South America’s diverse cultures and culinary traditions captivate food enthusiasts worldwide. Indulge in succulent Argentine steaks and zesty Peruvian ceviche, experiencing a vibrant and colorful array of flavors as captivating as its people.
Tampa, located on the Gulf Coast, brings the flavors of South America closer. A vibrant hub for tourism and commerce, it offers authentic South American cuisine from various regions, saving you travel miles.
Through the tastes and textures of its dishes, one can uncover the essence of a culture, as experienced travelers understand. Exploring South American cuisine unveils uncharted paths and new ingredients and enriches palate and soul.
Discover 10 exceptional South American restaurants in Tampa, each offering unique regional specialties that transport taste buds to Latin America’s heartland. Experience artful presentation, warm hospitality, and exceptional meals that capture the essence of their countries of origin.
Monserrate Restaurant Bar And Grill
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Indulge in a Latin culinary adventure at Monserrate Restaurant Bar and Grill, situated at 2311 W Hillsborough Ave in Tampa, Florida. Appreciate the blend of delightful dishes and a rooftop terrace offering sweeping views of Tampa.
The energy elevates over the weekend with live music, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays. Monserrate’s penchant for hosting special events adds to its festive atmosphere.
The enduring charm of this place is evident from the loyal patrons who frequently return, enamored by the effervescent ambiance and well-curated menu.
The establishment caters to various appetites and preferences by offering dishes such as perfectly grilled churrasco steaks, fresh-caught whole-fried fish, and their signature ‘Just Married’ seafood soup – made-to-order and containing scallops, fish fillet, shrimp, calamari rings, octopus, lobster claws, and mussels.
Monserrate’s commitment to serving high-quality food prepared according to customers’ desired tastes has earned them numerous accolades from patrons across the Tampa Bay area.
They offer weekly lunch specials for diners seeking affordable yet delicious midday meals.
Monserrate Restaurant Bar and Grill provides multiple services, including dine-in experiences, takeout orders, delivery options, and catering arrangements.
This wide range of offerings ensures that patrons can enjoy their delectable home-cooked style meals regardless of their preferred method or occasion.
Indulge in an unforgettable gastronomic experience at this esteemed South American eatery in Tampa. Open every day of the week, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s a culinary haven for food enthusiasts.
La Pequena Colombia
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Discover authentic Colombian flavors at La Pequena Colombia, located at 6312 N Armenia Ave, Tampa. The restaurant blends traditional Colombian dishes with select American favorites, served in a friendly, attentive manner.
Special events and themed nights, encompassing Latin music and taco nights, contribute to the lively ambiance. A family-friendly vibe permeates the space, with a children’s menu ensuring young diners are catered to.
Each visit to La Pequena Colombia promises a warm and memorable dining experience.
Discover the hidden gem of La Pequena Colombia. With a warm atmosphere, attentive service, and authentic Colombian dishes, it invites you to savor the rich flavors of Latin America. Create unforgettable dining memories that will keep you coming back for more.
La Cabana Restaurant
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Venture into La Cabana Restaurant at 5302 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, where familial warmth meets culinary excellence. This family-operated establishment is praised for its generous portions and great value.
The personal involvement of the owners in daily operations enhances the welcoming ambiance. With special events and themed nights, including wine tasting and live music evenings, La Cabana ensures a lively dining experience. The friendly staff extends warm hospitality, making it a favored spot for a delightful Colombian culinary journey.
La Cabana is open seven days a week, offering outstanding South American fare in Tampa Bay. With morning to evening hours (9 AM – 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, 9 AM – 9 PM on Sundays through Thursdays), it provides ample opportunity to indulge. The friendly staff creates a welcoming ambiance and delivers top-notch service, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Whether locals or tourists seeking delectable Colombian cuisine in Tampa, La Cabana Restaurant undoubtedly exceeds expectations with its flavorful offerings and warm hospitality.
El Shaddai Latin Restaurant
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El Shaddai Latin Restaurant at 7315 E Broadway Ave, Tampa, presents a blend of generous portions and great value. Dine with a scenic backdrop on the rooftop terrace overlooking Tampa.
Loyal patrons frequently return, charmed by the consistent quality and vibrant ambiance. The rhythm of special events and themed nights, featuring taco celebrations and Latin music, infuses a lively pulse into the dining space. El Shaddai stands as a culinary haven for those seeking a South American dining experience in Tampa.
Guests can indulge in tres leches cake or flan de la casa as they sip on refreshing fruit juices or imported beverages.
Frank And Papi Latin Restaurant and El Shaddai Latin Restaurant enrich Tampa’s culinary scene with their mouth-watering Cuban, Dominican, Colombian, and Peruvian cuisines. Guests can expect exceptional service and cozy settings, showcasing the city’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Thus, anyone seeking to explore South American flavors needs not to travel far from home when visiting these fine eateries within Tampa’s vibrant food landscape.
Petracca Latin Grill
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Situated in Tampa, Petracca Latin Grill is where traditional Argentine and Latin American flavors come to life. Known for its generous portions, the restaurant offers great value. The rooftop terrace provides sweeping views of Tampa, enhancing the dining experience.
Loyal clientele often return, drawn by the robust flavors and vibrant atmosphere. Special events and themed nights, from taco celebrations to Latin music nights, bring zest to the dining scene. Petracca Latin Grill is a vibrant addition to Tampa’s culinary landscape, offering flavorful dishes in a spirited ambiance.
Petracca Latin Grill is renowned for its perfectly grilled meats, prepared using traditional methods. The signature mixed grill platter delights with a variety of succulent cuts, while seafood enthusiasts can savor delectable ceviche and paella options.
Vegetarians need not worry either, as there are ample choices available such as empanadas filled with spinach and cheese or savory vegetable stir-fry.
As one explores the diverse offerings at Petracca Latin Grill, it becomes evident that this restaurant takes pride in delivering exceptional quality food and service to all who walk through its doors.
Patrons leave satisfied not only by the mouthwatering cuisine but also by the warm hospitality extended throughout their dining experience.
Indeed, Petracca Latin Grill has effectively captured the essence of South American culture in Tampa’s vibrant food scene.
La Teresita Restaurant
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Over four decades, La Teresita Restaurant in Tampa, Florida, has been a hub for Cuban culinary aficionados. Its name, derived from Saint Therese’ La Teresita’, reflects the establishment’s Cuban heritage, a tribute by founders Maximino and Coralia Capdevila, who arrived from Cuba on the Freedom Flights in 1962.
The restaurant exudes authenticity with a diverse Cuban menu, where traditional favorites such as Ropa Vieja, Bistec Palomilla, and Masas de Cerdo Fritas are the stars.
Located in Tampa’s West Columbus Drive neighborhood, it stands as a symbol of enduring Cuban cuisine, a legacy nurtured by the Capdevila family’s dedication. Open daily for every meal, it caters to both the early riser and the night owl.
Alma Restaurant & Bar
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Tucked within the quaint charm of Hotel Zachary in Tampa, Florida, Alma Restaurant & Bar is a junction where South American and Mediterranean culinary traditions meld.
The curated menu blends these distinct culinary realms, offering patrons a taste adventure that transcends borders. Whether it’s empanadas, ceviche, or tapas-style plates, each dish is a narrative of flavors.
The extensive wine and cocktail list complements the meals, inviting patrons to linger in the upbeat ambiance often enlivened by local DJs.
Alma Restaurant & Bar is more than a dining venue; it’s a confluence of cultures, a spot for the curious palate, open throughout the week for every meal and the moments in between.
Alma Restaurant & Bar offers an unparalleled experience for locals and travelers in Tampa, whether it’s enjoying weekend brunch or unwinding after work on weekdays.
El Cafetal Bakery & Restaurant
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El Cafetal Bakery & Restaurant is a noteworthy establishment in Tampa, specializing in Colombian cuisine. Located at 4304 S Dale Mabry Hwy Suite I, it is renowned for its delicious empanadas. For inquiries or reservations, contact the restaurant at +1 813-859-7301.
The restaurant offers convenient operating hours, opening at 7 AM on weekdays (8 AM on Saturdays) and closing at 7 PM from Monday to Wednesday, 8 PM on Thursdays and Fridays, and 7 PM on Sundays.
El Cafetal Bakery & Restaurant is Tampa’s portal to Colombian culinary tradition, with a particular reputation for its delicious empanadas. The menu paints a broad spectrum of Colombia’s authentic flavors, from traditional soups to hearty platters.
The bakery section is a sweet haven, with fresh pastries ready to satisfy sweet cravings. Known for its convenient operating hours, El Cafetal welcomes both early birds and late diners, offering a taste of Colombia at almost every hour.
Mambos Cafe
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Mambos Cafe in West Tampa encapsulates the essence of South American culinary culture. The menu is a tribute to Hispanic cuisine, meticulously crafted by experienced chefs with a keen eye for flavor and presentation.
Situated at 4423 N Armenia Ave, it’s a meeting point for both locals and tourists drawn by the charm of authentic South American dining. The cafe’s operating hours cater to a broad range of dining preferences, making it a delightful choice for an early breakfast, a hearty lunch, or a leisurely Saturday meal.
Experienced chefs create a variety of delectable dishes with careful attention to flavor and presentation. From appetizers to entrees, patrons can expect a delightful taste of South American culinary culture that delights the senses.
A visit to Mambos Cafe in Tampa is a wise choice, offering delicious food, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
A stop at this enchanting eatery allows visitors the chance to savor traditional Hispanic flavors while creating lasting memories during their travels through this beautiful region.
Operating from Monday to Friday between 6:30 AM and 3:00 PM, as well as Saturdays from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Mambos Cafe ensures that guests have ample opportunity to enjoy their tantalizing menu offerings.
Tito’s Latin Kitchen
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Tito’s Latin Kitchen in Tampa is a fusion of Puerto Rican culinary zest with New York-inspired culinary twists. T
he extensive menu is a passport to a gastronomic adventure, traversing a spectrum of flavors with dishes such as crispy empanadas, indulgent mofongo relleno, and flavorful arroz con gandules.
The beverage menu, featuring refreshing natural juices and signature frappes, adds a refreshing note to the dining experience. Situated at 1809 W Waters Ave in Tampa, Tito’s Latin Kitchen is not just a restaurant; it’s a narrative of culinary creativity, where every visit is a flavorful voyage.
Whether visiting for lunch or dinner during their convenient operating hours throughout the week, guests will undoubtedly leave delighted by their experience at this extraordinary establishment.
Happy Fish Peruvian Fusion Restaurant
Indulge in a delightful gastronomic journey at Happy Fish Peruvian Fusion Restaurant in Tampa. Celebrated for its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the restaurant showcases the authenticity of Peruvian cuisine in every dish.
The well-trained staff provide excellent service and share their knowledge of Peruvian culinary arts, enhancing the dining experience. Guests can dine indoors or soak in the pleasant Tampa weather in the outdoor seating area.
Situated in a prime location, Happy Fish is a convenient destination for both locals and visitors eager to explore Peruvian flavors.
La Lechonera
Experience the warm embrace of Latin American culinary tradition at La Lechonera in Tampa. Beyond its namesake lechon, the menu expands across various Latin American delights, including tacos, empanadas, and ceviche.
A comfortable and inviting atmosphere welcomes diners, while a selection of Latin American-inspired cocktails adds a spirited note to the meal.
Family-friendly, La Lechonera ensures the little ones have delightful options on the children’s menu, making it a comfortable dining haven for all ages.
Nico’s Arepas Grill
Venture into the vibrant flavors of Venezuelan cuisine at Nico’s Arepas Grill in Tampa. While arepas take center stage, the menu extends to other Venezuelan specialties such as empanadas and pabellon, offering a varied taste of Venezuela’s culinary offerings.
Knowledgeable staff are on hand to provide excellent service and share insights on the menu, enriching the dining experience. The choice of indoor or outdoor seating accommodates different dining preferences.
Positioned in a prime Tampa location, Nico’s Arepas Grill is an easily accessible venue for those curious to explore the rich gastronomic culture of Venezuela in a friendly and inviting atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tampa Bay’s most iconic food?
Tampa Bay’s most iconic food is the Cuban sandwich, which features roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread.
What restaurants do they go to in Selling Tampa?
What restaurants do they go to in Selling Tampa?
The TV show “Selling Tampa” features various restaurants in the Tampa Bay area, including popular spots like Ulele, Bern’s Steak House, and Columbia Restaurant.
Does Tampa Bay have good food?
Yes, Tampa Bay has a vibrant food scene with a diverse range of cuisines. From seafood and Cuban dishes to fusion cuisine and international flavors, there are plenty of options for food lovers in the area.
What is the oldest restaurant in America Tampa?
The oldest restaurant in Tampa is the Columbia Restaurant, which was established in 1905. It is a beloved institution known for its Spanish and Cuban cuisine.
What is the oldest city in Tampa?
Tampa itself is not considered the oldest city in the area. The oldest city in the Tampa Bay region is St. Augustine, located on the northeastern coast of Florida. St. Augustine was founded in 1565 and is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States.
What are some of the signature dishes at the top South American restaurants in Tampa?
Some of the signature dishes at the top South American restaurants in Tampa include empanadas, churrasco steak, ceviche, and parrilla.
What is the price range for South American restaurants in Tampa?
The price range for South American restaurants in Tampa varies, with some restaurants offering moderate prices and others offering more expensive options.
Are there any South American restaurants in Tampa that offer delivery or takeout?
Yes, some South American restaurants in Tampa offer delivery or takeout, but it is recommended to check with the restaurant beforehand.