Wow! Authentic.. Yes!! Fresh Cuban food that is to die for, and at a great price too! I stumbled upon this gem today and I'm so excited to go back and try more of their menu. An overflowing box of food will run you around $10.. you can't beat it! I had the chicken and yellow rice, as well as the Moho pork and black beans and rice. Both were excellent! The staff is very friendly, you can dine in or take out, and the shop is extremely clean. Located in a strip plaza, it's easy to access. Plenty of parking, however limited seating inside. Check this place out you won't be disappointed !! read more

The food was a better value before they raised the prices again. $11 for a cuban, $15 for a palomilla sandwich is too much to go back to especially when the pork for the cuban is not the best quality. The cuban bread used is fantastic though, perfectly crunchy and buttery on the outside. read more

They charged over $10 for a Cuban sandwich which included prepared meat that was frozen. I called to complain and was hung up on. No one there to speak English. I took the sandwich to go. read more

Great hot home made Cuban food!! open 6 days a week! Have been coming here for years now! Great place! read more

Franci's Cafe - Updated menu 2025 - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Nice ladies that serve quick cuban sandwich and cafe style food. Good for quick bites and lunch food read more

My husband & I love their food, their service and location, it's our go to whenever we can make it before 4:00

Why 3 stars? Because this a solid Cuban spot in my 'hood. --- --- --- I can't believe it took me this long to visit a restaurant less than 2 miles from my house, especially one with a 4.5 star rating. Plus, I love Cuban food, which makes it even more egregious! To be honest, I found the experience to be the definition of 3-stars: A-OK. Because I live so close, I'm sure I will be back again, especially since Arco Iris, my favorite Cuban restaurant in Tampa, recently closed. When you walk in, it's a bit confusing on whether you're supposed to sit down and be waited on or if you're supposed to order from the counter. I basically did the in-between version of that and kind of stood near a table and yelled my order when they asked me what I wanted. The bill came without the opportunity to add gratuity, so I guess it's officially not a server situation. I ordered the following: Cuban Sandwich - 3.5 stars. I didn't hate it and didn't love it. It comes with deli meat, not the real-deal pork, which is fine. I can get down with deli meat, but I found the sandwich to just be ok overall. Rice - 3 stars. Pretty standard stuff. Plantains - 4 stars. Plantains pretty much taste the same (great) everywhere I've had them, and that's the same that can be said here. Cheese Croquetas - 2 stars. I regret ordering these. They were pretty forgettable. The folks here were very nice, and again, I'm happy to have a Cuban spot in my 'hood, but I wasn't overwhelmed by the experience. read more

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Quaint little place located in an out-of-the-way strip mall on Linebaugh Ave. It's kind of hard to find, just know that it's at the traffic light at Plantation Blvd. I went there for an early lunch, which was a bit of a mistake, because the place was swarmed with construction workers, in a hurry to get their generously filled to-go boxes in a small amount of time. Once they cleared out, it was far more of a relaxing atmosphere. You go in and order at the side counter where a window displays the day's offerings. It's plated or boxed, then you can have a seat at one of 5 or 6 tables available. Bottled and canned sodas were available in a nearby cooler to grab as needed. I noticed the staff was very good about cleaning off tables as people got up. I chose the ropa vieja, yuca, and plantains, and it was all delicious. I love mom and pop places like this because you can tell all the food they make is fresh, and they use their tried and true family recipes. I do wish the order came with a hunk of bread - I kept feeling like I was missing something. I paid the Owner at the counter when I finished, and she was very sweet, inquiring how I enjoyed my meal. I will definitely be back to try more of their homemade offerings. read more

Franci's Cafe - Ropa vieja, yuca, and plantains. - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

We have a take home for the meal. The food here is very affordable. The amount of food given is also good. It is cafeteria style food with sandwiches for order. We have the white rice, roast pork, gizzards, yucca, and sweet plantain. All that for less than $14. The roast pork is well marinated. The skin is crispy and crunchy. The gizzards are cook in tomato base sauce and the cook for some time. They are soft and not chewy. Bite size pleasure. The yucca is not my favorite food unless it is fried. But the steam yucca is my wife favorite. Plantain is well cook. Overall the experience is not bad. We also has some crocket which is tasty. read more

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Have driven by this place countless times but had not gone in due to "fear of the unknown". BUT, thanks to my fellow Yelpers and their helpful reviews I went "All In". Franci' s is located in Plantation Center, a small neighborhood, unassuming strip mall. With only 5-1/2 tables, you'd do well to get there early and best the crowd if you plan to find in. I was craving a Cuban sandwich upon arriving but changed my mind when I saw the selection of the days' hot food items. I wanted chicken and yellow rice, but they don't have yellow rice; only white or morro (white rice mixed with black beans). Well, that wasn't going to work. So, as they serve breakfast all day, I ordered an egg with Swiss on Cuban (no meat) pressed sandwich and a medium café con leché. As Boon C. wrote in a previous review, their portions are generous and prices are affordable. My sandwich, as shown in the photo was warm, crisp and cheesy. I plan to return soon for a late lunch or dinner to try the chicken. I recommend Franco's Cuban Café. Just be sure and save me a seat! read more

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Still five stars! I had a huge serving of Ropa Vieja and Platanos Maduros for lunch on Friday... and it was sooooo GOOOD! Staff is very nice...I always enjoy stopping by here! read more

Franci's Cafe - Absolutely delicious mojo pork, yellow rice, black beans and platanos! Wonderful lunch! - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Excellent service and food was delicious Their lunch specials are a great value as you get a lot of food for what they charge. They also have so many food options and you can't go wrong with their Cuban sandwich. Will definitely return! read more

Good food for a good price. Staff is nice too. Location is convenient as well. Recommend.

As a Cuban girl, I certify that this place is 10/10!! It's our favorite spot when we're not up for cooking. They also cater at a super reasonable price. read more

Franci's Café is a fabulous little Cuban café located along Linebaugh Avenue in between Gunn Highway and Anderson Road. You'll find them right at the intersection of Linebaugh and the traffic light at the entrance to the Plantations of Carrollwood. The restaurant sits in a non-descript little strip mall on the north side of Linebaugh in southern Carrollwood, and even though there is a sign for Franci's along the road, it is easy to blow right past the shopping center and miss this local favorite. The café is small, but don't let that fool you. Inside there are only 5 tables and a small counter with the steam tables, coffee machines, and the cashier. It is cramped, but the place is spotless, and the food is wonderful. Most of their business is carry-out, and they really cater to the local Latin community. Franci's is open 6 days a week from 7am till 5pm, and then closed on Sundays. Breakfast is the usual egg sandwiches on Cuban bread with your choice of bacon, ham, sausage or chorizo; scrambled or fired egg platters; omelets; Cuban toast; and then some serious wake-the-heck-up Cafe' con Leche. Super affordable prices -- everything is under $5!!! For lunch and dinner you have your choice of various Cuban sandwiches (pork, ham, fish, chicken, steak, and traditional Cubans), or make your selection from Franci's steam table entrees including the traditional roast pork, grilled chicken, palomilla steak, ropa vieja, and so on. Each entrée comes with two sides, and the cost is between $5 - $7.50. Sodas out of the cooler are $.90 each. She also has salads, soups, fried rice, arepas and croquetas with chicken or pork. If you're driving through southern Carrollwood and want to try a true Cuban café, then Franci's should be on your radar screen. read more

Franci's Cafe - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Stopped in this little Cuban cafe on a Monday for a quick meal to go. I was greeted by someome from behind the counter as soon as I walked in and was shown what food was available on the steam table. There wasn't a menu next to the food but I was told the names of each entre they had to offer. It's a small cafe, but very clean and all of the food to choose from looked very fresh. There were a few tables and chairs at every available spot and filled by patrons with some placing orders to go like myself. I went with the pork and potatoes with yuca and morro (black beans cooked with rice). The pork was tender and not dry like you would think from it being sat out for you to see. There was juice from the meat that soaked into the potatos and the server also had put some on the rice for me, which was just as good and plenty enough to eat the next day. The yuca was soft and didn't have those little hard slivers of it sticking in the side of my mouth as I ate it...like you get at other places that leave it out too long. I was given some garlic lime juice mixture to put on the yuca and it helped give it a little tangy garlicky bite. Good place for a good quick lunch. read more

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What a gem! Cuban food lovers rejoice! Another small, authentic Cuban eatery. It's small, it's simple, and its authentic. If you are looking for a restaurant type experience, look elsewhere. However, if you enjoy authentic Latin food with real flavor served cafeteria style, this is a great spot. Open for breakfast, they have a best looking and tasting lunch line. The also have sandwiches, soups, and oddly fried rice and spaghetti. I've gotta ask about the origins of those two. There's probably a colorful story behind it. This is a hidden gem. If you appreciate the Latin culture and flavor, give Francis Cafe a visit. read more

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Some of the best croquettes in tampa, competes with most miami restaurants. Super friendly service feels like family. A little whole in the wall that has great prices! read more

Love their Cuban sandwich. Good size and well priced. Staff is friendly and food is prepared in a reasonable time.

Excellent place for Cuban food. I had the ropa vieja with yellow rice with black beans and tostones on the top. Delicious! read more

Franci's Cafe - a plate of mexican food - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Amazing food & very friendly staff. Ordered a variety of food and even had little kids and plates were empty by meals end. Thank you! Certain to be back read more

I've lived and worked here for years, and Francis Cafe has been consistently delicious the whole time, minimum of twice a week for going on what 5 years maybe? It's all grown adults doing the cooking, and they know what they're doing. I'm telling you the food is amazing. Also the Cuban sandwiches are as good as it gets. My favorites are the bacalao, picadillo, ropa vieja, fried cod, and the pork ribs. All the rice is delicious. All the beans are delicious. The yucca and sweet plantains are delicious. And in the unlikely event there's nothing on the hot bar you want, there's always a cuban sandwich. So good, and so inexpensive. I just wish they were open for dinner, lol. read more

This place is pretty good for lunch. Came here several times. The staff where always very courteous and did a good job of pushing people through as the place is a little tight. Look forward to the next time. read more

A little mom and pops place but the food is so good and the place is always clean. The staff is very friendly also!

I really enjoyed stopping in and getting a great meal for a great price. The staff are very nice. It is a small place with not much seating. A great hole in wall find and will for sure be stopping by often. read more

Franci's Cafe - Very good cuban - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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I went to this place for the first time yesterday and it was simply AMAZING! The food had so much flavor, the staff is so nice, it was simply perfect and quick! I was able to go in and out in a mater of 30 minutes so its perfect for lunch! read more

Franci's Cafe - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

This is my Saturday lunch spot every week. We've been coming here since it opened and never been disappointed. My dad and I come in and are greeted like family. The staff and the owners are very friendly and the food is absolutely delicious. The prices are very reasonable and they serve very good portions of food. To me, Francis Cafe is the best Cuban food spot in town. read more

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Franci's is a "hole in the wall" looking place from an outside perspective but, I heard about it and I tried it.. They DO NOT DISAPPOINT!! Very good food its always hot and fresh, they serve some different things daily. The Cuban Sandwiches are 10/10! I would argue that Franci's Cuban sandwiches are better than La Segunda and possibly the best Cuban Sandwich in Tampa!! read more

My favorite Cuban Food place in Tampa, hands down, go see for yourself, it's a gem! Family owned and operated! Support the locals and leave them a review, would love to see these guy grow and and hope they get a bigger restaurant! They are worth it! read more

Omg i have been waiting for the best coloda in tampa for about 6 months this place is awesome and the staff customer service is great i dont know if its cause i am cuban and we cubans gdt aling but amazing i come from miami been living in tampa for 6 months and its about time i find a place read more

Franci's Cafe - The most awesome colada sense miami finally 5 star they even tell if sweet bold or in between - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

This place is very small perfect for take-out, not so great for a sit-down meal. The food is delicious specially for the price and portions. They serve enough to eat two full meals. I've been here multiple times and will continue to come back. If you like cuban food, you must try Franci's. read more

Franci's Cafe - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Do yourself a favor and never ever order the breaded chicken. It was served black, extremely overcooked to the point where I started to question what kind of meat it actually was. As far as the texture - it would make a nice hockey puck for the NHL. It definitely might not be one of their more common orders but take it off the menu if you have no idea how to make it. read more

Amazing food and a pleasant staff! First time there and I opted for the daily special which consisted of Beef Steak(processes steak that is breaded and fried then covered in onions and peppers), yellow rice(choice of plain or yellow), black beans(choice of black or red), and sweet plantains. Serious portion for the price and taste just as good as it looked!! read more

Franci's Cafe - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Great Cuban sandwiches which include real shredded pork. Lunch time includes hot foods - different meats, Rices and sides. They also offer shakes in mango, guayaba, guanábana and more flavors. My Saturday favorite! Too bad they are closed on Sundays :( read more

Awesome place to eat, everything was extremely good!! the food is to die for. The Flan is a must have, will definitely be coming back

Franci's cafe is an excellent Cuban lunch spot! Friendly staff who were always smiling and helpful. The food was incredible! My father was Cuban and we used to frequent the sandwich shops and bakeries in West Palm Beach as well as Miami (as well as eat a TON of home cooked Cuban fare) and I can say this restaurant was worth the stop! Great prices are another perk. Keep in mind that not every dish on the menu is available daily; however, this was a pleasant surprise to me as what we are was fresh and made with lots of love. read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE! They have some of the best food that is cooked fresh daily. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. They always have variety of options to choose from and the food itself is untouchable. This place definitely has authentic cuban food! read more

Franci's Cafe - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

AMAZING place to get your cuban food fix! I live 50 minutes away and make the trip just for their delicious dishes. This place is clean, family friendly, and you know its authentic cuban cooking. If you're in the area it is a MUST, they have something for everyone.... especially that ropa vieja QUE RICO! read more

Excellent Cafe con Leche! Medium size only $1.61, and that includes tax. Food looked great too but I did not get a chance to try it. Definitely will the next time in the neighborhood. read more

The Cuban sandwich was average. It had very little meat and the pork was very very dry and grissly. The Cuban toast with butter was delicious, as well as the café con leche. The place was very inexpensive however. read more