Top 6 Best Cuban Restaurants in Portland (tried and tested)

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.
Cubo l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Mojitos and Cocktails
Cubo
2.
Pambiche l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
3.
Palomar l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Gluten-free options
Palomar
Best For Mojitos and Cocktails

Cubo

Beautiful dishes in Cubo- A Cuban restaurant in Portland

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

Best For Trendy Vibe

Pambiche

Pambiche Cuban Restaurants

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

Best For Gluten-free options

Palomar

Coktail at Palomar Cuban restaurant In Portland

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

Cons

No food delivery options

Limited food options on the menu

No outdoor seating

Best For Spicey Food

La Perla del Sur Cuban Food

La Perla del Sur Cuban Food Cuban restaurant in Portland

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

Best For Friendly Service

Havana Station

A bowl of food on a table, with Cuban cuisine Havana Station restaurant in Portland

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

Best For Fusion of flavors

La Rumba Restaurant

Food at La Rumba Restaurant in Portland

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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