Must Try Cuban Sandwich | Best Cuban Restaurants in Tampa 2024

In the culinary world of Tampa, the Cuban sandwich is a treasure and a tradition. This sandwich isn’t just food, it’s a piece of history that tells the story of the city’s Cuban, Spanish, Italian and German immigrant communities.

Origins and Evolution

The Cuban sandwich, or Cubano, was born in the late 1800s as a lunchtime meal for cigar factory workers in Ybor City, Tampa’s Latin quarter. The original sandwich was simple: Cuban bread, roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese and pickles. Over the years it has evolved and added mustard and sometimes salami, a nod to Tampa’s Italian population.

Cultural Significance

The Cuban sandwich is a reflection of Tampa’s melting pot. Its ingredients are a nod to the city’s cultural heritage and culinary traditions. It’s not just a sandwich; it’s a unifying force, celebrated every year at the Tampa Cuban Sandwich Festival where chefs compete to make the world’s best Cuban sandwich.

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Where to Experience the Best Cuban Sandwiches in Tampa

Top 6 Best Cuban Restaurants in Tampa

Columbia Restaurant

Columbia Restaurant in Tampa is famous for its Cuban sandwiches and they don’t disappoint. The Cuban sandwich here is the real deal, two slices of Cuban bread with ham, Genoa salami, mojo roast pork, Swiss cheese and mustard. You can skip the pickles if you want but it’s still amazing with all the flavors and texture. The Cuban bread is fresh and crispy, every bite is perfect. This is one of the best Cuban sandwiches you’ll ever have so you have to try it when you’re in town.

If you’re going for dinner the Cuban sandwich might not be available so go for lunch or breakfast to get it. Columbia Restaurant has other Cuban dishes as well so it’s a great place to try Cuban food. The combination of good ingredients and traditional cooking makes every dish special. Whether you’re a Cuban food lover or just looking to try something new the Cuban sandwich at Columbia Restaurant is a must-try.

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La Segunda Central Bakery

La Segunda Central Bakery in Tampa has the best Cuban sandwiches in town, or so say the many. They’re full of flavor, and loaded with good stuff that will please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re a Cuban food fanatic or a first timer, you gotta try the Cuban sandwich here. They mean it when they say authentic and good here, and that’s why locals and tourists love it.

Beyond the Cuban sandwich La Segunda Central Bakery has all sorts of delicious pastries and baked goods at super prices. On your first visit you should try the coconut turnover, it goes perfect with the sandwich. The guava and cheese turnover is another popular choice, with fresh filling and flaky crust, just be careful it can be a bit crumbly. For breakfast Cuban bread is the perfect base for a breakfast sandwich, so you can start your day with a taste of Cuba. As one Cuban said after eating hundreds, if not thousands, of Cuban sandwiches in their life, La Segunda Central Bakery is the real deal. Whether you’re stopping by for a snack or a meal La Segunda Central Bakery is a must visit in Tampa for any Cuban food lover.

Flan Factory

Flan Factory in Tampa is a must go for anyone looking for real Cuban food especially if you’re looking for a great breakfast. From the minute you walk in you’re greeted with warmth and love and everyone feels like family. The owner greets you personally and recommends breakfast for the early risers and the latest flan flavors for those who come in later. One of the morning standouts is the Horchata coffee, sweet and creamy and pairs with any breakfast choice, a great way to start your day.

The star of the morning at Flan Factory is the Cuban breakfast sandwich. This isn’t just any sandwich, it’s a combination of traditional Cuban bread, chorizo seasoned to perfection and fresh ingredients, it’s a crowd pleaser. It’s well deserved, each component is a winner and all together is a great breakfast. It’s the kind of breakfast that embodies Cuban food, with robust flavors that wake up your taste buds and get you going for the day.

La Teresita Restaurant

La Teresita Restaurant has become the go-to place for Cuban food in Tampa and locals and visitors alike come to taste the authentic flavors and atmosphere. Regulars and newbies rave about it being the best Cuban food in all of Tampa Bay. Those who have experienced Cuban culture firsthand, whether they have been to Cuba or not, can taste the real deal here. The authenticity is in every dish from the Cuban sandwiches to the full menu of traditional Cuban dishes that will give you a true Cuban experience.

Not only is La Teresita famous for its authentic food but also for being affordable so you can enjoy real Cuban food without breaking the bank. The Cuban sandwiches here are a standout – packed with the right amount of meat, cheese and pickles all on freshly baked Cuban bread. They are often called the best in Tampa and have a taste of Cuba at a great price. Regulars rave about how La Teresita maintains the same level of quality and flavor every time so it’s a favorite among Tampa’s diverse restaurant scene.

Cuban Breezes

Cuban Breezes is the place to go for real Cuban food especially if you’re in the mood for a Cuban sandwich. Their pressed Cuban sandwich is a classic Cuban flavor combination with real pork and Cuban bread. It’s pressed to perfection so every bite is a delight. The food at Cuban Breezes is good and the Cuban sandwich is one of the best in Tampa. If you want to try a few different Cuban dishes the Appetite Combo is the way to go and you can try a few tasty things.

Besides the Cuban sandwich Cuban Breezes is good at other Cuban favorites. The service at Cuban Breezes is always nice. Don’t forget to save room for dessert—the flan and guava cream cheese empanada is the way to go. Whether you’re a local or just passing through Cuban Breezes is the real deal Cuban food.

Cuban Eats

Cuban Eats in Tampa is a secret for those who want real Cuban flavor without the frills. It’s not fancy but makes up for it with great food and good service. The Cuban sandwich here is the star, often described as big and delicious. Regulars and newbies alike rave about the sandwich, saying it’s got the perfect amount of meat, cheese and pickles on fresh Cuban bread. The cheese Cubano is a popular option which adds an extra layer of flavor to the already awesome sandwich. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal the Cuban sandwich at Cuban Eats never fails.

What makes Cuban Eats even better is the food and the service. Patrons rave about the atmosphere and the service every time they come in. The 8” Cuban sandwich with fries is a favorite, often described as delicious and filling. Clearly Cuban Eats takes pride in serving good food that keeps people coming back. If you’re in Tampa and want a great Cuban sandwich Cuban Eats is a must visit. The food and hospitality are a must try if you want to taste Cuba.

Conclusion

All these restaurants offer a piece of the Cuban puzzle, so Tampa is the place to come and get your Cuban on. From the old walls of the Columbia Restaurant to the new dishes at Cuban Eats, there’s something for everyone in Tampa’s Cuban food scene.