Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval
505 Water St, Tampa
(813) 204-6390
Recent Reviews
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I was sitting at the bar with my friends and we spoke to someone named Freddy behind the bar. He was so understanding and well spoken. He had all the answers to our questions and make us laugh a ton. Drinks and food were just a bonus! Thanks freddy
The service has always been friendly and thorough. the food is delicious and consistent. Theron has been our server twice and he is excellent.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🇲🇽🇺🇸
Lona offers a beautiful setting right on Water Street with a stylish, modern atmosphere that’s both vibrant and relaxing. The service was outstanding—friendly, attentive, and well-paced throughout the visit. It’s a great spot for a night out or a casual get-together with friends. The whole experience felt polished and thoughtfully curated. Can’t wait to return!
We visited for Father’s Day and booked a suite. It was a fun and memorable experience. The food was delicious. I tried the salmon, which was cooked perfectly. The service was attentive, and the ambience of the place added to the overall enjoyment.
Love their skinny margaritas . They are a perfect balance of zesty lime and smooth tequila, light and refreshing without sacrificing flavor. However, the chips and salsa were less than stellar. The salsa was more tomato sauce than salsa and lacked the bold kick I was hoping for. The chips were just stale and more cardboard than tortilla chip. Still, those margaritas make it worth a visit!
Loved the atmosphere and decor - waitress was great too. We love our meal!
Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval: Tampa's Culinary Crown Jewel
At Marriott Tampa, Lona stands as the city's unrivaled dining destination. Chef Sandoval's masterful blend of contemporary Latin flavors creates an experience impossible to replicate elsewhere. The impeccable service, waterfront ambiance, and innovative menu featuring fresh seafood with bold Mexican influences elevates Lona far beyond its competitors. While other hotel restaurants offer standard fare, Lona presents artistry on each plate with signature cocktails that complement the sophisticated palette. For an authentic, upscale dining experience that makes competitors pale in comparison, Lona is Tampa's essential culinary destination.
We had an absolutely fantastic experience here! The Mexican food was truly top-notch — everything we ordered was bursting with flavor and beautifully prepared. The tacos were perfectly seasoned, the veggie enchiladas were rich and satisfying, and the queso fundido was gooey and indulgent in the best way. We also loved the fresh guacamole and the fajitas, which arrived sizzling and full of bold, smoky flavors.
Beyond the delicious food, the service was warm and attentive. Our host “Theron” made us feel right at home and took great care of us throughout the meal. Highly recommended for anyone craving authentic, flavorful Mexican cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere!
Open late. Great service. Very good chicken fajitas!
Sooo, Lona has been on my list to try for a while. I’m all about Mexican food, so I had pretty high expectations. The restaurant has lively decor that definitely gives off Mexican vibes. Our waitress was friendly and gave us some great recommendations.
I was hoping for a bit more flavor in my tacos, and the cheese dip hardened after a bit—they could serve it on something warm to keep it melty. It tasted amazing, but some went to waste. The drinks were just okay—more mixer than liquor, and let’s be real, we usually expect a little extra kick at a Mexican spot. Overall, it was alright; I’ve had better, but I wouldn’t be against coming back.
What was ordered:
Queso Fundido: So good, just wish it stayed melted longer
Baja Style Fish Tacos: A bit dry, could use more seasoning
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
The place is beautiful, I wonder why was so empty in a Sunday evening. I have to tell I heard and saw the situation is always happening in hotels the waitress have to go and hurry you up to pay. And she never left ??. After the client left she stayed there!!! I wanted really to ask my bill to the new waitress and wait she leaves like she said but it never happens. At the end she says she was no able to take my cash ? I needed to go to a machine to put my money and get a card…. Sorry but my time is gold I left the place and I let the cash on the table. They should put advises about NO CAsh ? payments. The food was good but not free nachos and sausages like in other Lona’s. It is very common in Florida the situation about waitresses changing turns. Finally I use to tell them no worries ask the next to take care of me. The funny thing is when 30 minutes later they are still around. By the way the menu was short!!! Only few options.
I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed my dinner after reading some of the reviews. Prices seem fair for the location and the food delivered for me. I had the Chicken Enchiladas with mole and it was delicious! I also had the Lona margarita and thought it was great too.
I know my friends valet their car but if a Lightning game is going on the rate is $25.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food and excellent hospitality. Our server Maria made us feel welcome and made excellent recommendations. We’ll be back. Ask for
Maria if you visit, she won’t disappoint!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very nice place, food was good. The salsa for the chips wasn't to our taste but that's free so I can't complain too much. Enchiladas were delicious. The staff was friendly and attentive. The restaurant being inside the motel made it very convenient. We were in town for comic con and the sidewalks were crazy. It was nice to have a quiet place to relax and eat.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great atmosphere and drinks. Food was okay. Server was extremely busy and kept forgetting us.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
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