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Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval, Tampa, FL

Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval

4.5 (334)
$30 and under
Mexican
505 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
animated flamesBooked 15 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Good for groups
  • Neighborhood gem
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 334 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
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval offers "fantastic food, service and ambiance," with standout guacamole and margaritas. The "creative drink menu" and "excellent happy hour" are highlights. The restaurant is perfect for "date night" or "group dinners," with "wonderful service" making it a "highly recommended" spot in Tampa.
334 Reviews
  1. Frank VIP

    Tampa / Central Florida West58 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    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?

  2. Allan VIP

    West Palm Beach7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

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

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  3. Arleen

    Orlando / Central Florida East11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    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?

  4. 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!

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  5. 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?

  6. Jackie

    Tampa / Central Florida West4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love Lona!! Great drinks and apps and great prices! Quality all the way around and super convenient to locals who live downtown. I love this place for happy hour with friends after work and for a later night cocktail, Lina never disappoints. I love the traditional Mojito and the guac is phenomenal and the nachos are great too!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Kristen VIP

    Tampa / Central Florida West4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a great time! Good food and good service. We will definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Alan

    New York City13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great experience and excellent food. Our server was attentive, friendly and helpful. She made useful suggestion. We had the chicken fajitas, which easily could have served three people and were excellent. The corn side dish was wonderful as were the cocktails.

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  9. Sherine

    Wisconsin1 review

    1.0

    Dined on May 11, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Food is below average Steak is chewy and not tasty and expensive Guacamole needs salt and taste The service was really slow

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  10. Monica VIP

    Tampa / Central Florida West3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a great experience, great food, and excellent service.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval is rated 4.5 stars by 334 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


animated flamesBooked 15 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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