This West Tampa spot started as a grocery store in the ‘70s and now includes a small bakery, a busy dining room, and a cafeteria. Grab a spot at one of the three U-shaped counters in the cafeteria next to the regulars who've been coming here for 40 years and order some tender puerco asado or palomilla steak that comes served on top of a paper map of Florida. Entrees are huge and come with two sides plus refillable bread, and whatever you can’t finish makes for a luxe beach picnic the next day.

Owned and operated by the Capdevila Family since 1972, La Teresita is an inarguably iconic stalwart for Cuban and Spanish cuisine. Guests are greeted by a no-frills diner interior where simple comfort classics shine. Sought after seats line the winding counter, where seasoned staff members hand out expertly concocted Cafe con Leches and Pan con Mantequilla (lightly toasted Cuban bread slathered in butter).

Next to some of its local peers, West Tampa's most popular Cuban restaurant feels something like a brash young upstart, and that's because it is—founded by Castro-fleeing refugees as a market, back in the 1970's, what you find here today is a multi-venue, multi-sensory experience, all happening at a relatively fast, shades-of-South Florida pace, which can be something of a surprise after your wanderings through Tampa's relatively mellow scene. Don't be put off—the cafeteria, with its horseshoe shaped counters and very late hours, is an essential part of the local experience, offering perhaps not the finest food, but certainly some of the best value for money, and some of the best all-day (and on weekends, all-night) people watching in town.

Located on the west side of the building housing the much larger La Teresita restaurant and banquet facility, this little diner features the Bayshore Blvd. of lunch counters; long and winding and patronized by people who might be direct descendants of actual pirates. It would rank higher on this list because of the availability of authentic Cuban cuisine, but it’s only open 24 hours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and around-the-clock access is a big part of any greasy spoon’s appeal.

Owned by the Capedevila family for many generations and serving a menu of Cuban and Spanish standards in an intimate surrounding, La Teresita is possibly the best overall Cuban restaurant in Tampa Bay. It has become the most popular hot spot for a delicious breakfast or lunch, cafe con Leche, soups, homemade cooked meals, and of course, the Cuban Sandwich. The Cuban here is typically made with many of the ingredients you see above, but it's served quicker and cheaper than anywhere else.

Owning a business and being your own boss is considered a key feature of the American dream, and for the Capdevila family, that dream has been their reality for nearly 50 years. Parents Maximino and Coralia fled Fidel Castro’s communist regime in Cuba in the early 60s, arriving in Miami with their sons in 1962 on the Freedom Flights. Since 1975, the family has been operating one of the most popular casual dining spots in the city of Tampa.

Located in Ybor City, La Teresita is a family-owned Cuban restaurant that specializes in night time cravings, offering everything from a Cuban sandwich to a full meal of yellow rice and chicken. If you tend to have a sweet tooth, you can also indulge in a creamy tres leches and not feel an inch of guilt. La Teresita is open 24 hours a day Thursday through Saturday and is a must for any Tampa resident.

La Teresita is one of the best Cuban restaurants Tampa has to offer, especially if you’re looking for authentic Cuban entrees in a relaxed setting. The ropa vieja is one of the best items on the menu, and the black beans and yellow rice, which are a Cuban food staple, are delicious with virtually any entree. The pollo salteado is delicious as well and is served with fries drenched in savory gravy.

La Teresita is located in West Tampa, an area of the city that was originally settled by Cuban immigrants, and features authentic versions of Cuban cuisine. There is a traditional restaurant space, but La Teresita's charm is found inside the adjacent cafeteria. The atmosphere is decidedly retro-diner featuring three horseshoe counters where customers belly up on barstools next to their neighbors.

This family-run eatery specialises in serving a full menu of Cuban delights, ranging from tasty yucca appetisers and black bean soup on through to the famous Lechon Asado and delectable Ropa Vieja. While the latter is a favourite amongst the locals, we suggest heading here hungry to sample more than one thing on the menu. Take your tastebuds on a tour through Cuba and order one of everything.

With cosigns from rapper Action Bronson and late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, La Teresita has plenty of delicious Cuban dishes, including Ropa vieja and Carne Asada. The Copdevila family opened La Teresita in 1972 as a small grocery store, and over the years it’s grown in size, now housing a Banquet Hall that can accommodate all types and sizes of parties (when it’s safe, of course!)

Established by Cuban immigrants Maximino and Coralia Capedevila in 1972, La Teresita has served Presidents, governors, senators, mayors, and other movers and shakers. Arroz con pollo (rice and chicken), pollo salteado (sauteed chicken), and ropa vieja (shredded beef) are among the many classic Latin plates that patrons have long enjoyed at La Teresita Restaurant.

Come here for Cuban food exactly as it should be: informal, delicious, and cheap. Join Cuban immigrants and Cuban-Americans in their fervent faithfulness to La Teresita, which you will experience as soon as you try the platano relleno or perfect churrasco. Come back again for camarones al ajillo and don’t leave without a taste of the arroz con leche.

This place is definitely worth a try if you are looking for some authentic Cuban food. Also remember to order some ham coquettes as starters and you will not regret this choice. At just 5.75 USD, you will definitely have to try their mojitos–they have been said to be strong and flavourful!

This restaurant serves up Cuban food from appetizers to desserts. If you enjoy seasoned chicken, yellow rice, black beans and tres leche for dessert than this is definitely the place to be. My husband and I have been dining at this restaurant since we were college students.

If you have time for only one Cuban meal in town, the place to go is La Teresita, which started as a grocery store, grew into a lunch counter, and now is a full service restaurant with a menu of such emblematic dishes as ropa vieja, puerco asado, and oxtail in red sauce.

La Teresita now serves thousands weekly and has been honored to host and serve Presidents of the United States, governors, senators, mayors, city workers, and peoples and cultures from all walks of life,” the restaurant ends its story of history on its website.

Columbus Dr., Tampa, 813-879-9704 Known for their Cuban fare and hefty portions, La Teresita is slinging Cuban sandwiches, ropa vieja, arroz con pollo and loads of other classic favorites from its cozy pink two-story. Photo via La Teresita Restaurant/Facebook

An actual “hole in the wall,” this is an authentic slice of Cuba transported to the U.S. Soak up the Cuban atmosphere as you try the very popular arroz con pollo, Puerco Asado, or Palomilla steak. The Cuban sandwich is another crowd favorite.

La Teresita is an authentic Cuban restaurant that welcomes diners till midnight during weekends. With many traditional dishes to choose from, you’ll be debating ordering the Cuban sandwich, yucca fries or tres leches cake from the bakery.

One of our favorite places to eat on a budget has to be La Teresita in West Tampa. This signature Cuban restaurant has been a staple in our families for years!. They have the best Cuban food around, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

La Teresita is an affordable Cuban restaurant with a rich history in Tampa. They offer great daily specials and it’s a very popular lunch place because it’s close to business complexes. I used to visit here often when I worked in Tampa.

Three spots listed above have made a clear mark on the Tampa food scene and might even be known to foodie’s who have never set foot in Tampa. But because I make the rules, I’m adding a fourth here as an honorable mention: La Terisita.

La Teresita (http://www.lateresitarestaurant.com/) (in Columbus Ave.) used to be the grand dame of Cuban restaurants in Tampa about 20 yrs ago. Grand dame does NOT mean elegant or fancy. That would be all wrong for a Cuban restaurant.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (469 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Caribbean, Latin- Address: 3246 W Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33607-1818- Read more on Tripadvisor

What started as a family-run Cuban grocery store has now turned into a Tampa staple. La Teresita serves up some of the best Cuban food in the Bay area. It serves up Cuban steaks, chicken, seafood, salads, and more.

La Teresita: This family-owned restaurant has been a Tampa institution since 1972, serving Cuban cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Their Cuban sandwich is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

3246 W Columbus DrTampa, FL 33607(813) 879-9704 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Founded in 1972, this long-time, Cuban-inspired family-run joint is a veritable Tampa landmark.

3248 W Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33607Phone: 813-879-9704 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by La Teresita Restaurant (@lateresitarestaurant)