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Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval, Tampa, FL

Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval

4.5 (339)
$30 and under
Mexican
505 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 20 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Good for groups
  • Good for special occasions
Lona is a dynamic modern Mexican restaurant brought to life by the creative collaboration of renowned chefs Richard Sandoval and Pablo Salas and aims to redefine the Mexican dining experience by combining traditional flavors with contemporary techniques and artistic presentation.

At Lona, guests will be immersed in a lively atmosphere that pays homage to Mexico's rich culinary heritage while embracing the spirit of innovation. The menu showcases a fusion of regional Mexican cuisines, featuring an array of bold and authentic flavors. From delectable street food favorites to refined dishes inspired by ancient recipes, Lona offers a culinary journey that celebrates the diversity and complexity of Mexican gastronomy.

We also offer reservations for our TopGolf Swing Suites, which can be made via our OpenTable Experiences.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Latin American, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Cash not accepted, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Matthew Brennan
  • Private party facilities
    For functions of 12-300, host your next celebration in the unique dining spaces at Lona. From live-action stations, tasting & pairing dinners, and interactive cocktail receptions – our dedicated event team will bring your vision to life. Learn More: https://www.lonatampa.com/events
  • Neighborhood
    Tampa
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Top Golf Swing Suite Weekday

    $75.00 per party

    Multiple dates available
    Our Topgolf Swing Suites are an immersive social experience offering guests a comfortable lounge and a premium experience of play, food and beverage and music. With massive screens and a selection of multi-sport virtual games, Topgolf Swing Suites deliver a one-of-a-kind simulation that’s fun for all.
  • Top Golf Swing Suite Weekend

    $90.00 per party

    Multiple dates available
    Our Topgolf Swing Suites are an immersive social experience offering guests a comfortable lounge and a premium experience of play, food and beverage and music. With massive screens and a selection of multi-sport virtual games, Topgolf Swing Suites deliver a one-of-a-kind simulation that’s fun for all.

What 339 people are saying

Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval offers a "great experience" with "fantastic food, service, and ambiance." Located in downtown Tampa, the "authentic" Mexican fare includes must-try dishes like lobster quesadillas and "excellent" guacamole. Patrons appreciate the "creative drink menu" and "outstanding service," making it a memorable dining destination.
339 Reviews
  1. Amy

    Phoenix / Arizona1 review

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    The restaurant offers many gluten free options as well as pescatarian/vegetarian.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Kathy

    Tampa / Central Florida West1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was excellent as it was the night before. Also had same server who was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Kathy

    Tampa / Central Florida West2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was excellent, very authentic Mexican and server was amazing.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Suzette VIP

    Southwest Florida21 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was fabulous. The food was great, all four of us loved our meals. Everything from quesadillas to fajitas and more were so flavorful And the guacamole also fresh and chunky. The service was truly outstanding. I couldn’t think of one thing I’d change!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Frank VIP

    Tampa / Central Florida West58 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    You can’t go wrong with Lona as their menu items are tasty throughout. After four visits I haven’t had a bad meal or service. I highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Courtney

    Chicago / Illinois2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 31, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Aleni took such great care of us! We were staying at the Tampa Marriott Water Street and have been wanting to try Lona! We dined outside and everything was perfection! The chips, salsa, and guac were to die for! Drinks were incredible! And service was outstanding! From the lobster quesadillas to the queso fundido to the chicken fajitas-you can’t go wrong!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Allan VIP

    West Palm Beach7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 29, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic Food, service and ambiance! Would return if we lived here.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Arleen

    Orlando / Central Florida East11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was excellent- our table enjoyed everything we ordered and our server was very helpful in navigating food allergies and sensitivities. The guacamole is a must. It is definitely not a “hotel restaurant”. Was expecting it to overly loud and it wasn’t at all. Would definitely go back.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Emily

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great Experience at the Restaurant The food was delicious and the service provided by Adolfo was excellent! Highly recommended, thank you!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Jeffrey

    Tampa / Central Florida West9 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 23, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Great location in downtown Tampa. Food was amazing. An authentic, but not too authentic Mexican food experience. Service was mid level at best. Lots of tequila selections and a wide variety of margarita options.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval is rated 4.5 stars by 339 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Tampa / Central Florida West
  4. Tampa
  5. Tampa

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 20 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval

505 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Tampa
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Latin American, Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Cash not accepted, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Matthew Brennan
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Private party facilities
    For functions of 12-300, host your next celebration in the unique dining spaces at Lona. From live-action stations, tasting & pairing dinners, and interactive cocktail receptions – our dedicated event team will bring your vision to life. Learn More: https://www.lonatampa.com/events
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