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Local picks

Queso and seafood in Tampa

You want a meal that centers on queso and fresh seafood, and you refuse to choose between them.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Con Amor image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Space combines open kitchen with garage-style doors that create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming with cozy lighting and elegant, industrial-chic decor. Offers authentic Mexican cuisine alongside a notable selection of tequilas and mezcals and fresh margaritas.

Queso stands out with a unique flavor that feels addicting. It pairs well with a salsa trio and fresh chips.

Shrimp quesadillas stand out with their excellent flavor. Fish tacos come with small slivers of fish and a few corn kernels, while dishes like ceviche and octopus add variety to the seafood options.

People are saying

"The Mexican food and margaritas here are delicious."

"The seafood here is fresh and unique."

"You have to try the queso; it's addicting and they serve it hot."

Good to know

1

There is some parking behind the building, but it fills up fast.

2

Kids menus are available for families dining at the restaurant.

3

Dogs are allowed on the patio, making it pet-friendly.

02
Nueva Cantina - Brandon image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with holiday-themed decor and a covered outdoor patio creates a festive and inviting atmosphere. Music plays a key role, adding to the chill and fun vibe. Margaritas stand out with unique, flavorful options that complement authentic tacos and other dishes.

Creamy and flavorful queso stands out with red pepper flakes adding a spicy kick. It pairs well with tortilla chips and comes alongside salsa and guacamole in a sampler.

Shrimp tacos and fish tacos stand out with strong flavors. Shrimp tostadas and steak tacos also deliver solid taste.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The shrimp tacos here are so good, I'd want them for Christmas."

"You have to try the queso; it's creamy, flavorful, and amazing with red pepper flakes."

Good to know

1

The Halloween pop-up event runs until the end of October.

2

The Cupids bar event on 10/10 features themed drinks and decorations.

3

Parking can be challenging on busy nights, so arrive early.

03
TacoSon Authentic Mexican Grill image 1

Mexican style interior combines with cozy, family-friendly atmosphere and open, simple dining area. The place stays busy and lively, with tables close together and a relaxed, authentic vibe. Patio features older plants adding to the comfortable environment.

Queso comes with house-made tortilla chips and pairs well with dishes like shredded pork tacos and shrimp nachos. It has a perfect, delicious texture that complements the menu well.

Fish tacos come with perfectly fried, crispy yet juicy fish and a magical avocado crema. Shrimp dishes like the shrimp burrito panzon and shrimp taco salad are fresh and cooked to perfection.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best and unsurpassed."

"I thought the queso here was the best."

"I couldn't get enough of their crispy, juicy fish tacos."

Good to know

1

TacoSon offers counter service only, so be prepared to order at the counter.

2

Expect to wait for your order to be prepared as they start cooking after you arrive.

3

Prices are reasonable, with burritos priced around $13 including rice and beans.

04
Los Chapos Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers cozy family-friendly atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating including a patio with life-sized games. Music selection adds to the inviting and upbeat vibe. Known for exceptional tacos and specialty margaritas, it attracts those seeking authentic flavors and a relaxed setting.

Queso stands out with its rich flavor and pairs perfectly with crispy nacho chips that hold sauce without getting soggy. The combination of queso and chips adds a satisfying touch to the meal.

Shrimp tacos come with melted Chihuahua cheese, grilled shrimp, pico de gallo, chipotle sauce, and sliced avocado. Shrimp is perfectly cooked and appears in other dishes like burrito bowls and chicharrones, often paired with flavorful cheese sauce.

People are saying

"I thought their tacos were the best I had in a while."

"The tacos here taste like they're straight from Mexico."

"You have to try the shrimp tacos; they're the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

You need to order in advance inside before selecting a table.

2

Parking can be difficult, especially on Friday nights.

3

Outdoor dining is available for those with pets.

05
Lolis Tacos - Westshore image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a salsa and hot sauce bar offering multiple heat levels for self-service. The space is bright and open with a casual, cozy atmosphere that stays quiet during dinner hours. Patrons enjoy authentic, flavorful tacos in a clean, pleasant setting with an outside patio.

Chips come with a corny queso that stands out. A salsa bar adds variety alongside the queso and guacamole options.

Fish tacos stand out with battered fish and fresh vegetables on doubled corn tortillas. Shrimp tacos and sopes, especially with steak and shrimp, also feature prominently.

People are saying

"I loved their delicious Mexican food, especially the tacos."

"I thought the shrimp and fish tacos were the best."

"I loved the queso, especially with the corn."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday specials offer discounted tacos every Tuesday.

2

Expect to order at the counter; there is no table service.

3

Vegetarian options include Beyond products for plant-based diets.

06
Tacos El Primo - Authentic Mexican Grill image 1

Small Mexican grill tucked inside a convenience store offers authentic Mexican flavor with blue-collar decor and loud Mexican music creating a lively atmosphere. Locals gather here for flavorful tacos and burritos that deliver great value and genuine taste.

Chips come with fresh, clean queso that matches the quality of the rice and beans. The queso has a solid, enjoyable flavor that fits well with the meal.

Shrimp tacos and fish tacos stand out with strong flavors. Street tacos like steak and shrimp offer a solid seafood option alongside quesadillas and shredded beef tacos.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be phenomenal and authentic."

"The seafood tacos, like the shrimp and fish, were phenomenal."

"I found the tacos to be supreme, packed with fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

The food counter is located in the back of a convenience store.

2

Expect to pay about $4 per taco, not $2.50 as advertised.

3

Food takes about 2 minutes to prepare, great for a quick meal.

07
Nueva Cantina - Downtown Tampa image 1

Mexican restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere and stunning themed decor including a beautiful outdoor patio. Music ranges from lively reggaeton to live performances, creating fun and welcoming vibes. Popular for freshly made margaritas and standout dishes like fajitas and birria quesadilla pizza.

White queso stands out as a creamy dip paired with fresh chips. The queso is part of a dips trio that also includes guacamole and salsa, all served with chips.

People are saying

"I found the food and drinks to be yummy and great."

"I thought the queso was very good and tasted amazing."

"The shrimp here is delicious, especially in the bowlrito."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $5 online margaritas and $7 in-person margaritas.

2

The place gets busy on weekends and during happy hour.

3

Taco Tuesday features special offerings worth checking out.

08
Streetlight Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Fast-casual Mexican restaurant with open kitchen and covered outdoor patio surrounded by plants. Atmosphere stays lively yet chill with excellent music and a fun vibe. Strong focus on exceptional margaritas and high-quality tacos creates a refreshing, food-forward experience.

Queso flameado stands out with its perfect seasoning and beautiful plating. Side items like guacamole and cowboy beans match the queso's quality.

Shrimp tacos stand out with a perfect flavor combination and fresh ingredients. Fish tacos also deliver a notable taste, often rated highly for quality and flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the brisket taco was the best I'd ever had."

"The shrimp tacos here are amazing and fresh."

"The queso here is perfectly cheesy with a slight spice."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; consider arriving early or using nearby lots.

2

Expect to pay around $11 for two tacos.

3

Happy hour runs from 2-5 PM with discounted prices.

09
Grand Hacienda image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with detailed cultural decor and a cozy, clean atmosphere. Music is fun and lively, creating a high noise level that energizes the space. Offers great margaritas and a patio with a beautiful view.

Chorizo queso stands out with its rich flavor. Queso fundido serves as a great appetizer, paired well with chips and other dishes like burritos and quesadillas.

Seafood fajitas stand out with a strong aroma and excellent flavor. The seafood burrito and fish tacos also deliver solid taste, while the seafood soup comes in a large bowl and tastes very good.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and really fresh."

"The queso here is great and the service is super attentive."

"The seafood fajitas were delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 2-6pm with 2 for 1 drinks.

2

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and is very popular.

3

Expect large crowds on free tequila days, especially during Taco Tuesday.

10
Miguel's Mexican Seafood & Grill image 1

Outdoor patio seating offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere with heat lamps that keep the space comfortable. The vibe is lively and fun, enhanced by a mix of old and new Spanish music. Strong margaritas and authentic Mexican cuisine draw a crowd looking for quality and flavor.

White queso stands out as unbeatable here. Queso fundido comes with options like shrimp, scallops, and chorizo, served with chips or nachos built out on individual chips.

Seafood dishes come with perfect seasoning and doneness. Options like the seafood chimichanga and bacon-wrapped shrimp stand out for their flavor and freshness.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, plentiful, and perfectly cooked."

"The seafood enchiladas were delicious and loaded with shrimp and scallops."

"I loved the queso fondido with shrimp and scallops."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially during peak hours.

2

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers starting at 2:00 PM on weekdays.

3

Taco Tuesday features a variety of tacos at discounted prices.

11
Lolis Mexican Cravings image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with cozy atmosphere and calm, chill vibe offers a salsa bar labeled by heat and name and fresh daily tortillas. Decor adds to the unique feel while an app simplifies ordering ahead. The place draws those seeking authentic, flavorful tacos and fast, delicious Mexican food.

Corn and meat blend into a delicious queso served alongside birria tacos with consomรฉ. Queso prices hover just over $5, making it a notable part of the order.

Fish tacos come super crispy and large enough to need an extra tortilla for support. The shrimp quesadilla and carne asada bowl offer very tasty seafood options alongside other meats.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be great and fresh."

"I found the seafood here to be the best I've had in years."

"You have to try the corn and meat queso; it's delicious."

Good to know

1

They offer happy hour until 6 pm.

2

Lolis Mexican Cravings is the area's best Taco Tuesday destination.

3

Chips and salsa cost less than $3.

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