Tampa’s Cuban sandwich isn’t just a meal—it’s a cultural icon. Born in the late 1800s in Ybor City, this pressed masterpiece emerged as a lunchtime staple for Cuban, Spanish, and Italian immigrants working in cigar factories. Today, it’s a symbol of Tampa’s melting pot, blending roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami into a crispy, savory delight. From century-old bakeries to modern twists, here’s your guide to the 10 best Cuban sandwiches in Tampa, complete with maps, phone numbers, and insider tips.
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Top 10 Best Cuban Restaurants in Tampa
- Top 10 Best Cuban Restaurants in Tampa
- 1. Columbia Restaurant
- 2. La Segunda Central Bakery
- 3. West Tampa Sandwich Shop
- 4. Flan Factory
- 5. Bodega (St. Petersburg)
- 6. Brocato’s Sandwich Shop
- 7. Silver Ring Cafe
- 8. Cuban Breezes
- 9. La Teresita Restaurant
- 10. The Cracked Pepper Cafe
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Columbia Restaurant
📍 Map: 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
☎️ Phone: (813) 248-4961 | 🌐 Website: columbiarestaurant.com
Established in 1905, Columbia Restaurant is Florida’s oldest restaurant and a cornerstone of Tampa’s culinary heritage. Their Cuban sandwich stays true to its 1915 recipe, featuring mojo-marinated pork, Genoa salami, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles on La Segunda bread. The Columbia’s version is pressed to perfection, with a side of plantain chips and a cheeky pickle spear. Pro tip: Skip the lettuce and tomato—purists know the original needs no garnish.
Dine in their Spanish-tiled dining room or visit their Tampa Bay History Center location for waterfront views. Don’t miss their 1905 Salad, tossed tableside, or a flamenco show for a full cultural experience.
2. La Segunda Central Bakery
📍 Map: 2512 N 15th St, Ybor City, FL 33605
☎️ Phone: (813) 248-1531 | 🌐 Website: lasegundabakery.com
No list of Tampa’s best Cubans is complete without La Segunda, the bakery that’s supplied Cuban bread to the city since 1915. Their signature sandwich layers slow-roasted pork, smoked ham, salami, Swiss cheese, and pickles on bread scored with a palmetto leaf for authenticity. Fun fact: Most Tampa restaurants source their bread from here—including Columbia!
Pair your sandwich with a guava-and-cheese pastry or coconut turnover. With locations in Ybor, Kennedy Boulevard, and St. Pete, La Segunda is a pilgrimage spot for carb lovers.
3. West Tampa Sandwich Shop
📍 Map: 3904 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33607
☎️ Phone: (813) 873-7104 | 🌐 Website: westtampasandwichshoprestaurant.com
This no-frills gem has been a local favorite since 1967, but it gained fame in 2012 when President Obama dubbed their Honey Cuban Sandwich a must-try. The twist? A drizzle of honey on pressed ham, salami, pork, Swiss, and pickles—plus crispy tostones with garlic mojo sauce.
The vibe is retro and unpretentious, with walls adorned with Obama memorabilia. Go early—this spot closes at 3 PM and often sells out.
4. Flan Factory
📍 Map: 1718 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
☎️ Phone: (813) 402-2400 🌐 Website: flanfactory.com
Don’t let the name fool you—Flan Factory serves a Cuban sandwich that rivals its famous desserts. Their version packs chorizo-seasoned pork, ham, Swiss, and pickles on La Segunda bread, paired with crispy timbales (fried cheese) and guava dip.
The owner often greets guests personally, adding a homey touch. Save room for their creamy flan—it’s the perfect sweet finish to this savory feast.
5. Bodega (St. Petersburg)
📍 Map: 1180 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
☎️ Phone: (727) 623-0942 | 🌐 Website: eatatbodega.com
For a modern twist, head to Bodega in downtown St. Pete. Their Cuban swaps mustard for mojo mayo and skips salami, focusing on tender pork, ham, and Swiss. Eat it al fresco with a mojito or Cuba Libre from their adjoining bar.
The vibrant, open-air space and fresh juices make this a hip hangout. Pro tip: Upgrade to a foot-long sandwich for just $1.50 more.
6. Brocato’s Sandwich Shop
📍 Map: 5021 E Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33619
☎️ Phone: (813) 248-9977 | 🌐 Website: brocatossandwich.com
A Tampa institution since 1948, Brocato’s keeps it simple with a classic Cuban: roasted pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, and mustard on fresh bread. Their deviled crab and fried plantains are legendary sides.
The no-frills diner vibe and affordable prices make this a blue-collar favorite. Cash only—come prepared!
7. Silver Ring Cafe
📍 Map: 250 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, FL 33609
☎️ Phone: (813) 281-2844 | 🌐 Website: silverringcafe.com
After a 14-year hiatus, this Ybor City classic reopened in 2023 at Westshore Plaza. Their Cuban features smoked ham from family-owned Four Star Meats and bread from Casino Bakery. Pair it with café con leche for a nostalgic breakfast.
The retro lunch counter vibe and hearty portions make it a hit with both old-timers and newcomers.
8. Cuban Breezes
📍 Map: 13980 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33635
☎️ Phone: (813) 814-2822 🌐 Website: cubanbreezes.com
Tucked into a strip mall, Cuban Breezes delivers a no-nonsense Cuban with garlicky pork, ham, and Swiss on crispy bread. Their Appetite Combo lets you sample empanadas and black bean soup alongside the sandwich.
Save room for their guava cream cheese empanada—it’s a sweet-savory knockout.
9. La Teresita Restaurant
📍 Map: 3248 W Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33607
☎️ Phone: (813) 879-9704 🌐 Website: lateresitarestaurant.com
A beloved family-run spot since 1972, La Teresita serves hefty Cubans at wallet-friendly prices. The pork is marinated in citrusy mojo, and the bread is always fresh. Locals swear by their Cuban coffee and hearty breakfasts.
The cafeteria-style setup and bilingual menu make this a Tampa staple.
10. The Cracked Pepper Cafe
📍 Map: 2901 W. Busch Blvd Suite 1020 Tampa, Fl 33618
☎️ Phone: (813) 443-1105 🌐 Website: thecrackedpeppercafe.com
Winner of the 2023 Ybor Cuban Sandwich Festival, The Cracked Pepper Cafe elevates the classic with in-house roasted pork and imported deli meats. Their friendly staff caters to pickle enthusiasts—ask for extra, and they’ll oblige.
The cozy cafe also offers creative breakfast options, like a Cuban-inspired omelet.
Conclusion
Hungry yet? From historic bakeries to presidential-approved bites, Tampa’s Cuban sandwich scene is as rich as its history. Pro tip: Bring stretchy pants—you’ll want to try them all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the oldest Cuban restaurant in Tampa?
Columbia Restaurant, opened in 1905, holds the title as Florida’s oldest restaurant and a Cuban sandwich pioneer.
What makes Tampa’s Cuban different from Miami’s?
Tampa’s version includes Genoa salami, a nod to its Italian immigrant history, while Miami’s skips it and sometimes adds tomato.
Where can I try a unique Cuban twist?
Head to West Tampa Sandwich Shop for the honey-drizzled Cuban or The Brinehouse in Safety Harbor for a guava mustard aioli version.
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