Visitors might be surprised to know, even with Tampa's rich and storied Latin history, it can be difficult to find truly authentic Cuban restaurants in Tampa Bay. Over the years Cuban and Spanish cuisines fused, producing fantastic dishes found on many a menu, while some restaurants 'Americanized' recipes to what many of us have become familiar with when dining on Cuban food. But what about the original recipes? Where can you get the real deal? Want to know where to find the best authentic Cuban food?
We are fortunate to have in West Tampa, in Fiesta Plaza just south of Tampa Bay Boulevard on Armenia Avenue, a quaint, authentic Cuban restaurant! El Gallo de Oro Restaurant , a Tampa tradition since 1986, serves authentic Cuban food!
Where to Find the Best AUTHENTIC Cuban Food
We first came across El Gallo de Oro (translated: 'The Golden Cockerel, a story about two fighters in love with the same woman, one rich, one poor) at Flavor of West Tampa Health and Wellness Expo in support of the Judeo Christian Health Clinic. It was here we learned founding owners Gustavo and Julia Orama came to the United States as part of the historic Muriel Boatlift in 1980. Migrating to Tampa they opened El Latamsito (The Latin-American Site) in 1983. They changed the name in 1986 to El Gallo de Oro after polling their regulars for a new name. Seems Gustavo loved roosters!
El Gallo is now run by daughter, Julissa, and her husband, Christopher Salgado. When asked in a recent interview, What do people say they like most about El Gallo, Christopher replied, "Palomilla Steak and the Oxtail on Thursday's, you need to be sure and get here early, we are usually out of Oxtail before noon. Proud of the 5-star rating on Trip Advisor, a direct result of the passion they put in El Gallo, the Salgados open each day at 6:00 am so locals can grab the newspaper, gather for a little Cuban coffee and discuss the news, politics and current events of the day. They close weeknights through Thursday at 6 pm, and are open Fridays till 3:30 and Saturdays till 2:30 pm. They are closed on Sundays.
The menu at El Gallo is extensive including favorites like:
- Palomilla Steak (Bistec de Palomilla) 7.75
- Breaded Steak (Bistec Empanizado) 8.25
- Milanesa Steak (Bistec Milanesa) 8.75
- Ground Beef (Picadillo) 7.25
- Roast Pork (Puerco Asado) 8.25
- Fried Pork (Puerco Frito) 8.25
- Grilled Pork Chops (Chuletas de Cerdo) 8.25
- Grilled Chicken (Pollo a la Plancha) 7.50
- Chicken Milanesa (Pollo Milanesa) 8.50
- Rice with Squid (Arroz con Calamares) 7.99
Sides include, white rice, yellow rice, moro rice, black beans, tostones, yucca and more. They serve a Soup of the Day, have a Kid's menu, an extensive sandwich and salad menu, amazing deviled crabs and stuffed potoatoes and drinks including Cafe Con Leche, Espresso, Cortadito and Coladas.
Walk-Ins are welcome indoors or out on the patio, and you can reserve the space for your group or have them cater your next event. El Gallo is family-friendly, they offer take out, and deliver!
Quaint, ultra-casual and busy at all hours for good reason, this is one of those places you need to put on your Foodie Bucket List!
Be sure to register on 813area and link to your favorite RESTAURANTS and businesses! And when you stop in, be sure to tell them you saw them on 813!
