Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval
$$ • Mexican
Hours:
505 Water St, Tampa
(813) 204-6390
About Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval
Customers' Favorites
Recent Reviews
Had a light lunch there on Saturday 8/17/24 and waited on by Maria G. The food was so fresh and amazing, and Maria G. is now known as Maria the Great! Be mindful of the cost of valet parking. It’s expensive if there’s an event going on…Also…great name for a restaurant!!!
Ratings
Menu
Hours
| Monday | 4 - 11PM |
| Tuesday | 4 - 11PM |
| Wednesday | 4 - 11PM |
| Thursday | 4 - 11PM |
| Friday | 4 - 11PM |
| Saturday | 10AM - 11PM |
| Sunday | 10AM - 11PM |
Lona, led by Chef Richard Sandoval, offers a pleasant dining experience with a stylish, modern atmosphere that’s both vibrant and relaxing. The restaurant's ambiance is inviting, with a nicely decorated interior that creates a polished and thoughtfully curated setting. The food is a highlight, with dishes like the bottomless brunch and fresh juices receiving praise, and the salmon being cooked perfectly. The steak is very flavorful, and the carnitas quesadillas are great, with cheese added to the outside of the tortilla. Every single item on the menu has been very good, including all of their guacamoles, the bacon guacamole, the fajitas, shrimp fajitas, Chicken Quesadillas, shrimp tacos, carne asada tacos, Shrimp & Crab Enchiladas, and their hamburger. The sauces are all excellent, and the salsa is a new favorite. The Lump crab guacamole was delicious, as was everything else eaten, and the mango sorbet was a must-try dessert.
The ambiance was perfect, especially with the golf suite setting, though the golf visuals lacked in virtual reality. The food was tasteful, but sitting on the low couch in the golf suite was a challenge. The staff was helpful in providing a dining table to finish the meal comfortably. The service, however, has received mixed reviews, with some guests describing it as friendly and attentive, while others found it to be poor or rude. Guests have reported long waits for cocktails and issues with billing, including being charged for someone else’s check. Despite these inconsistencies, the overall experience offers authentic Mexican cuisine in a vibrant setting, making it a popular spot for a night out or casual gatherings in Tampa.