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Melao Gastro Bar | Dominican Food offers an authentic taste of Caribbean cuisine in the heart of Tampa. Located at 8199 N Dale Mabry Hwy, this vibrant restaurant focuses on traditional Dominican dishes with a modern twist. The menu highlights include a variety of mofongo preparations, such as Mofongo with Shrimp, Red Snapper, and Seafood Mofongo, alongside other Caribbean staples like Churrasco, Carne Frita, and Trifongo. Signature seafood dishes like Chef’s Seafood Mar Y Tierra, Conch Salad, and Octopus emphasize fresh, bold flavors drawn from coastal influences.
The atmosphere at Melao Gastro Bar is casual yet lively, reflecting the rich culture of the Caribbean. The drink selection complements the food with tropical beverages such as Passion Fruit Mojitos, Pina Coladas, and traditional juices like Tamarind and Passion Fruit. Appetizers range from fried cassava to stuffed plantains, offering guests a range of tastes and textures.
Melao stands out as a local destination that balances hearty, flavorful cooking with a welcoming environment. It caters to those interested in exploring Dominican culinary traditions within a gastro bar setting that encourages both vibrant socializing and relaxed dining.
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Amenities & More
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Reviews for Mofongo Steakhouse Tampa
Review highlights
Based on 906 reviewsReviews of Melao Gastro Bar | Dominican Food consistently highlight the restaurant’s exceptional food quality, emphasizing fresh ingredients and authentic Caribbean flavors. Patrons often praise the unique menu options, with particular appreciation for dishes like mofongo and fried yucca, as well as flavorful sauces that add a memorable touch. The service receives frequent commendation for being attentive, welcoming, and knowledgeable, contributing to a friendly and personalized dining experience. Despite occasional low occupancy during weekday visits, diners note that the atmosphere remains inviting and the setting visually appealing, making it a great spot for both casual meals and social gatherings. Overall, Melao Gastro Bar stands out as a "hidden gem" with a strong reputation for quality food and excellent hospitality in the Tampa area.
We got there about 9:30 and there wasn't many cars outside but don't let that deter you. It was around closing but each dish was fresh and delicious. They didn't miss with the flavors, and my mom whose from Louisiana gave them a 5/5. Selfie girlies the setup is amazing for pics and the drinks are bomb!!!
The service is absolutely amazing and the food is absolutely amazing!!!!
Went out with friends for an early dinner on a Thursday and the place was practically empty but our waitress was very welcoming and helped explain the menu. She recommended the fried cheese and it was so good! We got that with some fried yucca and my main is a mofongo salmon smothered in garlic sauce! That sauce was addicting! I'm glad there's an option to not have pork in the mofongo since I can't eat it. Also the tamarind drink I had was a nice sweet sour drink! Refreshing! Oh the bread was crunchy and garlicy! Everything was delicious! The place was really nice and my friends spent a long time catching up. We ended up talking for quite a while.
We came here and it was empty on a weekday , we had great service, great fresh tasty food. I can’t complain about anything. I forgot to take pics of my full plate. Yanny the server was great I recommend her. I will be back. I had the grilled chicken with mondongo and salad, delicious! Edit: i came back to eat and once again exceeded my expectations, Abigail was my server and she was awesome, she suggested and described items and make our experience amazing, I stuffed myself and was satisfied. They are making renovations so I can’t wait yo see it. I definitely recommend this restaurant.
We are from Ocala Florida. The best food ever you could find and corners is the best and the hole in the wall. If you come to Tampa, this is a place to come to. The service was 100% from Mey. And the food from the chef . was William Wilson on time and delicious. Now we’re going to Busch Gardens. with My Granddaughter
Amazing food and great service by Samuel! I ordered the shrimp and garlic mofongo and my boyfriend had the rib eye mofongo and it was prepared perfectly. Great portions and so much flavor. If you get a salad, you must try their house salad dressing because it is delicious! Side note: they play really great music if that’s your thing.
The food is authentic Dominican. Juliee’s service was excellent; she even speaks English, Spanish and Italian (which is very good). It starts with the limeade which brought my wife back to DR; fresh squeezed. The fried cheese app is good but you’d don’t come here for the apps. The Mofongo is the best in town. It’s moist with the proper crispy chunks. I suggest you try both the Mofongo Mocano, smothered in cheese sauce, or the trifongo (Plantain, Yucca and Sweet Plantain). Moist and firm, properly balanced. The carne frita is well seasoned and good texture. The seafood mix, with lobster, and creole sauce is legit North Coast DR. I would suggest it in the future. My only reason on the atmosphere was the huge monitor with no sports (NFC championship is going on), and the reduced liquor bar (two types of wine). Plenty of beer though and traditional drinks that are well prepared.
This was the best restaurant I have ever been to! I live about an hour away and came to Tampa for a reservation at a different restaurant and it got canceled. It was a late date night and we ended up here and it was amazing. Julie was our server and she did a wonderful job. There was plenty of parking. The atmosphere was calm, but fun. The food was SO good!
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Quick info
Opening hours
- Monday 12:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Tuesday (Today) 12:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Wednesday 12:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Thursday 12:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Friday 12:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Saturday 12:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Sunday 12:00 AM - 11:00 PM
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