Tampa is famous for its Cuban sandwiches, a delicious combination of flavours born in Ybor City over a century ago. Cuban, Spanish, and Italian immigrants created this meal to feed cigar factory workers. Made with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami, all pressed in crispy Cuban bread; it’s a Tampa treasure. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, finding the best Cuban sandwich is a must. Here are the top 10 spots in Tampa to get this classic, each with something special. From historic eateries to modern cafes, these will satisfy your cravings.
Best Cuban Restaurants in Tampa
1. Columbia Restaurant
📍 Map: 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
☎️ Phone: (813) 248-4961 | 🌐 Website: columbiarestaurant.com
Columbia Restaurant, opened in 1905, is Florida’s oldest restaurant and a Ybor City institution. Their Cuban sandwich is a fan favourite, made with La Segunda Central Bakery bread, mojo-marinated pork, ham, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. It’s pressed to perfection, crispy outside and melty inside. Served with plantain chips and a pickle spear, it’s a true Tampa experience. Go to their Ybor City location for a taste of history. If you love exploring Ybor, check out the best things to do in Ybor City for more fun ideas.
2. La Segunda Central Bakery
📍 Map: 2512 N 15th St, Ybor City, FL 33605
☎️ Phone: (813) 248-1531 | 🌐 Website: lasegundabakery.com
La Segunda Central Bakery, founded in 1915, is Tampa’s go-to for Cuban bread. Their Cuban sandwich is a work of art, using their fresh-baked bread with a crispy crust and soft centre. It’s packed with mojo pork, ham, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and a mayo-mustard blend. The bread’s palmetto leaf scoring is a nice touch. Located in Ybor City, this bakery also serves empanadas and pastries. After you get your sandwich, check out the best restaurants on the Tampa Riverwalk.
3. West Tampa Sandwich Shop
📍 Map: 3904 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33607
☎️ Phone: (813) 873-7104 | 🌐 Website: westtampasandwichshoprestaurant.com
West Tampa Sandwich Shop has been a local favourite since 1967. It’s known for its Honey Cuban, a sweet twist on the classic. Made with Faedo Family Bakery bread, it’s got pork, ham, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and a honey glaze pressed into the bread. Even President Obama loved it! They offer small and large sizes and tostones with mojo sauce. This spot in West Tampa is a must-visit for a unique Cuban sandwich experience.
4. Flan Factory
📍 Map: 1718 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
☎️ Phone: (813) 402-2400 🌐 Website: flanfactory.com
Flan Factory in Ybor City is a secret spot run by a first-generation Tampa. Their Cuban sandwich is loaded with roasted pork, ham, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on fresh Cuban bread. Voted #1 in some local polls, it’s a flavour bomb. Get the Timba appetiser (queso blanco with guava dip) and creamy flan for dessert. Flan Factory’s colourful menu makes it a must-visit. For more Cuban food, check out the best Cuban restaurants in Tampa.
5. Bodega (St. Petersburg)
📍 Map: 1180 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
☎️ Phone: (727) 623-0942 | 🌐 Website: eatatbodega.com
Bodega in St. Petersburg brings a new twist on the Cuban sandwich, just a short drive from Tampa. Theirs is on La Segunda bread with slow-roasted pork, ham, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mayo-mustard mix. $9, and their juice bar has great smoothies. Located in Seminole Heights, and is worth the trip. If you’re heading to the beach, check out the best beaches near Tampa for families.
6. Brocato’s Sandwich Shop
📍 Map: 5021 E Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33619
☎️ Phone: (813) 248-9977 | 🌐 Website: brocatossandwich.com
Brocato’s Sandwich Shop has been open since 1948 and has lines out the door. Their Cuban sandwich comes in 5 sizes, from extra small (4 inches) to Joe’s Special (15 inches). Ham, pork, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on homemade Cuban bread. Served with chips and a soda or beer, it’s a meal. If you’re planning a beach day, check out the best beaches near Tampa for families.
7. Silver Ring Cafe
📍 Map: 250 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, FL 33609
☎️ Phone: (813) 281-2844 | 🌐 Website: silverringcafe.com
Silver Ring Cafe is a historic spot for a no-frills Cuban sandwich. Its sandwiches feature fresh Cuban bread, roasted pork, ham, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, pressed until crispy. Simple yet delicious, Silver Ring has been around for so long and is so affordable that it’s a go-to for a quick bite in the heart of Tampa.
8. Cuban Breezes
📍 Map: 13980 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33635
☎️ Phone: (813) 814-2822 🌐 Website: cubanbreezes.com
Cuban Breezes has a laid-back vibe and a sandwich that packs a punch. It features mojo pork, ham, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on pressed Cuban bread. The bread crunch and the juicy pork make every bite great. The multiple locations in Tampa make it easy to stop for a bite. Cuban Breezes also serves Cuban coffee and other traditional dishes for a full experience.
9. La Teresita Restaurant
📍 Map: 3248 W Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33607
☎️ Phone: (813) 879-9704 🌐 Website: lateresitarestaurant.com
La Teresita Restaurant is a West Tampa institution loved for its cafeteria-style dining and authentic Cuban food. Their Cuban sandwich has fresh bread, roasted pork, ham, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. Pressed just right, crispy and melty. Pair with black beans and rice or caldo gallego soup for a full meal. La Teresita has a friendly vibe and is great for families and foodies.
10. The Cracked Pepper Cafe
📍 Map: 2901 W. Busch Blvd Suite 1020 Tampa, Fl 33618
☎️ Phone: (813) 443-1105 🌐 Website: thecrackedpeppercafe.com
The Cracked Pepper Cafe was voted Best Cuban Sandwich at the 2023 Ybor Cuban Sandwich Festival. Their sandwich features in-house slow-cooked meats, imported deli ingredients, and fresh Cuban bread. It also features roasted pork, ham, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, pressed to perfection. Located in Tampa, this cafe’s attention to detail and fresh ingredients make it a top choice for Cuban sandwich lovers.
Conclusion
Tampa’s Cuban sandwich scene is a mix of history, culture, and flavour. From the iconic Columbia Restaurant to the innovative Flan Factory, each spot has its own take on this classic. Whether you like the traditional with salami or a modern twist like the Honey Cuban, these 10 places have got you covered. Next time you’re in Tampa, make it a mission to try at least one. You won’t be disappointed! Pair your food adventure with a visit to Ybor City’s breweries or a beach day to make the most of your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a Tampa Cuban sandwich different from a Miami one?
A Tampa Cuban sandwich, influenced by Italian immigrants in Ybor City, has salami. Miami’s version doesn’t. Both have roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and Cuban bread, but the salami in a Tampa Cuban adds a different flavour.
Where did the Cuban sandwich originate?
Most agree that the Cuban sandwich was born in Tampa’s Ybor City in the late 1800s or early 1900s for cigar factory workers. Some say Miami is the birthplace, but Tampa’s historical ties to Cuban immigrants make it the likely origin.
Can I find a vegan Cuban sandwich in Tampa?
Yes! Places like Golden Dinosaurs in Tampa have a vegan Cuban sandwich made with pulled jackfruit and pork seitan, keeping the classic flavours without the meat.
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