Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval

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

Review summary

1. J

   James VIP

   Tampa40 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We had visited Lona back when it first opened and were not impressed. Today’s experience was entirely different. The food was very good, the margaritas were great and the service was wonderful. In the end, the bill was very reasonable considering where things are in general today. We will be back. Thanks Lona!
   

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2. T

   Tina VIP

   San Diego64 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We had a very positive experience at Lona for several reasons: 1. I had a reservation for 10 people. The restaurant graciously squeezed in my request to increase the headcount to 18 people (even though this was during their busiest week for SOF Week). And they even seated us at the same long table. Then when I had 4 more team members show up, they accommodated us by seating them next to us. 2. Eleni, our server, went above and beyond in taking care of the 22 members of our team. She was friendly, helpful, and accommodated every request. She was by far the best server I've ever encountered, and I have eaten in restaurants all over the world! 3. The food was great, and especially the Churro's dessert. They were piping hot, light and flavorful. All-in-all a great dinner in Tampa!
   

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3. D

   Dina VIP

   Tampa48 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Maria was a great server. Very friendly! Food was good and there were great happy hour choices.
   

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4. A

   Ashlee VIP

   Los Angeles4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The service and ambiance was top notch!!! The food here is out of this world!!! From the Esquites to the shrimp and crab enchiladas!!!??!!!? Absolutely crazy amazing!!!!!! An explosion of flavor that definitely steals the show!!!!
   

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5. A

   Angela VIP

   Tampa3 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   A group of us went to Lona for brunch. The food is generally always good (dinner is amazing) but their brunch menu leaves more to be desired. The service is always friendly and welcoming from the moment you first walk in and they have quite a creative drink menu. However, if you go there for brunch there are certain drinks from the regular/dinner menu that you cannot order from.
   

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6. f

   fatima

   Atlanta8 reviews

   1.0

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   I had high hopes for this restaurant but was extremely disappointed. The food was horrible. I ordered the crab guacamole dip(decent), crab & shrimp enchiladas(terrible - the inside was so soggy and the sauce taste like cheap tomato sauce), chicken quesadillas(Movie theater style= cheap) and the most bland $8 rice I’ve ever had. The best thing here was the customer service and Guava margarita. Overall I won’t be back.
   

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7. C

   Carol VIP

   Tampa29 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 30, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Excellent happy hour drinks and food. Great service too.
   

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8. G

   Glenn

   Tampa1 review

   5.0

   Dined on April 27, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Fantastic service and Food. Stayed in Tampa 4 days and ate here 4 times. Wonderful in every way. Thanks
   

   Lona by Chef Richard SandovalResponded on April 29, 2025

   Thanks for the feedback, Glenn! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience at Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval. It's fantastic that our service and food met your expectations. We strive to provide an exceptional dining experience for our guests and your kind words are a testament to our efforts. We look forward to your next visit to Tampa. Thanks again!
   

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9. D

   Dana VIP

   Philadelphia2 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on April 25, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 2

   I was very underimpressed by the ambience. I expected that this would be an upscale Mexican restaurant with nice.decor and design but it looked more like a chain restaurant. The first clue was that the hosts were wearing Under Armour shirts, which was a turn off. As we were shown to our table, I caught a glimpse of kids playing in a golf simulator, and then realized that there was some sort of Top Golf feature there. The golf simulator definitely did not shout upscale restaurant that’s for sure and seemed totally out of place in a Mexican restaurant. Next, the food and beverage was less than stellar. The margaritas are tiny for the price and served in the type of glass you would get with a whiskey. The food was average at best which was surprising given than they include the chef as a part of the restaurant’s name so you would think that would mean something. We didn’t even finish our meals because the food was bland not worth the calories frankly. We did like our server and his service was very good so I feel badly because I don’t want my review about the food, drink, and ambience reflecting negatively on his work, but that was just about the only thing that was good at this place.
   

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10. C

    Claire VIP

    Austin1 review

    4.0

    Dined on April 25, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5

    Food was excellent! 4 stars since we paid for the top golf suite, but it didn't work properly and kept freezing up. We spent the majority of our time trying to troubleshoot it, and my kids were disappointed. Probably would eat again but save $100 on the experience. Maybe would have been better if the staff acknowledged it but they didn't. We had trouble finding staff and the lights kept going off which was unsettling for my little one.
    

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