El Puerto Restaurant & Grill is a restaurant in Tampa, found at the corner of 5th and 17th in Ybor City. Chef Nelson Umana, who has more than 20 years of experience in Latin American cuisine, built the menu around traditional recipes from countries like Argentina and Peru. If you are exploring Latin American food in Ybor City, this is a spot where the flavors are the focus.
The menu covers a lot of ground, from Peruvian ceviche and tostones rellenos to grilled Argentine chorizo and skirt steak. The restaurant also serves salads, pastas, sandwiches and burgers, along with a few dishes from Peru such as Ají de Gallina. Chef Umana recommends trying the Parrillada, or mixed grill, on your first visit.
What to Expect at El Puerto Restaurant & Grill
The kitchen puts a lot of emphasis on grilled meats and fresh seafood. Among the appetizers, the Ceviche Mixto combines citrus-marinated fish, shrimp, squid, garlic and hot pepper, served with toasted and steamed corn. The Chicharron de Puerco is a plate of deep-fried pork cubes served with cassava and Creole sauce.
For a lighter meal, the El Puerto Ensalada comes with crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, roasted peppers, hardboiled eggs and artichoke hearts, garnished with black and green olives. You can add chicken, skirt steak, shrimp or a mixed seafood selection to any salad. Sangria is the restaurant's specialty, prepared fresh with fruit and offered by the glass or the pitcher. Guests must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol and need a valid ID.
Planning Your Visit: Hours and Contact
The restaurant is open for lunch starting at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and it closes at 3 p.m. on Mondays. Tuesday through Thursday, hours run from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, it stays open until 10:30 p.m. The dinner menu is available any time the kitchen is open. Hours can change, so call ahead to confirm before you visit.
You can reach El Puerto at (813) 248-8222, or find the restaurant at 1623 E 5th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605. The website at elpuertoybor.com lists free delivery within 5 miles on orders above, and it also has an online ordering option.
Tips Before You Go
If you plan to dine on a Monday, keep in mind that the restaurant closes at 3 p.m., so the lunch menu is your window. For a weekend dinner, the later Friday and Saturday closing times give you more room to take your time. I'd call the restaurant before you go if you have specific questions about the menu or your party size.
The Parrillada is the dish the chef points to first, and it is a good way to sample several grilled meats at once. Pair it with a pitcher of sangria if you are dining with a group of adults.
