★★★★★
Absolutely stunning interior — the candles everywhere make it feel so romantic. Tableside guacamole was perfect and the al pastor tacos had real char from the trompo. Service was attentive without rushing us.
Mexican Restaurants · Westshore · Tampa
Besito
Mexican Restaurant
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The place
Besito Mexican Restaurant is an upscale Mexican restaurant in the Westshore district of Tampa, located at 205 Westshore Plaza near WestShore Plaza mall. The dining room is dramatically decorated with hundreds of votive candles and hand-carved wooden details inspired by colonial Mexico. The kitchen serves inventive takes on Mexican classics, including tableside guacamole, tacos al pastor, enchiladas de mole poblano, and cochinita pibil. The bar program features more than 100 tequilas and mezcals, plus house margaritas. Besito offers lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, a full bar, takeout, and reservations through OpenTable. The restaurant is located inside Westshore Plaza with on-site mall parking and is wheelchair accessible.
Tucked into Westshore Plaza on Tampa's west side, Besito Mexican Restaurant brings a polished, candle-lit take on regional Mexican cooking to one of the city's busiest shopping districts. The dining room — lined with flickering votives and hand-carved wood — feels worlds away from the mall just outside the door, making it a go-to for date nights, business dinners, and special-occasion margaritas.
Start with the tableside guacamole, mashed to order with the heat level you choose, then move on to tacos al pastor cut from the trompo, enchiladas de mole poblano, or cochinita pibil slow-cooked in banana leaves. The bar pours more than one hundred tequilas and mezcals; the Besito margarita and the smoky mezcal flights are the most-ordered drinks.
Reservations are recommended on weekends and are accepted through OpenTable. Free parking is available throughout Westshore Plaza, with the closest spaces along the Macy's side entrance. The restaurant offers takeout, weekend brunch, and a private dining room for groups. Service dogs are welcome inside; there is no dedicated outdoor patio.
Dramatic candle-lit dining room
Tableside guacamole prepared to order
100+ tequilas and mezcals
Reservations via OpenTable
What to expect
Expect a dim, candle-lit dining room with attentive service, tableside guacamole, a tequila-forward bar, and a polished take on Mexican classics — slightly elevated from a typical taqueria, with prices in the $$ range and reservations recommended on weekends.
Then come for the photos
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The shop, in frames
Sponsored · Florida Hidden Spots
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What people are saying
★★★★★
Best mole I've had in Tampa. The enchiladas de mole poblano were rich and balanced, and the mezcal flight was a great introduction for someone who usually just drinks tequila. Worth the price.
★★★★★
Came for a birthday dinner and the staff went above and beyond — brought out churros with a candle. Margaritas are strong and not too sweet. Reservation strongly recommended on a Saturday night.
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Frequently asked
Does Besito Mexican Restaurant take reservations?
Yes — reservations are accepted through OpenTable and are recommended on Friday and Saturday evenings. Walk-ins are welcome at the bar.
Is Besito Mexican Restaurant dog-friendly?
Service animals are welcome inside the dining room. There is no dedicated outdoor patio for pets, as the restaurant is located inside Westshore Plaza.
Where do I park near Besito Mexican Restaurant?
Free parking is available throughout Westshore Plaza's surface lots and parking garage. The closest spaces are along the Macy's side entrance off Westshore Boulevard.
What are the most popular dishes at Besito Mexican Restaurant?
The tableside guacamole, tacos al pastor, enchiladas de mole poblano, cochinita pibil, and the Besito margarita are the most-ordered items based on Google reviews.
What are Besito Mexican Restaurant's hours?
Open Monday through Thursday 11:30am–9pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30am–10pm, and Sunday 11:30am–9pm. Weekend brunch is served Saturday and Sunday.
Does Besito Mexican Restaurant offer takeout or delivery?
Yes — takeout can be ordered directly by phone at (813) 287-4800 or through the besitotampa.com website. Delivery is available via third-party apps.
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Closest spots by distance
Other places to fold into the same trip — measured straight-line from Besito Mexican Restaurant.
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From Instagram
@besitomexican