Looking to satisfy your appetite for Spanish fare?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable Spanish restaurants around Tampa, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture next time you're on the hunt.

1. La Teresita Cafe

Topping the list is La Teresita Cafe. Located at 3246 W. Columbus Drive in Northeast Macfarlane, the Cuban and Spanish spot is the highest-rated affordable Spanish restaurant in Tampa, boasting four stars out of 904 reviews on Yelp. 

The site has lots more information on La Teresita Cafe.

The counter-style restaurant, a popular hotspot with locals offers specialties that include churrasco with beans, rice and plantains; pollo fricase, ropa vieja and tres leches cake for dessert, according to its Yelp page. 

Curious to know who is behind the business?

Cuban-born Maximino and Coralia Capdevila fled Cuba in 1962 and opened La Teresita 10 years later. "Even though they did not know the language and they did not have any resources, they knew that if they worked hard, they could achieve the American Dream."

2. Nilsa's Puertorican Bistro

Next is Nilsa's Puertorican Bistro, situated at 9002 N. 40th St. With four stars out of 108 reviews on Yelp, the Latin American, Puerto Rican and Spanish spot has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for a budget-friendly option. 

The site can tell you a thing or two more about Nilsa's Puertorican Bistro, which is known for specialties like mofongo, pastels, alcapurrias, bacalitos and more, notes the business's Yelp page. 

"Nilsa’s Bistro was created from the old recipes of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico back when we would wrap the pasteles in banana leaf," according to the history section of the business's Yelp profile. "Everything we sell on our menu is 100% made from scratch. For less than $10, you get the best cuisine in Tampa."

3. Gold Ring Cafe

Tampa Heights's Gold Ring Cafe, located at 2510 N. Tampa St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the affordable Spanish and Cuban spot, which offers seafood and more, four stars out of 13 reviews. 

If you're hungry for more, we found these details about Gold Ring Cafe, which has been serving locals for more than 30 years.

Yelper Cash K., who reviewed the business on Jan. 10, wrote, "Absolutely the best Cuban sandwiches in town! Been to all the spots that everyone loves, and this is my favorite. The moisture and texture is perfect. The sandwich isn't soggy at all and has the perfect amount of sauce."

4. Caribbean Twist

Caribbean Twist, a Spanish, Caribbean and breakfast and brunch spot in Northeast Macfarlane, is another much-loved, budget-friendly go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 17 Yelp reviews. Head over to 3328 W. Columbus Drive to see for yourself. 

The site has lots more information about Caribbean Twist, which has been open since June 2019, offering a mix of Cuban, Dominican and Puerto Rican food.

Yelper James B., who reviewed Caribbean Twist on Feb. 13, shared, "The taste of a home cooked meal with excellent portion sizes is what sets this place apart from the rest. The baked chicken is the best I've had!"

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.