03 Dec 2024
London’s best Cuban restaurants
If you’re looking to sample some authentic Cuban cuisine in some fun, vibrant venues, we’ve got you covered. Whether you want to sit back and relax with a Sandwich Cubano and a coffee or dance the night away with a mojito in hand, here are our five favourite Cuban spots for any occasion.
La Rampa will transport you back to the glamour of 1950s Havana with its gorgeous and colourful décor, refined cuisine, and live music nights. Kick back and relax with a pint of the La Rampa Pale Ale and one of the irresistible Latin-inspired dishes, such as the braised ox cheek tacos, ceviche, or chicken chicharrones. There are some exciting vegan options too, including the Elote Corn Ribs, Roasted Aubergine, Tostones and Roasted Celeriac served with chimichurri. This Fitzrovia gem also serves beautifully presented cocktails, with a menu designed by award-winning bartender, Marcis Dzelzainis, who pays homage to the cultural heritage of Cuba in his sophisticated cocktail creations. As La Rampa’s menu is designed to be enjoyed and shared with company, why not make an occasion of it and bring a few friends along?
With its authentic cuisine, great drink deals, and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s no surprise that Escudo de Cuba is a favourite with Dalston locals. This vibrant cocina serves fantastic tapas, offering six plates for £24.95, which come with complementary salad, rice, and black beans. On the tapas menu you’ll find delicious small plates, such as calamari, octopus, chorizo, patatas bravas, chicken skewers and many more. Or if you’re more peckish, why not try one of the traditional Cuban large plates? Choose from dishes such as braised pork, stuffed seafood pineapple or chargrilled steak – all served with vegetables. rice and beans. Make sure you head down for ‘Happy Hour’, which runs from 5-8pm daily. On the drinks menu, you’ll find a long list of Caribbean cocktails such as Pisco Sours, Grilled Pineapple Daiquiris, Cuba Libres, and Margaritas, as well as a huge range of beers and wine.
This spirited Cuban restaurant in the heart of Camden Market is a fusion between a British brasserie and a vibrant Latin barra, serving high-quality food and drinks with a Cuban twist throughout the menu. If you fancy sampling a few dishes or sharing plates amongst friends, opt for Gabeto’s extensive tapas menu, which is packed with Latin favourites. Meat and seafood options include dishes such as chorizo in red wine, rum BBQ wings, ham and mushroom croquettes, crunchy cod tacos, marinated king prawns and lime and chilli crispy squid. Gabeto also serves a wide selection of vegetarian tapas, including padron peppers, patatas bravas, empanadas and many more. Gabeto has some fantastic desserts and cocktails too for after-dinner treats. If you’re a fan of mojitos, there are seven different variations on the menu for you to try – salud!
Guanabana is a celebration of Caribbean and Latin American cuisine, with Cuban influences throughout the menu, as well as a wide range of Mexican, Jamaican, and Colombian dishes to mix it up with. This Kentish Town restaurant showcases some of the best food from this area of the world; if you like the idea of spicy-jerk wings, black tiger king prawns with mango salsa and coconut, or soft-shell crab tacos with chipotle cream, then you’ll love Guanabana! There’s also a great Cuban brunch – try the ‘Havana Eggs’, which combines tortillas and eggs poached in spicy tomato ragu, topped with coriander and feta. And if you’re in need of a morning pick-me-up with brunch, opt for a Latin American favourite coffee, ‘Leche Leche’, which is a strong dose of espresso and milk. The atmosphere is great for dining in too, and the place is family-friendly.
At Cubana, you’ll find tapas, barbacoa, famous Cuban sandwiches and street food favourites like slow roasted pork, shredded beef, and black bean stew. There’s also an economical Lunch Menu from £7, and pre-theatre dining from £12, which is great for those on a budget. Cubana is open until late seven days a week, so why not make a night of it? Happy hour runs from 4-7pm daily, and you can enjoy 2-for-1 cocktails and cocktail jugs during these hours. If you’re planning for a special event ahead of time (at least 48 hours in advance), we recommend reserving one of the incredible ‘Buffet’ menus, which will give you the opportunity to sample a wide selection of the tastiest dishes. Cubana is also family-friendly, with a delicious and varied Cuban platter on the children’s menu, including a main, dessert and drink. In addition, the place also has heaps of vegetarian and vegan options, so there’s really something for everyone! What’s not to love?