Spanish Restaurants in Tampa, FL You Won’t Want to Sleep On

So you're looking for Spanish restaurants in Tampa Florida huh? You probably searched for something like “Tampa Spanish restaurants” or “Spanish restaurants Tampa” or maybe even “Spanish restaurants inTampa.” 

Well don’t worry you came to the right place. You didn’t really think Google would lead you askew or astray did you? Of course this is the place you are looking for! If you live in Tampa, are just there for an afternoon, or have a friend or loved one who is there. 

This list will feature some of the best Spanish restaurants in Tampa for a lunch or dinner you can find. There is sure to be something on the list that piques your interest, or at least piques your appetite. And whenever you find what it is we provide links to every restaurant's menu so you can decide what you want ahead of time. We’ll even let you know if one of the Spanish restaurants in Tampa accept our quality and convenient digital GiftYa gift cards.

Wait, what’s a GiftYa again?

As a reminder a GiftYa digital gift card is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. A gift card that functions just like every other gift card. It lets you make purchases at a participating bar, restaurant, or store up to the face value of the gift card. However, unlike traditional gift cards. GiftYa digital gift cards come with a few additional benefits. 

For instance, unlike a traditional gift card, a GiftYa can be sent straight to your phone in seconds. That way you don’t need to deliver a GiftYa in person if you want to give it as a gift. You don’t even have to go to a store in person if you want one for yourself. You can just visit the GiftYa website and pick one up today.

Since GiftYa cards are sent directly to your phone you never have to worry about misplacing them or forgetting to take them with you. In most instances you are going to have your phone with you so in most instances you will have your GiftYa cards right in your pocket. In addition to that, your GiftYa also keeps track of the balance for you. Which is so much nicer than having to try to remember how much was left over on those antiquated plastic gift cards. 

I mean you can’t write it on them very easily so idk what you’re supposed to do if you don’t use the total value the first time? Just guess the next time you are in town? 

Columbia Restaurant

Family Owned and Operated Since 1905 – That’s Five Generations of Spanish Cuisine

2117 E 7th Ave | Ybor City | columbiarestaurant.com

Columbia Restaurant knows a thing or two about serving up some of Tampa’s best Spanish cuisine. The same family has owned and operated the establishment for more than 115 years, which goes to show you that they must be doing something very, very right! 

It’s a true success story that started way back in 1905 when Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. opened a small 60-seat corner cafe in Ybor City. Casimiro’s restaurant soon became well known for its delicious Cuban coffee and authentic Cuban sandwiches. Since then, Columbia Restaurant has grown into the largest Spanish restaurant in the world, and it’s even expanded into other Florida locations, with six restaurants operating in total as of this writing.

Despite being the oldest restaurant in Florida, Columbia Restaurant is anything but old-fashioned – their menu seamlessly blends Spanish and Cuban cuisine with Italian influences, resulting in a truly unique combination of foods and flavors you won’t find anywhere else.

Be sure to try fan favorites like their Spanish bean soup, seafood paella, ropa vieja, and devil crab croquettes when you stop in. You won’t be disappointed!

“What a Gem!! This place is iconic!! It has been in Tampa for since1905. It has numerous dining rooms. We were told the waiting room which was red was designed by Marilyn Monroe. If you love Cuban food like myself you will not be disappointed.” - Yelp Review 

Columbia Restaurant is one of the thousands of restaurants that accepts digital GiftYa gift cards but it is also among one of the highest rated Spanish restaurants in Tampa!

Bulla Gastrobar

Enjoy Authentic Spanish Cuisine and Tasty Tapas with a Trendy Twist at One of Tampa’s Favorite Gastrobars

930 S Howard Ave  | SoHo | bullagastrobar.com

Tampa has a vibrant restaurant scene, and it's only made more electric by this trendy addition. Bulla Gastrobar has been serving up Spanish food in Tampa since 2013, and it’s no wonder why it has seen such success. Inspired by the most popular tapas restaurants in Spain, Bulla Gastrobar’s casual dining space centers around its extensive bar and a variety of seating options, including communal tables, booth seating, and private dining rooms.

Bulla Gastrobar was founded by Carlos Centurion, son of Cuban and American parents and passionate restaurateur. 

Be sure to check out Bulla’s happy hour deals – locals love the affordable sangria prices!

“I would give this place more stars if I could!! Never disappoints. The food is exceptionally great! So much flavor! Bulla huevos is a must have! Best tapas restaurant I've been to!” - Yelp Review

Get a GiftYa digital gift card for yourself or a loved one to Bulla Gastrobar and enjoy one of the best Spanish restaurants in Tampa by following the link!

La Teresita Cafe

Immigrant-Owned Cafe Serving Some of the Best Spanish Food in Tampa Since 1975

3246 W Columbus Dr | West Tampa | cleaned up URL/hyperlink

Owning a business and being your own boss is considered a key feature of the American dream, and for the Capdevila family, that dream has been their reality for nearly 50 years. Parents Maximino and Coralia fled Fidel Castro’s communist regime in Cuba in the early 60s, arriving in Miami with their sons in 1962 on the Freedom Flights.

Since 1975, the family has been operating one of the most popular casual dining spots in the city of Tampa. The counter-style restaurant is located near RJ Stadium and Tampa International Airport, making it a convenient place to pop in and grab a bite. Plus, they’re open late all weekend long, so no matter when you need to refuel, you can enjoy a delicious Cuban sandwich, cafe con leche, ropa vieja, or any of the other dishes on La Teresita Cafe’s flavor-packed menu.

“A Tampa classic! If you haven't been here and live in Tampa, this is a must. Sit at the counter. Soak in all the Spanish. Eat all the Cuban bread they put in front of you. Definitely order a cafe con leche. And probably just get a media noche sandwich to go for later. You'll be in and out in 20 minutes, your bill will be under $10. And you'll be so happy!” - Yelp Review 

Right now you aren’t able to get a GiftYa digital gift card to La Teresita Cafe but check back because there’s more Spanish restaurants and stores in Tampa added all the time.

Rice and Beans

Feel the Spanish Influence on Puerto Rican Cuisine When You Chow Down Fresh Food at This Elegant Spot

27405 Wesley Chapel Blvd | Wesley Chapel | ricebeans.com

Spanish culture has had a major influence on countries around the world and particularly around the Gulf of Mexico. As soon as you bite into the rustic Puerto Rican cuisine at Rice and Beans, your taste buds will be transported on a global getaway. Get the Puerto Rican take on classic Spanish dishes, and when paired with the Puerto Rican music, art, and style that Rice and Beans offers in abundance, you’re in for an evening you won’t soon forget.

Locals love the pionono, carne frita, trifongo, and sancocho – stop in hungry so you can sample it all!

“The food and atmosphere is amazing! Absolutely authentic true island food. Only complaint is that the band is a little loud and no dance floor, but we were all dancing by our tables and the band did an amazing job so really can't complain.” - Yelp Review 

Unfortunately Rice and Beans isn’t one of the Spanish restaurants in Tampa participating with GiftYa just yet, but check back soon cause they might be any day now.

Spain Restaurant & Toma Bar

Spanish Food Served Up by a Spanish Family? Sounds Like a Recipe for One of the Best Spanish Restaurants in Tampa

513 N Tampa St | Downtown | tomaspain.com

The Castro family emigrated to Tampa, FL from Spain over four decades ago, and they brought with them traditional tapas recipes that have been handed down for generations. Hailing from the Galicia region of Spain, which is renowned for having some of the best seafood in the world, the Castro family is proud to share the recipes they enjoyed at restaurants and bars in Galicia with the Tampa community.

Spain Restaurant & Toma Bar offers a unique take on Spanish dining in Tampa – its urban setting gives it a distinct, modern flair. Plus, located in the heart of downtown Tampa and mere blocks away from cultural centers like Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and the Tampa Theater, Spain Restaurant & Toma Bar is the perfect way to end an elegant evening of fine culture and cuisine in the city.

No matter what kind of Spanish food you’re craving – from empanadas stuffed with exquisite fillings to juicy ropa vieja to the very freshest ceviche – Spain Restaurant & Toma Bar truly has something for everyone to enjoy.

“This place is a truly authentic family owned restaurant. Not many places make it- this one has been here 30 years. From nice Spanish Estrella beer and delicious Sangria to start we enjoyed a Friday night here. The veggie paella is truly incredible and I have a Colombian stepmom so I know!” - Yelp Review 

Spain Restaurant & Toma Bar is one of the best Spanish restaurants in Tampa and they accept GiftYa digital gift cards and you can grab one for you or someone on your list by following the link!

It’s not hard to find an amazing Spanish restaurant in Tampa

There you have it! All the best rated Spanish restaurants you can find in Tampa, from authentic Spanish cuisine and family-owned businesses, to trendy tapas bars and Puerto Rican takes on Spanish cuisine, and everything in between. Tampa is a major hub of business and commerce so it isn’t easy to narrow down the list of great Spanish restaurants to only what can fit in this post. But just from what we gathered for you here today you’ll be sure to find a location that's convenient for you with plenty of excellent options. 

And remember, if you or someone you love is out in Tampa, we marked off which Spanish restaurants accept convenient GiftYa digital gift cards. And you can use them at any of the locations we indicated on this list today. Tampa and GiftYa definitely have something to offer.