El Tio Nica on Park Boulevard is an absolute gem! This is some of the most authentic Nicaraguan food I've ever had. Their nacatamales are honestly some of the best I've had in my entire life -- perfectly seasoned, flavorful, and made just right. I wish I lived closer because I'd be here at least once a week! The tostones with queso frito were fresh, crispy, and delicious, and the caldo de res was rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Everything tasted homemade and truly authentic. If you're looking for real Nicaraguan food, this is the place. Highly recommend! read more

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Some people use the words, "hidden gem", liberally. In this case, this restaurant is so hidden that it has no social media presence, barely a menu image, and I had to drive by a few times just to ensure that they are still open. Basically, it's two storefronts inside a building that looks like an office building off of Park Boulevard. So why am I here? I saw that they had a massive Nicaraguan assorted platter that included a mound of fried cheese. But, what I received upon ordering exceeded all my expectations. The Nicaraguan Carne Asada was my second favorite on the platter, after the cheese. This is mostly due to citrus and soy, a Nicaraguan traditional marinade. Thirdly, I adore the citrus marinated cabbage / slaw, served with the meaty dishes to balance the richness of the meats, fried foods, and cheeses. read more

El Tio Nica - Latin American Near Me - Pinellas Park, Florida

Delicious, authentic, and wonderful! I am Nicaraguan from Miami and haven't been able to find a fritanga in St Pete until now! Not only was I so happy to have a familiar meal, but was also able to speak to the lovely owner about good food, good culture, and making connections. Highly recommend getting the Nica Tacos and Carne con gallo pinto! read more

Yummy Nacatamales tienen un sabor delicioso. Abosolutely delish, and feed two people .

The carne asada is perfectly marinated and cooked medium was pink and tender with such an authentic flavor like no other I've had before. Comes with a grilled cheese bread, beans and rice and marinated cabbage and fried plantains for 20 dollars. I have nothing but good things to say about this restaurant. It's small and tucked away. They had this topping they serve with the food that compliments it as well and a really awesome habanero hot sauce that goes so well on the rice. The meat tastes so good you don't really want to add anything to it like a perfect steak kabob but way better. Next time I'll take pictures but it smelled so good I devoured it immediately, lol. The service is very friendly and it's super clean and reasonable priced. I'll be back for sure soon. I payed in cash to avoid confusion as well with language barriers. I am surprised to see the bad reviews and I recommend just going to the cash register when you're done eating, they have a bell just in case they are busy in the back. Please be kind to them, are kind people there. Bon appetite, enjoy something that you may fall in love with! read more

The food was good. As soon as I walked in I was greeted. The older gentleman who is the owner started chatting with me for a bit then got back in the kitchen to start making my food. The curtido (slaw in vinegar) had great flavor. The only downside were the tajadas (green banana slices). They seem to be like the ones you buy in like chip bags. They didn't seem to be home made. The restaurant had several items/images of Nicaragua however there was a lady in there signing ppl up for bank accounts seemed sketch. The other side of the restaurant appeared to be like an area for dancing. read more

Nicaraguan cuisine is pure comfort food! El Nica served up some amazingly delicious seasoned Carne Asada, complete with rice, beans, fried cheese, cabbage salad and plantain chips. Their fried Tostones with cheese was tasty and that fresh passion fruit juice just refreshingly hits the spot! New owners are really friendly and service was good. Must check out this place and see for yourself. read more

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HORRIBLE! Food was absolutely horrendous, they put ketchup on my tacos. Overpriced. Have a slice of bread on the side of beans and rice, just regular white bread not even toasted. This place is a joke. read more

Excellent food and cozy ambiance. This small restaurant has a variety of delicious Nicaraguan dishes and treats. Very clean and friendly to cater to the entire family. The service and food was great. My must go-to restaurant whenever I come to the Sarasota/Tampa area! read more

El Tio Nica - Nacatamales and Tortillas - Latin American Near Me - Pinellas Park, Florida

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Delicious food! I ordered the Carne Asada and Chancho con Yucca. The food was delicious and the service was great did not disappoint! My wife is of Nicaraguan decent and approves this message. read more

Worst service I have ever received. And the food is overpriced considering the low grade meat they serve

Highly recommend! This place is very authentic! Carne asada was delicious and staff were very attentive!

Everything was amazing! From the service to the food, it has a family feel you can't get everywhere. You can tell they care about what they make for you! Great little spot which can be missed but you are missing out. If you want authentic Nicaraguan food and you're in the Tampa/St Pete/Pinellas area, make the trip to El Tio Nico! read more

El Tio Nica - a basket full of food - Latin American Near Me - Pinellas Park, Florida

Food was bland and was expensive for no reason me and one other person got something light and it was 44$ food is just microwave

Picked up some carne asadas and maduros with queso frito. Very delicious took the orders to go. But it was tasty and fresh next time I'll eat it here for sure. read more

Carne Asada was great a little pricey. It seems family run which wasn't bad and it's best to pay in cash if you can.

This review honestly pains me to write because I love Nicaraguan food and I was so excited to see this place in my neighborhood. Went in today and ordered two carne asada plates that were priced at $19 each on the menu. Started off well, and the food was authentic and tasty, but service was extremely bad. Like really bad. Food was brought out and our server never came back. Not once. After we finished, we waited for her to come so we could ask for the check and boxes. And waited. And waited. And waited. And waited. Finally stood up and asked and that lady said "no English" and walked away. There was a party going on in the back and they just seemed concerned with that and none of us in the front. We got up and asked three times before finally being able to pay at the register where our total was $58 somehow. Asked for an explanation on charges and she just kept repeating "I know what I'm doing". As much as I wanted to love this place I won't be back. I would recommend take out only if you actually want the food. read more

El Tio Nica - Carne Asada plate - Latin American Near Me - Pinellas Park, Florida

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Do not come here, absolutely terrible service and was yelled at for asking about their menu. You can tell they're new to the restaurant industry and it's not fitting for them. Their food is stale and it's not a clean establishment. Be aware that prices may vary depending on who is at the register and wants to make an extra buck or two. read more

Worst place to dine!!!! This restaurant is a scam!!! You are charged an extra $15 for using your credit card and they automatically add more than 20% tip to your bill. I ordered two carne asada and each was $19.00. But somehow my bill ended up to be around $100!!! And they do not give you a receipt at all so the only way you would know you were being charged more is if you decided to add up how much food you got. Otherwise, they will just charge you without telling you that they are adding extra charges and they force you to pay those charges. I have never been charged $15 for using my credit card and I have never been forced to pay more than 20% in tips for two meals. I will never go here again and I advise everyone else to avoid this place. They are untruthful and they cannot give you a good reason as to why they charge you so much. Just excuses to cover the real reason why they secretly over charge their customers. read more