Sabroso Cuban Restaurant

Delicious! A little on the pricey side, but I had leftovers to take home! Roast pork was tender and delicious! Moro rice was excellent and the tostones were crunchy with dipping sauce… Lovely neighborhood treasure and highly recommended!

Tried to go there today, the place is for sale :(

I went to this place once and it was great, the food the service, everything! I loved it! the second time we went back the had a child as a waiter, I think he must have been 15 or 16 and did not know his job, how to talk to people or anything. We ended up leaving cause there was no point in staying. Heres a hint, check child labor laws and use some professionalism in service. The server is a representation and the face of your restaurant. So in turn if you have a child waiting on us and we want service and he doesnt know what hes doing, we will not be back. I refuse to be served by a smartass kid.

La Teresita owned but with even worse quality. I have been here 4 different times all with huge amounts of let down. The roast pork is the driest I’ve ever had. The Cuban has finely dry shredded pork on it which is an awful texture for any Cuban. The black bean soup tastes like its not done being cooked. The staff is really nice but the food here just terrible. If you want real Cuban food go to La Bamba or Arco Iris.

Great food with a cool neighborhood feeling! Nothing fancy but large portions for low prices. I go about once a week.

This place has very Substandard Cuban food. The service was not very good either.

Tampa is known for being one of the best cities to get some great Cuban food. Sabroso is no exception.
Immediately upon walking in the staff was very friendly and nice. I loved the set up inside. They had tables and also a counter with stools in case you prefer that set up.
I ordered the Arroz con Pollo and it was really delicious. They server we had was very attentive and quick to get our orders out. The food was cheap and also, to top it off, they have the GOOD ICE!!! That’s always a plus. (I’m an ice enthusiast.)

The convenience of the location of Sabroso to my home made it an exciting possibility for me. Sabroso really did not disappoint. Set up much like its sister restaurant, La Teresita, Sabroso was an inviting atmosphere. The staff was very nice and the food came out quickly.
I went for the Ropa Vieja, which was really good. The black beans and rice were yummy too. The price was great, as well. This spot probably won’t become a regular spot for me, just because I don’t crave Cuban food very often, but when I do — I will be back!

Why 3 stars? Because it’s La Teresita, which isn’t my favorite.
— — —
Not bad, but a rare misstep in Seminole Heights. I don’t dislike La Teresita, I just think there’s better Cuban food out there. I went to Sabroso not knowing that it was owned by Teresita, but I saw the logos once I was inside. It tasted exactly the same, too.
I’d refer to my La Teresita review if you’re really curious, but in short — there’s worse Cuban food in Tampa Bay, but there’s also better.

I go into Saboro at least once a week for a café con leche and am greeted by the friendliest manager that knows exactly how I like my coffee. The food is authentically Cuban and priced just right. The ropa vieja with white rice and yuca will hit the spot for any carnivores Latin food craving. Oh! Don’t forget an order of sweet plantains, too. You will not be disappointed.

Full Disclosure: I have been a fan of LaTeresita and the Cap d’Vila families enterprises for decades and arrived at Sabroso pre-​disposed to like it… and compare to the Columbus Drive food. Cuban food is everywhere in West Tampa. It is less common along Nebraska Ave, so I wish them well in their missionary efforts.
The place is smaller for parking and dining but service seems more attentive with less volume. The menu includes all the standards found at the Columbus lunch counter, the bodega and Cap restaurants, plus some added appetizers and specials. Currently they are offering dinner for two at $ 14.99…two entrees such as picadillo, beef stew, chicken with yellow rice, plus 2 sides each and a dessert to share. Great deal for great food. Tried the stew, chicken, maduros, salad and caldo gallego. All were fine and the soup was the best ever since I suspect it has simmered since the Castros took over in Cuba. Side salads are minimal, but you can order others with more than lettuce & tomato. The bread pudding was dense and deliciously flavored with almond.
So this is another food source that can be a source of family pride. Now lets see it the expand on Nebraska to offer 24 – 7 food, a grocery store, beauty shop, bakery, Tex-​Mex fast food and a dance hall.

This place is owned and operated by the owners of La Teresita. If I would have known that before going in, I would have left. That’s because La Teresita sucks (read my review).
This Sabroso place needs some help, but I’m not sure if it will get it, thinks it needs it, or will actually need it. That’s because the people who will eat here will think it’s just fine. They are not as picky as me.
However, IF YOU ARE CUBAN or a Cuban food Nazi like me, read on:
1. They do not know how to make café con leche here. The espresso they make it with is watered down big-​time and the milk was barely warm. FAIL.
2. We ordered 2 Cuban toasts: One was crispy and pressed really well. The other was barely toasted. FAIL.
3. I ordered scrambled eggs with diced ham. I was served scrambled eggs, and then 2 slices of ham on the side. FAIL.
4. The waffle with guava and cream cheese was great.
The service was terrible. The waiter we had looked at us like flies he wanted to swat. He was not at all happy about being at work.
I would not go back to this place with so many great Cuban places in town, places that know what they are doing.

Dropped into Sabroso to catch up with a couple of friends over breakfast. I’d heard good things about Sabroso from other Tampa friends, and the La Teresita connection gave me high expectations. I ordered a ham, egg, and cheese sandwich. The breakfast sandwiches are served on delicious Cuban bread – duh – so they are enormous. One sandwich could easily feed two or three people. Our waitress was friendly and helpful. The restaurant wasn’t very busy on a weekday morning – so it’s a good choice if you’re looking to grab a quick bite to eat in Seminole Heights.

Tried Sabroso’s for the first time for breakfast this morning — the café con leche, cuban toast, and *especially* the waffles with guava and cream cheese were fantastic! The staff were warm and friendly, dining space was clean and nicely decorated, prices were more than reasonable. And loaves of their own cuban bread can be had to go! Absolutely worth the drive from St. Pete — definitely will be back again!