Cuban Foodies Tampa

Our Sunday after church with family, wife & I, eldest daughter, youngest daughter and two youngest grandkids. Visited on a recommendation from a friend and online ratings.Small but comfy, we found a table for 6 right by the window. I was surprised that a server came to wait on us. Mayte took our drink orders while we glanced at the menu. We decided on the Family Meal with Ropa Vieja and Pollo A La Plancha, with Yellow Rice and Black Beans. Grandkids also wanted Fries. We also ordered one each of Empanadas, Beef, Chicken and Spinach and an order of Mari-k-tas Plantain Chips. Shortly Mayte brought our Plantain Chips, followed by the assorted Empanadas. The Chips were great, fresh, hot and crispy. I divided the Empanadas into sections so all could try some. They were good, but not hot and had apparently been in the warmer I saw earlier. Disappointing since I was the one that really looked forward to them. Next came Cuban bread, crispy and terrific. Then our meals came. A huge bowl of yellow rice, a nice bowl of black beans, fries, and bowls of Ropa Vieja and Chicken A La Plancha. The meats were delicious, full of flavor. The rice was very good and the beans were the best I’ve ever had. And the fries were terrific, hot and crispy and super tasty. Bread was so tasty we had to order more. And of course Momma had to get desserts to share. The Rice Pudding was great, took me back to my childhood. The Flan was ok, not a big fan of Flan. Sadly they no longer have Tres Leche cake. The food was excellent and the service was great. Definitely the best Cuban food I’ve eaten in years. The only disappointment was the Empanadas. They can be pre-made and cooked fresh very quickly. But not enough to deter a 5 star rating. Another “must try” place.

A wonderful find! Very tasty food. Was pleasantly pleased to find this gem in the strip mall next to Lowes. Both our sandwiches were delightful. Service with a smile.