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."

Rice And Beans

★★★★☆ 4 (168) • $

"This is 1Of the best Cuban sandwiches I have ever had. The bread was like a kings Hawaiian roll. Meat was so tender and tasty. I should have bought another one for the road and eat it tomorrow. Place is small and has a line but worth it. I'm in Ocala and I will drive back down there for this sandwich. Service was good for how busy they were. Just take your food over to the bar next door called tidal brewery and eat it. Comings back over and over. WOW"

La Creacion Bakery

★★★★★ 4.5 (126) • $

"So, so delicious! We went out of our way to get some yummy pan sobao, and this lovely bakery did not disappoint. Delicious, soft, flavorful breads galore, and the beef empanadas....wow! So good! Flavors are authentic, taking me back to my childhood on la Isla. Prices are super reasonable too, and the service is friendly, quick, and caring. If you are visiting Tampa, it is well worth thr Uber ride out here to enjoy this lovely place. And if you're local and can come here every day? I'm jealous! :)"

WEPAA RESTAURANT

★★★★☆ 3.5 (164) • $$

"So, I am Puertorican here recently decided to come to wepaa after craving some mofongo. Where else in Largo are you able to find some authentic Puerto Rican meal? None other than wepaa. They have done some renovations since my last visit and wanted to evaluate my experience. I only dined in for part of my meal and took the mofongo with pernil to go. The vibe inside in nice and clean. Art on wall reflecting Puerto Rico. They have a TV and in the new space a full bar. Seating is now abundant with the additional space. I had the beef empanadas and the pizza empanadas. I really enjoyed the flavor of the meat on the empanada l, really took me back to the island. The pizza empanada I would not recommend. We got our first one cold and the second really wasn't enjoyable. Either way the real empanadas was the beef. I also had the mofongo and again they got it out of the park, I recently visited Puerto Rico and was impressed with the food on the island l, thankfully the food here is equally as good.The service was also Johnny on the spot, once the cold empanada was identified she quickly corrected the problem and confirmed it was good before leaving the table."

La Casona Restaurant

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (170) • $$

"Stopped into this restaurant in Tampa and the smell outside just brought be back home. Authentic Puertorriquena food. Nothing beats homemade red beans like momma used to make. Had the pork chops with white rice. Also had the stuffed shrimp tostones. Everything was delicious and service was excellent. Will stop by again if ever in the Tampa are."

Coqui Snacks

★★★★☆ 4.4 (65) • $

"Puertorrican snacks!Ordered the "empanadilla de pizza""Empanadilla de pionono" Crispy flour turnover pastry filled with seasoned ground beef and sweet plantains "Bacalaito " Cod fritter Everything made to order and freeeeeeshhhh!!Recommended"

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."

Doble Gustazo

★★★★★ 4.6 (36)

"Had the garlic shrimp with dufongo. This was exceptional!! Me and my family also had churrasco and empanadas and arroz con gandules and we can't say enough great things about the food. We also happened to be there on their 5 year anniversary!! Honestly, I am still dreaming about their garlic sauce!! I wish I lived closer!"

Tito's Latin Kitchen

★★★★☆ 4.4 (37)

"What a treasure of a find on a hot Friday afternoon for lunch! The A/C was working great inside Tito's ( it is no longer just a food trunk ). The owner or manager has done a very creative job on decor inside to reflect New York Puerto Rican pride! Really cute inside and very clean and comfortable. We enjoyed two Pincho's. Which are skewers of meat. One of chicken and one of pork - both delcioso with sweet media niche bread on the side. Our sandwich we shared was the churrasco with hot, fresh friend. The flank steak was prepared perfectly and there was enough food that lunch tomorrow is covered. The cashier was super friendly and the guy who was making the food in the kitchen came out, made eye contact with my husband, and with gesturing made certain we liked the food. My husband nodded enthusiastically! YES! A great find off Waters Avenue that you should check out some day soon!"

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!"

Triana Caribbean Cuisine

★★★★☆ 4.2 (34)

"I visited Triana Caribbean Cuisine during lunch on a weekday with a coworker. We had never been here before but we're exploring restaurants on Waters Avenue. When we walked in to the restaurant/bar and pool hall, we were the only patrons and didn't see anyone else even employees. A few seconds later a kind woman popped out from the back and greeted us. We do not speak Spanish but she's spoke fairly good English and took us through the menu and offered some options that are very popular and things she really liked. We ended up ordering two entrées and an appetizer. I'm still not exactly sure what I ordered but it was fantastic. It came with a side of french fries, the kind that do not get soggy with perfect crispiness. I really enjoyed my lunch here and would love to return and try additional items on the menu."

En Mi Viejo San Juan

★★★★★ 4.5 (27)

"I had mofongo and carne fritas! I had wait over 20 min sue the orders were hectic but it was worth the wait! The chef was very nice. I also tried alcapurria it was awesome!!!"

AJ’s Breakfast Club

★★★★★ 4.8 (23)

"Great new addition to the breakfast/lunch scene in the Seminole area. The minute you walk in you know you're in for a treat, the aroma's are wonderful and the owner greets you and is very helpful with any of you questions. I had the "chicken of the day" (chicken stew) with rice and beans and I was thoroughly impressed. The flavors were wonderful and the portions were ample without being too much. My wife had the pork, rice and plantains which, was also very tasty. While it's probably more take out, at this time, we ate inside and enjoyed the atmosphere while chatting with the owner and the chef. Certainly, worth trying and we will be back."

La Criolla Cafe & Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.5 (43)

"I was looking for a satisfying meal before hitting home.I stopped at La Criolla Cafe. Plenty of parking across the street.I was greeted and noticed it was not what I had expected. Ambiance was counter with food with table in the middle of a somewhat store.It was Mexican food. I was in the mood for it. I liked that the tacos were made to order. I noticed a senior enjoying her soup. I decided to give it a try. Wow!! The soup reminded me of grandma's cooking back in Brooklyn. I ate the whole thing. It came with rice and chicken breast and pasta salad.I also ordered a beef taco. I ate the whole thing. It's not your typical restaurant. but it surely will satisfy you."

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"

Omi’s Bar & Grill

★★★★★ 4.8 (21)

"Let me tell you, this is hands down one of the tastiest chickens falling off the mone delicious! Served quickly and with a smile in the middle of a classic VW collector gathering and some catchy live latin music. Plenty of seating both inside and out."

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!"

Oasis Rotisserie Chicken & More

★★★★☆ 4 (23)

"Ate their food at a first Friday event. Violet (the owner) served everyone salad, Spanish rice and chicken. Friendly service, tasty Puerto Rican food. We'll have to visit the restaurant and try more of their offerings."

Rice N Beans Express

★★★★☆ 4.4 (18)

"This was my third time here. The first time was good, service was just slow. The second time I went on a Saturday at midday and they had no chicken, so I didn't order anything and I left. This time the service was slow again but the food was worth it. Do not go here if you're in a rush!! But the food is nice and flavorful. Staff is always friendly, just slow and never moving with urgency. Love the music playing inside the restaurant."

El Punto Sandwich Cafe

★★★★☆ 4.3 (18)

"I don't know why it took me forever to try this place. I loved it! The service was great. I was greeted as soon as we walked through the door. The ambiance was also great! It was very nostalgic for me because they had Coqui sounds and traditional Puerto Rican music playing in the background. Everything was clean and organized. Every wall, design and detail was just so amazing.Food came out pretty quickly and so fresh! I was not expecting the amount of food we got so I ended up taking some home. I ordered a plate that came with 2 fried eggs, the most thickest and yummiest bacon and freshly baked bread. If you order a sandwich, just know you will have plenty left over for lunch time because they are pretty big. If you are looking for a nice breakfast spot with good coffee, good food and good ambience I'd recommend coming here! 10/10"

Los Gorditos Food Truck

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (27)

"I'm used to mofongo being a bit more crumby with texture, this was smoother. I can see why someone in the reviews said it's not mofongo. It's like someone overly mashed some mangu. HOWEVER, I loved it lol. I guess it might turn some people off if they're used to it being made a certain way. Or if they're iffy about texture.It was flavorful though! The tostones were good, and the fried meat was amazing. I recommend."

El Pilón Loko Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.6 (17)

"Great little restaurant in winter haven. Music was a little loud but good was great. Very authentic and plentiful. Good prices as well."

El Rico Frappe Latino

★★★☆☆ 3 (23)

"The absolute most authentic Puerto Rican food here in the Tampa area!! I've been searching for weeks now for authentic delicious Boricua food and am finally glad I found this gem!! The alcapurrias are perfect, abs their mofongo is amazing! We had piña colada's, sangrias, and a medalla bucket. The ambience is beautiful and reminds me of old San Juan with the vibes and music! I am definitely returning!!"

Rancho Latino

★★★☆☆ 2.9 (18) • $$

"This restaurant is authentic in Puerto Rican food. I was there 6/28/09, they play live typical Puerto Rican music, this place gets packed. I felt like i was in Puerto Rico. I will recommend it to anyone, must try the cuajito and their yellow rice."

Antojitos Boricuas

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (13)

"It was good, but I've had better. I just compare all Puerto Rican food to my parents and grandparents cooking so I'm just a little picky. I'm also the gringa of the family since I wasn't born & raised in Puerto Rico so take what I say with a grain of salt.Anyway, I was lured in by the note on the menu of bacalaitos. Unfortunately they didn't have any so I had to choose other menu items. They have taken it off the menu since that time so I guess I will never get to taste them. I love these cod fritters so much and I was excited to see it, but was let down again on my second visit. I ended up getting the platter of mofongo with fried pork chunks. This had a lot of flavor and the meat was somewhat tender. The only con was that some of the pieces were super salty so it wasn't evenly salted. The mofongo had a nice garlic taste. It wasn't as hard as others I've had, but it wasn't soft either. Mofongo is a heavy dish made of mashed plantains but my favorite version is the trifongo which they don't have. I like the addition of sweet plantains which gives it a smoother texture and sweet and savory flavor. They don't offer this nor do they offer maduros. I wish they had maduros as a side dish instead of tostones but they don't. Otherwise, it was a good dish and I would order it again. The flavors were all there.For my second visit, I got the camarones with rice & gandules and tostones. The tostones were fried perfectly and not greasy. The rice was just basic. I'm used to having all kinds of sofrito goodness in my rice. Mom made it with olives and capers and included recao. Okay, maybe this is old school Puerto Rican but I remember mom picking a leaf off the recao plant and adding it to the sofrito. So the rice was basic to me. The camarones were a little overcooked but had good flavor. The Kola Champagne was a cool find. It tastes kind of like a bubble gum soda. I'd get that again.I'll go back for more visits and update my review as needed. It's great to have more Puerto Rican food in the area. I'm seeing more food trucks pop up, but this one seems to have more of a variety. They are located on Pauls Drive near Brandon Oriental Market as of this writing. They have moved a couple of times so do check their Facebook page. I will go back to try the frappes and pastelillos."

Manjar Criollo

★★★★☆ 4 (8)

"New Restaurant in town!!! Come enjoy Puertorican food in a family friendly, clean and elevated restaurant. Great menu and friendly staff. Great for groups, options for indoor and outdoor seating."

El Azucarero Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.6 (9)

"Well worth the drive. Was recommended by a friend for the food. They have a full menu but we decided to order off the hot bar. Had Pork two different ways, rice and beans and plantains. The flavors were amazing the portions HUGE. The place is very clean. The staff is very friendly and patient (since I didn't speak Spanish) The Chef even came out front to explain the cooking process for us. Will definitely go back again."

Pa' Los Chinos Restaurant - Lakeland

★★★☆☆ 2.5 (17)

"Just went here for lunch today with a small group. Chicken & broccoli, Philly steak roll and plantains were all very good. A little bit salty but good none the less. Prices are a bit high, however the portion sizes were good. Will definitely return."

Vidal's Grill Tu Sabor Boricua

★★★★★ 4.5 (2)

"I only have tried this place once and only had a couple of menu items, but what I did have was pretty damn good. Alcapurria, pinchos, and tostones. Some of the best Puerto Rican food I've had since I moved to the Orlando area 5 years ago."