If you’ve ever stepped a single foot into Ybor City, you know that Tampa Bay has deep roots in Hispanic heritage and culture.
After all, the Spanish language was prominent in Florida well before English, when Juan Ponce de Leon claimed Florida for Spain back in 1513 St. Augustine. Even after centuries of dynamic political history, the Hispanic culture can still be widely experienced and savored throughout the region.
Especially when it comes to food.
There are hundreds of proud, Hispanic establishments dotting Tampa Bay as National Hispanic Heritage Month rolls throughout the country. However, there are good ones and then there are iconic ones. Here are my favorite, top-rated dishes and drinks that will leave you drooling even before you dig in.
- The Spot: La Teresita Restaurant
Location: 3248 W Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL
The Order: Cortadito (Sweetened Espresso with Steamed Milk), Croquetas de Jamon (Ham Croquettes) and Arroz con Pollo (Chicken Rice)
The Arroz Con Pollo will make you feel like a true, honorary Spaniard. You might want to budget for 2-3 orders of Croquetas de Jamon. And don’t forget to finish up with a nice strong Cuban Cortadito to keep you properly energized throughout the day.
2. The Spot: Lolis Mexican Cravings
Location: 8005 Benjamin Road, Tampa, FL
The Order: Literally Any Taco
If you want to taco-bout great Mexican food (obligatory pun intended), look no further than Lolis. Here, you will find a variety of authentic tacos, tamales, sopes and tortas. My favorites are the Shrimp and Carne Asada Tacos as well as the Pork Tamal. Don’t forget to ask for their two signature spicy sauces!
3. The Spot: Columbia Restaurant
Location: 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL
The Order: Sangria Tinto or Blanco
If you are looking for a classic Tampa cocktail, head straight to the Columbia in Ybor City. It’s not only the oldest restaurant in Florida, but an opportunity to experience what Tampa Bay’s Spanish-Cuban community is all about—preferably over a red or white sangria.
4. The Spot: Tostones Inc.
Location: 5831 Memorial Hwy Suite A, Tampa, FL
The Order: Tostones Rellenos (Stuffed Fried Plantain Cups)
You may have stumbled upon the phrase: “Food is better when it’s fried.” Puerto Rican gem Tostones Inc. serves the best fried plantains in town. And you can order the tostones filled with any meat of your choosing, which is a plus.
5. The Spot: Flan Factory
Location: 1718 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL
The Order: Olga’s Original Flan and Horchata Iced Coffee
If you want a delicious twist to your morning coffee, you must try their iced horchata. What will really make your head spin, though, is their extensive list of flans. One cannot possibly go wrong with O.G. Olga’s Original Flan.
6. The Spot: Cozy Coffee Cafe
Location: 13312 Telecom Dr, Temple Terrace, FL
The Order: Cuban Sandwich
Their sandwich was voted “World’s Best Tampa Historic Cuban Sandwich” three years in a row in the Ford Cuban Sandwich Festival (2020-2022). So if you are trying a Cubano for the first time, you may as well get one of the most decorated in the bay. You won’t be disappointed.
7. The Spot: La Segunda Central Bakery
Location: 2512 N 15th St, Ybor City, FL
The Order: Media Noche (Cuban Sandwich on Egg Bread)
La Segunda is all by all means a hometown favorite. If you’re in the market for a slight alternative to the Cubano, the Media Noche is outstanding on a tad sweeter and softer bread. This sandwich has the same ingredients, but just a touch easier on the roof of your mouth.