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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of University Square

Authentic food

Flavors that stay true to their roots instead of being adapted for the local palate.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Angora Mediterranean Grill image 1
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Open kitchen and bright, spacious dining area create a contemporary vibe with clean, elegant styling. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming, with Turkish music and videos enhancing the cultural experience. Energy stays quiet and friendly, supporting a relaxed, family-oriented setting.

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

Authentic Turkish dishes come in generous portions with great hospitality and very good service. The food consistently impresses with its glorious flavors and satisfying quality.

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 creates a peaceful, welcoming vibe suited for families. The atmosphere stays super chill and pleasant, emphasizing comfort and authenticity. Quiet setting highlights carefully considered details that make it feel like home.

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.

Food offers authentic Cuban flavor with great taste and heart. Dishes deliver excellent quality and a delicious, flavorful experience.

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
Aam-Aam TAQ image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck offers authentic Mexican street tacos with homemade sauces that elevate flavors. The atmosphere is busy and lively, drawing crowds despite a rough location. Portions are generous and ingredients stay fresh, making 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.

Tacos and Mexican dishes deliver incredible flavor and consistent quality. Prices stay reasonable while the food remains exceptionally good and satisfying.

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.

04
Hamada kabob حمادة مشاوي image 1

Halal restaurant offers charcoal-grilled kabobs with food prepared fresh to order near the dining area. Atmosphere stays chill and family friendly with natural wood tables and a cozy, welcoming vibe reflecting Mediterranean culture.

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

Food tastes like home-cooked meals with a focus on beef kebab and chicken skewers. Meals come out fresh and fast, often with a complimentary salad.

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.

05
LaMeiZi Hot Pot & BBQ 辣妹子火锅烧烤 image 1

Asian restaurant offers sunken hot pot tables and an island buffet for self-selection of ingredients. Spacious layout includes private rooms and a smoke machine to remove BBQ odors. Atmosphere is beautiful and relaxing with clean, welcoming decor and koi fish wall art.

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

An amazing buffet offers fresh ingredients like lamb, beef, chicken, seafood, tofu, and veggies. Cooked foods include crayfish, sushi, and chicken wings, all served with attentive staff and excellent service.

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.

06
Naz's Halal Food - Tampa image 1
Halal restaurant

Halal restaurant offers a clean and spacious interior with bright lighting and beautiful wall art. Atmosphere feels relaxed and lively, creating a welcoming vibe that feels like home. Seating is plentiful, supporting a comfortable dining experience.

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.

Food here is consistently fresh and amazing, with strong halal flavors. The dishes deliver great taste and quality every time.

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.

07
Ajisai 3 image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant combines spacious, blue-lit interior with LED walls and wildlife-themed projections creating a vibrant, club-like atmosphere. EDM instrumental music plays through a jukebox system where diners can select songs. The place draws a lively crowd enjoying fresh sushi and hot sake in a fun, inviting setting.

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.

Food here is consistently amazing with excellent service. Every visit delivers delicious dishes and a great dining experience.

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.

08
Golden Chaat and Paan House image 1

Small, casual space offers an authentic Desi atmosphere with rich spice aromas and a homemade vibe. The environment feels cozy and familiar, reflecting a true chaat house experience. Food flavors stand out for their freshness and distinct seasoning, especially in street food and biryani dishes.

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.

Food features authentic Indian street dishes like paan, dahi poori, kulfi, and bun kebabs. Quality and freshness stand out, with generous portions at a fair price.

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."

"The food here is delicious and authentic, especially the street food."

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.

09
Talkin' Tacos Temple Terrace image 1

Black lights and glowing tables with mandala designs create a vibrant, fun atmosphere. Neon signs and handmade art murals add unique visual appeal. Music plays a key role, enhancing the welcoming, family-friendly vibe.

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

Food here is consistently amazing and earns a perfect 10 out of 10 for quality. The menu offers great Mexican dishes with excellent service that complements the dining experience.

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.

10
Home Of Spices (Tampa) image 1
Indian grocery store

Spacious and well-organized Indian grocery store offers wide selection of authentic spices, fresh produce, and puja items. Atmosphere feels welcoming with reasonable prices and diverse regional specialties. Shoppers find it easy to navigate and explore more options than typical stores.

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.

Wide variety of fresh produce, spices, and regional specialty items fills the shelves. Food quality is okay, with many hard-to-find ingredients and snacks available.

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 friendly and helpful with whatever you need."

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.

11
Dunns River Island Cafe image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Old building hosts a lively Jamaican restaurant with live band and DJ music creating a friendly, chill vibe. The atmosphere blends authentic Caribbean flavors with an inviting, relaxed energy. Regulars enjoy bottomless mimosas and a brunch menu that highlights bold, flavorful dishes.

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.

Authentic Jamaican food stands out with consistently delicious flavors and a limited but satisfying menu. The food pairs well with great service and a lively atmosphere.

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.

12
Tara's Roti Shop image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Small Caribbean restaurant offers authentic Trinidadian fast food with a quiet, nostalgic atmosphere filled with sarcastic signage and Caribbean grocery items. Casual setup includes a pick-up counter and simple seating, attracting those seeking genuine flavors and a welcoming environment.

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

Authentic Trini flavors shine through in every dish, with food served hot and fresh. The menu offers consistently impeccable taste that stands out from nearby West Indian spots.

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.

13
Honest Indian Vegetarian Restaurant image 1

Spacious and clean with wide paths and well-spaced tables, the restaurant offers a cozy, warm, and family-friendly atmosphere. The vibe suits relaxed dining and casual conversations, enhanced by a traditional Indian décor. Self-service amenities support a comfortable, unhurried 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.

Food here is consistently delicious, authentic, and fresh. The menu offers pure vegetarian Indian dishes that satisfy a variety of tastes.

People are saying

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

"I found the food here to be delicious 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.

14
Klas La Restaurant & Catering image 1

Small, personal space with Afro beats and Haitian kompa music creates a lively atmosphere. Staff speak both English and Creole, adding to the authentic vibe. Dance lessons in Kompa and large, well-priced portions distinguish the experience.

Food here offers authentic Haitian flavors that stand out in the area. Dishes capture the traditional taste true to Haitian cuisine.

Caribbean cuisine here is juicy and flavorful, especially the Haitian Creole dishes. Food arrives ready to eat, often paired with homemade hot sauce from the small business.

People are saying

"I found the Haitian food here to be the best and most authentic."

"The oxtail and rice were worth every penny."

"I found the most authentic Haitian food here."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $29 for a meal with large portions.

2

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is recommended for smaller purchases.

3

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

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University Square, Tampa

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