Tampa Bay has a multitude of hispanic-owned restaurants worth celebrating. It is, after all, the birthplace of the Cuban sandwich. So, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, here are just few of our favorites.

La Segunda Bakery & Cafe 2512 N 15th St, Tampa, (813) 252-3991 With ties dating back to World War I , this iconic Tampa cafe and bakery has a plethora of pressed Cuban sandwiches to choose from, as well as a varied selection of pastries. Owned by the More family, both the original Ybor location and the new spot in South Tampa shopping plaza provide a great family feel. Photo via La Segunda/Instagram
TacoSon 7521 N 56th St., Tampa, (813) 989-2080 This family-owned Mexican restaurant originally comes from Sonora, Mexico, hence the name TacoSun. It also pulls its menu directly from traditional northern-style Mexican cuisine, with tostadas, chimichangas, and the Sonoran Style hotdog, which is topped with white onions and hot sauce and served with Mexican style homefries. Photo via TacoSon/Facebook
Rooster & The Till 6500 North Florida Avenue, Tampa, (813) 374-8940 Named the #1 restaurant in Tampa Bay two years running, Rooster & The Till provides fantastic high-end options such as seared foie gras and a birria lamb neck quesadilla, in addition to a robust wine selection. The restaurant is co-owned by Ferrel Alvarez and partner Ty Rodriguez. Photo via Rooster & The Till/Facebook
Arco Iris 4001 N Habana Ave, Tampa, (813) 872-8306 This Tampa cafe has been in business for 28 years and offers up a massive assortment of traditional Cuban breakfast and lunch dishes, in addition to savory deserts like Spanish custard and bread pudding. Arco Iris’ new location also offers Cuban pizza, frita cubana, and your pick of milkshakes. Photo via Arco Iris/Facebook
La Teresita 3248 W Columbus Dr, Tampa, (813) 879-9704 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!) Photo via La Teresita/Facebook
Michelle Faedo’s Tampeño Cuisine 601 E Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, (813) 784-6933 Known for her award-winning Cuban sandwich, Michelle Faedo has created a staple restaurant in Tampa known for a menu of made-to-order bites like tostones, plantains, deviled crab, crab cakes, and of course, Cuban sandwiches. Photo via Michelle Faedo’s Tampeño Cuisine/Facebook
Xilo Street Mexican 1701 N Franklin St., Tampa, (813) 444-3708 Chef Rosana Rivera & Chef Ricardo Castro opened Xilo at the Hall on Franklin in 2018 after starting as a pop-up for Cinco de Mayo. Since then, the restaurant has become a fan-favorite for tacos, nachos, empanadas and Mexican-inspired brunch. The duo also run Hall on Franklin residents Kofe as well as Chef & The Baker. Photo via Xilo Street Mexican/Facebook
Catrinas Tacos and Tequila Bar 1611 N Florida Ave, Tampa, (813) 898-8628 Catrinas Tacos and Tequila bar is a traditional Mexican restaurant from owners Karol Ortiz and Tisbeth Mejia. Along with award-winning guacamole, customers can grab food inspired from regions like Jalisco and Guadalajara including queso fundido, enchiladas and tamales. Photo via Catrinas Tacos and Tequila Bar/Facebook
Renzo’s 3644 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, (813) 870-3606 Argentine restaurant Renzo’s has been serving Tampa Bay since 2009. It’s definitely known for meats, but also wine and house-made desserts. The steakhouse — whose passion for “asado,” or Argentine-style grilling, is showcased in everything from skirt steak to Brazilian picanha — offers a list of more than 100 malbecs, plus other South American varietals. Photo via Renzo’s/Facebook
La Fiesta Mexican Store 1202 S 22nd St., Tampa, (813) 241-2477 This grocery store and restaurant hybrid at the Port of Tampa is the perfect no-fuss spot. House specials include tortas, burritos, and of course, lots of tacos. Photo via Google Maps
Red Mesa 4912 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, (727) 527-8728 Red Mesa was founded in 1995 by Peter and Shawn Veytia. Serving Mexican and other Latin American inspired food, the group has various locations including Red Mesa Restaurant, Red Mesa Mercado, Red Mesa Events and DeSanto Bar. Each offering something a little different, some staples include guacamole, street tacos and guava empanada. Photo via Red Mesa Restaurant/Facebook
Tapas Spanish Cafe Pinebrook Business Plaza 1202 Tech Blvd. Suite 100, Tampa, (813) 621-8666 Since its opening in 2000, Tapas Spanish Cafe has provided distinctive Latin-American dishes to the Tampa community, such as Carne Frita and Mofongo. Catering is also available, with your pick of sandwiches, quesadillas, and breakfast items. Photo via Tapas Spanish Cafe/Facebook
El Puerto 1623 E 5th Ave, Tampa, (813) 248-8222 Situated in the heart of Ybor City, El Puerto offers up delectable dishes like Tallarin Saltado, a Peruvian-style linguine with stir-fried chicken and fresh herbs. Afterward, treat yourself to one of their many deserts, such as Panqueque de Dulce de Leche or a Tres Leche. Photo via El Puerto/Facebook
Lolita’s Wine Market 16 18th St S, St. Petersburg, (727) 505-0503 An eclectic wine market whose title pays homage to the family’s rescue dog Lolita, Lolita’s Wine Market offers Mediterranean-inspired tapas and savory, affordable wines. They also have a wide array of cheeses, meats, and accoutrements to choose from. Photo via Lolita’s Wine Market/Facebook
Rene’s Mexican Kitchen 4414 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, (813) 500-2510 A food truck that’s been active since 2018, Rene’s Mexican Kitchen provides Mexican dishes based all across the region, as well as classic beverages like Mexican Coca-Cola. Chef Rene Valenzuela and his team also offer catering on the side. Photo via Renee’s Mexican Kitchen/Facebook
Good Mood Food (813) 270-1465 Good Mood Food was founded around four years ago after Adriana Casiano noticed a lack of tasty vegan options at restaurants in town. Now, she runs the pop-up restaurant which serves vegan versions of Puerto Rican classics like empanadas and soul food favorites like fried mac n’ cheese balls. For now, customers can order meals through the website for pick-up. Photo via Good Mood Food/Instagram
West Tampa Sandwich Shop 3904 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, (813) 873-7104 Open for more than 30 years, West Tampa Sandwich Shop is known for its Cuban sandos. Customers can even pop in for the “Obama Sandwich,” a honey Cuban Obama ate when he visited the restaurant in 2012. The shop serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, including dishes such as Masa de Puerco, which is marinated pork, and classic pancakes. Photo via Google Maps
Sucré Table 4048 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, (813) 374-5643 Sucré Table Owner and Pastry Chef Brenda Villacorta attended The Culinary Institute of America and has won multiple Food Network challenges. Now that she is back in Tampa Bay, you can taste her creations including boozy orange chocolate cake and goat cheese carrot cake. Photo via Sucré Table/Instagram
Ana Delicias Bakery 5537 Sheldon Rd., Tampa, (813) 374-7584 Ana Delicias Bakery serves up colorful cakes, tres leches and more sweet treats. Those wanting something more savory can choose from a variety of sandwiches like a Cuban on ciabatta or pastrami as well as caprese salad and yuca. Photo via Ana Delicias Bakery/Facebook
La Cabana Restaurant 5302 N Armenia Ave., Tampa, (813) 936-0078 Family-owned La Cabana has been cooking up Columbian dishes in Tampa for 17 years. The restaurant is known for authentic dishes like its signature bandeja cabaña, Columbian-style paella and pollo a la brasa. Photo via La Cabana Restaurant/Facebook
Tropical Cuisine 9005 E Adamo Dr., Tampa, (813) 252-4712 After being inside for so long, we could all use a trip to the tropics. While that may be unattainable, Tropical Cuisine is a pretty good compromise. Take a trip to the restaurant for Latin American dishes including chicken empanadas, seafood salad and roast pork sandwiches. Photo via Tropical Cuisine/Facebook
Kuba 1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa, (813) 599-4526 Located inside Armature Works, Kuba serves modern Cuban cuisine. Owner Felicia LaCalle learned Cuban cooking from her mother and has integrated those skills into all the dishes at Kuba. Options include house-made chicharrones, salchipapa and Cuban french toast. Photo via Kuba/Facebook
La Pequena Colombia Restaurant 6312 N Armenia Ave., Tampa, (813) 876-8338 Opened by Fabio Orozco over 20 years ago, La Pequena Colombia Restaurant serves authentic Columbian dishes. Here, customers can find classics like empanadas, blood sausage and stuffed potatoes. It also has a bakery which serves pastries, coffee and breakfast sandwiches. Photo via La Pequena Colombia Restaurant/Facebook
Mi Tierra Latina 6802 W Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, (813) 249-7466 Restaurant Mi Tierra Latina is known for its authentic Columbian breakfast and brunch. Foods like Columbian sausage, plantains and arepas dominate the nine-page menu. Other dishes include carne asada and chicken fajitas. Photo via Mi Tierra Latina/Facebook
El Cafetal and Guac n’ Cheese 6241 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, (813) 898-0813 and 4101 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, (813) 769-9035 El Cafetal and Guac n’ Cheese are both concepts by Owner Jonathan Ovalles.Guac n’ Cheese features an array of Mexican fast-casual staples like chips and salsa, quesadillas and fajitas. El Cafetal features a variety of Latin cuisine like Columbian bandeja paisa, which is a large dish featuring rice, beans, pork, egg and more, and Peruvian sauteed meat. Photo via El Cafetal/Instagram
Faedo Family Bakery 5150 N Florida Ave, Tampa, (813) 237-2377, Faedo Family Bakery was started by Mauricio Faedo and is now run by his two daughters. If you’re a Tampa foodie, chances are you’ve had something from Faedo’s at one of your favorite restaurants. The Cuban bakery’s Facebook page truthfully boasts the “best Cuban bread in town.” Other offerings include Hoagies, buns and a variety of pastries. Photo via Faedo Family Bakery/Facebook
Xtreme Tacos 223 S Howard Ave., Tampa, (813) 304-2639, Tampa-favorite Xtreme Tacos, opened in 2018, has a food truck in seminole heights and a brick-and-mortar in Soho. Chef Uzi focuses Mexican-American fusion serving handmade tortillas, elote and a variety of different tacos. The restaurant is opening a Seminole Heights restaurant soon. Photo via Xtreme Tacos/Facebook