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Best Cuban Restaurants Houston

Cuban cuisine is vibrant, flavorful, and influenced by a rich tapestry of cultures. From the savory, slow-cooked meats to the aromatic spices and colorful side dishes, Cuban food has become a beloved cuisine in many parts of the world. Houston, Texas, is home to a diverse culinary scene, and Cuban restaurants in the city offer a taste of this vibrant culture. Whether you’re craving a classic Cuban sandwich or want to indulge in traditional dishes like arroz con pollo or ropa vieja, Houston has several outstanding Cuban restaurants to choose from. In this article, we’ll explore the best Cuban restaurants in Houston and what makes them stand out.

Index

    La Vina

    Located at 9381 Richmond Ave., La Vina is a hidden gem that offers an authentic taste of Cuban cuisine in Houston. This family-owned restaurant is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. La Vina prides itself on using fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques to create dishes that are bursting with flavor.

    One of the standout dishes at La Vina is the Cuban sandwich. Made with tender roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, this sandwich is a true delight. The bread is perfectly toasted and has a crispy crust, while the filling is juicy and savory. Another must-try dish at La Vina is the ropa vieja, a hearty stew made with shredded beef, peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce. The meat is tender and flavorful, and it pairs perfectly with the white rice and black beans.

    When dining at La Vina, be sure to save room for dessert. The restaurant offers traditional Cuban sweets like flan and tres leches cake. The flan is silky smooth and has a delicate caramel flavor, while the tres leches cake is moist and decadent.

    Flor De Cuba

    Flor De Cuba, located at 16233 Clay Rd #344, is a family-owned Cuban restaurant in Houston that focuses on creating traditional dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant’s sleek and contemporary decor sets the stage for a memorable dining experience, and the menu offers a wide variety of Cuban favorites.

    One of the standout dishes at Flor De Cuba is the lechon asado. This slow-roasted pork is marinated in a blend of spices and citrus juices, resulting in meat that is tender, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Another popular dish at Flor De Cuba is the vaca frita. This crispy fried beef is seasoned with garlic and citrus, giving it a unique and tangy flavor.

    Flor De Cuba also offers a range of vegetarian options, including the vegetarian Cuban sandwich. Made with grilled vegetables, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, this sandwich is a tasty and satisfying choice for those looking for a meatless option.

    In addition to its delicious food, Flor De Cuba also offers a selection of handcrafted cocktails. From classic mojitos to unique creations like the pineapple cilantro martini, there is something for every palate.

    Rincon Criollo

    Rincon Criollo, located at 2150 S Texas 6 #150, offers an authentic and welcoming dining experience that transports guests to the heart of Cuba. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up traditional Cuban dishes since 2005 and has become a beloved spot for locals craving a taste of Cuba.

    One of the standout dishes at Rincon Criollo is the arroz con pollo. Made with tender pieces of chicken, yellow rice, and a blend of spices, this dish is flavorful and comforting. The chicken is cooked to perfection, and the rice is fluffy and infused with the savory flavors of the spices.

    Another must-try dish at Rincon Criollo is the picadillo. This Cuban-style ground beef is cooked with onions, peppers, and a blend of spices, resulting in a dish that is savory, hearty, and delicious. The picadillo is typically served with white rice and black beans, creating a well-balanced meal.

    Rincon Criollo also offers a range of classic Cuban sandwiches, including the medianoche. Made with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, this sandwich is a tasty and satisfying choice for lunch or dinner.

    La Negra Tiene Tumbao

    Located at 5881 S Gessner Rd, La Negra Tiene Tumbao is a vibrant and lively Cuban restaurant in Houston. With its colorful decor and energetic atmosphere, this restaurant is a popular spot for those looking to enjoy a fun night out while indulging in delicious Cuban cuisine.

    One of the standout dishes at La Negra Tiene Tumbao is the camarones al ajillo. This dish features succulent shrimp cooked in a garlic sauce that is bursting with flavor. The shrimp are tender and perfectly seasoned, and the garlic sauce adds a delicious kick.

    Another must-try dish at La Negra Tiene Tumbao is the ropa vieja. This classic Cuban dish is made with tender shredded beef, peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce. The flavors are robust and comforting, and the dish pairs perfectly with white rice and black beans.

    For those looking for a lighter option, La Negra Tiene Tumbao also offers a variety of salads, including the ensalada de aguacate. This refreshing salad features ripe avocados, fresh tomatoes, red onions, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

    Cafe Piquet Cuban Cuisine

    Cafe Piquet Cuban Cuisine, located at 5757 Bissonnet St, is a charming Cuban restaurant in Bellaire, a suburb of Houston. This family-owned restaurant is known for its homestyle Cuban dishes, warm hospitality, and welcoming atmosphere.

    One of the standout dishes at Cafe Piquet is the arroz con pollo. Made with tender chicken, yellow rice, and a blend of spices, this dish is comforting and full of flavor. The chicken is juicy and well-seasoned, and the rice is fluffy and aromatic.

    Another popular dish at Cafe Piquet is the vaca frita. This crispy fried beef is seasoned with garlic and citrus juices, resulting in meat that is flavorful and tender. The dish is typically served with white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains.

    Cafe Piquet also offers a variety of Cuban sandwiches, including the classic Cubano. Made with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, this sandwich is packed with flavor and is a perfect choice for lunch or a quick bite.

    Avileños Cuban Traditional Food

    Located at 11730 Beaumont Hwy, Avileños Cuban Traditional Food is a popular Cuban restaurant in Houston known for its authentic and flavorful dishes. This family-owned restaurant prides itself on using traditional Cuban recipes and high-quality ingredients to create a dining experience that transports guests to the streets of Havana.

    One of the standout dishes at Avileños is the lechon asado. This slow-roasted pork is marinated in a blend of spices and citrus juices, resulting in meat that is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The dish is typically served with white rice, black beans, and plantains.

    Another must-try dish at Avileños is the ropa vieja. This traditional Cuban dish is made with shredded beef, peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce. The flavors are robust and comforting, and the dish pairs perfectly with white rice and black beans.

    Avileños also offers a variety of classic Cuban desserts, including flan and tres leches cake. The flan is creamy and smooth, with a rich caramel flavor, while the tres leches cake is moist and decadent, with a sweet and creamy topping.

    Buena Vista

    Buena Vista, located at 4601 Washington Ave #190, is a trendy Cuban restaurant in Houston known for its lively atmosphere, creative cocktails, and delicious food. With its vibrant decor and energetic ambiance, Buena Vista is a popular spot for those looking to enjoy a night out with friends.

    One of the standout dishes at Buena Vista is the lechon asado. This slow-roasted pork is marinated in a blend of spices and citrus juices, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. The dish is typically served with white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains.

    Another popular dish at Buena Vista is the ropa vieja. Made with shredded beef, peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce, this dish is hearty and full of flavor. The meat is tender and well-seasoned, and the sauce is savory and satisfying.

    For those looking for a lighter option, Buena Vista offers a range of salads, including the ensalada de aguacate. This refreshing salad features ripe avocados, fresh tomatoes, red onions, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. It’s the perfect choice for a light and satisfying meal.

    El Meson

    El Meson, located at 2425 University Blvd, is a charming Cuban restaurant in Houston that combines traditional Cuban flavors with a contemporary twist. The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with its flavorful dishes, makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

    One of the standout dishes at El Meson is the arroz con pollo. Made with tender chicken, yellow rice, and a blend of spices, this dish is comforting and full of flavor. The chicken is juicy and well-seasoned, and the rice is fluffy and aromatic.

    Another must-try dish at El Meson is the ropa vieja. Made with shredded beef, peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce, this dish is hearty and delicious. The flavors are robust and comforting, and the dish pairs perfectly with white rice and black beans.

    El Meson also offers a variety of Cuban sandwiches, including the medianoche. Made with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, this sandwich is packed with flavor and is a perfect choice for lunch or a quick bite.

    Carrito Cubano

    Carrito Cubano is a popular Cuban food truck located at 5858 S Gessner Rd in Houston. This food truck offers a wide variety of Cuban favorites, from classic sandwiches to savory meat dishes.

    One of the standout dishes at Carrito Cubano is the Cubano sandwich. Made with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, this sandwich is a classic and beloved Cuban dish. The bread is toasted to perfection, and the filling is flavorful and satisfying.

    Another popular dish at Carrito Cubano is the lechon asado. This slow-roasted pork is marinated in a blend of spices and citrus juices, resulting in meat that is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The dish is typically served with white rice, black beans, and plantains.

    Rumba Live

    Rumba Live, located at 5920 Hwy 6 N, is a Cuban restaurant in Houston that offers a lively and energetic dining experience. With live music and dancing, Rumba Live is a popular spot for those looking to enjoy a night out while indulging in delicious Cuban cuisine.

    One of the standout dishes at Rumba Live is the camarones al ajillo. These succulent shrimp are cooked in a garlic sauce that is bursting with flavor. The shrimp are tender and perfectly seasoned, and the garlic sauce adds a delicious kick.

    Another must-try dish at Rumba Live is the ropa vieja. Made with shredded beef, peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce, this dish is hearty and full of flavor. The meat is tender and well-seasoned, and the sauce is savory and satisfying.

    Rumba Live also offers a variety of Cuban cocktails, including classic mojitos and refreshing daiquiris. These flavorful drinks are the perfect complement to the vibrant atmosphere and lively music.

    Chef Don Osmany (Food Truck)

    Chef Don Osmany is a popular Cuban food truck in Houston that serves up delicious and authentic Cuban cuisine. With its casual and laid-back atmosphere, this food truck is a favorite among locals looking for a quick and tasty meal.

    One of the standout dishes at Chef Don Osmany is the Cubano sandwich. Made with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, this sandwich is a classic and beloved Cuban dish. The bread is toasted to perfection, and the filling is packed with flavor.

    Another popular dish at Chef Don Osmany is the lechon asado. This slow-roasted pork is marinated in a blend of spices and citrus juices, resulting in meat that is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The dish is typically served with white rice, black beans, and plantains.

    El Avileño (Food Truck)

    El Avileño is a Cuban food truck located at 11922 Beaumont Hwy in Houston. This food truck serves up delicious and authentic Cuban street food, with a focus on traditional flavors and high-quality ingredients.

    One of the standout dishes at El Avileño is the medianoche sandwich. Made with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, this sandwich is a classic Cuban dish that is sure to satisfy. The bread is soft and slightly sweet, and the filling is packed with flavor.

    Another popular dish at El Avileño is the vaca frita. This crispy fried beef is seasoned with garlic and citrus, resulting in meat that is flavorful and tender. The dish is typically served with white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains.

    La Cubana (Food Truck)

    La Cubana is a popular Cuban food truck located at 4930 N McCarty St in Houston. This food truck specializes in serving up authentic and delicious Cuban dishes, made with traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients.

    One of the standout dishes at La Cubana is the ropa vieja. Made with shredded beef, peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce, this dish is hearty and full of flavor. The flavors are robust and comforting, and the dish pairs perfectly with white rice and black beans.

    Another must-try dish at La Cubana is the lechon asado. This slow-roasted pork is marinated in a blend of spices and citrus juices, resulting in meat that is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The dish is typically served with white rice, black beans, and plantains.

    Los Guajiros (Food Truck)

    Los Guajiros is a Cuban food truck located at 5609 Uvalde Rd in Houston. This food truck offers a variety of Cuban dishes, from classic sandwiches to savory meat plates.

    One of the standout dishes at Los Guajiros is