might be home to some of the in the United States, but Tampa competes to take the spot as the hottest Florida city for Cuban cuisine. From the north to the south and the east to the west, we wanted to scour the city of Tampa in search of the best Cuban cuisine.
The enchanting blend of Spanish, African, and cuisines melts together to form the base of what is Cuban cuisine. And, there’s nothing like biting into a tasty Cuban tamale, indulging in a Medianoche, or preparing to devour a mouthwatering grilled pork feast with your family.
Get ready to drool all over your screen. These restaurants serve dishes that are just too mouthwatering and delicious to pass up. Check out the seven best Cuban restaurants in Tampa for a delightful, tasty treat.
This family-run eatery specialises in serving a full menu of Cuban delights, ranging from tasty yucca appetisers and black bean soup on through to the famous Lechon Asado and delectable Ropa Vieja. While the latter is a favourite amongst the locals, we suggest heading here hungry to sample more than one thing on the menu. Take your tastebuds on a tour through Cuba and order one of everything. You won’t regret it.
This Tampa hotspot is famous for being the oldest restaurant in Florida and the oldest Spanish restaurant in the United States. So, it’s worth a visit just to enjoy the historic charm of Columbia Restaurant. However, their Cuban fusion menu showcases traditional classics with a bit of a Spanish flair. Yes, it might not be 100% authentic. But, everything from their mojitos to their mouthwatering Palomilla is oozing with flavours you’d find on the streets of Havana.
From Yelp to TripAdvisor and even straight from the mouths of locals, everybody thinks La Segunda Bakery and Cafe is one of the best Cuban restaurants in Tampa. It’s the slow-baked bread that seems to attract the large crowds, as it’s the tastiest bread you’ll find in all of Tampa. And, anything they make with their savoury bread tastes just as heavenly, too. This includes some of the best Cuban sandwiches in the city.
Despite the name, you can expect a whole lot more at The Stone Soup Company than just your average cup of soup. In addition to amazing soups and sandwiches, you can enjoy quality vegan and vegetarian food, which is something quite new in the Cuban food industry. However, it wouldn’t be a visit to this famous Tampa restaurant if you didn’t sample at least one of their delicious desserts. Truffle Sampler Platter anyone?
The Floridian is home to one of Tampa’s best Cuban sandwiches, amongst many other delightful, authentic dishes. The exterior of the restaurant is bright and vibrant, and the flavours that fill the plates are just as exhilarating. Their Cuban sandwich truly is a must when you visit. They mix together the finest ham, spiced pork, Genoa salami, imported Swiss cheese, dill pickle, mustard, and mayo. Then, they place it on fresh Cuban bread. Absolutely delicious.
The slogan here is “Everybody’s Cuban restaurant.” And, those are pretty much the kind of vibes you can expect upon setting foot inside of one of Tampa’s best Cuban restaurants. The place feels warm and inviting, almost familiar. You could start at the very top of their menu and order one of everything and still have delectable dishes leftover to try. Simply put, you’re going to want to head here hungry. Everything is delicious.
This Cuban sandwich shop is so famous that even Obama once visited just to get a taste. You can’t blame him, as their famous Honey Cuban sandwich is literally to die for. However, the variety of Cuban sandwiches on their menu is rivalled by their wonderful lunch and dinner menu. From Bistec de Palomilla to Picadillo and, of course, Ropa Vieja, you can enjoy all of your favourite traditional Cuban dishes here.
Elizabeth has lived and worked in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, all of which have contributed to her passion for travel writing. When she's not writing, you can find her exploring little hideouts in Colombia or watching photography tutorials on YouTube. Contact: [email protected]
