7 Best Latin American Restaurants in Gainesville

“We stop by here all the time in the back way from Miami or Tampa✨ Their empanadas are amazing! Ground beef empanadas are $3.5 for long time. Also their traditional mango smoothie is great? I like this Cuban Restaurant brand ‘Mi Apa’. Tried Guava &Cheese Pastry- it is great as well! Oh they have vegetarian empanadas option too! It’s taste like beef, $4.5 ?“

“My boyfriend took me to Mi Apa today after a long day of work. Both of us had not eaten today so we were both cranky. Thankfully our awesome server Sergio was the cure to our hangriness! He was quick and on top of everything. I got the Miami sandwich and my boyfriend got this bowl with beef, rice and plantains. We sat outside on the patio and despite that we never felt ignored by Sergio. Great service, food and ambiance. Will definitely be coming again!“

“Well, I have to say that the first time was a lot better than today. For starters, I order the heart of palms ceviche and the brought me shrimp whatever. The server told me that was the only ceviche they had. First and foremost, traditional ceviche is supposed to have ‘leche de tigre’, which this one didn’t have (refer to the pictures). The bottom was more like a guacamole than anything else and the shrimps were…shrimps. The plate itself wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t what I ordered.The salmon was ok. Yeap, you read right, just ok. The need of cilantro rice is probably the best I’ve had in a long time, while the stir fry vegetables rate among the worst I’ve ever had.All that said, I’m giving them another chance.The service was attentive, but she completely disregarded the fact that I told her I ordered the heart of palm ceviche, and didn’t even offer to bring me something else in return or simply refund me the money. That said, being a business owner I’m not a huge fan of refunding, unless is absolutely necessary, but at least offer something in return even if it’s just an apology.Cool and creative menu items, decent service, nice patio/bistro like area, but some items can be be done better.“

“I've been hunting for an authentic Mexican restaurant since we moved to Florida 1 year ago. This is it. We ate here on a Monday night, and the restaurant was packed and had plenty of take out meals going out the door. The quality of the food was equivalent to El Fagon in Playa del Carmen, my all-time favorite Mexican restaurant (if you've ever been there you know what I'm talking about!) We ordered the taco platee ( I chose 1 taco each of Al Pastor, Chorizo, and Carnitas). My husband ordered the Al Pastor burrito. Delicious! We were given both green and red salsa, both delicious and spicy. Great beer selection. The service was great. No frills decor, but that's what we expect at an authentic Mexican restaurant, so we felt right at home during our meal. If you like good Mexican food and you're in Gainesville, this place is a must visit.“

“We've been meaning to get to this place for quite a while now and finally got to do it.Started out with the conch fritters appetizer which was really good. Not the best I've had but pretty good.For dinner I had the coconut shrimp tacos and we're absolutely delicious.I will definitely come back here and bring my friends and family. The service was good about feeling drinks when needed, but the attitude was a little stale. Not many smiles on the face of our server. Can't falter for this because we never know what people are going through at the time so we'll have to see about how it goes next time.“

“One of Gainesville's best kept secrets. This cafe is tucked away in the Honda of Gainesville. I happened upon them 4 years ago when first moved to the area and got my car serviced. Their food is amazing and staff is polite!! Each time I have to get my car done I wait just so I can get their cuban sandwhich. Next time you're in the area, this is a must.“

“Stopped in for lunch & was pleasantly surprised. It was good enough we decided to order dinner as well. I got the 2 chicken family dinner with black beans, mac-N-chez, Coleslaw, and yellow rice.. We are a family of 7,(some times more)with VERY persnickity eaters... they ALL enjoyed their food! I fed 7 people for UNDER $40.00!! Service was GREAT! Food was hot & fresh! We will DEFINITELY be back!! Thank You, The Curry family.“