<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Cuban food: savory, flavorful, and never skimping on delicious! With Tampa’s rich Cuban history, it’s no surprise there is a surplus of incredible Cuban restaurants. Cuban eateries in Tampa range from counter-service quick bites all the way to white tablecloth sit down dinners.
Whether you’re in the mood for something quick or something classy, the Tampa area has it all. Check out our top ten Cuban restaurants in Tampa Bay.
Looking for a taste of Tampa’s Cuban history? Hit Cobblestone Streets for Date Night in Ybor City.
Cuban Restaurants In Tampa Bay
1. COLUMBIA RESTAURANT
Ybor: 2117 E. 7th Ave., Tampa
Tampa Riverwalk: 801 Water St., Tampa (Tampa History Center)
Clearwater: 1241 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater
Tampa International Airport: Concourse E., 4160 George J. Bean Pkwy., Tampa
Okay, so if you’re relatively familiar with the Tampa area, it should come as no surprise that the Columbia is listed first. A local staple, the Columbia has been owned and operated for 110 years by 5 generations. With multiple locations and an incredibly rich history in and of itself, the Columbia is the spot for quintessential Cuban eats.
2. CARMINE’S RESTAURANT YBOR
1802 E. 7th Ave., Tampa
Carmine’s is another quintessential Cuban restaurant. For over 35 years, Carmine’s has provided its patrons with Italian, Cuban, and Spanish flavors, all three reflective of Tampa’s history. At Carmine’s, you can get a bite out of everything with Cuban options such as Cuban Roast Pork, Cuban sandwiches, and more! Take a trip down 7th Avenue and make a pit stop at Carmine’s!
3. La Teresita
3248 W. Columbus Dr., Tampa
What started as a family-run Cuban grocery store has now turned into a Tampa staple. La Teresita serves up some of the best Cuban food in the Bay area. It serves up Cuban steaks, chicken, seafood, salads, and more. They also have a bakery and a banquet hall for hosting events.
4. La Segunda Central Bakery
2512 N. 15th St., Tampa
La Segunda serves up some of the best Cuban sandwiches around. The establishment has been around since 1915 and provides fresh baked breads, pastries, breakfast items, deviled crabs, salads, and more. It’s the perfect casual spot to stop in for lunch or to grab a pastelito and cup of authentic Cuban coffee.
5. Cuban Foodies
13855 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa
Cuban Foodies is a casual spot with authentic, homemade Cuban cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have lunch specials on Cuban Bowls Monday-Friday from 11 am-3 pm and happy hour with 2 for $9 cocktails from 3 pm-6 pm.
6. MANDY’S TO GO
4025 W. Waters Ave., Tampa
Mandy’s is one of the quick-stop options that’s been in the Bay area for nearly 30 years. Located on Waters Avenue, Mandy’s serves up delicious Cuban food that won’t break the bank. Come in for a Cuban sandwich, yellow rice, black beans, tostones, and more! See you at Mandy’s!
7. Bodega Latin Market Food
1180 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
With locations in both Seminole Heights and St. Pete, Bodega is a great quick-stop Latin spot with a flare! According to their spot, Bodega was inspired by the Latin American islands with a commitment to freshness. Best known for their Cuban sandwich, Bodega is a must-stop spot for your Cuban cravings.
8. The Floridian
4534 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
The Floridian’s claim to fame is its Cuban sandwich! They’ve been awarded “Finest Cuban Sandwich on the Plant”, “Best of the Best 2019”, 3 Time Winner of the Latin Times Best Authentic Cuban Sandwich Competition, AND they’ve been inducted into the Cuban Sandwich Hall of Fame…convinced yet?
9. Brocato’s Sandwich Shop
5021 E. Columbia Dr., Tampa
Since 1948, Brocato’s has been a fan favorite for Cuban food in Tampa Bay. This simple spot offers a variety of Cuban staples such as Deviled Crabs, Stuffed Potatoes, and a selection of Cuban Sandwiches.
10. Hemingway’s
1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa
Last on our list is Hemingway’s. Located inside Heights Public Market at Armature Works, this quick-service Cuban restaurant is serving up all of the Cuban eats that you know and love but with a modern flare. Hemingway’s mission is to change the Cuban food landscape in Tampa. You definitely want to try this spot on your Cuban foodie excursion.
11. CAO Bakery & Cafe
7616 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa
CAO is the newest Cuban restaurant to make its way to Tampa Bay. CAO stands for Cuban American Original. From sweet cafecito to fresh pastelitos, CAO serves up fresh, mouthwatering baked goods, breakfasts and more in their inviting cafe atmosphere.
Whether it’s classic or nouveau that you’re after, the Tampa area has a ton of great options for you to enjoy! Pop into one of these awesome Cuban restaurants and let us know which you pick, what you ordered, and what you thought!
Featured Cuban Restaurants Image Credit: Columbia Restaurant Facebook Page, most recent update August 2024