Fort Lauderdale’s famous Mexican restaurant, Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval, is excited to announce the opening of its new location in Tampa, Florida on July 18, 2023. This new restaurant, a collaboration with Chef Pablo Salas, will be situated inside Tampa Marriott Water Street, bringing the delightful flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine to both locals and visitors.
Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval: Tampa Expansion at Marriott Water Street
Lona aims to become a top dining spot in the lively Water Street Tampa neighborhood, offering an elevated yet approachable Mexican dining experience. With the expertise of award-winning Chef Richard Sandoval and Chef Pablo Salas, the restaurant promises warm hospitality, innovative cocktails, and a menu featuring contemporary twists on traditional dishes.
The space has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the dining experience. The word “lona,” meaning “canvas” in Spanish, represents the restaurant’s inspiration for incorporating intricate design elements that reflect Mexican culture. As guests enter, they will be greeted with a visually appealing setting, featuring colorful wall tapestries and pottery, leading to an indoor dining area and redesigned patio opening up to Water Street.
Chef Richard Sandoval expresses his excitement about bringing Lona to Tampa, as the team is dedicated to crafting unforgettable dishes using the freshest ingredients. Chef Pablo Salas shares the same enthusiasm, aiming to create a dining experience that celebrates Mexico’s rich traditions and contemporary influences.
The menu at Lona offers a wide selection of authentic Mexican specialties, including different types of guacamole, appetizers like Ahi Tuna Tostada and Queso Fundido, various quesadillas and tacos, and heartier dishes like fajitas and enchiladas. For dessert, guests can enjoy traditional Churros and Spiced Mexican Chocolate Cake.
Lona boasts an impressive beverage program with a vast selection of over 200 mezcal and tequila options, including Lona’s private selections of Maestro Dobel Diamante and Maestro Dobel Añejo. The restaurant also offers private tequila lockers for patrons to enjoy their own stash of bottles from Lona’s collection.
Overall, Lona promises to bring a delightful and authentic taste of Mexico to Tampa, inviting guests to enjoy a memorable dining experience filled with delicious food and a warm ambiance.
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Lona’s opening inside the Tampa Marriott Water Street adds a new dimension to the hotel’s commitment to offering an unparalleled experience to its guests. With its chic setting and enticing menu, Lona provides a distinctive dining option for both hotel guests, visitors and Tampa locals.
Lona is located inside the Tampa Marriott Water Street at 505 Water St, Tampa, FL, 33602. The restaurant will be open daily providing guests with a vibrant and immersive Mexican dining experience. Available Monday – Friday, lunch is served from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., while dinner hours are 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday all day dining is available from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Happy Hour is available daily from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. 3 hours of complimentary valet parking is available for all Lona guests. Guests may park with the Tampa Marriott Water Street valet team and tickets will be validated at Lona. Weekend brunch programming is expected to be launched later this year. Lona is also available for private dining and events. For more information, please visit www.lonatampa.com. Follow Lona on Instagram and Facebook.
