Roughly 47 percent of the population in Los Angeles is Hispanic, which-amongst other things-means lots of great Latin American food to choose from. But, not surprisingly (because the Caribbean island is closer to the other side of the country, A.K.A. Florida), there isn't as much Cuban food in L.A. as there is Mexican, Guatemalan, Peruvian and Salvadoran cuisine.
Having been born and raised eating Cuban and Caribbean meals in the Sunshine State, specifically Miami, I know that decent West Coast Cuban can be hard to find.
I have discovered five places (including a vegan option?!), though, that do my taste buds justice. Read on below for mouthwatering SoCal Cuban fare that's great for anyone missing home or wanting to try this tropical comfort food for the first time.
LA CUBANA
The most delicious Cuban food in Glendale and arguably all of L.A., La Cubana, opened in 1973 and won a California Restaurant Association Award in 1990. This homestyle spot is family-owned, plays old Cuban music (of course) and has kept its prices lower than other Cuban restos in the area. My favorites: the bread and butter (easy to mess this up and may have something to do with local water?), garbanzo soup and ham croquetas. La Cubana also sells (a guilty pleasure) traditional Cuban sodas like Jupiña, Materva and Iron Beer.
SEÑOREATA
On the other end of the spectrum, Señoreata was founded just last year by Cuban Brazilian chef, Evanice Holz. The plant-based pop-up food truck concept can be found all over L.A., including Highland Park's Block Party on Tuesdays and DTLA's Smorgasburg on Sundays. You must try the picadillo plantain nachos, a fresh island take on traditional nachos, loaded with whipped guac, veggie 'beef,' salsa and cashew crema. Yum.
BARACOA
A convenient and walkable neighborhood pick for me-after living in Atwater Village for the past four years-Baracoa is small and dark (yes to mood lighting!), plays great tunes, serves sangria and a lovely ropa vieja or shredded beef dish. It's a fun place to take a date and I'd bypass sandwiches and go for a heaping plate of meat served with rice and beans. A creamy fruit milkshake-personal faves are mamey and guava-is a great addition to any meal here.
COCHINITO
This Silverlake outpost, Cochinito (translates to "little pig") is another family-owned spot and has been open since 1988. Known for its Lechon Asado, a slow-roasted pork that melts in your mouth, the restaurant holds true to its name and to the Cuban woman who originally opened it-her grandchildren are now in charge.
PORTOS
No one's really OK with lines out the door or 30 minute waits for takeout, but after eating at Portos once, you won't hesitate to do it again. The bakery-style Cuban restaurant with locations in Burbank, Glendale, and Downey specializes in all kinds of cakes and pastries, but the potato balls, meat pies, and cheese rolls (know to Cubans as papa rellena, pastelito de carne and pastelito de queso) are absolute must-haves. Ignore the chaos and stick around for a steak sandwich or grab a sweetened cafe con leche to go.
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