With powerful and divine flavors, Cuban cuisine is a unique blend of history, culture, and generation-old recipes. Portland has been blessed with many great restaurants owned by native Cubans who celebrate their cuisine and culture with delicious meals. I’ve traveled to Cuba many times and I personally can’t get enough of Cuban food. From casual food carts to sit-down restaurants, here are my favorite Cuban restaurants in Portland, Oregon…
Our Top 3 Best Cuban Resturants
1.
Best For Mojitos and Cocktails
Cubo
2.
Best For Trendy Vibe
Pambiche
3.
Best For Gluten-free options
Palomar
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Cubo
This colorful, cozy spot serves delicious Cuban food in a homemade style and it’s a huge favorite of mine. I think it’s the perfect place to enjoy food in a bustling, friendly environment. With a bright red color, wooden stools and tables, and friendly staff, Cubo is a comfortable spot to enjoy traditional wood and craft cocktails.
First launched as a food cart by a Havana-raised musician and an American artist, Cubo has since become a popular food place.
The chefs take pride in creating simple, tasty meals with Spanish, Italian, and African influences.
The restaurant also offers vegan and gluten-free options. You can bring along your pet dog or even order through Postmates, Spork Bytes, or Waiter.com.
Pros
Comfort food with cocktails and beer
Vegetarian and vegan options
Unique flavors and great mojitos
Great Happy Hour deals
Cons
Difficult to find parking
Smaller than average portions
Pambiche
Situated in a Victorian-style landmark of Portland, Pambiche serves traditional, generations-old recipes in a classic Cuban style. The restaurant’s main focus is to create an upbeat, cozy atmosphere so the customers can have an unforgettable experience.
Dining in Pambiche is truly a magical and romantic affair. The large menu has everything the heart can wish for. I’d also suggest ordering coffee, iced teas, or cocktails to accompany your meals.
Pros
Trendy snug space with an upbeat vibe
Patio with heaters and firepits
Fresh and healthy meals
Cuban Creole cuisine and classic cocktails
Cons
Self-charging tips
No parking space
Slight service issues
Palomar
I personally think Palomar is the ultimate spot if you want a hearty meal without looking at a complicated menu.
The restaurant keeps everything simple by offering a small menu with big, flavor-loaded Cuban food.
With local, farm-fresh ingredients and hot, shareable plates, you will be reminded of your traditional Cuban experiences right in the heart of Portland. Cocktails and drinks are also available to wash down your food.
Pros
Shared plates with daiquiris
Several gluten-free options
Great rooftop with fun music
A crew of dancers from Alaska
La Perla del Sur Cuban Food
This classy, upbeat restaurant was launched by chef Yoandri, who named it after his city in Cuba. Opening a restaurant named “The Pearl of the South,” as translated into English, was Yoandri’s dream when he was working as a chef in various food carts
Yoandri eventually decided to open his food cart and began selling Cuban food. His passion for food and great culinary skills meant his food cart was an instant success.
Fast forward to today, “The Pearl of the South” is loved by a loyal customer base who swear by the food.
The regulars highly praise the meat and beans and recommend everyone to give it a try at least once.
Pros
Authentic and flavorful Cuban food
Good portioned with a reasonable price
Full of flavours and delicious sauces
Cons
Food can be too spicy for some
Limited vegan food options available
Havana Station
If you are looking for a quick spot to treat your taste buds to some delicious Cuban food, then Havana Station is your ultimate choice.
This small-scale, local business offers traditional, tasty meals that fill up your stomach and satisfy your hunger.
The menu offers dishes with the perfect blend of African and Caribbean cuisines for an unforgettable dining experience.
Pros
Real traditional Cuban food
Not greasy or too heavy
Perfectly balanced flavors
Ideal for a Ropa Vieja
Cons
Can be noisy
Can be crowded during events
Less focus on ingredients
La Rumba Restaurant
Offering the perfect blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean cuisines, La Rumba has been serving the citizens of Portland faithfully.
With its traditional recipes and farm-fresh ingredients, the restaurant has been able to win the hearts of the locals and make a name for itself. It is the perfect place to enjoy a healthy Cuban meal with craft drinks.
Pros
Perfect blend of international flavors
Spanish African and Caribbean cuisines
Traditional recipes and fresh ingredients
Healthy Cuban meals with craft drinks
Cons
No delivery option
Limited parking
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Beth Pinches – writer and photographer
Beth was born under a wandering star, with drama in her veins and ink in her pen. After stints studying theatre in Dublin and Utrecht she used her creative streak to see as much of the world as she could on as little money. She toured Italian Schools with a children’s theatre troop, lived as an au-pair in both Rome and Washington DC, explored the British countryside, worked her way through much of Europe, Salsa danced in Cuba and road tripped down America’s west coast where she discovered her spiritual home; Portland, Oregon. Other places she loves include Croatia, Finland, Japan and India. In between adventures, travel writing and performing she resides peacefully with her family, cats and ukulele. Find Beth on Linkedin or Facebook.
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