The Cuban Empanada & Fry Bar in Tampa - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

I’ve been to the Cuban Empanada multiples times and I’ve never been disappointed. All their food is cooked fresh. Great costumer service and the space is clean and welcoming.

Amazing empanadas, staff is incredibly helpful and nice. Only thing "bad" (not really bad just should know) is they are cooked to order so if you don't order before arriving you will be waiting 30 or so minutes for your food.

The food is amazing! The Mac & cheese is a must try! It’s the best I’ve ever had! The Cuban sandwich is very delicious. Everyone was super awesome and ever nice.

This place is a gold mine! Great food, great service. Amazing vegan and vegetarian options with flavor!!!! A vegan Cuban sandwich that beats any other I have ever had and black beans with white rice…all vegan and delicious. And don’t get me started on the island rum plantains. Prices are really good for the quality of food you are getting. Superior! You have to try it!

I was cruising for a dinner option along 580/veterans when I came across this little place on the edge of a business park. I turned around and came back and I am glad I did. Absolutely tasty! I ordered a dozen box of Empanadas! 11/12 I chose as air fried and they were ~ according to super judgey foodies in my family ~ still very flaky and enjoyable pastry. Fillings I chose: 4 x cuban sandwich, 4 x beef (no cheese), 2 x buffalo chicken, 1 x spinach w cheese, 1 x apple cinnamon which Chef Norma recommended as fried, and she was right on the money. All the fillings were delicious (buffalo chicken was delicate and I wanted more - next time!). Everything came in a lovely cake box with little sticks indicating flavors and the sweet/cinnamon empanada thoughtfully separated in a little paper bag from the savory empanadas. We chose the cilantro/garlic aioli dip and mayoketchu sauces - great complement to the empanadas however they can stand on their own if you are an empanada purest 😉. So many other sauces to choose from. I brought my dozen empanadas home as a meal for the family while renovating our kitchen 😅 I also ordered some fresh cut fries for me to nibble on to ensure I didn’t eat everyone’s dinner due to the delicious smell of fresh empanadas 😂😬 One dozen was just enough and fed two adults and two 10 and 12 year old boys 🤗. Great idea to bring a box to a party or potluck, and they offer very easy online ordering. Lots of parking and I was pleasantly surprised by the cute outdoor porch surrounded by abundant landscaping, in the much nicer than average business park location (personally prefer eating outside whenever possible). If you want to enjoy eating your ultra fresh empanadas al fresco you have the option, or enjoy the air conditioned cute cafe atmosphere inside. We’ll be back! (Sorry about this poor photo - we ate most of them before I had a chance to take photos! Lots of photos on their google listing)

The cuban sandwich could be the best I have ever tasted. It was perfectly portioned and the pork melts in your mouth. Delicious fresh hot pressed cuban bread. Great job you all! Loved the vibe of the place. I completely recommend if you are in the area check it out. You won't

Absolutely delicious! Exceptional service, food and beverages. The staff was very welcoming and friendly! I had an iced cuban coffee and a cuban empanada! I must say they were DEVINE 😍😋 My family and I would definitely return.

This is my new favorite restaurant. The owners when we walked in were super helpful and made recommendations on what to try out. The food was incredible. My wife and I split a Cuban sandwhich and a variety of empanadas. The Cuban sandwich was the best I’ve ever had and then the empanadas were so good. The coconut siracha sauce was incredible too. My only complaint was I was too full to try every empanada they had.

From phoenix. Had to try a cuban sandwich before I flew back and good thing I was recommended Cuban Empanadas. Soooo good!! The mac and cheese set it over the top!

Writing this while in a food coma, so please forgive any typos. First off, amazing service. Very friendly, walked me through the process of ordering and showed me all the (many!) sauces and other goodies at the bar. Then the food!! I can't speak highly enough of how good and filling it is! Great portion sizes, great flavors. And the place itself is clean, with fun decor and a great atmosphere! I can't wait to go by here again, and already telling my friends and family about it.

Thee best Cuban I've ever had! The portion for half is huge. Can't wait to try more!! Staff very friendly.

Absolute joy to meet the ladies today before flying back to Nashville. They were beyond sweet and the food was amazing. Juan A would be very proud

While I didn’t dine in, I opted to bring home a few (and by a few I mean 26😉 ) frozen empanadas to enjoy later. Norma made sure to package them with care and label them all for me. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy they were to prepare. A quick fry in a pan or even a short trip in the air fryer and they were ready to devour, retaining all the crispy texture and delicious taste of the restaurant's freshly made ones. If you're craving authentic Cuban flavors in the area, look no further than "The Cuban Empanada and Fry Bar". They have some of the most mouthwatering empanadas I've ever tasted —crispy on the outside, filled with a generous portion of savory goodness inside. Whether you opt for the classic beef and cheese, black bean and chorizo, buffalo chicken Mac and cheese, blueberry cream cheese or their specialty “Mami’s famous cuban”, each bite is a burst of traditional Cuban flavor.

Came in for lunch and had an awesome experience. You can tell that the owner is very passionate about the plates coming out of the kitchen because everything tasted amazing.

I waited to have my first Cuban sandwich and it was delicious! The owner was very friendly and helpful and you can tell the staff takes pride in the business! Thank you so much for the excellent service! Love from West Texas!

Awesome place and really great food! We met the owner she is very kind all the staff was polite as well. Definitely 10/10 recommend ❤️

Amazing staff and atmosphere was greeted by staff and the owner git the beef and cheese empanada wanted to try the cuban the owner over herd use and gave us a sample too wich I must say is impeccable service cuban was fire 🔥 if your thinking of trying this place just stop thinking and go 10/10

Food is excellent!! Go eat here!!

Stained my pants but I would do it again! Empanadas are delicious and authentic, got to meet the owner and she was fantastic. The service was spectacular and finding authentic Cuban food is hard. 11/10 making this a regular spot.

10/10 certified fresh! Great lunch time refresh. Great food and great service, highly recommend the Cuban empanada!

I went here for the first time and the staff was extremely friendly! they informed me that my order was just waiting on the fries, as they like to have them fresh. the food is delicious and the sauce choices just make it that much better! its a hidden gem for sure :)

I have only eaten out of their new location on Beaumont Ctr Blvd and my only issue is portion size compared to price. Not sure if it is different at their other location. $9 for a small empanada and very small portion of rice and beans seems high especially when there are places near by where you can get a lunch special for under $7 for a larger portion that two can eat from or one person and save for later. (for example Pipos) down the street. The taste was delicious but I just feel the price even for one single empanada $5-$6 is a bit much.

Absolutely amazing dining experience from the moment we were greeted walking in the door until we left. I just love everything, from the way it’s decorated to the warm cozy feel you get and receive from everyone and I didn’t mention the best part yet the food!! OMG!! If you haven’t been yet, just go, there are so so many empanadas to choose from it’s not easy. But, I assure you, you will be happy with whatever you choose. The plantains are the best ever and the black beans and rice!!! The desert empanadas are delicious too!! Lemon/Blueberry.. yummy. The flan is delish too. And try the coffee, they made a coffee drinker out of me.. hands down best cup of coffee I’ve ever had, smooth, with no bitterness. If I could have eaten more I would have, but I will definitely be back. Love you all

Absolutely deliciously food. Wonderful experience. The owner and family are truly gracious hosts as well. Wish we had one closer. Will definitely visit again.

Such a cute place for lunch and the food is amazing! Best cuban I've ever had and the service was impeccable. They are hands on and make sure you know where things are and takes care of you like family. Amazing 10/10. Will be coming back!

A lovely unique place. All the wonderful reviews are true! Everything about it was pleasant and enjoyable. We’re looking forward to returning and highly recommend it!

WOW, these empanadas were even better than I expected! I had the buffalo chicken and Cuban sandwich ones. Both were excellent!

The food was amazing, really a 12/10. I tried the Cuban sandwich empanada, buffalo chicken with cheese empanada, and the flan dessert empanada. They offer a variety of sides and sauces to go with your meal. I tried the regular cut fries and they tasted so fresh and exceeded my expectations. Everyone is really kind and makes you feel welcomed. Definitely going to be a regular here!

Best Cuban(pressed everything on it)since I've been in Tampa and for folks that like breakfast in the afternoon/evening (like me) I definitely recommend breakfast empanadas (🥓 eggs and cheese)and they can air fry them too:)..the customer service was great, I believe I was greeted by least 3 different people when I walked in

Juicy empanadas very rich full of flavor

The most welcoming and sweetest people working there. The food is amazing.

The sweetest people and most incredible cafe con leche and empanadas in Tampa! I will absolutely become a regular here

Discover the charm of this petite yet authentically Cuban eatery, where the vibrant atmosphere beautifully encapsulates the rich Cuban heritage. Every element, from the decor to the menu, resonates with the essence of Cuba. And let's not forget the exceptional cuisine that truly captures the essence of Cuban culinary mastery.

Not only is this place adorable inside but the empanadas are absolutely amazing! I picked up a too good to go surprise bag with a picadillo, Cuban sandwich and flan empanadas. The Cuban and picadillo were obviously great but that Flan one hit in all the right ways. I don't even really like flan in its regular form but of course everything tastes better in dough and fried.

Super delicious Cuban sandwich, yummy garbanzo bean soup and black and rice. True & authentic Cuban food. Sharon and Jordan were excellent hosts. If we could we give them 10 stars we would! It's a great place with generous portions and delicious food and very friendly hosts. We'll be coming back.

They are amazing! The food is authentic and made with love. They’re the MVPs of hospitality as well. 10/10 would recommend!

They are SO NICE. I love the options and the empanadas all tastes amazing. Will definitely come back

Some of the best damn empanadas I've ever had. They were so good I felt the need to call the store and tell them how good it was! Everyone was so nice and the restaurant is so cozy. This is definitely a must try spot!

Everything about this business is 10/10 stars! We stopped by to get a Cuban sandwich after stopping at another place which didn’t have an actual Cuban sandwich more of a ham/cheese sandwich. They claimed it was a Cuban sandwich 🤷🏻‍♀️. However we met the owners who are two sisters had a great conversation and when we come back to town we definitely will return back!

This place was amazing ! It’s beautiful inside such a cozy welcoming vibe, and the staff is amazing from the front desk to the cook, truly amazing smells great and tasted even better !

Norma is so nice! And the food was so good and nice quality too, you can tell. Defiitely going back with my friends!

Todo riquísimo y las personas que te atienden buenísima y bien amables❤️❤️

First time trying Cuban food, the vegan sandwich, black beans and white rice with onions and cilantro was very filling and tasty. I can hardly wait to try the vegan empanadas! The people were SO EXTREMELY friendly-most recommended for a peaceful filling meal.

One of the best Cuban sandwiches I've ever had. Amazing food and even better people. Everything about this place is quality.

Amazing experience from the homemade fresh delicious food to the Amazing atmosphere and the wonderful owner and staff we had an incredible experience!!! We will definitely be back asap!!!

Delicious empanadas and great service! I hope they make the cheesesteak special a regular menu item

Best Empanadas in Tampa!! Everything was amazing and tasty. Will be coming back for sure. You won’t be disappointed with the service or food.

Beautiful environment, exceptionally delicious empanadas and fries, friendliest service! We tried several different empanadas from here and I am certain that there’s no competition. Will always go back!

All of the empanadas here are so good, that it's hard to decide what to order! My whole family loves the food here. Highly recommend the Cuban Empanada.

We love this place! My daughter is obsessed with the Mac n Cheese empanadas. They have become her after school Friday treat. You have to eat here, everything is so fresh and delicious. The service is wonderful.

Very friendly service and yummy food! Even accommodated my gluten and dairy free allergy.

Everything was delicious! We tried the cuban, beef and cheese, 3 meat pizza empanadas, yucca fries, and a combo of pineapple and guava fresh juice. They have a variety of home sauces to choose from too!

***Warning - long post*** Bottom line - if you're deciding... TRY IT!!*** Let me start by saying that I just love Norma and her fam(ily). They are such wonderful and genuinely warm-hearted people! The ambiance of their restaurant is so welcoming with a Cuban flair. Very clean which is of utmost importance! Then there's the Food 🥰 made with so much love and flavor. There is something for everyone, whether you like savory, soulful, have a sweet tooth or even if you're vegan 😉. The whole crew can come and enjoy hands down some of thee Best empanadas in town! Don't want an empanada? Then deconstruct it and still have an amazingly satisfying and fulfilling meal. You also have a choice of sides in which one is a fry bar with so many mouthwatering sauces and toppings in which to choose.. don't hurt yourself! Then if you stuff yourself you can sit back and relax with an authentic cup of cafe while it all digests. Don't have time to sit? Take it to go or have it delivered. You have options okay. Have many mouths to feed? Order the platters. I literally be feeling like I'm having some sort of midlife crisis trying to choose what I want from the menu because Everything is just that delicious that I want to have it all! So instead, I just come often to get my fix of having selected menu items I'm craving. You should come too, you will not be disappointed! ¡Esperamos verte!

This restaurant has great food and service. The price was reasonable and on point. I’ve been to other fast food places that had poor quality food for the same price or more so I disagree with the cheap ass that gave them 2 stars.

Hey the empanadas was good and the lady was nice but for a fast food to expensive 6 empanadas 2 sodas 1 water2 coladas 46 dollars

Incredible food! So clean and tastes amazing, definitely eating here for life! Great customer service as well!!

Absolutely THE BEST empanada we have ever eaten and... the Guava and cream cheese empanada was so yummy, charming environment with lots of authenticity!

Excellent food and service. I have dined in, taken orders home, and used The Cuban Empanada for a catered event (delivery). The catering service was exceptional. Also, everything ordered was the biggest hit at our office gathering. Yummy!! I highly recommend The Cuban Empanada (7901 N Armenia Ave, Tampa 33604; phone: 913.442.8444)!

La comida es muy deliciosa, las empanadas son riquísima y tienen diferentes variedades. Los dueños son muy agradables! Definitivamente recomiendo este restaurante.

Best Empanadas around! Service is superb with a very caring owner! Wonderful family owned business.

The best empanadas I've ever had! 100% delicious!