17 Best Restaurants in Riverview, FL
This article was written by local contributor Cameron Rodriguez & edited by the Travel Lens team.
Riverview, Florida, has always held a special place in my heart.
The beautiful town is home to some of the most amazing culinary experiences that I've had the pleasure of enjoying over the years.
The diverse array of tantalizing dishes and cozy eateries here are sure to leave you wanting more.
Join me as I take you on a mouth-watering journey through some of the best restaurants in Riverview, Florida.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Manila Eats
I finally made the trip to Manila Eats and it was absolutely worth it!
The food truck offers a wide variety of Filipino dishes, and everything I ordered was amazing.
I used Doordash to order ahead for pickup and got lumpia, dinaguan, kare kare, and more.
Aside from the mouth-watering dishes, what I loved most about Manila Eats was the sense of community it fosters.
As I waited for my food, I was surrounded by fellow Pinoys, chatting in Tagalog and enjoying the relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Rappi Colombian Food
I recently discovered Rappi Colombian Food, and I must say, it's been a fantastic addition to our local area.
The setup is excellent and offers plenty of parking.
What I initially thought would be just one food truck turned out to be a collection of four trucks, featuring Honduran, Puerto Rican, and Colombian cuisines, as well as tropical smoothies and fruit drinks.
It's such a fantastic addition to the Riverview food scene.
Rappi Colombian Food has already become one of my favorite places to grab a bite.
Their food is absolutely amazing, and the customer service is top-notch.
The patacon and chicken empanadas are to die for, and the entire experience just transports me back to my homeland.
Leaven Brewing
I have to say, I absolutely love spending my evenings at Leaven Brewing.
It's been a while since I last visited a brewery, and I've got to admit, this one has become my favorite spot in town.
Interestingly, I don't even drink alcohol anymore, but that doesn't stop me from having a great time here.
What initially drew me to Leaven Brewing were their amazing sandwiches.
I remember trying their grilled cheese for the first time – it was simply divine!
I opted for capicola as an add-on, which turned out to be a fantastic choice.
Since then, I've had my eye on their Italian sandwich, and I can't wait to try it on my next visit.
I also appreciate the outdoor seating area, which is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the ambiance.
Rolo's Bakery
I have been living in this neighborhood for years, and one of my favorite spots for a delicious and authentic Colombian breakfast is Rolo's Bakery.
Though I am Venezuelan by origin, I absolutely adore Colombian food and Rolo's never disappoints.
The bakery always bustles with activity, and there might be a line to order, but trust me, the wait is worth it.
Their pan de Bono, huevos pericos, and calentado are some of my go-to choices for a satisfying meal.
The café con leche they serve is simply perfect, and I can't help but order their amazing empanadas almost every week.
My favorites are the chicken and cheese empanadas – they are just too tasty to resist.
Not just that, Rolo's also offers a variety of other pastries, sandwiches, and fruit juices, with reasonable prices and generous portions.
If you haven't tried their cheese bread, sausage bread, or ham and cheese croissants, you're missing out!
Frutella Riverview
I stumbled upon this hidden gem called Frutella Riverview just the other day, and I must say, it has quickly become one of my favorite spots in town!
The fruit is so fresh, and the condensed milk just makes it the perfect level of sweetness.
I never thought I would find such a place, especially in a shared parking lot with a gas station.
I can't wait to go back and try their other dessert options!
The outdoor setup at Frutella Riverview is really enjoyable, with a cute little Christmas tree adding to its charm.
It's the perfect place to relax on a sunny afternoon while enjoying a tasty and refreshing treat.
Sticky Rice Sushi
I've been living in the Riverview area since 2010, and I must say, the best sushi I've ever had comes from Sticky Rice Sushi.
Even though the location is quite small, the food more than makes up for it.
One time, I ordered the Summerfield roll with avocado, while my son tried the sushi sandwich.
It was not only delicious but also very impressive in presentation.
Sticky Rice Sushi doesn't disappoint when it comes to variety either.
They have the largest selection of rolls I've ever seen, and they're the only place around where I can find Uni (Sea Urchin) and Toro (Fatty Tuna).
The ambiance is super chill, and it's no surprise that the place gets packed really fast around 6pm every day.
I once celebrated my birthday there and ordered over 70 pieces with my best friend, and it was absolutely worth it.
Box of Cubans
Ever since I found Box of Cubans, it has become my go-to spot for an authentic Cuban sandwich experience.
My favorite has to be the Lecheon Sandwich – it is perfectly seasoned and has become my new favorite sandwich!
The atmosphere is equally amazing, with the owners always being hands-on and making sure everyone has a great time.
I love trying out their variety of sauces which add a unique and delightful flavor to every dish.
Trust me, once you try it, you'd be excited to come back and taste more of their offerings.
Apart from the mouth-watering sandwiches, I also enjoy their tasty empanadas.
I highly recommend the beef and guava options – they're simply irresistible.
Tuk Tuk Thai Fusion Restaurant
I cannot stress enough how much I love Tuk Tuk Thai Fusion Restaurant!
As someone who has been living in this area for quite some time, I've tried a lot of Thai places, but Tuk Tuk Thai Fusion takes the cake.
The moment you walk in, you're greeted by the warm and cozy atmosphere, with beautiful wood accents that make you feel right at home.
I've been to this restaurant multiple times, and let me tell you - the food is always incredible.
The Drunken Noodles are my go-to dish, and every time I order them, I'm amazed at how fresh the veggies are and how well everything is cooked.
I've also tried their Pad Thai, which is always cooked to perfection and full of savory shrimp.
One time, I decided to switch things up and ordered the Garlic Beef for lunch, and it was simply out-of-this-world delicious.
Oh, and don't forget to order the Thai Donuts for dessert - they are heavenly!
CALI - Brandon
One of the perks of living in this area is having CALI - Brandon nearby for a cozy and flavorful dining experience.
I went there recently with a friend, and I must say, the atmosphere and service genuinely impressed us.
The food was fresh, and the layers of flavors in the dish were delightful.
I thoroughly enjoyed their Thai bowl with lentil bites and coconut avocado rice.
The outdoor seating was a nice touch too, adding to the overall pleasant vibe of the place.
Pho Loc Tho
As someone who lives in the area, I must say that Pho Loc Tho has become one of my go-to spots for a satisfying meal.
I first stumbled upon this hidden gem when my sister and I were looking for a place to grab lunch, and I have been a regular ever since.
Their website Pho Loc Tho is a great resource for newcomers who want to check out their menu before visiting.
I remember the first time I tried their Pho; it was truly a game-changer.
It's so flavorful and comforting, perfect for a cold day or when you're not feeling well.
Besides the Pho, their fresh shrimp roll, steamed bun, and chicken fried rice are all equally amazing.
My family and I have tried quite a few dishes from their menu, and we have never been disappointed.
One of the best aspects of this place is the service.
They are always friendly, attentive, and willing to help you navigate the menu if you're not sure what to order.
I've even read reviews that mention a Caucasian gentleman who takes the time to explain the different soups to first-timers, ensuring they choose the best option for their taste.
We have always been treated with respect and excellent customer service.
El Guavate de Oto
As someone who's lived in Florida for quite some time, I have had the pleasure of trying some of the best eateries in town.
One place that always caught my eye was El Guavate de Oto.
I would drive by it almost every day, and it was always bustling with people, which I took as a sign of good food.
When I finally decided to give it a try, I made sure to arrive right when they opened, as per the recommendations from reviews I read.
The food absolutely exceeded my expectations.
I ordered Mofongo con Carne Fritas, an Alcapurria, and a Malta India, while my partner got the Papas Fritas y Loco.
The covered seating area was a nice touch, and every dish was fresh and delicious.
What stood out to me was the fantastic customer service.
This was especially impressive considering that they had recently had an unfortunate incident with their food truck but were still able to provide excellent service.
I brought my kids along, and they can be very picky eaters.
But to my surprise, they loved the food at El Guavate de Oto, especially the arroz con gandules.
I know I'll definitely be returning for another visit, and I'm glad that I finally got to experience this local gem.
Peppajak
I recently visited Peppajak and I must say, it was an incredible experience.
Once inside, the atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, just like a mom and pop shop should be.
The wait for our food was short, and the quality was outstanding.
I had the wagyu burger, which was absolutely phenomenal, while my friend tried their humongous, real chicken tenders.
The curly fries were perfectly crisp, and the fried mushrooms had a great breading and were juicy when you bit into them.
The pepperjack bites were a great appetizer with a good kick, and the mac and cheese bites were crispy on the outside, with a perfect balance of cheese and noodles on the inside.
They even added bacon to my burger at no extra charge, which was a nice touch.
Cappy's Pizzeria
Every week, I look forward to visiting Cappy's Pizzeria located in the Winthrop Town Center.
It's a local chain pizzeria that has gained quite a reputation for their scrumptious Deep Dish Pizza.
The moment I step into the restaurant, I'm instantly charmed by the nostalgic decor featuring old plates and antiques.
Their website, cappyspizzaonline.com, even showcases this unique atmosphere.
One of the reasons why I keep coming back to this place is their attentive service.
They ensure my dining experience is seamless and quick, going as far as bringing a credit card machine to my table for a faster check out.
My meal usually starts with their delicious Greek Salad, which never fails to impress with its flavorful dressing.
Though their New York style pizza is also good, I can't resist ordering their famous Deep Dish Pizza.
The combination of its soft inside and hard outside crust is simply delightful.
The ambiance inside the restaurant can be a bit clustered, but I personally prefer their outdoor seating where I can enjoy my pizza in the fresh air.
In addition to their pizzas, I also love their garlic bread - it's perfect for sharing with friends and family.
DING Asian Cuisine
I recently stumbled upon a hidden gem tucked away in my neighborhood called DING Asian Cuisine.
It's a small, cozy place but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with its exquisite food.
I've tried their sushi, which was absolutely fantastic and easily became my favorite dish.
My kids are big fans of their Sesame Chicken and Mango Chicken, while I couldn't resist the Pad Thai - one of the best I've ever had.
Their menu has an extensive range of options, so there's always something new to try.
We also visited during the busiest time of the week - Friday dinner rush, but even then, they remained friendly and attentive, contributing to an overall lovely dining experience.
What truly impressed me was their attention to detail, from the flower arrangement on each plate to the matching dishes, cups, and sake bottles.
And don't even get me started on the taste.
Everything we ordered was incredibly flavorful and fresh; we even had mango rice for dessert which was delectable.
Fred's Market Restaurant
One evening, I decided to give Fred's Market Restaurant a try after hearing so much about it from my friends.
Located conveniently less than 10 minutes away from my place, this family-friendly restaurant is known for its homestyle Southern food in a casual atmosphere.
I arrived around 6:30pm on a Monday and had to wait for about 10 minutes to be seated, which was not too bad considering it was dinner time.
The fried chicken we ordered was crispy, and the white meat was juicy.
The mashed potatoes were also good, and the strawberry shortcake with whipped cream was the best I've ever had!
Payaathai Cuisine
I've always been a fan of Thai food, so when I discovered Payaathai Cuisine in Riverview, I knew I had to give it a try.
The restaurant has a quaint atmosphere, with just a few tables inside and some outdoor seating options.
The interior is clean and orderly, featuring a couple of TVs above the bar that play some older top 10 music, which adds to the overall ambiance.
What really caught my attention were their lunch specials, which are a fantastic deal and available Monday through Friday.
The service at Payaathai Cuisine is always friendly and attentive, and the food arrives in a timely manner.
I remember one particular visit on a Thursday evening when the restaurant was fairly empty, but the service and food quality did not disappoint.
I tried the duck curry that night, and it was absolutely delicious.
Omakase Asian Cuisine
I remember stumbling upon Omakase Asian Cuisine one day when I was in the area for an appointment.
It was one of the few sushi restaurants in the area that is open on Mondays, and it opens at 11:00 am.
The newly renovated restaurant, which reopened for dine-in service in October 2021, is clean and well-organized.
I appreciated the high walls of the booth seating, which made me feel more socially distanced from others.
As I perused the extensive menu, I couldn't resist trying one of their fruit iced teas, specifically the lychee iced tea, which was a cold and refreshing treat.
When it came to food, I was initially torn between the House Special Udon noodles and the Dream Roll.
Ultimately, I chose the Dream Roll, which featured baked scallops and salmon, along with a unique acidic flavor.
Final Thoughts
Riverview has truly proven itself as a diverse and ever-evolving food destination.
Each time I explore the local culinary scene, I am pleasantly surprised by the mix of flavors and cuisines available.
From the authentic taste of Manila Eats to the incredible sushi at Sticky Rice, there's something for everyone's taste buds.
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