Dine at These 8 Spots To Discover the Best Cuban Restaurant NYC Has
Dine at These 8 Spots To Discover the Best Cuban Restaurant NYC Has
New York City is a multicultural haven, and its culinary scene is a reflection of that diversity. Among its many offerings, Cuban cuisine stands out for its bold flavors, rich history, and lively atmosphere.
Explore the best Cuban restaurant NYC has to offer at these eight spots. From cozy eateries to elegant bistros, you’ll experience Caribbean flavors in a variety of settings. Plus, all are just a short drive from the Westgate New York Grand Central resort.
8 of the Best Cuban Restaurants in NYC
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Cuba
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Victor’s Café
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Havana Central
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Guantanamera
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Coppelia
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Margon
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Café Habana
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Amor Cubano
Whether you’re a traveler eager to explore diverse cuisines or a Cuban craving a taste of home, you’re sure to discover delicious foods at these spots.
1 | Cuba |
As you stroll down Greenwich Village’s charming Thompson Street, the irresistible aroma of Cuban cuisine will draw you in. At Cuba, you can enjoy authentic Latin flavors with a menu that offers lunch, dinner, desserts, weekend brunch, and drinks.
Start with crispy béchamel croquettes filled with serrano ham or porcini mushrooms as you take in the place's vibe. Discover Cuban takes on beef and pork with piping hot dishes like Vaca Frita—pan-fried shredded skirt steak served with garlic mojo. The saffron-infused paellas are also a must-try, with options like Valenciana (pork, mussels, fava beans, and artichokes) and Marinera (monkfish, shrimp, calamari, and clams).
Pair your meal with a variety of drinks, from beer and wine to rum and Spanish cocktails. For a true Cuban experience, indulge in rum-tasting while enjoying the lively rhythm of Latin music.
Don't miss the delectable desserts, including Tres Leches de Mango, a vanilla cake soaked in mango curd, cream, and marmalade. Pair these treats with the selection of teas and coffees on the menu.
WHERE: 222 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012 │WHO: 212-420-7878
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2 | Victor’s Café |
If you’re visiting the Broadway or Gershwin theatres, you must explore Victor’s Café nestled between them. This eatery has been serving Cuban food and drinks with a modern twist since the 1960s. It is lit by skylights and decorated with vibrant Cuban art, cascading vines, and lush palm trees that offer a tranquil environment for your meal.
On the menu, you’ll find exquisite dishes from Spanish and African cuisines, with some Indo-Caribbean, French, and Chinese influences. Seafood lovers can savor Cuban-style salmon, snapper, and shrimp, while meat enthusiasts will relish tender, slow-cooked dishes rich in Cuban flavors.
Indulge in the cafe’s signature Ropa Vieja—a braised, tender pulled steak in a pepper-garlic sauce—or try the Pollo Campestre, slow-cooked chicken in a wine reduction sauce. The menu clearly marks dishes that can be modified to suit vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
Pair your dishes with beverages from the full bar, offering rum, tequila, mojitos, and sangria with a Cuban twist. Sweet treats like warm guava cobblers, flan (Cuban-style egg custard), and churros are the perfect way to end your meal.
WHERE: 236 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019 │WHO: 212-586-7714
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3 | Havana Central |
Serving guests for over 20 years, Havana Central transports you to 1950s Cuba with its delicious meals, full bar, and lively music.
Start with warm empanadas, then enjoy slow-cooked meat and rice dishes served with maduros—fried, sweet plantains. For something special, try the food towers, which feature three popular dishes each. Pork lovers will enjoy the Rio de Amantes del Cerdo, with masitas, pernil, and guava ribs. For a taste of the restaurant’s specialties, order the Tour of Havana with pernil, ropa vieja, and chicharrones de pollo.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try the Cuban soups, salads, and gourmet sandwiches pressed with savory meats and cheeses. Salad options include hearty veggie plates with chicken, salmon, avocado, and Spanish olives. A gluten-sensitive menu is also available.
Finish with classic Cuban desserts like flan, churros, and tres leches. The full bar serves craft cocktails and mocktails daily, and live Latin music sets the mood on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
WHERE: 151 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036 │WHO: 212-398-7440
4 | Guantanamera |
Guantanamera is an excellent Cuban restaurant in Manhattan, serving traditional Caribbean food and delectable mojitos with live music. The rustic, exposed-brick decor, candle-lit tables, rattan accents, and vibrant murals will transport you to old-time Cuba.
Start with a choice of tapas—small plates—ranging from yuca and plantain dishes to seafood snacks. There are also hearty salads, warm soups, and Cuban pork, steak, and chicken sandwiches.
Try the crowd-pleasing vegetarian and seafood paellas, filling chicken plates, tender beef and pork entrees, and heaping seafood platters. Whether you go for the pan-seared shredded skirt steak, Vaca Frita, or the marinated Pollo Aljibe, the flavors are sure to linger.
Finish with decadent desserts like traditional Cuban caramel custard, banana and guava bread pudding, or torrejas—Mexican French toast. The full bar offers a selection of rum, fine wines, liquors, and craft cocktails. As a bonus, take a piece of the restaurant's rustic charm home with a complimentary hand-rolled cigar.
WHERE: 939 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019 │WHO: 212-262-5354
5 | Coppelia |
Coppelia is inspired by its namesake in Havana—an ice cream spot that’s a lively gathering point for locals and tourists. In NYC, it serves delectable food ranging from breakfast plates to dinner entrees rich with Cuban flavors.
Start with light bites like empanadas, tequeños, or mac ‘n’ cheese with a Cuban twist. For brunch, try unique arepas, sandwiches, or the Torta de Pulpo & Chorizo, featuring octopus, chorizo, black beans, and avocado. The Veggie Burger, made with zucchini, asparagus, and potatoes, is another standout.
You can also try its authentic Cuban and Mexican all-day breakfast and begin your day with Huevos Rancheros, featuring eggs, tomato salsa, and queso fresco served on a tortilla. Get steak or short ribs with eggs, or go for waffles and omelets.
If you’ve worked up an appetite after exploring the vibrant NYC life, dig into delicious main courses like pan-seared salmon, creamy shrimp and grits, or tea-brined fried chicken with buttermilk biscuits. Complete your meal with sides of yuca fries, tostones, or maduros.
WHERE: 207 W 14th St, New York City, NY 10011 │WHO: 212-858-5001
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6 | Margon |
Located in Times Square but away from crowds, Margon serves excellent Cuban soul food. With a variety of Caribbean-inspired dishes on its menu, this restaurant brings authentic tropical flavors to New Yorkers in its nostalgic, old-school diner-style setting. Whether you try its everyday staples or weekday specials, the taste will stay with you long after the last bite.
Discover the flavorful layers of pork, pickles, ham, and cheese in the acclaimed Cubano sandwich, served with soup or rice and beans. Cut into the Palomilla steak and savor the flavors of garlic, lime, and pepper, or enjoy the comforting Medianoche Sandwich. Pair your meals with tropical shakes and top them off with a flan.
You can also explore meals from other tropical cuisines that harmonize perfectly with Cuban food. Try the Peruvian shrimp ceviche, Mexican beef stew, or Puerto Rican pepper salad, or dig into octopus salad celebrated all across the Caribbean. It’s an excellent opportunity to discover unique dishes, like the hearty Tripe Soup and Pig Feet!
WHERE: 136 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036 │WHO: 212-354-5013
7 | Café Habana |
Café Habana is a cozy café and bar offering budget-friendly Cuban-Mexican cuisine since the 1990s. Frequent travelers will know it from its equally acclaimed branches in Malibu and Tokyo.
If you’re out on a fun evening with friends, you must try its famous grilled corn served with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. The Cubano is just as popular, and dishes like Tostones with Guacamole and Sweet Plantains aren’t far behind. If you have worked up an appetite, dig into roasted pork, blackened chicken, and marinated skirt steak rich with Caribbean flavors.
If there are any vegetarians in your group, they’ll love the avocado, white cheese, and green salsa burrito, plantain tacos, and avocado and cheese tortas.
You can also explore Mexican food here when you stop by. There are delectable tacos and burritos that you’ll reminisce about for a long time. On weekends, enjoy authentic Mexican breakfast classics like huevos con chorizo and breakfast burritos.
WHERE: 17 Prince St, New York, NY 10012 │WHO: 212-625-2001
8 | Amor Cubano |
Amor Cubano offers home-style meals with live music in a cozy, retro setting. Start with a variety of mouthwatering appetizers, such as ceviche mixto or yuca rellena, before diving into an appetizing entrée.
For heartier options, enjoy flavorful meat and seafood plates like lemon-butter-sautéed tilapia al limón, lechón asado marinated in Papi's secret bitter orange mojo, or crispy Raulito's pargo frito. If you're in the mood for something lighter, try Mami’s homemade chicken soup or Antero’s ensalada de aguacate with Abuela Nena’s Balsamic Vinaigrette. Finish with warm cheese custard or guava bread pudding.
Vegans and vegetarians can savor options like the Arepa Verde stuffed with salsa and avocado or the Amor Cubano salad with pineapple, blue cheese, nuts, and greens.
Amor Cubano is also the perfect spot for a gathering, where you can enjoy delicious food, drinks, and live Cuban rhythms in a festive atmosphere.
WHERE: 2018 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10029 │WHO: 212-996-1220
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Restaurants in New York
Which restaurants in New York serve Cuban cocktails?
Most restaurants that serve Cuban food also have full bars with traditional drinks. Explore Cuba, Victor’s Cafe, Havana Central in Times Square, Amor Cubano, or Guantamera for exquisite rum, margaritas, mojitos, and sangrias.
Can I find authentic Cuban sandwiches in New York restaurants?
Yes, you can enjoy amazing Cuban sandwiches, or sandwich Cubano, at Cafe Habana, Coppelia, Guantanamera, Havana Central, and Margon.
Do Cuban restaurants in New York offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Cuban food traditionally includes many vegetarian and vegan dishes with ingredients like avocado, cassava, rice, beans, and plantains. Many Cuban restaurants in NYC offer plant-based options, so be sure to ask your server for recommendations.
Can I find Carribean breakfast or brunch food in New York Cuban restaurants?
Yes, Cafe Habana and Coppelia serve delicious Caribbean breakfast staples like huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos.
Where can I find Cuban desserts in NYC?
You can enjoy Cuban desserts like flan and tres leches cake at Cuba, Havana Central, Guantanamera, Margon, and Amor Cubano.
New York City—Where Cultures Come Together
Given the beautifully diverse people of NYC, you can discover plenty of dishes that reflect the flavors and traditions of different cultures. When in town, don’t forget to watch spectacular Fourth of July fireworks shows and recharge yourself at world-class spas.
For more information on New York’s hotels and attractions, check out our Westgate Resorts Travel blog.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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