Tarek's Cafe

Name: Tarek's Cafe
Address: 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, Tampa, FL, 33612, US
Telephone: +18139745920
Rating: 4.8

Coffee · Tampa

Tarek's Cafe Opening Hours

Monday 07:00–20:00

Tuesday 07:00–20:00

Wednesday 07:00–20:00

Thursday ● 07:00–20:00

Friday 07:00–21:00

Saturday 08:00–21:00

Sunday 08:00–20:00

Tarek's Cafe

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www.tarekscafe.com

About Tarek's Cafe

Tarek's Cafe is a beloved Tampa destination located in Temple Terrace, serving as a cherished spot for breakfast and lunch for over three decades. This establishment offers a delightful fusion of classic American and Mediterranean cuisine, celebrated by guests for its consistently high 4.8 out of 5 rating. The menu features freshly prepared dishes that range from hearty morning favorites to satisfying lunch options. With a warm atmosphere and professional dedication to quality, Tarek's Cafe continues to provide an exceptional dining experience that honors traditional flavors while welcoming diverse tastes in the heart of Florida.

What Customers Say About Tarek's Cafe

Tarek's Cafe is a hidden gem known for its friendly owner, Tarek, and delicious, reasonably priced food. Customers rave about the sandwiches, especially the Cuban and "The Drugs" sandwich, as well as the muffins. It's a popular spot on campus for a quick and satisfying bite.

Popular Dishes

Cuban sandwich (4) chicken quesadilla fries muffins (3) The Drugs sandwich philly steak corned beef hash

Best For

Solo Dining Quick Bite

Tip: Try the Cuban sandwich or "The Drugs" sandwich, and don't miss the coconut cream cheese muffin. Be aware that it can get busy during peak lunch hours.

Frequently asked questions about Tarek's Cafe

Tarek's Cafe is located at 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, Tampa.

Tarek's Cafe offers coffee cuisine.

Tarek's Cafe has regular opening hours. Check their profile for updated schedules.

The most recommended dishes at Tarek's Cafe based on customer reviews are: Cuban sandwich, chicken quesadilla, fries, muffins, The Drugs sandwich.

Tarek's Cafe is ideal for solo dining, quick bites.

Try the Cuban sandwich or "The Drugs" sandwich, and don't miss the coconut cream cheese muffin. Be aware that it can get busy during peak lunch hours.

Reviews

Tarek's Cafe Tampa Reviews

4.8

5★

90%

4★

3★

2★

1★

Reviews (20)

Niraj Singh

One of my favorite spots on campus, tucked away from the crowd. Good place to grab some coffee and a bite to eat. Lots of fresh made food choices with good sized, filling portions. Today I had an awesome chicken quesadilla — big and flavorful. Will be back again soon!

KTJ

Hidden gem on campus. It seems a lot of people on campus don’t know this place. I occasionally visited for lunch and enjoyed my meal every time. It’s mainly a sandwich place, but they sometimes offer chicken curry over rice for specials. Quesadilla is also great. During lunch hours it could be busy, the staff seem to know their frequent customers very well.

Kin B

I hope terek (the owner) sees this because he really is just a ball of light and so passionate about what he does. I stop after my classes most days. His food is truly amazing, and for someone who doesnt eat pork, I can actually enjoy a cuban sandwhich because of his turkey ham. I cannot tell you a dish that I havent liked. He accomodates to literally anybody and everyone. He i such an amazing part of USF that I will forever hold onto, please never leave!!!!

Andrew Davis

The owner is super friendly and hardworking! I made a large catering order to feed over 200 people and he provided excellent recommendations. I will definitely be using his restaurant for future catering orders.

mahmood sales

The owner was very nice and the food left me floored! Do yourself a favor and get The Drugs sandwich!

Brett

The food, the muffin, the service, the real and palpable care and passion was amazing. Love it. Highly reccomed. It makes absolutely no sense that this place was empty on a Sunday morning. Tell everyone!

Mazen I

Delicious food Excellent location Professional and friendly customer service 👌

Ryan Hurford

Easy walk from the parking lot straight through a building and on the left after you exit. At first I was intimidated because Tareks is on an unfamiliar campus, but I found it quickly and I'm glad I did! Very friendly staff and the cook, who seems like the owner/operator, was very warm and genuine. Oh, and the food is very good. Just go, it's all good and worth it. I don't live in Florida, so a good meal can be hard to find sometimes, but this is a score for what it is. Thanks and keep up keeping up!

A Khan

Finally got a chance to try this place out - and yes, its definitely worth it! Had the 911 Cuban sandwich and it was on POINT! Wife had the corned beef hash, although she will not order that again, I loved it. I ended up swapping plates w/her. I loved the hash. The coffee was great, and the service from both the owner and our waitress was top notch, she knew what I wanted even before I could say it. I definitely plan on going here and trying out their weekday specials (slow roasted lamb/ beef lasagna/ poached salmon..etc) and the rest of the things on the menu. You can actually feel the love the owner puts into his dishes, and he is darned proud of it - not to mention everything here is halal (kosher). This will most likely become a weekly joint for my and the wife's breakfast dates. It is a little hidden in a shopping center, right next to the Palm club.

Ibrahim AlShuwaier

I would’ve posted pictures of the food but it’s too addicting to stop and take a picture. I’ve tried around 5 items on the menu and I’ve been extremely satisfied every time. Tarek is an amazing chef and welcoming person that always gives the best recommendations. I’ve had the best sandwiches ever at this hidden gem. Highly recommended would give ten stars if I could !

Holly Wiseman

I love the vibe here. The owner is friendly and the food is delicious and reasonably priced for campus food. I had the philly steak and fries. The portions were perfect and only cost 8 bucks. Even during peak lunch hours the service was fast and the food was fresh. I highly recommend this place! Its right in the middle of the NEC behind the College of Public Health. You can't miss it!

S A

Absolutely delicious AND halal!! I’m from Houston where I’ve had my fair share of philly cheesesteaks, but Tarek’s is hands-down the best I’ve ever had. The chicken philly, chicken chimichanga, and Cuban sandwich are also FANTASTIC. The owner is so kind and pleasant. Everything about this place is awesome (except the lack of parking but I order ahead and run in to grab it, it’s totally worth it). I’ll keep coming back to try more of the menu as it’s officially my favorite lunch spot, and now I always look even more forward to lunch time. Highly highly recommend giving Tarek’s a try! You won’t regret it.

zarifeh shalabi

I came here all the time when I was a student at USF. The owner has the best hospitality and makes the most delicious sandwiches, soups, and salads!!

Teya Olan

I’ve walked by this cafe for a year now an finally checked it out. This food is gooood!! The fries are crispy and seasoned. And the Cuban sandwich that I got was juicy and flavorful! There are quite a few different foods to order here and they have a nice drink selection too. Also… their honey mustard is killer! I would definitely check this place out.

LaMaria Wilson

I am USF Alumna and never knew this shop was on campus! Just discovered it today when looking for a quick bite. The owner was so nice and has a rapport with everyone that walked it! I ordered a chicken quesadilla and fries that he makes it in front you. The price was reasonable for the amount you get. I will definitely be back!

Kareem Z

Their drugs’ sandwich is insanely good, definitely the best brunch sandwich in town. Muffins are also exceptional. Super convenient location in USF, great quality, great service

brea stevens

I was addicted to Tareks food for like a month EVERYTHINGS so delicious and his customer service is superb- hes such a ray of light Gods radiance shines through him …. I had to stay away from this place or else id be hugggee its so yummy

Fl g

I love this place. I’ve tried several items that were all fantastic, but the muffins are what keeps me coming back. Do yourself a favor and try the coconut cream cheese muffin. So good I day dream about them!

Jamie Coderre

The food tasted decent but what bothered me was the lack of food safety etiquette no gloves didnt see him wash hands between touching different items. No hair net that I could see but I could be wrong. My boyfriend found hair in his tuna melt. They were very friendly so I didnt complain but was disappointed for such a nice campus to have relatively poor looking food service area. I'm sure they work hard. And I can tell they are doing they're best.

Noreen Choudhry

Tried Tarek's cafe with a friend yesterday (Amberly location). The restaurant was empty with only 1 other customer. We arrived at 12:30pm. I was disappointed with my sandwich. I order the beef brisket sandwich. Instead I received very small amount of roast beef with cheese. The sandwiches do not include fries, so it ended up being a very expensive roast beef sandwich with fries. I did complain to my server, who did not say much. Now I realize why the restaurant was empty at peak lunch hour. I will not return. There are a lot of other great sandwich lunch options in Tampa.