With a deep-rooted culture in Latin flavors for hundreds of years, Tampa, Florida, is a haven for foodies seeking mouthwatering Latin cuisine. Home to Latin American immigrants who have passed down family recipes generation after generation, Tampa offers locals and visitors a chance to sample authentic dishes that are not only flavorful but honor history with every ingredient.
From the streets of Historic Ybor City to the Tampa Riverwalk, these restaurants provide a taste of Latin culture in Florida’s Tampa Bay.
La Segunda Bakery
Serving the Tampa community for more than 100 years, La Segunda Bakery is known for its fresh-baked Cuban bread and pastries. Born from Juan More’s passion for baking, La Segunda was established in 1915 after More immigrated to the United States. Now, four generations later, this family-owned Cuban bakery continues his legacy by offering authentic Cuban bread, pastries, sandwiches, and cookies to the Tampa area. Don’t miss out on ordering their iconic Cuban sandwich that features layers of Mojo-marinated roast pork, smoked ham, Genoa Salami, and Swiss cheese smothered in a special sauce.
Rooster & The Till
When it comes to places to enjoy Latin flavors in Tampa, Rooster & The Till definitely makes the list. This award-winning restaurant serves New American cuisine with a rustic flair. Rooster & The Till is owned by Ferrell Alvarez, a James Beard semi-finalist, and his business partner Ty Rodriguez. Together, they pursue their passions of providing the community with innovative, delicious food in a casual environment. With artistic, Latin-inspired dishes ranging from scallop Crudo to cobia collar, there is no doubt you’ll find something to tantalize your palette.
TacoSon
TacoSon is a family-owned Mexican restaurant that serves authentic recipes that have been passed down for many generations. These recipes are simplistic yet rich and tasty. The family originally immigrated from Sonora, Mexico, which led to the naming of the restaurant TacoSon. By serving the freshest ingredients at a low and affordable price, TacoSon achieves its goal of providing high-quality Mexican dishes to the community. Those who dine at TacoSon say their tortas, Sonora-style hot dog, and chimichangas are must-try dishes.
Caribbean Twist
While many people may not initially think of Caribbean food as Latin, Latin America includes the islands of the Caribbean. At Caribbean Twist, the owners blend many parts of Cuban cuisine with a Caribbean flair to provide diners with a unique dining experience. This buffet-style restaurant has many affordable options that represent traditional food from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. With recipes such as BBQ chicken, chicken cordon bleu, and fried fish, Caribbean Twist gives many Latin Americans a little taste of home.
La Teresita
La Teresita is a Cuban and Spanish-style restaurant that originally started as a grocery store. Back in 1972, the Capdevila family immigrated to Tampa from Cuba in search of the American dream. Eventually, the family opened a small grocery store, which eventually evolved into a supermarket, which also had a Cuban sandwich and coffee shop. As demand for the sandwich shop grew, the family purchased the gas station across from the grocery store and expanded their shop. Eventually, the family sold the grocery store and focused on the restaurant, which quickly became a landmark in Tampa, Florida. The highly regarded menu features everything from traditional Cuban sandwiches to cafe con Leche and tostones (fried green plantains).
Los Gorditos Food Truck
Los Gorditos Food truck is an award-winning Puerto Rican Food Truck that has served Hillsborough county for over 15 years. The vibrant food features a variety of Puerto Rican dishes, including Mofongo, which is a dish made primarily with green plantains. Their empanadas are another one of their most popular dishes, and they come out fresh, hot, and crispy. With many options, including beef, chicken, shrimp, and octopus empanadas, you will feel like you are enjoying a meal in Puerto Rico. You’ll find the food truck on West Hillsborough Avenue across from the Family Dollar.
Flan Factory
The dream of Joseph Palau, a first-generation Tampa-born Cuban American, Flan Factory’s menu is inspired by Palau’s Abuela who spent her days cooking delicious Cuban dishes such as flan to stay connected to her Cuban heritage. Flan Factory serves up traditional Cuban dishes with a modern twist and the homemade flan is its claim to fame. Palau takes the delicious dessert up a level by creating artisanal flavors such as Oreo, guava, and salted caramel. Aside from serving desserts, Flan Factory also makes Cuban salami sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, and empanadas that bring in the crowds. This new restaurant recently was awarded Best Cuban Sandwich at the 2022 Cuban Sandwich Festival.
Empanada World
Empanada World is a Cuban-styled cafe serving fresh, handcrafted empanadas. Chef Rosita started Empanada world after fusing her Mediterranean empanada recipe with distinct Latin flavors. She aims to provide Tampa with a unique take on empanadas. Her empanadas include both savory and sweet options, including cherry empanadas, beef empanadas, and sweet guava empanadas. Rosita is constantly innovating and creating new flavors to add to her menu. Empanada World is open for dine-in and catering.
