Arroz con pollo, bistec salteado, mofongo, yuca, tostones, cafe con leche… do I have your attention yet? As a Tampa native for over 15 years I’ve had my fair share of Latin cuisine. Tampa Bay has a rich and vibrant Latin culture that is mixed and intertwined throughout the Bay. It’s one of the many reasons that makes our area so unique. As a Yelp Elite restaurant reviewer, I’m excited to share my list of go to spots when I’m craving Latin cuisine.
La Teresita Restaurant
This restaurant serves up Cuban food from appetizers to desserts. If you enjoy seasoned chicken, yellow rice, black beans and tres leche for dessert than this is definitely the place to be. My husband and I have been dining at this restaurant since we were college students. It’s such an awesome feeling to dine there now with our kids in tow. Their Cuban bread and cafe con leche are legendary! I had the amazing opportunity to film a segment on location for Fox 13’s Bay Area’s Best. Watch the video to see all of the tasty food we tried. https://www.fox13news.com/video/633467
Moreno Bakery
Located in Brandon, FL (737 W Brandon Blvd) don’t be fooled by the name. They are much more than a bakery. Their bakery is definitely the draw. They have a tantalizing spread of assorted pastries, cookies and cakes to choose from. I can never leave there without getting a guava & cheese pastry and a chewy brownie cookie. Simply the best! They also serve an assortment of Latin entrée items but my favorite food item to get there is a Cuban sandwich. They really know how to make them! See their full site here www.morenobakery.com
Ku – ba (Modern Cuban Cuisine)
Located inside of Armature Works, a popular Tampa food hall, Kuba gives you all of the Cuban flare with a new age twist. I really like that their variety is pretty large for a small restaurant. Besides Cuban favorites like house made chicharrones and Cuban salchipapa, they offer breakfast sandwiches, kids meals and of course I can’t forget about their Sangria. Check out their full menu at www.kubacocina.com
Lima – Rotisserie Chicken and Peruvian Cuisine
New Tampa can’t miss out on all of the action when it comes to places to eat in the Tampa area. In recent years a lot of new and exciting businesses are headed north. The upside is folks living in the area get to experience new cuisine options. The downside is it comes at a higher price. It seems that there is definitely a location tax when it comes to restaurants in the area. I’ve only been once but the Lomo Saltado Lima I had was very good but a little on the high side regarding the cost. The dish came with tenderloin tips, sliced onions, tomatoes and cilantro served with white rice and French fries. See their full menu at www.limatampa.com
La Segunda Bakery
You can’t mention Latin cuisine and not mention this historic Tampa staple. Their Cuban bread is used at many local restaurants throughout the Bay. I’m not ashamed to admit that I stood in line outside during quarantine for almost an hour trying to snag a Cuban sandwich. I was successful at getting the sandwich and waiting in line was worth it. They have two locations; one in the Ybor City area and the second in South Tampa. Full menu options can be found here www.lasegundabakery.com
Columbia Restaurant – Historic Ybor City
When you come to the Columbia restaurant you come for the experience. The building, décor, food and special events make this such a wonderful place to come and immerse yourself into Latin history and culture. They have seven locations: Ybor City, Sarasota, Clearwater Beach, St. Augustine, Tampa Riverwalk, Celebration and Tampa International Airport. I highly recommend bringing your family to their Flamenco dinner shows. Check out their website for more info www.columbiarestaurant.com
Arco Iris Restaurant and Café
Located at 4001 N Habana Ave, in the heart of the Latin community in Tampa, it won’t be hard for you to see why this restaurant is a Tampa favorite. As I’m making my list I can see that I clearly prefer Cuban food since most of this list is made up of Cuban cuisine. Come out and experience authentic and delicious cuisine at Arco Iris and please let me know what you think.
Pollo Supremo – Town N Country
They don’t call themselves Chicken Supreme for nothing. When you dine at this restaurant you will instantly know that they know a thing or two about chicken. Marinated and seasoned to perfection and accompanied by all of your Latin favorites as sides. Give them a try and let them know that The Fun Foodie Mama sent you! See their full menu at www.pollosupremo.com
La Pequena Colombia Tampa
Fried whole fish, tostones and a colorful salad will get your taste buds asking for more at La Pequena Colombia. The menu has a large variety to choose from so you can bring the whole family and everyone will leave satisfied. There’s a bakery inside of the restaurant as well so don’t leave without getting your sweet tooth fix. Don’t be surprised if you’re serenaded by live music while dining. Just the right touch you need for your authentic Latin experience. See their full menu at www.lapequenacolombiatampa.com
Ric N Beans Restaurant
The diversity within the Latin community is a great reminder that within our own cultures we offer a range of similar but different things. Feast your eyes on the amazing menu choices for the Puerto Rican restaurant Rice N Beans. Their staple menu item that’s a must try is their mofongo. Sweet or green plantains seasoned and mashed to perfection with your choice of seasoned protein and vegetables. Simply amazing! Check out their full menu at www.ricenbeans.com
I hope you take the time to support these amazing restaurants and minority owned businesses. Feel free to subscribe to my blog and share this blog posts with your friends. Thank you so much for your support!
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