Cuisine from the Dominican Republic is influenced by a number culinary traditions, including Spanish, Latin and Caribbean styles. Yuca, plantains, pork, black beans, rice are commonly used, as is an abundance of fresh seafood and tropical fruits. Like most Caribbean food, Dominican cuisine is flavorful without being too spicy. If you're in the mood to sample authentic Dominican dishes will find a variety of options in the Tampa, Fla., area.
Salsarengue Restaurant? is located in Tampa's Town n' Country neighborhood, and specializes in Dominican comfort food. The cozy restaurant has simple decor and a family-friendly atmosphere. Salsarengue features an excellent mofongo, originally a Puerto Rican dish that is also a Dominican favorite. It is a tasty mash of fried green plantains, garlic and pork cracklings that is traditionally paired with fried meat and a chicken soup. Ropa Vieja, a shredded fried beef dish, is also a popular selection. Open for lunch and dinner.
Salsarengue Restaurant?
7530 West Waters Ave.
Tampa, FL 33615
813-901-5636?
Located in Tampa's Bayshore Gardens area, the Lime Cocina Latina is a chic eatery and lounge decorated in a modern tropical style. The restaurant features a creative menu that puts a modern spin on classic Dominican and Caribbean dishes, such as plantain-encrusted tuna steak and encrusted with plantains and the Tampanian sandwich, which is stacked high with mojo pulled pork and lime-marinated onions and served with black beans and fried plantains. Yuca fries served with queso blanco, a Dominican version of cheese fries, are a popular starter. Enjoy your meal with a mojito or another Caribbean cocktail.
The Lime Cocina Latina
915 South Howard Ave.
Tampa, FL 33606
813-868-5463
thelimetampa.com
Situated in Spring Hill, Copacabana is a low-key, unpretentious atmosphere. The menu features a variety of Dominican and Caribbean dishes including a plantain-stuffed jumbo shrimp, served on top of black beans and rice, grilled whole fish and homemade empanadas. Finish your meal with some flan. Copacabana is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves beer and wine.
Copacabana
4193 Mariner Blvd.
Spring Hill, FL 34608
352-683-0935
