Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
University Square's best

Authentic eats

Traditions and recipes passed down through generations carry a weight that modern kitchens cannot replicate.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Angora Mediterranean Grill image 1
Angora Mediterranean Grill image 2
Angora Mediterranean Grill image 3
View all

Open kitchen and bright dining area create a cozy, family-friendly vibe with Turkish music. Food offers authentic Turkish flavors and a thin, crispy lahmacun crust. Service is attentive, matching the genuine taste and Mediterranean hospitality.

Food features authentic Turkish flavors with fresh ingredients and a thin, crispy lahmacun crust. Service stays attentive, matching the genuine taste and Mediterranean hospitality.

People are saying

"I thought the Turkish food here was the best I've ever had."

"The kebabs here are tender, fresh, and grilled to perfection."

"The food here is delicious and tastes authentic, just like back home."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Expect wait times of 30-60 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

Happy hour runs from 4pm to 6pm with discounted appetizers.

02
Isla Bella Restaurant image 1
Family restaurant

Cozy space with tropical Cuban decor offers a peaceful vibe perfect for families. Dishes burst with authentic Cuban flavor and tender meat, especially the Rabo Encendido. Quiet setting and homey details create a super chill atmosphere.

Dishes carry authentic Cuban flavor with rich, spicy seasoning and super tender meat, especially the Rabo Encendido. Decor and food reflect tradition and homeland taste clearly.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and plentiful."

"The authentic flavors here reminded me of home and tradition."

"I found the restaurant to be very cozy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

2

Prices are considered incredible for the quality of food.

3

The restaurant is known for its Cuban cuisine.

03
Kini’s Home Style Icecream image 1

Ice cream shop serves authentic tropical flavors with a creamy, fresh texture made from real ingredients. Vegan options are available, crafted without eggs or gelatin. Small seating encourages takeout in a welcoming atmosphere.

Ice cream features authentic tropical fruit flavors with a homemade, pure taste. It matches the freshness and quality found in well-known Mumbai brands.

People are saying

"This ice cream is delicious and of excellent quality."

"You'll find unique tropical flavors you can't get anywhere else."

"The ice cream here is so authentic, with unique tropical fruit flavors."

Good to know

1

They offer both regular and vegan ice cream options.

2

Unique flavors include Indian-inspired options that are hard to find elsewhere.

3

No sugar added options are available for health-conscious customers.

04
Aam-Aam TAQ image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck serves authentic Mexican street tacos with homemade sauces that boost flavor. Busy, lively spot draws crowds despite rough location. Generous portions and fresh ingredients make it a standout for Mexican cuisine.

Tacos feature authentic taste with homemade green and red sauces. Tortillas are great and flavors come out perfectly seasoned.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, with incredible flavor and quality ingredients."

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

"I thought the tacos tasted authentic and the tortillas were great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for quicker service, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during busy lunch hours.

3

Prices are slightly higher than average taco spots, reflecting the quality.

05
Hamada kabob حمادة مشاوي image 1

Halal restaurant serves charcoal-grilled kabobs with fresh, authentic Middle Eastern flavors. Atmosphere is family friendly and cozy, featuring natural wood tables. Food stays true to traditional recipes, offering a genuine taste experience.

Offers authentic Middle Eastern flavors with consistent quality in kabobs. The food tastes delicious and genuine to traditional recipes.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"The food here tastes like home-cooked, authentic Middle Eastern flavors."

"The grilled chicken here is unique and unlike anything I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Food is prepared fresh upon order, so expect a wait of 20-30 minutes.

2

Prices are very reasonable for the portion sizes provided.

3

All food served is halal, catering to dietary restrictions.

06
Golden Chaat and Paan House image 1

Small, casual spot offers authentic Desi flavors with dishes like Chole Bhature and dahi poori. Cozy, homemade vibe fills the air with rich spice aromas. Fresh, distinct seasoning shines in street food and biryani, creating a true chaat house feel.

Food delivers authentic, soul-satisfying flavors with dishes like Chole Bhature, paan, dahi poori, kulfi, and bun kebabs. The atmosphere feels homemade and true to Desi street food, offering great spice and taste.

People are saying

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

"I found the chicken biryani here to be delicious and well-seasoned."

"I will be back to try their goat biryani next time."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including authentic North Indian cuisine.

2

Prices are generally fair, with good portion sizes for the cost.

3

Expect a casual dining atmosphere; no strict dress code is enforced.

07
LaMeiZi Hot Pot & BBQ 辣妹子火锅烧烤 image 1

Asian restaurant features authentic Chinese hotpot with genuine broth and true flavors. Spacious layout includes sunken hot pot tables and private rooms. Atmosphere is beautiful and relaxing with clean decor and koi fish wall art.

Offers authentic Chinese hotpot with genuine broth and true Asian flavors at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"I loved the huge variety of fresh seafood and meats available."

"I found the Chinese hot pot broth to be truly authentic."

Good to know

1

Karaoke starts at 9pm on weekends, perfect for a fun night out.

2

Birthday meals are free, making it a great spot for celebrations.

3

Hotpot costs $35 per person during lunch, including a drink.

08
Home Of Spices (Tampa) image 1
Indian grocery store

Spacious store offers authentic spices and fresh produce with a welcoming vibe. Prices stay reasonable while showcasing diverse regional specialties. Easy to navigate, it also features puja items for cultural needs.

Spacious and well-organized, the store offers a wide range of authentic Indian products including top-notch vegetables and puja items. The atmosphere feels welcoming with genuine care throughout.

People are saying

"This grocery store has an amazing variety of authentic Indian products."

"I found the Indian food products and produce here to be top-notch."

"The staff here are so helpful and kind."

Good to know

1

They offer weekend runs with samosas.

2

Every weekend, they offer amazing deals.

3

The grocery has a wide variety of fresh produce, spices, and snacks.

09
Naz's Halal Food - Tampa image 1
Halal restaurant

Halal restaurant offers clean interior and plentiful seating for a relaxed, lively vibe. Food delivers authentic NYC gyro flavors with high-quality chicken over rice. Bright lighting and beautiful wall art add to the welcoming atmosphere.

Food captures an authentic NYC gyro vibe with New York-style halal cart flavors. Chicken over rice and gyros come with incredibly high quality and true street cart style.

People are saying

"I found the food here delicious and flavorful."

"Their cheeseburgers and Philly cheesesteaks are out of this world."

"I found authentic New York-style halal food here."

Good to know

1

The portions are super generous, making it a good deal.

2

They charge $2.60 for a water bottle.

3

The restaurant is very clean.

10
Dunns River Island Cafe image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Old building hosts a lively Jamaican restaurant with authentic Caribbean flavors and a live band that sets a chill vibe. Brunch offers bold, flavorful dishes and bottomless mimosas keep the energy friendly and relaxed.

Brunch dishes feature authentic Caribbean flavors that taste like home cooking. The menu offers island comfort food with rich, genuine Jamaican spices at an affordable price.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, bursting with rich Jamaican flavors."

"I loved the tender and flavorful oxtail."

"The authentic Jamaican flavors here taste just like home."

Good to know

1

Brunch is offered on Sundays, creating a lively atmosphere.

2

Karaoke night is a popular event, attracting many visitors.

3

Reservations are required for large parties, and a $30 fee is charged to hold tables.

11
Tara's Roti Shop image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Small Caribbean spot serves authentic Trinidadian roti with rich island flavors. Casual vibe with sarcastic signage adds charm. Quiet, nostalgic setting offers a welcoming atmosphere for genuine fast food lovers.

Offers authentic Trinidadian and Caribbean food with very good roti that captures the island flavors well.

People are saying

"I love the flavorful vegetarian food here."

"The curry here is spicy and delicious."

"I found the authentic Trini food here to be very good."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available near the restaurant.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant does not have a liquor license, so no alcohol is served.

12
Honest Indian Vegetarian Restaurant image 1

Spacious and clean with wide paths, the restaurant offers a family-friendly atmosphere with traditional Indian décor. Dishes like Paneer Butter Masala deliver authentic North Indian flavors, focusing on fresh vegetarian options. Self-service adds to a relaxed, unhurried dining experience.

Food delivers authentic Indian taste with dishes like Paneer Butter Masala and Pav Bhaji that taste fresh and flavorful. The menu focuses on vegetarian options true to North Indian cuisine.

People are saying

"The masala dosa here is exceptionally good and made from scratch."

"The vegetarian Indian food here is fresh, flavorful, and authentic."

"I finally found authentic Indian taste here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options, including Jain and Manu Swami Narayan dishes.

2

Portion sizes are larger compared to other Indian restaurants in the area.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment for diners.

13
Ajisai 3 image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers fresh sushi and authentic ramen in a vibrant, club-like space with blue-lit interior and wildlife projections. EDM music plays from a jukebox, creating a lively, fun vibe perfect for enjoying hot sake and great food.

Fresh, flavorful sushi and authentic Japanese ramen stand out here. The menu delivers truly authentic Japanese cuisine with a focus on fresh sushi and traditional flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and always fresh."

"I loved the bottomless sushi here; the variety and flavor were great."

"I found the authentic Japanese cuisine here to be flavorful."

Good to know

1

Ajisai 3 offers free dinner and a small cake on your birthday.

2

Ladies receive a free glass of wine from Monday to Thursday.

3

Birthday guests enjoy half off all-you-can-eat meals.

14
Talkin' Tacos Temple Terrace image 1

Black lights and glowing tables with mandala designs create a vibrant, fun atmosphere. Food serves authentic flavors with fresh, halal ingredients. Neon signs and handmade murals add unique charm, while music keeps the vibe family-friendly and welcoming.

Food offers authentic flavors with a focus on fresh ingredients and halal preparation.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the food; it was delicious and came out hot."

"You have to try the birria Mexican food here; it's amazing."

"The food here is delicious and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Orders can only be placed via the vending machine.

2

The restaurant offers express dining with order at a kiosk and food brought out to me.

3

They have great deals for Taco Tuesdays with special pricing on all tacos.

Discover more

University Square, Tampa

Area guide
Loading Map...