Tropical Star Restaurant & Specialty Market

Went to the store, not the restaurant. Very well stocked with latin american products

As a Caribbean from NYC, i was hesitant and skeptical.. 🙌 .. JUST GO TRY IT!!! ❤️‍🔥

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Every food we order was frozen! No taste at all !! NO sazón …

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 5

Tropical Star used to be my GO TO spot!
Unfortunately, their price increases over the years is just too much and sadly the flavors in their food are no longer the same either.
An $8 increase in their Pabellon Venezolano over a 4 year period is far too much.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

can someone turn on the climate control here? it felt authentic in so much that it was hot like the tropics in this place!
food was good, tho.
Cubano sandwich and Argentine empanadas hit the spot on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 3

Just moved from NYC so i was trying to find a place that had colombian food and found this place. The food is very good and authentic, but for how pricey my food was ($24) I was expecting a lot more food. The meal came with tiny portions and I was still feeling hungry after because of that. Unfortunate. In total i spent close to $30, which is an insane amount of money to spend on a single meal that wasnt filling.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Tropical Star in Clairemont = Flavor Vacation! 🌴 I brought my significant other to my favorite lunch spot Tropical Star today, and it was like my taste buds took a first-class flight to Peru. I had the Lomo Saltado—tender steak, perfectly sautéed veggies, and fries that soaked up all the deliciousness. The portion was generous, the flavor was bold, and the experience was chef’s kiss.
10/10 would recommend—next time, I’m bringing a suitcase for leftovers.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had a great dining experience at this South American restaurant today! The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by an exotic little grocery store selling authentic South American spices and grocery items, which sets a unique vibe. Turn left, and you discover a cozy restaurant with a bar and coffee station.

The menu features dishes from countries like Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Brazil. Every dish we ordered was bursting with flavor and made with incredibly fresh ingredients. The portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality. My personal favorite dish is the avocado salad—the dressing is light and refreshing, and the avocado portion is impressively generous, making it a healthy and delicious choice.

Another standout was their signature corn tortilla, made from fresh corn that’s cooked, ground, and crafted with care. The texture and taste are worlds apart from typical cornmeal tortillas—truly a labor of love and a must-try. Every dish we had was a delightful surprise, showcasing the rich diversity of South American flavors.

This restaurant has been a local gem for over 40 years, and this new location lives up to its reputation. If you’re curious about South American cuisine or just love great food, I can’t recommend this place enough. It’s a fantastic spot to explore bold, authentic, and beautifully prepared dishes!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great ropa vieja and vibe. Highly recommend this spot.

absolute gem of a place. I got the ropa vieja and it was so delicious. i will definitely be back for more and cant wait to try other things on the menu. for the price i kinda expected a more packed plate, but regardless it was incredible.

The food was poorly prepared leaving the roast pork meat with a boil flavor instead of a nice roasted texture You had to pay for each item on your plate individually. The alcapurria was undercook and relleno de papas were tasteless. and The bacalaito was tasteless and undercooked. However the server was gracious and very hospitable If you want to meet a great server it’s the place to go however if your looking for great tasty food skip this place

Excellent food! Highly recommend

Came from Phoenix Arizona to visit SD Looked up Tropical Star to eat Great food on point Appreciate the tasty well cooked dinner God bless

A little more expensive than I expected

Had a great meal and good time