YaYa Southern Cuisine

4.6 ( 202 reviews )
Checking... 2:00 AM - 9:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
2301 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33610, United States
+1 813-374-1827

YaYa Southern Cuisine, located at 2301 E Hillsborough Ave in Tampa, FL, has quickly become a beloved gem for soul food enthusiasts. Lauded for its rich flavors and generous portions, it evokes the warmth of home-cooked meals that remind patrons of family gatherings. Customers rave about dishes like oxtails that "fall off the bone," as well as fried chicken, mac n cheese, and sweet potato yams. The banana pudding and red velvet cake are recommended finishes to a soul-satisfying meal.

The atmosphere is described as warm and welcoming, enhanced by the friendly service that makes you feel like part of the family. As Kelly Tengey captures perfectly, the staff are dedicated to making each visit extraordinary. Brii Morenita emphasizes that every dish feels like a "comforting hug," a sentiment echoed by many who appreciate the homestyle quality of the food.

Whether you're dining in or ordering out, YaYa Southern Cuisine is celebrated for its authenticity and heart. This family-owned establishment has carved a niche in the Tampa area, turning first-time visitors into regulars. Don’t miss out on this culinary experience; it’s a place where you leave with a satisfied belly and a happy heart!

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • From the business
    • Identifies as Black-owned
    • Identifies as women-owned
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers kerbside pickup
    • Has no-contact delivery
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Serves great dessert
    • Has live music
    • Good for watching sport
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves food
    • Quick bite
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Trendy
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking
  • Pets
    • Dogs allowed outside

Reviews For YaYa Southern Cuisine

Brii Morenita
May 24,2025
I had an absolutely delightful experience at Yaya’s! The flavors were rich, the portions generous, and the staff incredibly friendly. Every dish felt like a comforting hug, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. A must-try for anyone craving authentic soul food. 5 stars without a doubt!
T Anderson
May 18,2025
Everything has been good, we have had. Oxtails the best, fall off the bone. We have had, fried fish /shrimp, wings, turkey wings, meatloaf, oxtails, fried chicken, greens, mac n cheese ( the best and cheesiest), yams and souffle, rice, cornbread. Don’t forget the mango and strawberry lemonade. You get your money’s worth and it is not overly salty, season just right. Don’t forget the banana pudding and red velvet cake! This is my family’s new Tampa soul food place.
Kelly Tengey
May 12,2025
If I could give 10 stars I definitely would!!! Friendly fast and amazing! The food is delicious! I will continue to come back and forever support this small family owned business!! Check it out for yourself I promise you WILL NOT be disappointed!! Thank you YaYa’s soul food for all you do!! May God continue to bless u and your business!!
renee hester
Apr 30,2025
I haven’t actually been to the restaurant but I’ve ordered twice and I’m in love I wish this restaurant was opened all week. It’s always so fresh and it tastes like your mom’s cooking. And the portions are so big it’s like it’s worth the price completely. I’ve paid more for less but this is definitely worth it.
Nakia Johnson
Apr 22,2025
Not a picture dude but next time I’m on it. Staff are real people. Word life. Food is grandma and her sisters snappin’ peas at the table Saturday evening for Sunday dinner. Takes you back. I’m missing a couple items from my order so if you are they type to spazz over nothing check your order. I fall back and let them know on my next visit. See how they handle it. Will update with pics later.
Dei-Dei Davis
Apr 7,2025
This was my first time here. I did a random search for soul food places in Tampa and came across this place. The Mac and cheese from the videos and pictures looked so good so had to come and try. The service was great the food was amazing and the place was clean.
Aaron F
Apr 2,2025
First of all I should have known the food was going to be amazing when I walked through the door and the lady behind the counter proudly stated, “I’m YaYa!” with a smile! It was like she was already telling me I’m the owner and you're going to love your experience. I ordered takeout but while I waited for my order me and the other patrons laughed and talked amongst ourselves and answered questions on Family Feud as that was on the television during our time there. Food was seasoned to perfection I almost bit my hand off eating lol. I’ll be back . Two thumbs up!!
Kelly Rembert
Mar 15,2025
Yesterday was my first time visiting ya ya cuisine. My new favorite soul food place. I had the ox tail dinner my daughter and mother had the basa fried fish ,everything was excellent!! Customer service was great

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