Tampa's 4 favorite spots to find affordable Latin American eats

Tampa's 4 favorite spots to find affordable Latin American eatsLa Lechonera | Photo: Payton K./Yelp
Hoodline
Published on June 30, 2020

In search of a new favorite Latin American spot?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable Latin American restaurants around Tampa, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture when cravings strike.

1. Nilsa's Puertorican Bistro

Photo: tiffany h./Yelp

Topping the list is Nilsa's Puertorican Bistro. Located at 9002 N. 40th St., the Latin American, Puerto Rican and Spanish spot is the highest-rated budget-friendly Latin American restaurant in Tampa, boasting four stars out of 110 reviews on Yelp. 

If you're looking for more, we found these details about Nilsa's Puertorican Bistro.

The concept for this eatery "came from old recipes of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, back when we would wrap the pasteles in banana leaf," the business notes in the history section of its Yelp profile. "Everything we sell on our menu is 100% made from scratch."

The business is known for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, which includes "mofongo, pastels, alcapurrias, bacalitos and many more" it writes on Yelp.

2. Cuenelli's Peruvian Restaurant

Photo: JAY W./Yelp

Next is Drew Park's Cuenelli's Peruvian Restaurant, situated at 4801 W. Hillsborough Ave. With four stars out of 233 reviews on Yelp, the Latin American and Peruvian spot has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for an affordable option. 

Yelper Kaila J.., who reviewed Cuenelli's Peruvian Restaurant on June 6, wrote, "Best decision I've made on food in a long time. I got the quarter white chicken with cilantro rice and about five yellow sauces. It was so good! I did not want the meal to end. Highly recommend!"

3. La Lechonera

Photo: Payton K./Yelp

Riverbend's La Lechonera, located at 5601 N. Armenia Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the affordable Latin American and Puerto Rican spot four stars out of 113 reviews.

The site can tell you a thing or two more about the family owned and operated La Lechonera.

Yelper Koko C., who reviewed La Lechonera on March 10 , wrote, "I ordered my favorite mofongo. This one came with shrimp and tomato broth. I love crab mofongo, but this was a close second. The plantains were excellent, with just a bit of crisp on the outside. The sauce was to die for! My husband got chicharron de pollo with onions—great flavor, tender with a savory dipping sauce. "

4. Palaus Restaurant

Photo: Tony p./Yelp

Palaus Restaurant, a Cuban, Latin American and Spanish spot in Old West Tampa, is another inexpensive go-to, with four stars out of 11 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2301 N. Armenia Ave. to see for yourself. 

The site has lots more information on Palaus Restaurant. The owner brings a passion for seafood and 12 years of experience cooking at area eateries like Arcoiris Restaurant and Big Fish.

His new spot, Palaus Restaurant, draws a loyal following of customers. "They come back, because we take pride in cooking the food with just fresh ingredients" it notes on Yelp in the specialties section. "We specialize in cuban food, and we offer beef and chicken plates."  


This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.