27 hispanic-owned restaurants in Tampa Bay you should've tried by now

Tampa Bay has a multitude of hispanic-owned restaurants worth celebrating. It is, after all, the birthplace of the Cuban sandwich. So, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, here are just few of our favorites.

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La Segunda Bakery & Cafe
2512 N 15th St, Tampa, (813) 252-3991
With ties dating back to World War I , this iconic Tampa cafe and bakery has a plethora of pressed Cuban sandwiches to choose from, as well as a varied selection of pastries. Owned by the More family, both the original Ybor location and the new spot in South Tampa shopping plaza provide a great family feel.
Photo via La Segunda/Instagram

La Segunda Bakery & Cafe

2512 N 15th St, Tampa, (813) 252-3991
With ties dating back to World War I , this iconic Tampa cafe and bakery has a plethora of pressed Cuban sandwiches to choose from, as well as a varied selection of pastries. Owned by the More family, both the original Ybor location and the new spot in South Tampa shopping plaza provide a great family feel.
Photo via La Segunda/Instagram
TacoSon
7521 N 56th St., Tampa, (813) 989-2080
This family-owned Mexican restaurant originally comes from Sonora, Mexico, hence the name TacoSun. It also pulls its menu directly from traditional northern-style Mexican cuisine, with tostadas, chimichangas, and the Sonoran Style hotdog, which is topped with white onions and hot sauce and served with Mexican style homefries.
Photo via TacoSon/Facebook

TacoSon

7521 N 56th St., Tampa, (813) 989-2080
This family-owned Mexican restaurant originally comes from Sonora, Mexico, hence the name TacoSun. It also pulls its menu directly from traditional northern-style Mexican cuisine, with tostadas, chimichangas, and the Sonoran Style hotdog, which is topped with white onions and hot sauce and served with Mexican style homefries.
Photo via TacoSon/Facebook
Rooster & The Till
6500 North Florida Avenue, Tampa, (813) 374-8940
Named the #1 restaurant in Tampa Bay two years running, Rooster & The Till provides fantastic high-end options such as seared foie gras and a birria lamb neck quesadilla, in addition to a robust wine selection. The restaurant is co-owned by Ferrel Alvarez and partner Ty Rodriguez.
Photo via Rooster & The Till/Facebook

Rooster & The Till

6500 North Florida Avenue, Tampa, (813) 374-8940
Named the #1 restaurant in Tampa Bay two years running, Rooster & The Till provides fantastic high-end options such as seared foie gras and a birria lamb neck quesadilla, in addition to a robust wine selection. The restaurant is co-owned by Ferrel Alvarez and partner Ty Rodriguez.
Photo via Rooster & The Till/Facebook
Arco Iris
4001 N Habana Ave, Tampa, (813) 872-8306
This Tampa cafe has been in business for 28 years and offers up a massive assortment of traditional Cuban breakfast and lunch dishes, in addition to savory deserts like Spanish custard and bread pudding. Arco Iris’ new location also offers Cuban pizza, frita cubana, and your pick of milkshakes.
Photo via Arco Iris/Facebook

Arco Iris

4001 N Habana Ave, Tampa, (813) 872-8306
This Tampa cafe has been in business for 28 years and offers up a massive assortment of traditional Cuban breakfast and lunch dishes, in addition to savory deserts like Spanish custard and bread pudding. Arco Iris’ new location also offers Cuban pizza, frita cubana, and your pick of milkshakes.
Photo via Arco Iris/Facebook
La Teresita
3248 W Columbus Dr, Tampa, (813) 879-9704
With cosigns from rapper Action Bronson and late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, La Teresita has plenty of delicious Cuban dishes, including Ropa vieja and Carne Asada. The Copdevila family opened La Teresita in 1972 as a small grocery store, and over the years it’s grown in size, now housing a Banquet Hall that can accommodate all types and sizes of parties (when it’s safe, of course!) Photo via La Teresita/Facebook

La Teresita

3248 W Columbus Dr, Tampa, (813) 879-9704
With cosigns from rapper Action Bronson and late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, La Teresita has plenty of delicious Cuban dishes, including Ropa vieja and Carne Asada. The Copdevila family opened La Teresita in 1972 as a small grocery store, and over the years it’s grown in size, now housing a Banquet Hall that can accommodate all types and sizes of parties (when it’s safe, of course!)
Photo via La Teresita/Facebook
Michelle Faedo’s Tampeño Cuisine
601 E Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, (813) 784-6933
Known for her award-winning Cuban sandwich, Michelle Faedo has created a staple restaurant in Tampa known for a menu of made-to-order bites like tostones, plantains, deviled crab, crab cakes, and of course, Cuban sandwiches. 
Photo via Michelle Faedo’s Tampeño Cuisine/Facebook

Michelle Faedo’s Tampeño Cuisine

601 E Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, (813) 784-6933
Known for her award-winning Cuban sandwich, Michelle Faedo has created a staple restaurant in Tampa known for a menu of made-to-order bites like tostones, plantains, deviled crab, crab cakes, and of course, Cuban sandwiches.
Photo via Michelle Faedo’s Tampeño Cuisine/Facebook
Xilo Street Mexican
1701 N Franklin St., Tampa, (813) 444-3708
Chef Rosana Rivera & Chef Ricardo Castro opened Xilo at the Hall on Franklin in 2018 after starting as a pop-up for Cinco de Mayo. Since then, the restaurant has become a fan-favorite for tacos, nachos, empanadas and Mexican-inspired brunch. The duo also run Hall on Franklin residents Kofe as well as Chef & The Baker. 
Photo via Xilo Street Mexican/Facebook

Xilo Street Mexican

1701 N Franklin St., Tampa, (813) 444-3708
Chef Rosana Rivera & Chef Ricardo Castro opened Xilo at the Hall on Franklin in 2018 after starting as a pop-up for Cinco de Mayo. Since then, the restaurant has become a fan-favorite for tacos, nachos, empanadas and Mexican-inspired brunch. The duo also run Hall on Franklin residents Kofe as well as Chef & The Baker.
Photo via Xilo Street Mexican/Facebook
Catrinas Tacos and Tequila Bar
1611 N Florida Ave, Tampa, (813) 898-8628
Catrinas Tacos and Tequila bar is a traditional Mexican restaurant from owners Karol Ortiz and Tisbeth Mejia. Along with award-winning guacamole, customers can grab food inspired from regions like Jalisco and Guadalajara including queso fundido, enchiladas and tamales.
Photo via Catrinas Tacos and Tequila Bar/Facebook

Catrinas Tacos and Tequila Bar

1611 N Florida Ave, Tampa, (813) 898-8628
Catrinas Tacos and Tequila bar is a traditional Mexican restaurant from owners Karol Ortiz and Tisbeth Mejia. Along with award-winning guacamole, customers can grab food inspired from regions like Jalisco and Guadalajara including queso fundido, enchiladas and tamales.
Photo via Catrinas Tacos and Tequila Bar/Facebook
Renzo’s
3644 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, (813) 870-3606
Argentine restaurant Renzo’s has been serving Tampa Bay since 2009. It’s definitely known for meats, but also wine and house-made desserts. The steakhouse — whose passion for "asado," or Argentine-style grilling, is showcased in everything from skirt steak to Brazilian picanha — offers a list of more than 100 malbecs, plus other South American varietals.
Photo via Renzo’s/Facebook

Renzo’s

3644 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, (813) 870-3606
Argentine restaurant Renzo’s has been serving Tampa Bay since 2009. It’s definitely known for meats, but also wine and house-made desserts. The steakhouse — whose passion for "asado," or Argentine-style grilling, is showcased in everything from skirt steak to Brazilian picanha — offers a list of more than 100 malbecs, plus other South American varietals.
Photo via Renzo’s/Facebook
La Fiesta Mexican Store
1202 S 22nd St., Tampa, (813) 241-2477
This grocery store and restaurant hybrid at the Port of Tampa is the perfect no-fuss spot. House specials include tortas, burritos, and of course, lots of tacos.
Photo via Google Maps

La Fiesta Mexican Store

1202 S 22nd St., Tampa, (813) 241-2477
This grocery store and restaurant hybrid at the Port of Tampa is the perfect no-fuss spot. House specials include tortas, burritos, and of course, lots of tacos.
Photo via Google Maps
Red Mesa
4912 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, (727) 527-8728
Red Mesa was founded in 1995 by Peter and Shawn Veytia. Serving Mexican and other Latin American inspired food, the group has various locations including Red Mesa Restaurant, Red Mesa Mercado, Red Mesa Events and DeSanto Bar. Each offering something a little different, some staples include guacamole, street tacos and guava empanada.
Photo via Red Mesa Restaurant/Facebook

Red Mesa

4912 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, (727) 527-8728
Red Mesa was founded in 1995 by Peter and Shawn Veytia. Serving Mexican and other Latin American inspired food, the group has various locations including Red Mesa Restaurant, Red Mesa Mercado, Red Mesa Events and DeSanto Bar. Each offering something a little different, some staples include guacamole, street tacos and guava empanada.
Photo via Red Mesa Restaurant/Facebook
Tapas Spanish Cafe
Pinebrook Business Plaza 1202 Tech Blvd. Suite 100, Tampa, (813) 621-8666
Since its opening in 2000, Tapas Spanish Cafe has provided distinctive Latin-American dishes to the Tampa community, such as Carne Frita and Mofongo. Catering is also available, with your pick of sandwiches, quesadillas, and breakfast items.
Photo via Tapas Spanish Cafe/Facebook

Tapas Spanish Cafe

Pinebrook Business Plaza 1202 Tech Blvd. Suite 100, Tampa, (813) 621-8666
Since its opening in 2000, Tapas Spanish Cafe has provided distinctive Latin-American dishes to the Tampa community, such as Carne Frita and Mofongo. Catering is also available, with your pick of sandwiches, quesadillas, and breakfast items.
Photo via Tapas Spanish Cafe/Facebook
El Puerto
1623 E 5th Ave, Tampa, (813) 248-8222
Situated in the heart of Ybor City, El Puerto offers up delectable dishes like Tallarin Saltado, a Peruvian-style linguine with stir-fried chicken and fresh herbs. Afterward, treat yourself to one of their many deserts, such as Panqueque de Dulce de Leche or a Tres Leche.
Photo via El Puerto/Facebook

El Puerto

1623 E 5th Ave, Tampa, (813) 248-8222
Situated in the heart of Ybor City, El Puerto offers up delectable dishes like Tallarin Saltado, a Peruvian-style linguine with stir-fried chicken and fresh herbs. Afterward, treat yourself to one of their many deserts, such as Panqueque de Dulce de Leche or a Tres Leche.
Photo via El Puerto/Facebook
Lolita’s Wine Market
16 18th St S, St. Petersburg, (727) 505-0503
An eclectic wine market whose title pays homage to the family’s rescue dog Lolita, Lolita’s Wine Market offers Mediterranean-inspired tapas and savory, affordable wines. They also have a wide array of cheeses, meats, and accoutrements to choose from.
Photo via Lolita’s Wine Market/Facebook

Lolita’s Wine Market

16 18th St S, St. Petersburg, (727) 505-0503
An eclectic wine market whose title pays homage to the family’s rescue dog Lolita, Lolita’s Wine Market offers Mediterranean-inspired tapas and savory, affordable wines. They also have a wide array of cheeses, meats, and accoutrements to choose from.
Photo via Lolita’s Wine Market/Facebook
Rene’s Mexican Kitchen
4414 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, (813) 500-2510
A food truck that’s been active since 2018, Rene’s Mexican Kitchen provides Mexican dishes based all across the region, as well as classic beverages like Mexican Coca-Cola. Chef Rene Valenzuela and his team also offer catering on the side.
Photo via Renee’s Mexican Kitchen/Facebook

Rene’s Mexican Kitchen

4414 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, (813) 500-2510
A food truck that’s been active since 2018, Rene’s Mexican Kitchen provides Mexican dishes based all across the region, as well as classic beverages like Mexican Coca-Cola. Chef Rene Valenzuela and his team also offer catering on the side.
Photo via Renee’s Mexican Kitchen/Facebook
Good Mood Food
(813) 270-1465
Good Mood Food was founded around four years ago after Adriana Casiano noticed a lack of tasty vegan options at restaurants in town. Now, she runs the pop-up restaurant which serves vegan versions of Puerto Rican classics like empanadas and soul food favorites like fried mac n’ cheese balls. For now, customers can order meals through the website for pick-up.
Photo via Good Mood Food/Instagram

Good Mood Food

(813) 270-1465
Good Mood Food was founded around four years ago after Adriana Casiano noticed a lack of tasty vegan options at restaurants in town. Now, she runs the pop-up restaurant which serves vegan versions of Puerto Rican classics like empanadas and soul food favorites like fried mac n’ cheese balls. For now, customers can order meals through the website for pick-up.
Photo via Good Mood Food/Instagram
West Tampa Sandwich Shop
3904 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, (813) 873-7104
Open for more than 30 years, West Tampa Sandwich Shop is known for its Cuban sandos. Customers can even pop in for the “Obama Sandwich,” a honey Cuban Obama ate when he visited the restaurant in 2012. The shop serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, including dishes such as Masa de Puerco, which is marinated pork, and classic pancakes.
Photo via Google Maps

West Tampa Sandwich Shop

3904 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, (813) 873-7104
Open for more than 30 years, West Tampa Sandwich Shop is known for its Cuban sandos. Customers can even pop in for the “Obama Sandwich,” a honey Cuban Obama ate when he visited the restaurant in 2012. The shop serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, including dishes such as Masa de Puerco, which is marinated pork, and classic pancakes.
Photo via Google Maps
Sucré Table
4048 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, (813) 374-5643
Sucré Table Owner and Pastry Chef Brenda Villacorta attended The Culinary Institute of America and has won multiple Food Network challenges. Now that she is back in Tampa Bay, you can taste her creations including boozy orange chocolate cake and goat cheese carrot cake.
Photo via Sucré Table/Instagram

Sucré Table

4048 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, (813) 374-5643
Sucré Table Owner and Pastry Chef Brenda Villacorta attended The Culinary Institute of America and has won multiple Food Network challenges. Now that she is back in Tampa Bay, you can taste her creations including boozy orange chocolate cake and goat cheese carrot cake.
Photo via Sucré Table/Instagram
Ana Delicias Bakery
5537 Sheldon Rd., Tampa, (813) 374-7584
Ana Delicias Bakery serves up colorful cakes, tres leches and more sweet treats. Those wanting something more savory can choose from a variety of sandwiches like a Cuban on ciabatta or pastrami as well as caprese salad and yuca.
Photo via Ana Delicias Bakery/Facebook

Ana Delicias Bakery

5537 Sheldon Rd., Tampa, (813) 374-7584
Ana Delicias Bakery serves up colorful cakes, tres leches and more sweet treats. Those wanting something more savory can choose from a variety of sandwiches like a Cuban on ciabatta or pastrami as well as caprese salad and yuca.
Photo via Ana Delicias Bakery/Facebook
La Cabana Restaurant
5302 N Armenia Ave., Tampa, (813) 936-0078
Family-owned La Cabana has been cooking up Columbian dishes in Tampa for 17 years. The restaurant is known for authentic dishes like its signature bandeja cabaña, Columbian-style paella and pollo a la brasa.
Photo via La Cabana Restaurant/Facebook

La Cabana Restaurant

5302 N Armenia Ave., Tampa, (813) 936-0078
Family-owned La Cabana has been cooking up Columbian dishes in Tampa for 17 years. The restaurant is known for authentic dishes like its signature bandeja cabaña, Columbian-style paella and pollo a la brasa.
Photo via La Cabana Restaurant/Facebook
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