I am truly blessed to have walked into Kubana Kafe on their second day of opening. Chatting with Debora was such a lovely experience and I'm so excited to hear what she has planned for this location....starting with Salsa Dancing (which is already sold out by the way!) I ordered a cortado and was graciously offered to try the Cuban toast with parsley and a guava pastelillo. I specifically order cortados all over the world whenever I'm traveling, and I can attest that the cortado at Kubana Kafe stands amongst the best cortados I've ever had with beans from El Salvador. The pastries were exquisite! They come from a family-friend-owned bakery named Tampa Flavors and I love how connected these businesses are to the community already. I'd never had Cuban bread before and it was delectable. The guava pastellilo was unlike anything I've ever had and that would be my recommendation to anyone! I can't wait to come back every day this week and try the rest of the pastries. The design inside is exquisite, minimalist, and has Cuban inspired wall art. The merch is on point, too! Everything is well priced, thoughtful, and sublime.
Overview
When it comes to finding a cozy spot to grab a delicious bite in Tampa, Kubana Kafe stands out as a must-try. Tucked away at 5130 S Dale Mabry Hwy #106, Tampa, FL 33611, this charming restaurant combines Cuban flavors with a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a local favorite.
Walking into Kubana Kafe feels like stepping into a warm, inviting home where every detail is designed to make you feel comfortable. The decor is simple yet elegant, with touches of Cuban culture scattered throughout the space. The vibe is relaxed, making it the perfect spot for a casual lunch or a laid-back dinner. Whether you're a local or just passing through Tampa, you'll instantly feel at ease in this cozy diner.
One of the standout features of Kubana Kafe is its menu, which is a vibrant mix of traditional Cuban dishes and a few American favorites. From hearty sandwiches to flavorful entrees, there’s something for everyone. If you're a fan of Cuban sandwiches, you're in for a treat. Their Cuban sandwich is packed with savory roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard-all perfectly pressed for that signature crunch. It’s a fan favorite, and it’s easy to see why.
The restaurant also offers some incredible rice and bean dishes, which are the perfect sidekicks to any meal. The black beans are rich and flavorful, while the rice is perfectly fluffy, making for a satisfying combination. For something a little lighter, try their deliciously refreshing Cuban salads, topped with fresh ingredients and drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette.
The best part? Kubana Kafe really knows how to serve up flavor with authenticity. Many of the recipes are handed down from generations, and the flavors speak for themselves. Whether you're in the mood for the sweetness of a pastelito (a Cuban pastry) or the savory goodness of ropa vieja (shredded beef in a tomato-based sauce), you’ll be transported straight to Cuba with each bite.
But the food isn’t the only thing that makes Kubana Kafe stand out. The service is top-notch. The staff here are friendly, attentive, and always ready with a recommendation if you're unsure what to order. It's clear that they take pride in making sure every guest feels welcomed and well taken care of.
On top of great food and service, the prices at Kubana Kafe are reasonable. The portions are generous, meaning you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank, making it a go-to spot for families, friends, or anyone in need of a satisfying meal.
What makes Kubana Kafe even more appealing is its consistent reputation. Over the years, this restaurant has earned a loyal following, with many people returning regularly to enjoy their favorite dishes. Whether you're popping in for a quick bite or staying for a leisurely meal, you're likely to see the same familiar faces, which speaks to the trust and loyalty this place has built within the community.
Located conveniently in the heart of Tampa, Kubana Kafe is easy to find and offers a great dining experience for all types of guests. Whether you're a Tampa native or a visitor, it’s a great spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy some incredible Cuban cuisine. With their extensive menu and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder why so many people rave about this place.
The next time you find yourself in Tampa and craving some authentic Cuban flavors, make your way to Kubana Kafe. You won’t be disappointed by the amazing food, friendly service, and warm atmosphere. Whether you're indulging in a Cuban sandwich or enjoying a plate of savory rice and beans, every meal here is a celebration of Cuban culinary traditions.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Kerbside pickup âś“ Delivery âś“ On-site services âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great tea selectionPopular for
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Solo dining âś“ Good for working on laptopAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Coffee âś“ Quick biteDining options
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Lunch âś“ DessertAmenities
âś“ Toilet âś“ Wi-FiAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ Quiet âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ TouristsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kidsParking
âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Safe to say you can try everything! The menu is lovely and refreshing, the cold foam on the coffee is top tier, Deborah takes her time to craft each drink with love and care. The pastries are crispy and fresh the spinach and guava Danishes were my favorite. This is a true cuban American jewel in the hear of South Tampa!
Kubana Kafe is a total gem. The vibe is warm and inviting, the service is friendly and attentive, and the flavors seriously deliver. The guava brown sugar latte was to die for perfectly balanced, rich, and honestly one of those bites that makes you pause because it’s that good. You can tell everything here is made with care and quality ingredients. It’s the kind of place you instantly want to come back to and bring friends along. If you’re looking for something unique, comforting, and full of flavor, Kubana Kafe does not disappoint
Walked in today after a quick google search of coffee shops near me. I glanced over their website and immediately saw a drink on the menu that caught my attention. The brown sugar guava latte had me at first glance! I’ve never had a coffee that was guava flavored. Once inside I was greeted by a lovely woman who I would soon discover was the owner of this cute coffee shop. I ordered an iced brown sugar guava latte and a guava cheese pastry. The espresso was very smooth and the brown sugar and guava flavors complimented everything about this drink! The pastry was light and airy yet perfect ratios of guava to cheese flavoring combined with the flaky buttery crust was the perfect duo to my latte. I was charmed by the unique combination of flavors along with the calm ambiance of this simple yet elegant establishment. I will definitely be returning during my time in Tampa! Thank you!
Loved this place! I absolutely loved the classic shaken café con leche — it’s everything you want from a traditional café con leche but with a fun, unexpected twist that makes it feel extra special. You can really taste the care that goes into it. The staff is incredibly kind and welcoming, and the whole space has such a calm, peaceful vibe. It’s the perfect spot to slow down, enjoy an amazing coffee, and just be present. Kubana Kafe is a gem — I’ll definitely be back!
Such a cozy Cuban-American café! The iced coffees were so delicious, my personal favorite is the guava cafe con leche and the tres leche latte! The pastries were fresh, warm, and absolutely perfect. The staff was incredibly sweet and caring—they made the whole experience feel extra special. I definitely recommend trying kubana Kafe, it has become my top coffee shop!
Kubana Kafe is such a gem. I got a café con leche both hot and iced, and both were incredible — perfectly balanced and clearly made with care. The pastries are SO good, honestly the perfect bite to go with the coffee. The space is cozy and welcoming, and you can really feel that it’s family owned. I also love the simple, intentional menu — all espresso-based drinks, no unnecessary extras, which I personally really enjoy. You can tell they focus on quality over quantity. Definitely a spot I’ll keep coming back to.
Nice quiet cafe tucked away in this plaza near the Gandy and Expressway. The owner was very pleasant and welcoming. Met a colleague for coffee. Had the cafe con leche which was perfect! I also tried the spinach feta pastry which flaky and tasty! Would definitely recommend for quiet place work, read, or meet a friend.