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Tamales in Tampa

Tamales that taste like they were made in a family kitchen instead of a commercial factory.

Based on 456 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
El Recreo Pizzeria y Parrilla al carbón image 1
El Recreo Pizzeria y Parrilla al carbón image 2
El Recreo Pizzeria y Parrilla al carbón image 3
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Cozy spot offers authentic Cuban pizzas and handmade tamales bursting with flavor. Enjoy shaded outdoor seating surrounded by green trees and a quiet atmosphere perfect for relaxing. Good parking adds to the easy, welcoming vibe.

Handmade and fresh, the tamales pack full of flavor with a Cuban style that stands out. They pair well with other items like steak sandwiches and tropical milkshakes.

People are saying

"I thought the Cuban pizza here was the best I've ever had."

"It's a small but very cozy place."

"These handmade Cuban tamales are fresh and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available for customers.

2

Expect a wait time for food to be prepped upon ordering.

3

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for money.

02
El Cubano image 1
Cuban restaurant

Outdoor seating with picnic tables and Latin music sets a cozy vibe. Freshly made tamales come with salad and fried meat, pairing well with flavorful dishes like ropa vieja. High-quality Cuban sandwiches complete the inviting, relaxed experience.

Freshly made tamales come with a combo option including salad and fried meat. The tamales pair well with dishes like ropa vieja and sandwiches, all noted for being delicious.

People are saying

"The fish sandwich here is spectacular and delicious."

"I thought the Cuban sandwich here was one of the best I ever had."

"I ate the best tamales I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The sandwich is made in under 5 minutes.

2

Prices are very good, with sandwiches around $15.

3

The place is clean and well-maintained.

03
Lolis Mexican Cravings image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot offers authentic tamales with rich pork and chicken flavors. Cozy vibe and fresh daily tortillas create a chill dining experience. A salsa bar lets you pick heat levels, while an app speeds up ordering.

Pork and chicken tamales stand out for their rich, authentic flavor. They come highly recommended and often sell out quickly due to their popularity.

People are saying

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

"I loved their salsa bar; it was amazing and labeled by heat."

"I thought the tamales were incredible and 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.

04
Taqueria y Pupuseria Acajutla image 1
Latin American restaurant

Outdoor food truck serves homemade-style pupusas and chicken tamales with rich flavor. Menu blends Salvadoran and Mexican dishes, all in a peaceful, clean setting. Focus on take-out and authentic Spanish menus highlights cultural roots.

Chicken tamales stand out with their delicious flavor. Overall, tamales here are consistently tasty and satisfying.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The food truck pupusas are outstanding and delicious."

"I found the pupusas to be the best I tried in the area."

Good to know

1

Prices are not posted, so be prepared for surprises at checkout.

2

The menu is exclusively in Spanish, so know what you want beforehand.

3

They open at 10AM, earlier than many food trucks.

05
TacoSon Authentic Mexican Grill image 1

Mexican style interior creates a cozy, family-friendly vibe with lively, close tables. Chicken mole tamale offers a unique flavor that feels homemade. Patio's older plants add a comfortable outdoor touch to the simple dining area.

Chicken mole tamale and corn tamale stand out with unique flavors. The tamales come in a variety on the everyday menu and remind some of homemade versions.

People are saying

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

"I found the Mexican food here to be so authentic and tasty."

"I thought the tamales were delicious and reminded me of my mom's."

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.

06
Taqueria Mi Mexico Tampa Restaurant image 1

Small Mexican eatery offers fresh tamales in mole, chicken, cabeza, asada, and al pastor. Impeccably seasoned tacos and homemade enchiladas deliver genuine taste. Lively, welcoming atmosphere with Spanish TV and a warm, cantina-style vibe.

Fresh tamales come in mole and chicken, cabeza, asada, and al pastor varieties. The flavors stay consistent and tasty across different options.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and authentic."

"The tacos from the truck are juicy, flavorful, and amazing."

"I fell in love with their fresh, tasty tamales."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a large menu with many options to choose from.

2

They have a special lunch menu available.

3

You can take your food to go.

07
EL SABOR DE MEXICO image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers authentic decor and lively vibes with Mexican music. Tamales shine in a torta de tamale or as a side, paired with rice and beans. Families and locals fill the cozy space, making it warm and welcoming.

Tamales come in a torta de tamale and as a side with dishes like fajitas. They pair well with rice, beans, and salsa and stand out alongside enchiladas.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be really authentic and good."

"The fajitas here are served steaming hot and flavorful."

"I thought the tamales were so authentic."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 tacos, making it a popular day to visit.

2

Parking is available, but it can be limited during peak hours.

3

The restaurant maintains a high standard of cleanliness throughout.

08
Blasys Restaurante & Bar image 1

Elegant modern building with an open terrace offers a cozy atmosphere and pleasant music. Cuban tamales feature shredded pork and rich flavor, pairing well with croquettes and cheese soup. Guests enjoy exceptional cocktails and highly praised pizzas in a clean, beautifully decorated space.

Cuban tamales stand out with shredded pork and a rich flavor. They come without toppings like mojitos but pair well with other dishes like croquettes and cheese soup.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and amazing."

"I found the atmosphere here to be super cozy."

"These tamales are super delicious and exquisite."

Good to know

1

Expect live music and special surprises on weekends.

2

They offer 50% off beers starting at 2 pm.

3

The average meal price is around $35 per person.

09
Lolis Tacos - Westshore image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with authentic tacos and a salsa bar offering multiple heat levels. Chicken tamales are highly recommended and pair well with pastor tacos. Bright, cozy space with a quiet dinner vibe and a pleasant patio.

Chicken tamales stand out as very delicious and highly recommended. The red pork tamale also pairs well with pastor tacos, making the tamales a notable highlight.

People are saying

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

"I loved the variety of fresh salsas available."

"I thought the tamales here were the best I ever had."

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.

10
Ranchero Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican food truck serves authentic tacos with homemade tortillas in a lively, family-friendly spot. Spicy red tamales are a must-try and sell out fast. Fresh, scratch-made dishes come quickly and affordably, perfect for genuine flavors on the go.

Spicy red tamales sell out fast, so arriving early is key. Chicken tamales and other varieties come highly recommended, especially on weekends.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is massive and flavorful."

"The food here is massive and perfectly seasoned."

"You have to get there early for the tamales because they sell quickly."

Good to know

1

Parking is a bit difficult, so plan accordingly.

2

Call ahead to place an order to avoid waiting.

3

Ranchero Tacos offers takeout options for convenience.

11
Pupuseria Centroamericana image 1
Salvadoran restaurant

Small space with loud dance music creates a lively vibe. Decor is beautiful and cozy, making it inviting. Menu features authentic Central American dishes with generous portions. Chicken tamales shine with traditional flavors, while corn tamales are good but not great.

Chicken tamales stand out with traditional El Salvadoran flavors. Corn tamales rank among the best ever tasted here, though some find them good but not great.

People are saying

"I found the Central American food here to be delicious and well-prepared."

"I found the food to be very authentic and delicious."

"I thought the tamales here were the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger parties due to limited seating.

2

Expect a wait time as food is made to order.

3

Parking is available in a small lot next to the restaurant.

12
Mema’s Alaskan Tacos image 1

Quaint casita offers a cozy vibe with wood floors and pet-friendly seating. Chicken tamales shine with perfect sauce, pairing well with Alaskan tacos and quesadillas. Atmosphere feels like a friendly family gathering, relaxed and welcoming.

Tamales come with a perfect sauce that enhances their flavor. The chicken tamales are moist and delicious, paired well with beef options like Alaskan tacos and quesadillas.

People are saying

"These tacos are fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"The churros here are fresh, hot, and incredibly satisfying."

"I found the tamales to be delicious and moist."

Good to know

1

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos offers a loyalty punch card; get one free taco after ten.

2

The restaurant is pet-friendly with outdoor seating available.

3

They provide water for dogs at outdoor tables.

13
Ena's Secret Bake image 1

Huge bakery space with freshly baked aromas creates a warm, family vibe. Cuban-style tamales with roasted suckling pig offer rich, full flavor. Decor blends authentic Cuban style with charming touches for a unique, nostalgic feel.

Tamales come with meat and skin included, offering a full, rich flavor. Cuban-style tamales and those with roasted suckling pig stand out for their taste and texture.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best bakery I visited."

"These Cuban desserts taste like home, truly exceptional flavors."

"I loved the tamales with roasted suckling pig."

Good to know

1

They advertise a special bread with suckling pig skin, but it may not be available.

2

Employees have been seen eating and then handling food, raising hygiene concerns.

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