Are you searching for the best Cuban restaurants in NYC? Read ahead for a handful of amazing picks that you’ll love!
If you’ve been looking for amazing Cuban restaurants in NYC that are genuinely authentic and tasty, then you’ll adore this list I’ve put together.
Cuban food might not be the most obvious cuisine to go searching for in NYC, but there’s a really strong cuban community here, and you can find some seriously great cuban restaurant, if you look hard enough.
And lucky for you, I have! I picked out a select handful of the best Cuban restaurants in NYC for my list, and tried to pick places suitable
So, whether you’ve been craving Cuban sandwiches or want a dish of rice and beans, you’re bound to appreciate these Cuban restaurants in NYC.
Now let’s get to it!
Victor’s Cafe
- Website: victorscafe.com
- Address: 236 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
- Phone: +1 212-586-7714
- Closest Subway stop: 7 Av
Victor’s Cafe deserves pride of place on my list of the best Cuban restaurants in NYC. Not only is it incredibly charming with a history that dates to 1963, but it boasts live music and seriously authentic flavors too.
Oh, and don’t forget the incredibly ornate decor and craft cocktails! What more could you want from Cuban restaurants in NYC?
You’ll find this spot right by the Rockefeller Center (perfect for sightseeing!) on West 52nd Street.
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Guantanamera
- Website: guantanamerany.com
- Address: 939 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019
- Phone: +1 212-262-5354
- Closest Subway stop: 7 Av
Guantanamera is the next spot on my list of Cuban restaurants in NYC – and it’s a great one.
This restaurant has two locations in Queens and Columbus Circle, meaning you can have your fill of Cubanos and calamari from wherever you are!
You can join them for a relaxed lunch in their low-key and intimate dining room. But this is one of the Cuban restaurants in NYC that picks things up for dinner.
They frequently crank out Latin jazz when guests start arriving for the dinner rush. So, prepare for tunes, excellent cocktails, great wines, and a whole load of flavor!
However you choose to spend your evening, you’re bound to agree that it deserves it’s spot on my list.
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Pilar Cuban Eatery
- Website: https://www.pilarny.com/
- Address: 397 Greene Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
- Phone: +1 551-210-2294
- Closest Subway stop: Ave Bedford and Nostrand
This marvelous little spot in Bed-Stuy is all about sticking with the classics and offering diners a warm and airy dining room.
Everything from the enormous windows to the waft of traditional Cuban bread and fresh peppers screams authentic.
And don’t even get us started on the cheesy empanadas and the super-strong rum cocktails.
Seriously, this is one of the Cuban restaurants in NYC that you won’t want to miss.
The Cuban
- Website: thecubanny.com
- Address: 39-17 Bell Blvd, Queens, NY 11361
- Phone: +1 347-408-4559
- Closest Subway stop: Bell Blvd/40 Av
The Cuban will always be one of my favorite Cuban restaurants in NYC. Make a beeline for Queens if you fancy checking this place out.
Not only does The Cuban serve amazing Cuban sandwiches and rum cocktails, but you’re bound to enjoy the live entertainment too.
Realistically, who doesn’t love Mariachis?
This place has a great vibe, and I’ve taken friends there who have loved it too.
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Amor Cubano
- Website: http://www.amorcubanonyc.com/
- Address: 2018 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10029
- Phone: +1 212-996-1220
- Closest Subway stop: 110 St
This is among our top restaurants in the Upper East Side period, as it’s cozy, welcoming, and offers an impressive range of traditional eats. But it also happens to be a Cuban place.
Between the amazing paella and the grilled meats, you’ll also find a selection of next-level flavored mojitos (the pomegranate is excellent!).
Whatever you end up ordering, this is one of those Cuban restaurants in NYC you’ll be telling all your friends about. With a killer atmosphere, friendly staff, and great vibes, what’s not to love?
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Rincon Criollo
- Website: https://www.rincon-criollo.com/
- Address: 40-09 Junction Blvd, Queens, NY 11368
- Phone: +1 718-458-0236
- Closest Subway stop: Junction Blvd
If you’ve been searching for Cuban restaurants in NYC that aren’t remotely pretentious, then you need to check out Rincon Criollo.
This place has been around for years and serves everything from delicious ground beef and olives to fried chicken smothered with garlic.
But what makes this one of the top Cuban restaurants in NYC is the decor.
The place is covered with photographs of Cuban baseball stars, country leaders, and souvenirs from Cuba.
So, if you’re a native and want to find the perfect Cuban restaurant for a taste of home – this is the place to be.
Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine
- Website: https://www.sophiescuban.com/
- Address: 1015 6th Ave, New York, NY 10018
- Phone: +1 646-429-8611
- Closest Subway stop: 6 Av/W 37 St
We literally couldn’t write a list of the best Cuban restaurants in New York City, without mentioning Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine.
This mainstay chain has locations all over the city, but the Manhattan and Brooklyn restaurants are the most popular picks.
We’d say that this was one of the Cuban restaurants in NYC that’s perfect for grabbing food to-go as it’s built around the Big Apple’s office settings.
So, whether you want some yuca croquettes and black beans for the office or just want to chow down on Cuban cuisine in Central Park – these guys have got you.
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Dos Amigos
- Website: https://www.dosamigos2ny.com/
- Address: 5300 Bergenline Ave, West New York, NJ 07093,
- Phone: +1 201-348-2255
- Closest Subway stop: Bergenline Ave At 53rd St
This Union City gem is the place to be for a hearty sandwich.
But it’s not the classic Cubano that you’ll find here. Instead, you’ll spot a pressed sandwich that’s packed with steak!
Throw in perfectly cooked onions and a hefty portion of fries, and you’ll have a lunch fit for a king (or queen!).
If you choose to add this to your list of places to check out, don’t forget to order a fresh juice to pair with your meat-filled sandwich.
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Margon
- Website: http://ordermargon.com/
- Address: 136 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
- Phone: +1 212-354-5013
- Closest Subway stop: 6 Avenue & West 45 St
If you want a true taste of Havana while visiting the Big Apple, then you’ll adore everything Margon has to offer.
It’s better known for its classic Cuban sandwiches and incredible lechon asado (spice-rubbed pork that’s oh-so-delicious!).
But you’ll also adore the octopus salad if you’re feeling brave.
For something slightly different, keep an eye out for the Dominican dishes which make this one of the top Cuban places in NYC.
Favela Cubana
Favela Cubana
- Website: https://www.favelacubana.com/
- Address: 543 LaGuardia Pl, New York, NY 10012
- Phone: +1 212-777-6500
- Closest Subway stop: W 4 St-Wash Sq
If you happen to be near SoHo or the West Village, you might want to add Favela Cubana to your list of places to try.
This enormous restaurant is bursting with character and boasts everything from delicious seafood paella and tostones to an amazing showcase of live music each night.
And not only is this one of the most affordable Cuban restaurants in NYC, but it serves traditional Brazilian and Cuban drinks that will get you buzzed.
Oh, and if that wasn’t enough to convince you, the decor is entirely tropical and feels so festive.
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Zona de Cuba
- Website: zonadecuba.com
- Address: 558 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451
- Phone: +1 718-292-1400
- Closest Subway stop: 149 St-Grand Concourse
Zona de Cuba is one of the most fabulous Cuban places in NYC, as it’s home to a top-notch rooftop bar!
It’s slightly out of central Manhattan in the Bronx, but the stunning patio, delicious Latin fare, and enormous bar space make it worth the trek.
Like one of our other favorite Cuban restaurants in NYC (Favela Cuba!), this place has a distinctively tropical feel and tons of great cocktails.
And really, what more could you want?
Cafe Habana
- Website: cafehabana.com
- Address: 17 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
- Phone: +1 212-625-2001
- Closest Subway stop: Broadway-Lafayette St
Cafe Habana has been considered one of the top Cuban restaurants in NYC for years – and it deserves every ounce of praise it gets!
If you’re wondering why, it’s almost entirely down to its signature grilled corn. It’s covered with cojita cheese, chili powder, and tons of mayonnaise.
So, it’s not exactly healthy. But this decadent snack pairs beautifully with any of their signature dishes (Cuban sandwich, anyone?).
Whether you’re looking for food to go or want to settle in for a night of cocktails, I think you’ll love this place. Not just for the food, but for the energy and vibe too.
La Floridita
- Website: http://www.floriditany.com/
- Address: R3W6+VR Nueva York, EE. UU.
- Phone: +12129280653
- Closest Subway stop: 175 St
There are a bunch of amazing Cuban restaurants in NYC, but do any of them boast around-the-clock opening hours?
Nope – but La Floridita does!
This amazing spot is known for its bistec de palomilla which is packed with amazing marinated steak. But their delicious chorizo is also worth the journey to Harlem.
Regardless of whether you need a post-party meal or want to start your day on the right foot, this is one that’s worth exploring.
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Havana Central
- Website: havanacentral.com
- Address: 151 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
- Phone: +1 212-398-7440
- Closest Subway stop: 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr
This popular joint is right in the middle of Times Square, but it’s a welcome tropical escape from the hustle and bustle of Broadway.
It’s also a little different from the typical tourist places you find in the Times Square area.
You’ll find a selection of seriously moreish Cuban sandwiches on the menu, but don’t miss the pumpkin flan if you’re staying for dessert.
Or, you know- churros!
El Castillo de Jagua
- Website: castillodejagua.com
- Address: 13 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
- Phone: +1 212-982-6412
- Closest Subway stop: Delancey St-Essex St
El Castillo de Jagua is next on my list of great Cuban places to try!
Whilst this place is technically a Dominican restaurant, they’re also known for classic Cuban dishes, such as Ropa Vieja (shredded beef stew) and Lechon Asado (roasted pork).
Located in Brooklyn, this place is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. And the food is so damn tasty!
La Isla Cuchifritos
- Website: https://www.laislabk.com/
- Address: 6 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206
- Phone: +1 718-388-4666
- Closest Subway stop: Flushing Av
La Isla Cuchifritos is our final suggestion for the best Cuban food in NYC.
La Isla Cuchifritos is a great spot and there are so many different dishes here you’ll want to try.
This great little restaurant is located in East Harlem, and offers affordable, authentic Cuban cuisine, including their famous empanadas and chicharrones (fried pork rinds).
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