Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval

Name: Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval
Address: 505 Water St, Tampa, FL, United States, 33602
Telephone: (813) 204-6390
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.2

4.2

99 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Top Tags:

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 here: https://bit.ly/3F9A0ME

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 6, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 23 times today

Experiences are available.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Latin American, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Mon–Fri 11:00 am–2:00 pm Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat, Sun 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Phone number
(813) 204-6390
Website
https://www.lonatampa.com/
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
505 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602
Neighborhood
Tampa
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Counter Seating, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access

Experiences

NYE Dinner
$72.00 per person
Dec 31, 2023 only
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Lona on Sunday December 31, 2023. Enjoy our festive 3-course dinner menu for 72.00 per guest with optional cocktail enhancements. Our regular menu will also be available. ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

What 99 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.2

4.2 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
4.2Service
4.5Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Tampa / Central Florida West
Lively
Tampa
Good for groups
Tampa
Lively

99 Reviews

TG
TG001
Greater Boston
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
A very nice Mexican restaurant. Service was efficient and friendly. Had a nice booth, noise level was moderate we could talk easily (why are so many restaurants so loud that you need to yell?). Not a lot of choice in the wine list, so we went with margaritas which where excellent.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall4food5service1ambience5
Parking was not comped and Valet was a pain but everything else was wonderful!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall4food5service2ambience5
The Food was great and I enjoyed it very much !! The only issues were that we were not seated outside although we reserved that option. When they sat us at 5pm no one came to get our drink/food order for almost 10 minutes, and we had to flag someone down to let them know we were there!! Once the waitress realize this she was attentive and efficient, but told me they were out of the reserved Tequila for their signature cocktail so it was a good thing I had a back up drink to order. The Tres Leche was delicious and I highly recommend ordering that!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Jacksonville
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
Good drinks, food is good but nothing crazy special, and service needs some work. Other than that, cool spot to visit again, but there are other Mexican options I would visit first.
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AL
AmyL
Tampa
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Salmon is delicious, wait staff really great and hostess. Will be back soon to try the fajitas, they look wonderful. Was a little disappointed in the amount of reds by the glass, but the Malbec was really good.
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KR
KamillaR
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on November 8, 2023
overall2food1service3ambience3
Took my friend for her birthday. Her food was not good at all.
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JR
JasonR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome food and great service, first time here will definitely be back.
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V
Victor
Tampa
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall3food4service1ambience4
Service was very, very disappointing. I asked the server for a dinner plate and spoon to eat the fajitas but didn’t show up for 7 minutes. I asked a second server, who also disappeared. I finally walked over to the kitchen to ask someone who only brought the plate but no spoon. I was fed up asking. I would like to speak to the chef Sandoval to suggest to him work on improving service level as the food was really good.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
5 reviews
vip
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2023
overall3food2service5ambience5
I was expecting much more flavor and spices to my meal. The decor and ambiance were pretty service was great but the food left me underwhelmed.
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B
Brigitte
Tampa
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on October 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our Server TJ nailed it! Great service, food and drinks! In and out with time to get the the Lightning game. Will definitely be back soon!
Lona by Chef Richard SandovalResponded on October 28, 2023
Thank you for choosing Lona and sharing your experience! We are glad you enjoyed your time in our exciting city and that our devoted associates took great care of you. We will certainly share your praises with the associates mentioned. Thank you again for joining us, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the coming future!
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SS
SarahS
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience2
Food was subpar and overpriced for what it was. When asking the server what she recommended or what was a “favorite” she replied that it’s all good, no specifics. She seemed uninterested. I used the bathroom as I walked in and, again, as we paid the check. Both times there was no hand soap in the bathroom. At the first time, I notified an employee. An hour or so later during the second time, still no soap. This is 100% unacceptable, especially in a “fine dining” restaurant. Knowing how many patrons used that bathroom without properly washing their hands disgusted me. I will not be returning to Lona.
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L
Linda
Tampa
15 reviews
vip
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on October 17, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Delicious Mexican food and margaritas in the Marriott which is so convenient downtown
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Cancun
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience4
Drinks take forever. Everything took a long time tbh. They were confused about most of our questions. Vibes were eh. Probably won’t go back. Food is decent. Drinks are decent.
Lona by Chef Richard SandovalResponded on October 28, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to review your time with us. We sincerely apologize for the level of service you received from our team. We take our guest comments seriously, as they will help us enhance the experience for future guests. We understand your frustration and are grateful for your patience. We do hope you will join us another time in the coming future so we may provide you with a much more satisfying experience. Sincerely, Lona Leadership Team
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PP
PaulaP
Naples
19 reviews
vip
2.0
19 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2023
overall2food3service1ambience4
I hate it when you get your food before you get your drinks. Drinks too forever all night long.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved our experience at Lona! Came before a concert and it was a perfect spot for happy hour. One of the best margs in town, no sugary mix. Awesome guacamole, salsa and fajitas. Will definitely be back!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 12, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
The carne asada tacos were managing along with the queso fondito however the salsa was very thick and smokey. The decor was very appealing and unique. I did feel that the prices were quite high. $17 for a margarita that came in a short glass.
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K
Kris
Tampa
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on October 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We came during happy hour & everything was great! Fresh chips & guac were really good as well as the margarita. We will return soon for sure.
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MW
MeganW
Orlando
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This restaurant is a definite must place to try!! The food was delicious and can we talk about the chips and salsa alone??? It was absolutely incredible!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service by Theron! After relocating from Texas had been extremely disappointed in Mexican food. Welcome spot for those of us who live downtown!
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SC
SandraC
Tampa
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on October 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I had an awesome time! We went for dinner and loved the fact that you guys offer happy hour. We will definitely be back! Awesome food and great drinks. Beautiful restaurant too! 👍👍
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NH
NancyH
Cincinnati
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on October 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and superb service! What a great addition to Tampa.
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NT
NoThankYou
Tampa
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on October 6, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Skirt steak fajitas were tender but very chewy and difficult to eat the meat.
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S
Sally
Tampa
11 reviews
vip
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on October 6, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Please get more beers on tap - no Modelo Negra for more than a month? Good happy hour
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A
Arielle
Orlando
5 reviews
vip
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Enchilada sauce just tasted like ketchup.. seafood was amazing. Just wish I sent back my dish
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BS
BaiS
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 29, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience5
Steak was super chewy. The drinks were good but the food was alright considering the price. The atmosphere is nice.
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M
Maria
Tampa
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Authentic dishes and decor. We’ll prices and yummy margarita, what is there not to like?!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great attention to detail and excellent recommendations
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C
Crystal
Tampa
8 reviews
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience5
Hoping that our experience will be better if we go there again. Service was really slow. We had to be somewhere after dinner and we only were able to fit in a drink and appetizer.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Margaritas and food are exquisite. I can now say that I have found a different and good Mexican Restaurant. All employees are extremely friendly.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall2food3service3ambience1
The skinny marg was great! I was not a fan of the carne asada. It was kinda dirty inside as well.
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JS
JadenS
Tampa
2 reviews
vip
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall2food4service2ambience2
The food was great, but the front of house was mediocre at best. It was a a Friday night we had reservations, we waited 10-15 min to be seated because there was only one hostess for the entire restaurant, there were plenty of open tables. Then the hostess sat us right next to the kitchen were we heard the servers yell “coming in” all throughout the dinner. When asked to sit somewhere else initially the host became annoyed. We ordered drinks, they were out of a signature margarita, but the cocktails were good. The we attempted to order another round of drinks, this time they were out of red sangria and out of modela, 3 items, on a Friday night at 8pm. The server’s response was dismissive and unapologetic. We settled for another round of margaritas which tasted completely different than the first round to which we were unable to drink, they were terrible. The tables throughout the restaurant were dirty… Food was good but we won’t be back.
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AO
AngelaO
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, service & atmosphere! We went 2 nights in a row! Highly recommend.
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f
foodlover
Tampa
42 reviews
vip
4.0
42 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Loved this place...the food was delicious and the vibe was very fun! Highly recommend!
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CE
CharlotteE
Tampa
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall1food1service4ambience4
I could not have been more disappointed. Food was just okay. Even the drinks were just okay. We definitely needed a fun and good Mexican option on this end of town.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
Drinks were not very good, food was average. Perhaps my expectations weee too high.
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A
Arthur
Tampa
75 reviews
vip
5.0
75 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful evening at Lona. First we love to try new restaurants and stay local. IT was a very pleasant surprise to see the remodeled space at the Tampa Marriott Waterside that is now Lona's. Our server, Dash, was exceptional. She immediately greeted us and brough water and chips and salsa to the table. We were there for dinner but also took advantage of the drink specials from Happy Hour. The Queso and Guacamole as appetizers was very good. Dinner selections were Fajitas - piping hot and Tacos. Everything was fresh and delicious. the Tres Leche Cake for dessert...it doesn't get better than that. We highly recommend going there. And if you are worried about parking the first 3 hours are free with a validated valet ticket from Lona's.
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T
Tone
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food1service5ambience5
Skirt steak for fajitas was the toughest I ve had. Good flavoring yet ruined by inferior meat. Having worked in the food and beverage industry there’s no way that the chef preparing the meat wasn’t aware of its underwhelming quality. More positively the ambiance is excellent and the the wait staff hospitable. This was the only reason that I didn’t return the plate to the kitchen. I told the staff about the meat and thought there’d be a complimentary dessert or something offered as a good Will gesture, but this was not the case. Anthony Stanford 630 608-7177 Stanford8252@att.ne
Lona by Chef Richard SandovalResponded on September 2, 2023
Hi Tone, Thank you for letting us know of your experience and we are deeply apologetic for the quality of the skirt steak you received. Your feedback has been shared with the chef and he has seen your review and will look towards double-checking your concerns. Yes, of course your concerns should have been addressed at the table and we would have been more than happy to extend a complimentary dessert as a goodwill gesture. We will continue to work with our service team in their empowerment to perform recoveries. I will have a manager reach out to you at your listed email to extend a personal apology. Thank you again for your candid review; this is invaluable to us. The Lona Leaders
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BB
BocaBeth
Orlando
39 reviews
vip
4.0
39 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience5
A beautiful space has been created in what used to be a sports bar at this Marriott. The place feels warm and inviting with a beautiful use of colors and textures all around. Our server was good. The traditional guacamole was good - not amazing - just good. (We all agree we prefer tableside presentation for guac to have the spice level customized to the guest.) The fajitas that my two friends enjoyed were great they said. The corn tortillas were a bit "firm" for their liking so they used the flour ones more. The roasted chicken was exceptional. While the skirt steak ones were a little on the chewy side but very flavorful. My Steak Tampiquena presentation was exceptional with a delicious corn enchilada, rajas (which are roasted poblano chile strips with some yummy cheese I think), and tasty refried beans. The skirt steak was a bit chewy. Flavorful, but chewy. The only very disappointing food item was the side of Mexican Rice. It was bland and some of the rice kernels were crunchy, taking us by surprise. Our server Joshua took the side dish back to the kitchen but not sure if he told William the manager who stopped by for a table visit a couple of times and I had to bring up the rice challenge. They did take it off the bill. Overall a nice first visit. Didn't wow us but we will go back.
Lona by Chef Richard SandovalResponded on September 2, 2023
Hi BocaBeth, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review! We are always happy to accept both the positive and negatives as we are committed to striving to excellence. We are also pleased Will and Joshua left a positive impression in their recovery regarding the rice. We do hope you will return the next time you find yourself in downtown Tampa and are again grateful for the feedback you have provided! All the Best, The Lona Leaders
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BB
BarbaraB
Houston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service was excellent
Lona by Chef Richard SandovalResponded on September 2, 2023
Hi BarbaraB , Thanks so much for the five stars! We are thrilled to know we ticked all the boxes and are grateful you took the time to let us know of your experience! We do hope to see you again sometime soon if ever you are in the downtown area! All the best, The Lona Leaders
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M
Marta
Tampa
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was as great as the first experience several weeks ago . They took care of my allergies like a pro . Nice attitude and great service. The food is excellent!
Lona by Chef Richard SandovalResponded on September 2, 2023
Hi Marta, Thanks so much for the five stars! We are glad our staff handled your allergies like professionals with great attitudes. We appreciate the shoutout for the food and do hope you will get to see you again in the near future! All the best, The Lona Leaders
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FAQs

Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval is rated 4.2 stars by 99 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 6, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 23 times today

Experiences are available.

Google Map for Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval

505 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602

Additional information

Neighborhood
Tampa
Hours of operation
Mon–Fri 11:00 am–2:00 pm Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat, Sun 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Latin American, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Valet
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Counter Seating, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access

Website
https://www.lonatampa.com/
Phone number
(813) 204-6390

Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval

Make a reservation

Additional information

Experiences

NYE Dinner

Menu

What 99 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

How is Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval restaurant rated?

Is Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information