no fries but they came on my plate under my rice and shrimp. The place was busy and fun. The birthday crew was excellent, when it was time to sign happy Birthday. The atmosphere was celebrating & fun. I enjoyed this location. Add more liquor to your drinks please."

Alvarez Authentic Latin Food 2

★★★★☆ 4.4 (35)

"After reading about Alvarez in the Tampa Bay Times, this place had been on my radar for a little while. And when I finally got the chance to try them, I wondered what had taken me so long!Everything is fresh and authentic, and the prices are extremely reasonable. I haven't seen too many places with sopes (a thick corn tortilla with meat, queso fresco, crema and lettuce), so as soon as I saw them on the menu, I knew I had to try them. They are about the size of your palm, and are absolutely delicious! I ordered mine with ground beef (sans beans), and couldn't believe how good they were -- especially since they're just $2 each!I've gone several times now and have ordered a variety of items on the menu, although I do have to always get at least one sope. The gorditas are quite good (a sandwich in a tortilla-type pocket, similar to pita bread, that's crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside), as are the flautas. The beef and cheese empanadas are yummy too -- and you get 3 of them for $5 (they aren't very heavily filled though, so they're good as an appetizer but maybe not as a meal). Their elote is delicious too, and I'm definitely a fan of their maduros.Really, you can't go wrong ordering from here. They are on the delivery sites like Uber Eats and Grub Hub, but remember that those third-party sites all take a significant chunk of the restaurant's money... so if you're able to, order directly from them instead."

Sofrito Food Truck

★★★★★ 4.8 (29)

"Thank goodness I don't live to close to here because I would weigh 800 pounds because I would eat here everyday. I had the carne frita (fried pork chunks - yeah pork and fries) over yellow rice with fried yucca (my cardiologist is not a fan right now). It was absolutely delicious. The pork was fried perfectly and the dipping sauce added even more flavor. The fried yucca was crispy on the outside and soft in the inside. I think there was a little crushed garlic on top to add to my eating pleasure.My wife had the pork rice bowl with two fried sweet plantain. That was also absolutely delish.To find Puerto Rican food this good is a rarity. I'll be back alot now that I've had my first meal here!"

La Casa Del Chimi

★★★★☆ 4 (39) • $

"This was my first time here, and I had a great experience. Everyone was extremely personable and very welcoming. the food was absolutely delicious and made to order. They have a great menu if you're in the mood for some tasty Spanish food. I ordered the pork mofongo and it was so flavorful. The mojo was perfect and so fresh! The portions were very generous! The plus side of this place is they stay open until 2:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays as they have a room next-door with the bar a DJ and a dance floor which was so much fun. The music was great and they also have hookah available. I can't wait to come back and check them out."

Ole Tampa Cubans

★★★★☆ 3.8 (40)

"2.5 stars. We were served bland food, which did not complement our lackluster experience w/ the cashier. This is a small establishment that boasts of its DEVILED CRAB, which my lunch mate REALLY ENJOYED. Sandwiches are made w/ Tampa's La Segunda's Cuban bread. Four Cuban varieties are available: Traditional, American, Honey & Spicy. Prices range from $6.25 for a half sandwich & $8.49 for a whole. Open 10 AM to 6 PM every day but Sunday, breakfast is served from 9 AM to 10:30 AM. The restaurant's full menu is NOT extensive. There's one dessert available-- guava pastry @ $2.99 (made daily). Some popular menu items are the Deviled Crab ($2.50 to $4.99) & Potato Ball ($2.75). The Potato Ball is made w/ beef & pork. The Deviled Crab is made w/ fresh blue crab & no fillers-- snuggled inside homemade bread crumbs. Another patron favorite is the Half Sub w/ Deviled Crab or Potato Ball w/ a beverage @ $8.50. There's also a Cash 'N Carry Special of a Half sandwich, side, & medium drink for $8.99 (or $10.99 for a full sandwich). I noticed a few other offerings on the limited menu: Fried Shrimp w/ Fries, Shipwreck Fried Potatoes, The Port Salad, Spanish Bean Soup, & Cafe Con Leche. I may have omitted some. Patrons order @ the counter, but the food is brought to the table on royal blue cafeteria-style trays. The menu is posted along the wall near the register. Our dark-haired female cashier on a Saturday couldn't muster a genuine smile or greeting-- she was robotic like, yet w/ an air of unfriendliness. We didn't feel welcome. She's a management issue who needs addressing.We ordered two half sandwiches (the spicy & regular Cubans), & a side of black beans w/ onions, w/ added white rice & roasted pork-- see pic. Both Cubans LACKED FLAVOR-- see pic. The beans & rice were BLAND-- worst I've eaten (& I've tried many over the years). Even the small amount of roasted pork I was given (see pic) lacked flavor. If not for the onions providing some flavor, I would have tossed the entire bowl. And no yellow rice? This is the first Cuban restaurant I've patronized that didn't offer it at least as an option. The dining room appeared clean. There was plenty of available parking in the strip mall lot. Catering is available as well as a food truck. Party-planning prices can be found on the on-line menu. Will I return? Nope. Food is the foundation of a restaurant, & this foundation was weak. How anyone can make & serve an unfavorable Cuban or black beans & rice dish is beyond me. There are just too many quality Cuban establishments in the Greater Tampa Bay Area to enjoy. I may be a gringa, but I'm a gringa who loves & appreciates Cuban food when it's done well."

The Latin Spot

★★★★☆ 3.9 (35) • $

"I love their prices, the nice customerService and the fact that you can really find those Latin stuffs that spoils you and make you feel like having a piece of your country here at Florida."

Palaus Restaurant

★★★★★ 4.5 (25) • $

"I have a thing for Cuban food. And my morning rocks after dining on Cuban toast dunked in Cafe Con Leche. Finding the perfect combo is always a challenge. Cafe Con Leche without enough cafe or with lukewarm Leche or with imperfectly added sugar is so disappointing. Cuban bread that is barely pressed or stale enough to use a a door stop or not buttered on the outside causes sadness. Not here. Not at this tiny little cafe with its kind owners who ask all the right questions. Yes I want my toast crispy (double pressed for those places using timers). No barely warm and barely squished bread for me! And yes I must have sugar because like those who consumed Cafe Con Leche long before me, I need to get through a long day!!I loved my combo ($4.55) and know I will be back for the boliche or snapper or chicken or whatever is on the daily specials board.This is an unpretentious little place with basic tables, a tile floor, a hot food cafeteria style counter and the kind of exterior you might drive by. If you like Spanish food, don't."

Martin's BBQ

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (43)

"Holy Heaven on earth.If you're looking for fast casual delicious Puerto Rican food, allow me to propose Martins BBQ. Don't get BBQ confused with a sauce... This is rotisserie chicken, baked pork and more at its quick service finest.It's a cafeteria style order process. So, if you're not familiar with the food you can see what's on the steam table or go big and order from the overhead menu monitors.The mofongo is why I drive way out of my way to come here.These folks know how to do it. For $10 or so you can get rotisserie chicken with a big serving of mofongo and a drink. The menu offers family size combo meals. Spanish is not required to order, but it does help. Buen Provecho!I'll be back soon"

Conga's Latin Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.5 (40) • $

"By no means a bad 3 stars. It's a nice clean Cuban restaurant with daily specials. 1 meat 2 sides. I loved the option of being able to add soup or salad for .75 cents. I've had the roast pork in both occasions and both have been dry. I loved their homemade hot sauce but not enough is given to compensate for the dryness of the meat. The chicken soup is fresh with a nice rich flavor. All in all a decent option for Cuban cuisine."

Omi's Grill

★★★★☆ 4.1 (27) • $$

"I tried this place a few years ago I remember liking it however, this time around not so much. I'm probably a harsh critic being that I'm Puerto Rican, and this is a Puerto Rican food truck. What I ordered:I came specifically for the empanadas de pizza and ended up getting an alcapurria and passion fruit juice as well. The empanada was ok nothing special. It was pretty big and somewhat salty.The alcapurria was also salty and had a strong oil taste and weird texture.Not like like the normal crispy outer layer it normally has. They did offer a homemade hot sauce which definitely helped offset some of the other flavors I mentioned. The passion fruit juice tasted very authentic but way too sweet however once the ice melted it made a bit more drinkable. Prices are good portions age great and they even offer lunch specials. They also have flan and tres leche for your sweet tooth!"

La Familia Latin Hot Food & Grocery

★★★★☆ 4.3 (24) • $

"Cute place!We actually were stopping for subway, but thought I would grab cafe con leche, and ended up eating here instead.Food was good and filling, but the best part for me was the music! So fun!The store offers staple items and seasonings. There is also a hot food bar.Great place for me to practice Espanol."

Tfk african restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.7 (32)

"*The owner of the restaurant is amazing. She was so accommodating and the food was delicious and spicy), but they give the option of little to no spice. *I tried moimoi as suggested and it was delicious. It tasted like a mixture of a crab cake*i ordered the jollof rice and 2 beef and fish dish. I didn't like the fish as much but the beef and jollof rice were amazing. *tried sugar cane juice for the first time. It wasn't my jam. Tasted too much like plants. I have no better way to describe that lol. It's similar in flavor to coconut water."