Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval

Review summary

1. R

   Rose

   Charleston

   6 reviews

   3.0

   6 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

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

   Located downtown Tampa inside the Marriott lobby near Amalie Arena, the restaurant had a great energy feel with eclectic southwestern feel. Bummer that the large screen TV with the latest football game was enormous and kind of ‘in your face.’ Unfortunately the chips tasted a bit stale but the salsa and the crabmeat guacamole were definitely tasty. We ordered the shrimp taco. Enjoyed the soft, corn tortillas but the shrimp were way over seasoned and were rubbery. I really wanted to love it but unfortunately we did not.
   

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2. R

   Rosanna

   Orlando

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

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

   They were very generous they also gave us a complimentary dessert for our anniversary.We loved it definitely recommend the private suite.
   

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3. L

   Laura

   Tampa

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on December 26, 2024

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

   The basics of tortilla chips and salsa were a big miss. Tortilla chips too thick and hard. Salsa was terrible and didn’t taste fresh. Exact same experience last week at Venga in Snowmass (must be Sysco?). Service at the bar before dinner was great. Table service was not so good. Inattentive server who wasn’t that busy. Entered wrong order for one dish. Forgot drinks. Will go back to just sit at bar.
   

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4. R

   Rachel

   VIP

   Tampa

   22 reviews

   5.0

   22 reviews

   Dined on December 25, 2024

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

   Came for Christmas happy hour ! Was very empty when we arrived. It soon filled up at the bar. This is one of the best happy hours around. The drinks are amazing, well crafted in lovely glasses and great price ( just means you drink more !). The nachos are large and an added order of guacamole is always welcome. The corn … oh what to say about the corn… this is street corn at its finest. We had three orders between the three of us. Black bean soup, chips and delicious salsa as well as a taco al pastor rounded out our feast. Service was gracious and we appreciated that folks were working on a holiday. Enjoyable all around - we will be back
   

   Lona by Chef Richard SandovalResponded 6 days ago

   Dear Rachel, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear you had a wonderful time during our Christmas happy hour. It’s great to know that you enjoyed the drinks, food, and especially the street corn! We truly appreciate your kind words about our service, and we’re happy to have been part of your holiday celebrations. We look forward to welcoming you back for another fantastic visit soon!
   

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5. M

   Melissa

   VIP

   Tampa

   12 reviews

   2.0

   12 reviews

   Dined on December 25, 2024

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

   The food was not good at all. Maybe it’s because it’s not your normal menu. One of the three people ate their food.
   

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6. j

   judy

   VIP

   Tampa

   41 reviews

   5.0

   41 reviews

   Dined on December 22, 2024

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

   The food was really good. I had the ceviche which was very fresh tasting - my husband had the shrimp fajitas - it came with tasty accompaniments (crema instead of sour cream). The black bean soup was unique and superb. All we ate had an authentic flair to it. The salsa served with the chips was excellent and very different from the usual tomato based salsa. It had a nice bite that was flavorful and brought out the heat of the chilis used. I was going to buy a bottle of it for home but forgot by the end of the meal! Next trip!
   

   Lona by Chef Richard SandovalResponded 6 days ago

   Dear Judy, Thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed the ceviche, shrimp fajitas, black bean soup, and our unique salsa. It’s wonderful to know that you appreciated the authentic flair of our dishes. We’re sorry you missed out on taking home a bottle of our salsa, but we look forward to having you back on your next visit!
   

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7. S

   Susan

   VIP

   Tampa

   22 reviews

   5.0

   22 reviews

   Dined on December 22, 2024

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

   Great location. Menu is diverse and food is delicious. Service is top notch and welcoming.
   

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8. S

   Steve

   Naples

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 21, 2024

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

   Our waitress was amazing!!! She catered to us and succeeded with all our requests
   

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9. L

   Lilie

   Tampa

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on December 17, 2024

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

   El mejor en comida Mexicana excellent attention volvere por mas
   

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10. D

    Donna

    New York City

    16 reviews

    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on December 15, 2024

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

    The food was in one word, uninspiring. The tuna in the appetizer was mushy but tasted good. The shrimp tacos were dry and needed more sauce. The salmon was properly cooked but we just couldn't muster up much enthusiasm for the dish. Overall a bit of a disappointment.
    

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