Tampa’s culinary identity is inseparable from its Cuban heritage. From the historic streets of Ybor City to the expanding neighborhoods of Westshore and Seminole Heights, the city is home to one of the most vibrant Cuban food scenes in the United States. Finding the best Cuban restaurants in Tampa means more than just grabbing a quick bite; it is about experiencing a tradition that has been simmering for over a century.
The foundation of this cuisine lies in the "Cuban sandwich," a pressed masterpiece of ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. However, true aficionados know that the heart of Tampa’s Cuban kitchens beats strongest in the "cantina" staples: ropa vieja, picadillo, black beans, and yellow rice. Whether you are a local or a visitor, navigating the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming.
Quality varies significantly between tourist traps and authentic family-run establishments. To help you cut through the noise, we have compiled a list of the 16 best Cuban restaurants in Tampa. This guide prioritizes flavor, authenticity, and the unique cultural atmosphere that makes each location special.
We have considered everything from the crust of the bread to the sweetness of the café con leche. These are the spots where locals line up during lunch hour and where recipes have been passed down through generations. Prepare to bring your appetite.
Below is our curated list of the top destinations that define Cuban cuisine in the Bay area.
La Teresita Restaurant
| Address | 3248 W Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33607 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (813) 879-9704 |
This Cuban-based restaurant is a must-visit if you’re nearby. It offers an authentic food experience with consistently delicious and promptly served dishes. The portions are generous, and the fresh smoothies are amazing. Prices are very reasonable. The service has been great during both of my visits. If you’re looking for an old-school restaurant with a long history and crave Cuban food, don’t hesitate to come here.
I’m deeply grateful to my friend for showing me this lovely place! That was my first time trying Cuban cuisine, and let me sincerely tell you that it’s the most delicious food I’ve tried in the US!
The food tastes homemade - simple, yet absolutely flavorful! After trying Cuban food, we started planning all our activities around being back at La Teresita by dinnertime - that’s how delicious the food was.
I ordered Carne con Papas - that’s my personal fave! My husband liked Picadillo, and my son enjoyed Bistec de Palomilla. For dessert, we completely fell for Flan de Queso. It’s finger-licking good!
I’m going to miss their authentic dishes and wonderful hospitality 🥰🥲
Hope to visit La Teresita again very soon!
Absolutely great Cuban food, adored and frequently visited by locals who know this is the best of the best. Very affordable prices, friendly customers and lovely staff! Big shout out to Lourdes who works there, she’s incredibly friendly and really kind. Would highly recommend this place if you’re in Tampa.
The food here is very good. Authentic cuban food. The food comes out quick and hot. Food is priced well. The servers are amazing and I would rate this place 5/5 for the amazing food and customer service !
The only thing that changes here year after year is the price. It keeps going up. But the food stays the same. Very delicious roast pork, red beans, rice and buttered Cuban bread. Service is always nice and quick. Some of the people have been here for years. I've been a customer for 25 years. Keep going back for more.
Box of Cubans
| Address | 17512 Dona Michelle Dr I, Tampa, FL 33647 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (813) 632-9021 |
Great experience seeing my old friend in New tampa. I remember when the owners used to make the best cubans out of a small gas station in brandon. Now they opened up a second location in New Tampa. Cuban sandwich was better then ever and paired with some croquetas and a colada makes me feel like I'm back in Miami.
Hey everybody, Cboss here trying Box of Cubans!
Please see my pics for this beautifully laid out little restaurant tucked away in New Tampa just off of I-75 on the East side of the Interstate and on the North side of Bruce-B-Downs Blvd.
If you get a chance to visit, please do. It will be worth your time and money.
The staff are very friendly and greet you right away. If you don't know exactly what you want, they will help with recommendations and explain anything you want on the menu(also in my pics).
There's plenty of seating and a wide variety of Cuban food, drinks, and desserts.
I got 2 - bacon egg and cheese and 1 - cuban empanada. The BEC ones were stuffed, but the Cuban one barely had anything in it. I think this was just a mistake and not deliberate so I won't knock there overall rating unless it becomes a trend. That Cuban empanada was still good, just didn't have much in it(see pic).
The star of the meal was the Cuban sandwich. It is a Miami style Cuban and not Ybor City if that helps with your choice. I had mine pressed and it was toasty and phenomenal! Perfectly seasoned pork, and it was not overly salty which some other shops do.
I highly recommend Box of Cubans and will make this a regular stop of mine when I am in the mood for some excellent Cuban food.
Please come and enjoy with me. You won't be sorry!
Perfect Spot for a Family Lunch!
I had a fantastic experience at The Box of Cubans today. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the service was top-notch. It’s not always easy finding a spot that feels right when you’re out with a little one, but both my baby and I had a great time.
The food was authentic and delicious, but the coffee is easily the best in the city. It’s the perfect pick-me-up and exactly what you want from a local spot. It’s clear they care about their customers and the quality of everything they serve. We will definitely be back!
Have to say this place was delicious!!! I can’t wait to go back. We had a pan con bistec and a Cuban and they were both amazing. The steak was so tender. If you’re in the area or thinking twice don’t. Stop by you’ll love it. The empanadas were ok, I wasn’t really crazy about them though they looked good, where meaty which was nice but I couldn’t put my fingers on it. I love empanadas, I order them every where I go.
The Pan Con Bistec Sandwich was one of the best sandwiches I've EVER had!
Looking at their prices, I thought it was a bit pricey but once I got the sandwich, the quality and quantity justify the price. It was worth every penny! Also, Friendly staff, quick service, and very clean. I went back the next day to try their Cuban sandwich which was also delicious. Can't wait to go back to try their Chopped Cheeseburger.
Coco's at 40th St. Restaurant
| Address | 3206 N 40th St, Tampa, FL 33605 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:45 AM – 2:00 PM Tuesday: 5:45 AM – 2:00 PM Wednesday: 5:45 AM – 2:00 PM Thursday: 5:45 AM – 2:00 PM Friday: 5:45 AM – 2:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (813) 626-7848 |
On our way back from Macdill yesterday we stopped at Coco’s at 40th Street Restaurant and I have to say every single item we ordered was on point!! 🔥 🔥 Some of the best empanadas I’ve had a in a long time! (And we went to the tampa empanada festival) Cocos beats every empanadas at the festival hands down!! The breakfast burritos, the pancakes, the Cuban, the cookies, the hot plates like picadillo plate, and the pernil plate. That yuca was 🔥 Literally tried some of everything and I’m telling you I’d drive that far to get more food we live over an hour away!! It was worth every single penny. And not to mention it was very affordable and the staff was so kind and attentive to every customer even tho they were very busy. I can’t say better things about this restaurant not a single complaint!
This was a hidden gem! Everything was so yummy and we struck gold with this mom and pop shop. The food was fresh, yummy and the workers were the sweetest! If you are looking for a breakfast place look no further 🙂
First time there. I have been driving past your store (and food truck for almost 3 years now) and OMG!!! The flavor! The price! Everything was delicious.
From the moment I walked in the door I could tell I made a great decision to try this place out. I was greeted with a huge smile from a very polite man at the counter. You are able to see a large variety of items from here which all looked 😋 delicious. I decided to try the beef empanada & stuffed potato. I am very picky about my empanada and was pleasantly surprised by the juicy flavors inside the flaky crust. There was a small amount of creamy cheese inside that was very tasty! The Stuffed potato was filled with delicious ground beef. Everything was VERY good & I will be back again for sure!!!
Wow wow wow!!!! What a great find! I was in town for work and the local team brought us here for lunch. Great customer service and even better food. I travel for a living and eat out twice a day. Ive been in the restaurant business 25 years. Best ive had in a while. Ordered more food to take home and the owner is a Legend! I cant wait to come back! Thank you for everything!
Columbia Restaurant
| Address | 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (813) 248-4961 |
What an incredible dining experience at the Columbia Restaurant in Tampa! We came over from Bradenton for dinner with my children, and from the moment we sat down, our waiter Alfredo made the entire evening exceptional.
Alfredo’s service was absolutely outstanding. He was warm, attentive, knowledgeable, and had a fantastic personality that made us feel right at home. He took the time to recommend some amazing menu items, checked on us throughout the meal, and genuinely made our dining experience memorable.
The food was delicious, the atmosphere was beautiful, and Alfredo’s genuine hospitality truly set this visit apart. It’s rare to find someone who clearly loves what they do and goes above and beyond for their guests.
Thank you, Alfredo, for making our family dinner so special. We will definitely be back the next time we’re in Tampa, and we’ll be hoping to sit in your section again!
Highly recommend!
Absolutely fantastic! That's what this place is. First, the show. The flamenco dancing is incredible. The dancers are so talented and it is such a treat to be able to see this part of the culture of Ybor City. The costumes were gorgeous, and the music was so enjoyable. Please treat yourself to this show. Make a reservation and book your table so you can see the show as well as enjoy the food.
The bread is perfectly crunchy on the outside while being soft and pillowy on the inside. The Caesar salad and black bean soup are both delicious. I love black bean soup when it's done well and they know how to do it well. I had the Picadillo and I have got to figure out how to make that at home! I loved the combination of the spices with the sweetness of the raisins and the bitter saltiness of the olives. My son loved the stuffed shrimp and my husband said the paella was very good. I can't remember the name of my dessert, but it's basically like creme brulee. It was really good. It had a thicker texture than creme brulee and also had a slight hint of orange. The best part of the dinner, however, was the bread pudding that my son ordered. I will start by saying that I HATE bread pudding. I have tasted several over the years and have always thought them to be gross. I have no idea how they make this one, but it is heavenly. The texture is soft and creamy (not chunky like a bunch of soggy croutons molded together or jiggly and wobbly like cheap jell-o) and the chocolate on it makes it so rich. Then the rum sauce brings it all together to a level of heavenly deliciousness that, well, got this bread pudding hater to eat almost half of it. If you go to The Columbia, order the bread pudding.
Absolutely love this restaurant. If you never been you got to check it out. My wife and I took my sister-in-law out for her birthday and we had a blast. Our server Maria provided top-notch quality service and even took us on a cool tour. The manager Garrett took us down to the wine cellar for the total experience. And the best part the entire kitchen staff saying happy birthday to my sister-in-law. If you want VIP service and great food, go check out the original Columbia in Ybor City
Known as the oldest restaurant in Florida, Columbia has been around for more than 120 years. The restaurant has tons of seating, but it still gets pretty busy, so I’d do reservations if possible. For lunch, I got the half and half with the Cuban and 1905 salad. The Cuban was good, but I think I liked the salad even more. The croquetas de jamón were also pretty tasty.
This was my first time visiting and it was amazing the staff was very polite and helpful!
The restaurant is absolutely beautiful I could easily spend an hour just walking around the restaurant it's that cool it's got so much history in the building being over 120 years old the and if you're a Don Quixote fan there are tons of little pictures and tile mosaics throughout the restaurant!
I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I can't wait to go back
Pipo's Restaurant
| Address | 7233 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33634 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (813) 882-0184 |
Ever since my husband introduced me to this Cuban cafeteria-style gem, it’s been a non-negotiable stop every time we are in Tampa, Florida. We make sure to hit Pipos at least once before we heading back to Washington. The food may look simple, but the flavors are bold, comfort Cuban food and satisfied. Also with their prices like these nowadays? Absolute steal.
We ordered soup, tamale, and a Cuban. The Cuban was supper cold in center an just did not hold up to the taste…. Soup was barley warm a the tamale just not good.
I’ve been going here for Cuban food ever since I was a kid and would ride my bike there! The food is always delicious, the portions are generous, the staff is always friendly, and the prices are very economical. There is a reason why Pipo’s has been around for so many years!
When you hear someone say never judge a book by its cover this is what I mean. It may not look like much on the outside, but the food is always flavorful, filling, and reasonably priced. There are humans are actually pretty good, but their pork chunks are to die for
ordered delivery and the food was dam good. i’m not local to the tampa area but i plan to eat here again before i leave
La Segunda Bakery and Cafe
| Address | 2512 N 15th St, Tampa, FL 33605 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | (813) 248-1531 |
If you are ever in Tampa, FL, don’t leave without checking this wonderful bakery/cafe out! My husband and I ordered online and picked up our sandwiches and a couple of pastries before our tour of the last cigar factory still operating in Cigar City (Tampa, FL), located nearby. Both the Cuban sandwich and the 1915 Club sandwich are amazing and loaded with meat, cheese and all the trimmings. I couldn’t resist trying one of their gingerbread men, which was also fantastic. I wish they were open later than 3 PM because I definitely would’ve gone back after our tour to try another one of their other delicious sandwiches, and pick up a loaf of their authentic Cuban bread and a few more of their bakery items to take home. Exceptional customer service and food! No wonder they’ve been in business since 1915.
If you’re visiting Ybor City, do yourself a favor and stop by La Segunda Bakery and Cafe. This historic bakery has been serving the Tampa community since 1915, and it’s easy to see why it’s still a local favorite over a century later. (La Segunda Bakery)
Everything we tried was incredible! The sandwiches are huge, loaded with flavor, and made on their famous fresh Cuban bread. The empanadas were perfectly seasoned and packed with delicious fillings. And don’t even get me started on the pastries, they’re fresh, flaky, and absolutely amazing.
The best part? The prices are incredibly reasonable, especially for the quality and generous portions you receive. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast, lunch, or just satisfying a sweet tooth, La Segunda is a must-visit. We’ll definitely be back!
La Segunda Bakery & Café: Tampa Tradition Between Two Perfect Slices of Bread
Some restaurants serve a good Cuban sandwich. La Segunda Bakery & Café serves one that reminds you why Tampa takes the Cuban sandwich so seriously in the first place.
The star of the experience is unquestionably the Cuban bread. Fresh, light, slightly crisp on the outside, and soft enough inside to soak up all those wonderful flavors, it does exactly what great sandwich bread should do: holds everything together without getting in the way. And with a proper Cuban, that's no small assignment.
The Cuban sandwich is outstanding. The combination of meats, cheese, pickles, mustard, and that legendary bread comes together beautifully once pressed. It's savory, tangy, warm, crispy, and wonderfully satisfying. Every ingredient gets its moment, but nothing overwhelms the sandwich. This is the kind of Cuban that makes conversation stop for a few seconds after the first bite.
And there's real history behind that bread. La Segunda has been part of Tampa's story for more than a century, with roots stretching back to Ybor City's historic Cuban community. Generations of Tampa residents have grown up with this style of bread and these flavors, and there's something special about enjoying a sandwich connected to the city's immigrant history and food culture.
The staff adds another layer to the experience. From the warm smiles when you arrive to the attentive service throughout your visit, there's a genuine sense of hospitality here. They make you feel welcomed rather than simply processed through a lunch line. In a busy bakery and café, maintaining that personal touch says a lot about the people working there.
Of course, visiting La Segunda presents one serious problem: you walk in planning to order a Cuban and somehow find yourself staring at pastries and fresh bread wondering how much food can reasonably fit in your car.
The answer is apparently "more."
La Segunda Bakery & Café isn't simply somewhere to grab lunch. It's a delicious piece of Tampa history that continues to prove why the city's Cuban food traditions deserve celebrating.
Come for the history. Stay for the hospitality.
But whatever you do, get the Cuban.
A while back while visiting Tampa, I had two foodie goals. One of them is to acquire Cuban pastries from the 1915 La Segunda Bakery. They have four locations, and we went to the one in the Ybor City Historic District. La Segunda is an institution for Cuban bread and pastries, baking 18K loaves daily and ships nationwide via Goldbelly.
Our niece’s BF is Cuban, and he said buy anything with guava. In the box (see photo), we bought two each of guava flip (kind of a folded tart or empanada), guava turnover, and guava flip with cream cheese. All of them are delicious! I like the flaky guava turnovers the most even though they didn’t survive the transportation across the country in my backpack as well as some of the others. Even though slightly crumbly, still yummy! I also bought butter cookies, sold by the pound. Those are relatively ordinary; I’ll skip those in the future. Next time, we are carrying Cuban sandwiches home! I really wish I carried them home. I was having Cuban sandwich withdrawal.
This location is older but functional; there isn't seating inside. Their customers know what they want, and everything moves FAST. If it’s your visit (like it was for us), I suggest looking at the menu online to know what to order. The service is friendly, even though I can tell he was a bit exasperated that I didn’t just yell out my order and I asked questions. I honestly don’t fault him. Busy places have their own pace, and the customers are the ones to keep up. That’s perfectly ok.
The secret to any business is customer service. It was my first time in the area. Everyone in the front counter was polite and courteous. I got a Cuban bread, stuffed potatoes, guava pastry and coconut pastry.
Just amazingly fresh and delicious .
Soul de Cuba Cafe
| Address | 6428 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (813) 367-2225 |
We absolutely love this spot. We’ve been here about 6 times now and every time has been consistent. We always have to order the Virgin Mojito. It’s perfectly sweet and has an amazing zesty taste to it. Food portions are very sizable. We love getting the Ropa Vieja, Cuban Sandwich, empanadas, and other delicious staples. And without fail, their strawberry tres leches will be ordered every time we visit!!! It’s so rich, soft, and perfect. The atmosphere is also very dope. The Afro-Cuban history just screams when you walk in, wanting to be told. Jesus, the owner, is an amazing storyteller, and we love when he stops by the table to chat. This is definitely a Seminole Heights gem.
Came here for dinner while we were in the area for the day and oh my, the food was absolutely delicious! We got empanadas, croquetas, Ropa Vieja and moro. Everything was spectacular, truly tasted homemade! Highly recommend.
Hard finding great Cubans, but that's not the only thing great, the cafe con leche, deviled crab, empanada, ceviche and chicharrón!! Everything was extremely delicious and I don't rave much about places to and their food but this place was on point!! Atmosphere is so nice and inviting also and the staff are amazing and friendly!
I have nothing but amazing things to say about this place. The food was some of the best Cuban food I’ve had in a long time, and I loved getting to learn more about the history behind it. The owner, Jesus, was incredibly passionate and generous in sharing the stories of the food and Cuban culture.
We ordered the lechón asado, devil crab, Cubano sandwich, and medianoche—all were fantastic. But Jesus wouldn’t let us leave without trying the empanada de guayaba, and it may have been the best thing we had all night. An absolute must-visit.
Just Incredible. Jesus the owner was a pure delight to talk with about Cuban history, Ybor city and most importantly his ancestral knowledge. I wish I had more time to sit and enjoy his knowledge and life's experiences but this is truly a conversation I will take with gratitude and love.
Now onto the Cuban Sandwich. I have tried many in the Tampa area, and normally they just get better and better but this here Cuban Sandwhich was the Mona Lisa of them all.
Pure mouth watering goodness for every bite, the softness of the fresh baked and delivered daily bread, to the fresh roasted pork to the ham, cheese and pickles. I do believe that God willed me here so that I have finally ended my search for the ultimate goodness of this historical sandwhich.
What I truly found most interesting is in my conversations with Jesus, the original Cuban Sandwiches were not pressed, but just made with that special bread. I was informed that without the pressing the flavors would be more abundant and the different nuances of all the flavors come alive. Jesus was absolutely correct, without that cruncy of a flat pressed sandwhich, this was easier to absorb and taste everything. Just Incredible.
I also had a Cuban coffee and the Gauva and cheese empanada. Coffee was excellent and made with just the right amount of milk and sugar. The empanada was fluffy yet crispy. It had a perfect mixture of guava and cheese and came with a dipping sauce that I cant pinpoint, but tasted excellent together.
I wish as always I had more time to enjoy the photos and brilliant colors of the interior but I can only imagine sitting here for dinner and truly enjoying fantastic food listening to music.
Thank you Jesus for taking the time to tell me some fascinating history of Cuba and sharing about your family as well. God bless you!
Liborios Latin Cafe & Catering
| Address | 8210 Causeway Blvd, Tampa, FL 33619 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (406) 643-7909 |
Purchase Spanish ground beef, salty as hell, it had so much oil, it was ridiculous. The devil crab was cold and disgusting as well. The only good thing out of all the food I purchase was the Cuban bread with butter. I will never return, I will continue to go to Palm River cafe for my Spanish food from now on. Good thing I didn’t get the empanadas. Only ate the rice and beans barely
My husband comes in every Sunday morning around 8:30am to get my cheese toast with American cheese and mayo and his breakfast. Usually it’s great. This morning he went In there ordered the same thing as always and they gave him toast with butter only. He took it back and they argued with him about how much he paid. We pay between $16-20 each week. This week was $18. They re-made my cheese toast with Swiss cheese and didn’t even toast it. I don’t know if they were upset because they had to remake it but I feel like if someone comes in 2-3 times a week and every Sunday no matter what that the least they could do is get a cheese toast correct.
Customer Service is absolutely terrible. and felt rushed Over priced and very cheap with the portions. The food is t that great. I like the fresh market much better than this place. At fresh market they hook you up with more food for cheaper and it taste better . .
Liborio’s Latin Cafe did an amazing job with our catering! The pork, moro rice, and empanadas were all delicious and everyone enjoyed the food. Great portions, great flavor, and excellent service. Highly recommend!
Wanted to try this place and finally got to stop by. Steak sandwich was fantastic, the Cuban bread is so good. Loved the plantains and ham croquettes. Everything was so good
HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor
| Address | 3434 W Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33607 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (813) 444-2005 |
What can I say, food amazing, service super sweet and place super clean and pretty. The tamal was huge and delicious. We got the huge cuban sampler and wow that is a lot of tasty food. The bistec a la palomilla was huge and super flavorful. Black beans were perfect in everyday. The churasco was also very well cooked and full of amazing flavors. My wife and I came down for just the weekend from Philly and had some pretty bad cuban food until this place. They saved the day on our last day in town. Being Cuban myself, we don't have this food up north so I try to take advantage when we come down. This is a must go if you're in Tampa area.
Excellence!!!
The food, service, setting.
The wait staff is very professional and attentive.
The food is superb.
Everything is fresh.
Perfectly cooked, great presentation.
I was in the Bay area for 8 days and ended up eating here 9 times.
I was treated like royalty.
I highly recommend this restaurant.
Good fast food, price reasonable. Excellent service. The large appetizer was huge, couldn’t finish it, wanted to leave room for the main course.
The waitress are very friendly and polite, they are attentive.
The juices are fresh and on point.
The food is well prepared and plentiful. The preparation is great well seasoned and low on salt, allowing the flavors to shine. The food feels fresh and home made. At the moment of this review, I have been there twice and I have tried a few appetizers and main courses.
My 3 star rating is based primarily on cost...a bowl of crema de málanga was $11! I had with that moro rice and ropa vieja....with tip this meal was $40 for 1 person!....and I didn't even order any drinks or dessert.....this is ridiculous, what is going on with these restaurants? Food was pretty good but there's NO WAY it was worth $40.
Flan Factory - Armature Works
| Address | 1910 N Ola Ave Ste 16, Tampa, FL 33602 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (813) 725-2527 |
Soooo good, loved the food so much!! So much flavor and the tres leches is soooo good. Despite it being very packed with an event going on, there was still plenty of available seating + it was very maintained and kept clean. One of my new favorite food dining hall spots!
Flan Factory at Armature Works is one of those spots that instantly pulls you in with its warmth and flavor. The team behind the counter is friendly, quick, and genuinely welcoming — you feel taken care of from the moment you step up to order.
Their flan is the star, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. Smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced, it’s the kind of dessert that makes you stop for a second and appreciate how good something simple can be. The variety is fun too — whether you go classic or try one of their specialty flavors, everything tastes fresh and thoughtfully made.
Being inside Armature Works adds to the experience. It’s lively, clean, and full of energy, and Flan Factory fits right in. It’s a great stop whether you’re grabbing dessert after a meal or just walking the hall looking for something sweet.
Overall, Flan Factory delivers excellent service, delicious flan, and a welcoming vibe. A must‑try if you’re at Armature Works.
The Flan Factory did not disappoint! We had the Cuban sandwich and the mojo pork sandwich, and they were absolutely delicious. The portions are so generous that we had enough to take half of each sandwich home.
The staff was wonderful, the ladies at the counter were super friendly and made us feel right at home. Also, do yourself a favor and order the horchata iced coffee… it was incredible! Great food, great service, and great value. We’ll definitely be back!
Just when you think they can't get any better they added new specials to the menu and SANGRIA!!!! If you haven't tried it, you're missing out!
More Flan Factory is always a good thing! We visited on a busy Saturday afternoon and they still got us our food and drinks quickly and they were super helpful when we had leftovers! The Havana Frita and Cuban sandwich are delicious.
La Bamba Restaurant | Cuban Cuisine
| Address | 4815 W Laurel St, Tampa, FL 33607 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (813) 287-2575 |
I got the roasted pork which was juicy and salty (in a good way!). Plantains were sweet and cooked well. A great size portion
I’m from FL though I’ve been in Chicago for 12 years. My Dad brought us to this place right from the airport.
It was everything I didn’t know I needed. I didn’t know a place like this existed in FL. Authentic, flavors entirely on point. It reminds me of a friends house where their mother would serve up the most amazing dishes/comfort food.
Comes right from the heart. You will not regret it! Can’t wait to come back!
We stopped here for breakfast while visiting the area.
The restaurant was easy to find as it was near our hotel. They also had plenty of parking.
We ordered the Breakfast special which was quickly served. The meal was nice and hot and perfectly cooked. This is the first time I've ever received perfectly cooked over medium eggs! They were delicious and cooked to perfection.
The bacon and bread was also delicious. The portions were very large for the price. Everything were very reasonably priced, great value for the portions.
So much food! The portions are huge, definitely enough for 2 meals in one. I got the shredded pork and yellow rice. I usually don't like shredded pork but it was so juicy and flavorful and went really well with the rice. My coworker got the black beans and rice and gave me her extra and that was just as good!
The flan was also better than expected. There was 3 of us and it came to about $50 after tax. Not bad for the portion size.
My friend invited me to La Bamba for lunch
I chose to have a Cubano sandwich and a drink
He enjoyed the buffet choosing one baked chicken breast and two sides(plantains & brown rice with pigeon peas)
The food was authentic and delicious
Prices were very reasonable
There is an espresso machine for Cuban coffees, and Flan for dessert
There is a Breakfast menu available for that time period.
Flan Factory - Ybor
| Address | 1718 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33602 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (813) 402-2400 |
Service was awesome. Not sure if they have a location in new york but if not, I need them to open one!. The coquito flan! The media noche sandwich (midnight special)! And the timbas with that sweet guava sauce, all very good!. Washed it down with passion fruit agua fresca. If I come back to tampa, I will return!.
10 of 10 stars for the FLAN! This place earns its name! With over 250 varieties of flan offered, the wall menu lists between 15 to 20 daily flavors. The rum-infused flan (Flan De Leche) was EXCELLENT~ just delicious! (SEE PIC) The Coconut Shrimp Po Boy (SEE PIC) was very good & enough for two meals. The side of rice & black beans was average in flavor. Lots of drink choices, as well as entrees & appetizers. (Every food item we spotted on diners' tables looked WONDERFUL.) Definitely a quality establishment for Latin food. Parking appeared limited. There is a second, but smaller, Flan Factory location in Tampa. Will we return? OF COURSE!
This place rocks. First time, but will not be our last. They have a very efficient ordering system and the order was fairly fast and accurate. Very friendly staff.
We tried the Cubans, Midnight Special, Plantain Chips, Flan, and Tres Leche. Wow!!! There is a reason they average 4.9 stars!
If you are in Ybor City, check it out.
Loved getting to finally visit here! I tried out the horchata iced coffee, la Havana frita sandwich, and Olga's classic flan! Everything was made in a timely manner. Food was fresh and delicious. Price was good for what I got. Enjoyed the dining area. Definitely worth a visit!
Wow. Bring friends so that you can order sample and share more. Serious. We visited for breakfast and powered through a breakfast bowl with crispy plantains and first runner up, breakfast Cuban sandwich. So good! As if that were not enough, we had to try a flan. Next level flan. Coconut? Mango? Guava? When did these flavors happen?! We joined for rewards points and will be back for more. Yum!
Arco Iris Cafe
| Address | 4001 N Habana Ave, Tampa, FL 33607 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (813) 872-8306 |
I have visited alot throughout the years. This time they might have had a off day. Place was not filled up but tables were not clean. Soup was cold 🥶 not even warm. Bread was burnt . Stew cold they had a microwave everything. And the man that works here as a waiter, he is very grumpy
I have to echo some of the other reviews. This is not the same level of food or service as the old location. Our waitress was downright rude. I 100% believe in leaving a 20% or more tip, which we still did. But I also believe that service is much more than just getting the food on the table. You need to look at people, smile, treat them like they BELONG.Tampa is my hometown and this experience made me sad.
My aunt said her sandwich was lacking in any flavor. My ropa vieja was ok. The service was quick and the place was clean. Atmosphere is alright , except for the large fluorescent lights which are way too bright.
Service is great. The waitress was very attentive. Prices were affordable but the food is just okay.
Skip the Cuban sandwich, it's the least good among all the Cuban sandwiches I tried in Florida.
The empanada is also not good.
The steak with fries is okay, not really something I would crave.
For the prices, it's worth the visit. Especially if you just want a fast and casual dining experience.
I have eaten at ARCO iRIS for years, but it blows my mind that they let this slip. I picked up takeout on 3/21/2026 at 5:50 PM, and despite my explicit allergy to shellfish, shrimp was included in my meal with no warning. Luckily, I had my epi-pen readily available, because this could have been life-threatening.
I do recommend this place, but anyone with allergies should be extremely cautious and double-check how their food is prepared. Restaurants have a responsibility to ensure customer safety, especially regarding common allergens. This level of negligence was very concerning.
The best Cuban food in Tampa. It’s a clean and wonderful restaurant with tasty dishes and great service. After enjoying bistec Palomilla after the Bucs’ game on Sunday, we came back for a delicious desayuno Friday morning.
Columbia Cafe at the Tampa Bay History Center
| Address | 801 Water St #1905, Tampa, FL 33602 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (813) 229-5511 |
My visit here was truly exceptional! Every aspect, from the meal quality to the overall ambiance, was outstanding. The space is decorated with such refined, authentic style, providing a lovely setting for a great dining experience. The 1905 salad was a standout dish, and the bread pudding served as a delightful finale to the meal. Furthermore, the service was superb. I cannot recommend this place enough to anyone spending time at the Tampa Riverwalk!
I’ve always gone to the original location in Ybor. I love this smaller version of the restaurant. I got the Spanish garbanzo bean soup with 1/2 of the famous 1905 🥗 salad. The soup had the right amount of seasoning. They don’t use Sazón as some of the other Cuban cafes use. The Columbia prepares the soup the way it’s prepared in Spain which was perfect and what I prefer. We sat inside as it was a bit humid outside but the outside bar seating looked fun. Oh, and Ali was our server and he was excellent and attentive.
Stopped by for lunch on a Thursday afternoon. We were seated right away. Chris did a wonderful job serving us. I heard deviled crab was a Tampa staple so had to try those. They were packed with crab meat and flavor. The Cuban sandwich had an excellent ratio of bread to fillings. I requested no chips since I ordered the appetizer. The pitcher of mojitos made table side were refreshing. The location makes it easy to people watch. Highly recommend.
Heidi was an incredible server. It was our first time there and she gave us the history of the restaurant and hearing the story made set the tone for the entire experience. The food was absolutely amazing. We will definitely be back!
Very tasty traditional Colombian food .
We stop by with kids for a dinner and left very satisfied.
Servise - on point . Very well trained staff.
Food - very tasty . We had Colombian sandwich and some appetizers. Sandwich is on the bigger side - so don’t order a lot or you can split it .
Their break is delicious - try it with olive oil - 10 stars ……
Even bottled water is different - good different .
Thank you
Maikel's Kitchen
| Address | 3864 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33614 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (813) 831-1600 |
The portions are really good! Everything had good flavor. I will be back to try different items. They have a great selections of juices and smoothies.
Thank heaven our Uber driver recommended this place while he was dropping us off at the nearby LaQuinta. We ordered mixed plates, chicharron, a cuban sandwich, and mango & guava juices. All spectacular. So good, in fact that we came back the next day for more. 5 stars.
Really enjoyed the food here. The empanadas and rice plates were especially good. Service was fast and efficient. Giving 4 stars because the menu can be a bit overwhelming for first timers.
Everything looks delicious. Today I got the bacon egg end cheese sandwich with had 1 issue which I will not put in my review. I will go back and try lunch. It all looks very tasty. The cakes are beautiful.
I purchased this pork meal less than three days before taking this photo. It was kept refrigerated for approximately two and a half days. When I opened the container, the food had the extensive blue-green/green mold growth shown in the photo. None of the other food stored in my refrigerator showed similar spoilage. I cannot say exactly what occurred before I purchased the food, and I don't want to make an accusation that I cannot prove. However, visible mold can develop more rapidly when food has already been contaminated with mold spores, has been stored for an extended period before sale, has not been consistently maintained at proper refrigeration temperatures, or has experienced improper cooling or temperature fluctuations. Cross-contamination during preparation, handling, or storage is another possible factor. Repeated warming and cooling could contribute to conditions that allow microorganisms to grow, but the photograph alone cannot establish whether that happened. What I can state as fact is that I purchased this meal less than three days earlier, refrigerated it for approximately two and a half days, and this was its condition when I opened it. Considering the short amount of time I had the food and the extent of the visible mold, I am very concerned about how fresh the food was and how it was handled and stored before it was sold to me.
It was so so so bad and smells so bad. As soon as I figure out how I will post a photo. I will be reporting this.
El Cubano
| Address | 7829 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33614 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (813) 516-3760 |
Everyone says it's the best Cuban.. I have to disagree. Mediocre, fatty pork that doesn't have much flavor. It's decent if you're hungry. Service could be friendlier but I didn't come for that. Bakery next door 🔥, check them out too.
The food is great period. The service is probably the worst I’ve seen. Repeatedly, as I’ve been there and keep coming back because of the minuta sandwich, but every time I go I tell myself it’s the last time because of the trash service. If you hate your job as much as the lady with the hairy arms do, you should definitely look for something else to do for work where it doesn’t involve customer service. When the owner is there, which btw is great to deal with, it’s usually a lot nicer. In a nutshell, great food, trash service.
Minutas de Pescado was probably the best fish sandwich I've ever had. Out of this world in terms of flavor, freshness, and preparation. Mango smoothie to finish the meal was perfection.
You won't regret it.I took my wife here after work I got their Midnight sandwich version of a Cuban and a banana milkshake She got the Pork Tamale meal. Everything was amazing thank you!!!
This is my new favorite Cuban sandwich in the state of Florida. Simply exceptional!
Tips for Choosing the Best Cuban Dining Experience
Finding a great meal goes beyond simply looking at a menu. To truly appreciate the depth of Tampa’s Cuban culinary scene, you should know what separates a good meal from a legendary one. Here are some essential tips to enhance your dining experience and help you order like a local.
Look for the Press
A definitive test of a great Cuban restaurant is the quality of their pressed sandwich. The bread should be crispy on the outside but soft enough inside to meld with the cheese and pork. If the bread is soggy or the sandwich isn’t flattened properly, it suggests a lack of attention to detail in the kitchen.
Don’t Skip the Daily Specials
While menus are important, the true soul of Cuban cuisine is often found on a chalkboard or a verbal list of daily specials. Dishes like oxtail (rabo encendido) or roasted pork shoulder (masitas de puerco) are often only available on specific days and offer a deeper dive into home-style cooking.
Assess the Beans
Black beans are the soul of the meal. They should be thick, savory, and well-seasoned, never watery or bland. A restaurant that takes pride in its beans usually takes pride in everything else it serves.
Try the Café con Leche
A Cuban meal is not complete without the coffee. The café con leche should be strong, sweet, and served piping hot. It is the perfect way to finish a heavy meal and is a strong indicator of the restaurant’s adherence to tradition.
Consider the Time of Day
The atmosphere of a Cuban restaurant changes with the clock. Go early in the morning for fresh pastelitos and a quiet coffee, or visit late at night when the energy is high and the community gathers. The experience is often just as important as the food.
The Cuban restaurants in Tampa are more than just places to eat; they are cultural landmarks that tell the story of the immigrants who built this city. From the historic brick streets of Ybor to the modern dining rooms popping up across the county, these establishments continue to preserve a rich heritage. Whether you are craving a simple medianoche or a full platter of lechon asado, the options on this list represent the absolute best the city has to offer. Pull up a chair, order a colada, and enjoy a taste of Tampa’s history.
