Mesa Latina Restaurant Zephyrhills — Restaurant in Zephyrhills

⚠️ Update (2025): I want to provide an honest update since my original review, because consistency and value matter just as much as quality.

While Mesa Latina’s food remains good, the recent price increases have significantly changed the value proposition. Portions and preparation have not meaningfully changed, yet prices have risen to a point where the experience is no longer justifiable for what you receive.

For example, a simple order of carne frita with white rice and beans, a small side of garlic-cilantro cream, and a soda now totals over $40 with fees and tip. This is not a specialty platter, nor a premium cut—it’s a standard, everyday Puerto Rican dish. At this price point, expectations naturally increase, and unfortunately, the food does not rise to meet them.

Authentic Puerto Rican food is meant to be hearty, comforting, and accessible. When a basic plate reaches upscale pricing without a corresponding upgrade in portion size, presentation, or experience, it becomes difficult to justify—especially for regular customers.

I truly want to continue supporting local businesses, and Mesa Latina still has the foundation to be great. However, unless pricing is brought back in line with what’s being served, this has unfortunately shifted from a repeat spot to an occasional consideration at best.

I hope management takes this feedback constructively, because Zephyrhills still deserves a go-to Puerto Rican restaurant that balances quality, authenticity, and fair pricing.

Last Year Review: Mesa Latina Latin Food in Zephyrhills is an absolute MUST-TRY for anyone craving authentic and delicious Puerto Rican food! Forget Corozal (sorry, not sorry!), this place blows it out of the water. From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the sparkling clean dining room and friendly atmosphere. I ordered the churrasco with rice, beans, salad, and plantains, and let me tell you, it was a flavor explosion! The churrasco was cooked to perfection, incredibly tender and juicy. Every side dish was equally delicious, bursting with authentic flavors that transported me straight to the island. The service was top-notch - attentive, welcoming, and genuinely kind. It's clear that La Mesa Latina takes pride in every aspect of the dining experience. My hope is that they maintain these incredibly high standards because Zephyrhills has finally found its gem for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. Keep up the amazing work, Mesa Latina! You've definitely earned a repeat customer...

My wife and I were regulars when chef was operating the food truck. We would go there almost every week. The food was amazing, filling and tasty! We came today for the first time to the restaurant to have dinner. We were sat but the person who sat us didn’t say your server will be with you in a minute or nothing, she just put the menus in the table and walked off. She had to go find the server and when the server came out she was on her cell phone. She walked up to our table didn’t introduce herself, didn’t ask if we had been here before, didn’t mention any specials, all she said was “do you want to order drinks”… she came back with our drinks, my wife got a Malta and it was warm. Mind you I still don’t know this servers name..? And getting her attention was not easy either as she was on her phone or not around to flag her down. She then asked if wanted to order food..?? So we noticed that the sign out front said they had a mofongo special with churrasco and relleno de papa.. she came back to say they didn’t have the rellenos and that the special was no longer on special but that they could make it for us since we already asked for it.

We waited a long time to get 2 mofongo bowls and the taste wasn’t the same, I have to say that I really do miss when chef had the food truck. It’s not the same when you Chef and his wife gave exceptional service and food taste amazing at the food trucks to coming here and not getting the same love.

The food truck was a hit in Wesley chapel!! We still love Chef Albert and his family are amazing people and we will always support their journey! I just feel like the waiters could be a little bit more attentive to their tables.

Oh by the way I found out the waitress name only cause it was in...

Today, Sandie and I visited "Mesa Latina Cuisine," a Puerto Rican restaurant that recently opened in downtown Zephyrhills, taking over the old Coney Island Hot Dog location.

The restaurant has undergone a stylish transformation, featuring a clean and modern design in black, gray, and white. The space accommodates comfortable seating, a small bar, and provides ample parking.

Chef Albert Vega personally welcomed us, and he along with the staff were incredibly friendly, offering insightful explanations of the menu and thoughtful recommendations.

We began our meal with a Beef Empanada appetizer, which had a perfectly crispy exterior and well-seasoned beef filling. Both Sandie and I found it delicious.

Next, we chose the lunch special. Sandie ordered the Chicken Bites served with white rice, beans, and a small salad, while I opted for the Pork Bites with the same sides.

Sandie quickly finished her Chicken Bites along with her sides, clearly enjoying every bite. My Pork Bites featured a crispy outside and juicy interior, bursting with flavor—I polished my plate off with ease.

We took our server's advice and poured the beans over the rice, enhancing the flavor even more. The balsamic vinaigrette on our salads was a delightful addition as well.

Overall, the lunch special was satisfying and offered generous portions at around $12, making it budget-friendly. Drinks were priced at $3.50, and the appetizer was $5, bringing our total to $38 for both of us.

We agreed that we would definitely...