Family owned for 25 years. Excellent Cuban food. Attentive wait staff. Very clean dining room and restrooms. Generous portions Reasonably priced. I had a Cuban Sandwich, soup, and Devil Crab. All were excellent. We will be back the next time I am in Brandon. This should be in the running for best Cuban Sandwich in Tampa. read more

This restaurant is such a disappointment!! Both myself and my dinner guest had upset stomachs after eating here and to add to that the whole time we sat there waiting for our food we were being watched by 5 waitresses standing around just having small talk and staring at the customers it felt extremely awkward and it's impolite especially when there were only 6 people in the place... It's dark & gloomy in the restaurant and it's in desperate need off a makeover ,smelly carpets,uncomfortable chairs etc.etc. Brandon needs a new Cuban style restaurant . ASAP read more

I have been here a bunch of times. I usually do the side salad and 1/2 sandwich combo and upgrade my salad to the 7th ave salad. I mix the Vinaigrette and Creamy Herb dressing, it's the bomb. I have tried the pork and Cuban sandwich. My favorite is the pork sandwich but I add provolone cheese. I have also tried the Lechon Asado meal. The pork is so flavorful! All meals come with Cuban bread and olive butter. I typically get the homemade sangria. They have red and white. I prefer the red. The sangria is above par but not the best. read more

La Septima Cafe - 7th ave salad to go - Cuban Near Me - Brandon, Florida

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Probably one of the best cuban places around! Always enjoy the food and amazing service here. The waitress Mickey has always been awesome but everyone is great here. Wait times are good and the food is done to perfection. Absolutely loved their pasta and stuffed potatoes! Totally visit this restaurant and enjoy the entire experience.. don't forget to try their sweet tea :) read more

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We went to La Septima for lunch after staying away for the past year + due to the pandemic. We had previously been fairly frequent customers and used to love the place. Walking up to the front door, I wondered if it was even open (on a Saturday), as it seemed kind of deserted. Upon entering we discovered the charming restaurant we previously enjoyed due to the friendly atmosphere had really changed. It is counter service now, with the people taking the orders not very friendly. The food was OK, but the total lack of atmosphere was disappointing. Quite a bit of the pleasure in eating out is the experience. We decided to stay, but watched a number of people come in and leave after discovering how changed the place is. There is an air of desolation now. Quite a shame - we won't go back. read more

Love this place. However. Ordered more than twice and had the same issue. Second time I have ordered from here and I my order is messed upped. Won't get into details but the common denominator is the company. Do better. read more

I stumbled upon a gem today for lunch! I happened to meet Chef Darlene and asked for recommendations. Of course she recommended everything but I told her I wasn't that hungry. Lol I had the best Deviled Crab I have ever had and a really good Milanese steak. The Deviled Crab was HUGE with thin, crispy breaking and tons of big hunks of crabmeat (and no bits of shell). Next time I'm in Brandon and hungry I'm coming back! Bone Appetite. read more

La Septima Cafe - Ybor flavor in Brandon. - Cuban Near Me - Brandon, Florida

What can I say...AWESOME!! A truly hidden gem. We have lived here 4 years and nobody had mentioned it; that's gonna change! Wow!! Great food, atmosphere, people, prices, everything! read more

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Best Cuban in town! I have been eating Cuban sandwiches since I was a little girl growing up with my Cuban family. I have tried them all. La Septima by far has one of the best around. Today, I ordered the Cuban pressed with no mustard and extra pickles. The cashier was so funny. She asked me if I wanted it extra healthy and add some lettuce and tomatoes. Wow, what a great idea. Glad I did because it was extra good this time around. The full sandwich is more than enough for me and it cost about $7.00 Great for lunch. The staff is always very friendly and are attentive to your needs. They don't seem to have a big turn around on their waiting staff. So, that's nice because they get to know what you like. The restaurant has been family owned by Ronnie and his family for a long time. They work the restaurant and are often their making sure the business runs smooth. I love when you see the owner going from table to table greeting the customers and making sure they are happy. The ambiance is inviting. They have lots of pictures of their family through the years going way back to their days back in Cuba and their dishes are often named after a family member. I was hoping they would name the Cuban after me, but I don't think that's going to happen. The sangria is home made and it's a must. Oh, my goodness. Worth, just stopping by for a happy hour all week. Parking is great. Lots of spaces never too far. They are located in the heart of Brandon right on the corner of Lumsden and Kings in La Viva Plaza. Thanks for amazing experience again. Till next time. read more

La Septima Cafe - The Cuban Sandwich at La Septima Cafe. Fabulously Delicious. Ask for it pressed. - Cuban Near Me - Brandon, Florida

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I love this place. Caring people, great service. Fantastic with to-go orders. I ordered from the car by calling and had my order in 15 minutes. Fantastic food as well. My husband loves the pressed cuban sandwich. read more

Salty but good. Wish there was mojo like pork on it. Also devil crab the bomb. Here is a returning customer. Oh and great customer service. read more

La Septima Cafe - Cuban - Cuban Near Me - Brandon, Florida

From the street, the building that holds La Septima Café may not look like much. As the matter of fact, it looks like an ordinary office building. Once you are inside the restaurant, the interior décor is nothing but ordinary. Burgundy walls give off a cozy ambiance. Framed old black and white photographs make the space feel homy and inviting. The aroma from the kitchen was very enticing. We knew that we were in for a treat. The Casino, slow roasted pork sandwich was tasty. The roasted pork was tender, combined with the crunchiness of hot pressed bread and the mojo, it was exquisito! The Agliano, deep fried fish filet sandwich, was also a hit. The fish filet was not greasy. The paper-thin homemade Spanish potatoes were crispy and perfectly seasoned. Our waitress was terrific. She delivered a great service, which enhanced our overall dinning experience. Personally, I cannot wait to go back and sample everything on the menu, especially the Croqueta De Jaiba (Devil Crab). read more

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We came here for lunch and split one deviled crab, "The" Cuban, and The Agliano; all was good. This review is based on food, service, cleanliness and general atmosphere. Their version of The Cuban was good. It has smoked ham, roasted pork, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, pickle, mustard, and mayonnaise on Cuban bread. Having it pressed is optional. The Mayo isn't too common from my experience, but I kinda liked it. The deviled crab was average, not too greasy, but I've only had one I really like. If interested, I'll let you know where from. The Agliano is Spanish-style whitefish filet dusted with seasoned bread crumbs and deep fried, on Cuban bread, topped with lettuce, tomato, pickle, and a house-made tartar sauce. The fish was really good, and the sandwich was huge! I do wish there was a grilled fish option for this sandwich, the fried fish was too greasy for me, so I wound up picking the breading off. The Agliano doesn't come with fries any longer. Instead, it comes with chips. They too were greasy, and I didn't really care for them. I'd take fries over chips any day of the week. Our server was good. She had to be 9 months preggers, and still provided better service than 75% of restaurants in this area. The dining are is in dire need of a renovation. When we arrived, it was toward the end of the lunch rush, so the dining area looked like a tornado ripped through. There is really old looking carpeting which doesn't help the situation. I would rip that carpet up, whatever's underneath couldn't possibly be any worse. As we sat down, our table was sticky, and we had to get it wiped down. The cleanliness factor really hurts this place. They have a big menu with daily lunch and dinner specials. Overall, this is a good 20+ year old family owned business. I'll definitely go back. read more

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La Septima Café is a taste of yesteryear for all Tampa Natives. Black Beans made the way it was intended (just like Mercedes Cafeteria). Lechon Asado (Roast Pork) that would be envy of any culinary school. Chef Herrick is on the job, and doing it very well. The desert selection is amazing. Natilla, the way Abuela used to make it. A Guava cheesecake that you must leave room for. And if you get there soon, the seasonal Peppermint Patty cheesecake will make you want to 'slap your Tia!' The staff is courteous, attentive and efficient. Owners are on site, and can often be seen checking on their diners. The are very attentive to each detail. This little slice of Ybor City in Brandon is about to celebrate its 20th Anniversary. We say Salud and Happy Days to La Septima Café - here's to another 20 great years ahead! Thank you for keeping our traditional meals available to remember who we are and where we came from. read more

La Septima Cafe - Wednesday's Special: 2 Lobster Tacos with Yellow Rice and Black Beans. Unbelievably savory at reasonable price. - Cuban Near Me - Brandon, Florida

I'm Cuban and this has got to be one of the worst Cuban food I've had I even asked the waitress who owned the business she said it was owned by actual Cubans it's a shame that they say they are Cuban ...I've yet to find real Cuban food in this area since I've moved from Miami btw I had to put a star because it didn't let me post without it but I would give a negative zero ....it's a shame you call this Cuban food read more

Food is incredible, some of the best food I have had in Florida. Get the walk around with a side of guava sour cream! Staff is super helpful and friendly. read more

Ok I was a fan ... but not any more. I am totally not a fan of charging people extra $3.00 because they want to split the 1/2 Cuban with a Devil Crab "special." Especially when there is more than just those two people sitting at the table ordering food. Maybe this explains why the place was empty at 2pm on a monday. Having family in a rehab facility across the street brought us in to eat twice in the last four days. I have lived in the area since 1980 and eaten at this location and the original location many times over the years. Cuban Sandwich ... good. Mini Stuffed potatoes ... lousy. Spanish Bean soup ... good. Baked Chicken ... disgusting. Picadillio ... good. Bread ... just average. Overall just average but the "policy" ... is absurd! I will nevr return. read more

Visited again tonight and it was such a great meal! And the server, Deziray, was awesome! She was efficient, pleasant, and so funny! As always, the sangria and monitors were excellent, and dinner was to-die-for; at our table we had the arroz con pollo, lechon asada, and a Cuban sandwich- all were unsurpassed!! read more

Spanish restaurant, Brandon, Florida. From the unassuming exterior you would never realize what a treasure this restaurant is. Not-too large, cozy but, oh, the food! A good selection that goes from Cuban sandwiches to Latino dishes, guaranteed to please. And the service is quick and friendly. A wonderful place! read more

La Septima Cafe - Wonderful atmosphere, wonderful people, wonderful food! - Cuban Near Me - Brandon, Florida

We barraged this locally owned restaurant, with over 32 people coming from a High School graduation. They didn't flinch. They set is up in an off the side dining area, and the waitstaff were most gracious and accommodating to the entire group. I couldn't believe how they handled such a large group, getting orders taken quickly, checks kept separate, and food delivered promptly while hot, to the right people. All the while keeping the glasses filled, and any questions answered. What I expected to be a disaster turned out to be quite a well oiled machine. High praise to this fine establishment. read more

The creamy salad dressing here is divine enough to drink with a straw. However, it is served on the consistently limpest, most anemic lettuce you ever saw. Always. EVERY time. Guys, showcase that fabulous dressing on the fresh lettuce it deserves! read more

We couldn't visit Tampa without stopping in at our all-time favorite Spanish restaurant, La Septima, surprised to find that they'd moved a few blocks down the road. We started with the Yuca Fries. Yuca is starchy, much like a potato. Cooked yuca tends to be a bit mushy, but fried yuca is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and La Septima sprinkles theirs with cheese. I chose the Pescado a la Rusa, whitefish filets, fried and topped with a Russian-style sauce (butter, parsley and hard-boiled eggs), complemented with yellow rice and black beans. The fish was tender and flaky, and paired perfectly with the sauce. Dora here. My fave is the Palomilla steak. I'm not sure which kind of beef they use, but it's pounded thin then breaded and fried, and topped with grilled onions. Tender and yum! I used to make black beans and yellow rice occasionally at home, but I never could replicate the exact flavor profile that jazzes up my taste buds like theirs. :) I would rate this restaurant 4 forks out of 5 forks for a family friendly restaurant serving great food. Ernie & Dora Hiers, Fiction Faith & Foodies Blog read more

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Management here could care less about what you, the customer, thinks about your experience when visiting their restaurant. This is a get in your seat, give us your money and get out type of place. If the order is wrong, too bad, not to your liking, oh well. The servers here do an amazing job trying to apologize and accommodate everyone for the managements/owners short comings. But they can only do so much when they are told it doesn't matter what the customer thinks, just get them out the door. I wouldn't give this place your business, there are far better places to get authentic food than here. Send a message to the owners that quality and how you treat your customers go hand and hand. read more

Came here for lunch on a Friday late afternoon. It was amazing ReAnna was our waitress and she was really nice. Our drinks were always full and the food was delicious, it also came out so quick. I don't frequent this area often enough to be able to enjoy this food. The lunch portion was just perfect for my appetite and was still able to take a little home. Between 11-5 pm there is a lunch time menu and the prices start at 8.95 for the lunch price / portion. I will return! read more

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Great place for Cuban sandwiches. Love love love their Spanish bean soup. Quiet, cozy little restaurant. Highly recommended read more

La Septima Cafe - Outdoor patio - Cuban Near Me - Brandon, Florida

Very good! Had the devil crab - super tasty and fresh - and the 7th Avenue salad - also super fresh! Ordered by phone and was ready fast and hot. Will definitely return to get this again and try other options! read more

Amazing sandwhiches. I often crave this restaurant and no one else ever satisfies my taste buds the way La Septima does for a Pallomilla steak sandwhich and homemade chips! They also have great Cubans. I give them four stars because they don't have Empanadas and the last time we went the bread wasn't fresh. However, after years of visiting and comparison shopping, this is still my go to spot for Pallomilla steak sandwiches. read more

I love a great Cuban sandwich and since I live in Ybor I can find them all around me but I found THE BEST in the Tampa Bay Area at La Septima Cafe! I also have to say that the devil crabs are top notch! Nowhere else will you find a more tasty and crab-packed devil crab!!! Check out the food online and give this place a try, you will not be disappointed!! Cheers! read more

La Septima feels like it's been here forever. Service was great. They feel really down-to-earth. When I visited, I ordered the Cuban sandwich. It's pretty good. I may have enjoyed a Cuban sandwich elsewhere more, but I can't quite put my finger on why this wasn't among my favorite. read more

This is my favorite Cuban restaurant in the Brandon area. It is a small family owned operation, and they have passed down recipes with consistency. I have been coming here with my family since the 90's when they were at the old location and we still love it just as much. I have tried many menu items but my go-to favorites are the Cuban sandwich (of course), and sweet plantains. Other faves are the yellow rice, deviled crab and of course that chocolate cake! Don't be afraid to explore the menu - LaSeptima never disappoints! read more

La Septima Cafe - Pressed Cuban sandwich with side of sweet plantains. - Cuban Near Me - Brandon, Florida

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My son took me here to eat. Just loved the food and staff. Had so much had to bring home a brown bag. Very nice service and the coffee was awesome. Enjoy your time stop by and check it out. read more

I have been jonesing for a Cuban sandwich. We stopped here after reading some Yelp reviews. We're so glad we did! We started off with the fried Yuca. It was so good! We ordered it without the Parmesan sauce. It was nice and crispy outside and soft inside. The Cuban sandwich did not disappoint. I ordered it pressed. The bread was nice and toasted. The ham was smoky', the roast pork very flavorful and the pickles and cheese just finished it off. We also tried the Caldo Gallego which is typically a brothy soup consisting of beans, collards and ham. This particular version tasted like a Ham and bean soup. A bit too thick to be called Caldo Gallego. The chicken noodle soup was good also. Portions are large so you could consider sharing. All and all it was a good experience. read more

My review is based on a comparison of what La Septima was as compared to today. The food is still excellent. Never had a bad dish. What is really missing is the ambience of sitting down, looking over the menu, and letting the server know what you want. Now you order at a register, take your number, and wait at the table for food delivery. I really miss the old way. read more

I hadn't been to this cafe since before covid. I went today and it is horrible! Now you have to order and pay before you sit down. No waitresses. Just deliverers of your food. The food was horrible. My daughter ordered black beans and yellow rice and looked like it was prepared into a mold and dumped in the container. It was not hot and the bread was cold and stale. She ordered coffee and it was old and the cream curdled. I ordered a cuban and the meat tasted spoiled and the bread was stale also around the edges. Those two things with two drinks was just under $20.00! I should have known when the place was empty except for two table that something was bad. It used to have waiting time when I went there. And this was during lunch hour! Never again! If I could give a zero rating I would. read more

My favorite Cuban restaurant everything is so authentic and flavorful I wish I still lived in Valrico I'd eat there everyday

This place is fabulous, went for the first time and I will be back. It's not easy to find nestled in a plaza off Lumsden and King in Brandon. I ordered the special "Filet La Septima, it was a steak dish which is pounded flat and breaded grilled and served with an awesome compound butter sauce, served with over the top roasted garlic green beans and a decadent yellow rice. I started with a mixed green salad with house made bleu cheese dressing. The menu has a wide assortment of dishes for everyone. For dessert I had the flan, a creamy creation served with a delectable sugary caramel sauce. read more

Love this place. The crab croquets are very meaty and full of flavor. The fish dish is fantastic....Lightly breaded, yellow rice and beans with plantains. Yum. read more

La Septima Cafe - Grilled fish, yellow rice, black beans! Fantastic! - Cuban Near Me - Brandon, Florida

Shame on them. This place has not only bad Cuban food, but bad Spanish dishes too. I have been stationed in Madrid for 3 years and La Septima should be ashamed. Back in 2005 we tried the Parson's St. location in Brandon and the Ropa Vieja was like eating shredded meat marinated in Pine Sol....not palatable at all. My wife got the Palomilla Steak and honestly, should would have rather eaten her own foot. So, 7 years later they opened up another location on Lumsden Rd....we have them one more shot....worse than before. The servers stand around talking to each other and we sat for 15 minutes devoid of water and iced tea. We don't ask much from service, but at least remember we are friggin' there. The food was horrible and they brought bread that was neither fresh nor warm. We ate a couple bites of our food and asked for the check. Yes, we paid the full tab rather than complain. After all, you only complain when you may give them another shot. That ain't happenin'.....save your money and just go to the Columbia in Ybor! read more

Terrible! This is not real cuban or Spanish food. What kind of place is Cuban/Spanish/Italian. Um, what kind of mess is this? Chicken was dry. Peas were mushy and from a can. Garlic bread was burnt to a crisp. Maduros weren't sweet. They were dry and greasy. The crab pasta was a heart burn. Grosss! Don't waste your $50+. This was a to go order and a super disappointment. La Terrasita is the best! No one will ever compare. read more

Definitely a keeper! I think I've had everything on their menu at one point or another, so here are the highlights: -The Cuban: a great standard cuban, pressed or unpressed. -Ropa Vieja: amazingly flavorful shredded flank steak simmered in wine. Definitely my favorite and is also good as a sandwich -Breaded Palomilla Steak: not that great for you and it just looks like country fried steak, but it's surprisingly tasty and tender -Lechon Asado: Roast pork that knocks your socks off with flavor! Tangy with a bit of sweetness, but very juicy -Platanos: I mean, you can't get better than plantains, and these aren't the almost-savory fried versions, but are the sweet and slightly caramelized plantains that feel closer to a dessert than a side. -Black beans and yellow rice: another great side! read more