Cuba De Ayer Restaurant

First, if you haven't been here, you must go, this restaurant is a gem, not only for their food and atmosphere, but staff are so kind♡. My husband and I have seen the Facebook reel for this restaurant, so one Saturday afternoon we decided to try them, and we are so glad we did. We enjoyed the Empanada trio...Chicken and Beef were amazing! We also enjoyed the Cameron's al Ajillo and the Rabo Encendido, both were excellent. Dessert we opted for the rum cake...light and nicely balanced with the rum sauce. Our hostess, Jennifer, was excellent. Jennifer was very helpful with helping us decide which dish to choose and very friendly. We loved sharing a couple stories with her and hearing her story as well. So happy we chose Cuba De Ayer Restaurant tonight, we will definitely be back.

Wife and I had a very nice early dinner here on a Wednesday night. The staff are very friendly and we were seated quickly and our food was also prepared promptly. We are not real familiar with Cuban cuisine but both enjoyed our dishes (one beef and one chicken). Each came with a side of rice and beans and plantains. My wife got her rice and beans “combined”, while I got mine separate. Also comes with plantains and I got the sweet ones and she got the crispy. We both agreed that we liked the sweet ones better. Topped it off with a delicious Tres Leches desert. The dinning areas are nicely configured with separation between the different rooms and also some space between the tables, which is nice. Also, we were surprised to have a musician playing on a Wednesday night, which was a nice addition.

The smell was enticing the moment you walked in. Food was great. I loved the decor and the atmosphere. My buddy and I both found something we loved, and he said it reminded him perfectly of his grandmother's cooking.

Food was GREAT!! I would come here again. This is ropa vieja, and the empanada is an appetizer. The empanadas doesn’t come with the ropa vieja, just the empanadas is an appetizer (comes with 3 empanadas choice of meat or just cheese), that’s why I put the empanada on my plate lol🤣 also the chocolate cake and tres leches and RUM CAKE WAS DELICIOUS! Customer Service is spot on!🙂

If you are looking for good food with flavor and good service look no further. The portions of the food are nice. The oxtail is amazing and I’m not a fan of plantains but they have a fried crispy version that is AMAZING! The drinks are mixed very well and the environment of the restaurant is very chill. Also tried their marinated steak and onions with the rice & beans… every bite was GOOD!

This Has Become Our Weekly Spots To Dine In . The Service Is Impeccable, The Food Never Disappoints ! The Guava & Cheese Empanadas Are Our Go - To ! Their House Havanero Hot Sauce Is 🤤. Definitely Pay Them A Visit , This Is Not Any Other Chain Restaurant But Actually Deserves Your Time & Money . They Are The Best ! Great People & Incredible Food . So Happy That We Found This Place .

Excellent service by Jennifer B and the rest of the staff. We were a party of 13 celebrating a bday, Jennifer handled everything with professionalism. Everyone was satisfied with their food selection. Thank you Cuba de Ayer

Ok, so I was in the mood for something delicious ethnic, so I went to my saved IG reels and decided to select this restaurant to try. The husband, the kid and I drove 40 mins from Upper Marlboro to check it out. Our server was Nico and he was a great host! I asked for recommendations and he easily gave a good 5 dishes to choose from. I got the Churassco Cubano with postpones and red beans, the husband got the oxtail dish w/black beans and maduros, and the kid got the Bistec Salteado (thinly sliced steak w/peppers and onions) w/black beans and maduros. Our drinks of choice were a spicy margarita and whiskey mojito (so freaking delicious)! This place is a 10 out of 10! The pictures on the website does not do it justice. The flavors hit and you can tell the food is freshly made. This is now one of our favorite new spots and we will definitely be back to try more items.

This place never disappoints. I've been here multiple times -- with family, on dates, and with friends -- and it's always a great experience. This most recent visit was with a friend who was trying it for the first time, and he loved it. The food was delicious as always. He had the arroz con pollo (which I recommended), and I had the camarones al ajillo -- shrimp in garlic sauce with rice, salad, and plantains. Everything was flavorful and perfectly cooked. The bartenders were so pleasant and attentive. We sat at the bar, and even though it was crowded (which it usually is -- a good sign!), the service was still great. Now let's talk about the drinks because they were the real stars:    *   My friend had three mango margaritas and couldn't stop talking about how good they were.    *   I tried the cucumber jalapeño margarita -- you could literally smell the fresh cucumber as they made it. It did not hold back on the jalapeño! It had a real kick, but the flavor was amazing.    *   And the mojitos? Delicious. They use real sugarcane, and you can taste the freshness. Great vibes, great service, consistently amazing food and drinks. I will absolutely keep coming back and always recommend this place.

This restaurant is one of a kind, very well decorated with colorful vintage posters hanging on the wall, symmetrically designed tables, and comfortable seating. My friend and I started with tostones rellenos, they were prepared fresh, the tostones were piping hot while the creamy shrimp gave it its cool center to balance the temperature out. The ropa vieja tasted very scrumptious with the flavorful tomato sauce, the hot tostones and the rice and beans (moros y cristianos). I consider this comfort food and I was pretty stuffed afterwards, no complaints!

The oxtails were so flavorful and tender. They also give you a bunch of meat. Then when you finish you mix the rice with the sauce. So goooood. Then the beans had some spices to it that was so savory. Plantains and croquettes were just ok, probably wouldn't get again. My bro got ropa vieja and that's was really good too. But oxtail is best dish there. Really friendly staff, I asked what they put in the beans and the waiter went to the back to give me a full rundown. Everyone was nice. The price was fair as well.

I was here in July. Completely forgot to review this place. This a truly authentic Cuban restaurant. They even make and sell their own hot sauce. I order the chicken and rice. My wife ordered the shrimp dish. We had appetizers of empanadas. I sampled the chicken and guava ones. Service was excellent. We didn't have to wait too long for our food. The decor of the restaurant gave it that Caribbean feel. If we are ever in the area again, my wife and I will definitely dine again here.

10 out of 10 stars!! it was so cute, they had real candles on the table. But please be careful because the lady behind us was holding her menu and it started burning from the candle. We didn't have a reservation, but we're able to sit down quickly. The food was amazing in our server was able to give us recommendations. We were so full, but we had to try the rum cake and it did not go to waste. We will definitely be back.!

Visited for my here for birthday. The restaurant is small but has ample seating. Our server was adequate could have been more attentive. I ordered the Empanadas for my appetizer they were flavorful and hot. The beef was better than the chicken. My main dish was Ropa Vieja. The beef was chewy, the tostones and rice were good. I got the red beans vs the black beans. The red beans were really good. I got the Tres Leches for dessert. It was good, nice and moist. I would got back again to try another dish.

Best Cuban food around! I've eaten here for years but it's been awhile. My most recent visit was for a take-out order. I was able to easily place the order online through their website. My order was ready when I arrived. I really enjoyed the ropa vieja with a side of white rice and black beans and tostones. Everything was delicious and filling. I'm happy knowing this awesome business is still thriving. I plan to visit sooner rather than later!

Hello im here to speak of a Place ive Been too Called Cuba De Ayer . This is on old Columbia Road . Near Papa John's , Rita's Italian ice and ither stores . Its a place Spanish owned . I applied there recently to embrace my Colombian Spamish heritage to know who and What I am . Ths is a place forvothers to come to discover a heritage and all theu never knew before . As you enter in from the parking area you see the Host and Barista arwa were the sell all sorts of Drinks even sidas and more. This place hasa giod huge dining arwa and a indoor back porch to have special occasions and interviews in. This place has a fantastic Menu for all delicious Cuan Foods you'll ever have you cant find anywhere else. Theu have concealed kitchen where they perform their magic to make your best foods you could ever want. This place is fir exploring a culture unlike anything youll ever encounter . Plus exploring my spanish heritage i hid from all my life because with the country as screwed up as it is . There at Cuba De Ayer i can be myself without being judged . I can explore freely to embrace my Colombian Heritage finally.and learn what I am . With the Mabagers and staffs help i can embrace it without fear. I want to cme there to oneday make my birthday spanish traditional among my family the Restrepos from Medellin. I just want to live up to their legacy as I should have ling ago . I never want to be judged or feared ever again . I love Cuba De Ayer fir its tradition and more and protect of our Spanish kind . I consider the staff and Management my family too . I eould do anything to protect them . I went to turn in an application and resume and I hope they consider me for host and food runner . This place is traditional so.please people who go there please respect it . I love this place as I hope yu all do . We hope to see you all there very soon.Cuba De Ayer is my home ill do what i must to protect it .the Hospitality is encountered there is Fantastic and i hope to come home there someday soon .

I like this neighborhood gem. The food was straightforwardly delectable (especially if you are a sweet tooth) and seating area was spacious. Food - Camarones en Aguacate: The shrimps in the starter are plump and fresh with refreshing lemon juice. Yet a little pricy for what expected from a $18 homestyle dish. - Bistec Palomilla: I am a lover of onion-sautéed meat -- the subtle sweetness is lifting. Steak is fully cooked, so a little bit fimer than I usually prefer, yet still very satisfying overall. - Ropa Vieja: Warm and tasty--loved how the seasoned, shredded beef felt so comforting with the rice. Service was friendly, and the ambiance--warm and inviting--fit the homestyle theme perfectly.

I ordered food to go and got the chicken and rice bowl, it came with two plantains. They were out of a the ropa vieja and another dish so I selected this one. The rice and chicken was very flavorfu, my only wish is the quantity was more. The portion was a bit small.

My favorite Cuban restaurant in the area (then again there aren't too many around here) Everytime that I've come here I have a great experience! The drinks are good/decent and the food alone is very flavorful and keep you coming back! My favorite entree is the ropa vieja which is seasoned perfectly and is never dry! I've had different drinks here and they've all have been worth the order. The service provided is always with a smile and very accommodating to my table. The parking lot is VERY small, so be mindful when/if you come here with bigger parties. This place is definitely good for special occasions or a nice date night! I just wish I lived closer!

Wow! What a great experience across the board. Food, service and ambiance! I stopped in for lunch and had the most amazing meal. My server, Daisha was on it. Couldn't ask for better service. The food was the star of the show. I ordered the Lechon Asado which is a Cuban marinated pork. It comes with rice, beans, and plantains. I asked for a side of the avocado pico (extra $1.29) which was out of this world. I'd recommend getting this with any dish you order. It's so fresh and full of flavors. The restaurant is beautiful with plenty of seating. The bar area is a bit small, so I'd be curious to see what it's like during HH or when they get busy. I most definitely will be back for more!!!!

Everything was so good! We only had a couple of appetizers that included the chicken, beef, and guava & cheese Empanadas and a tostones dish with shrimp in it. I also had a pretty good guava mojito. The service was prompt. I'll be back!

I've been coming here my whole life (I remember when they opened) and it's always been such a great experience. Everyone is so friendly and the food is delicious!

We had dinner here earlier this week, we really enjoyed our food, for our main course we had the Piccadillo and the masitas-de-puerco. They were both excellent. Our side salads were Ok, but very small (we laughed about it). Our service was fair, but we had to wait for things too long ( and it wasn't that busy). The ambiance is nice, but the night we went it was cold in the restaurant and we had to move tables away from the windows. We watched another party so the same thing.

The food and service are good. The guava and cheese empanadas are amazing and you must give them a try. My wife had the spinach and avocado salad with the optional salmon and loved it. The churrasco Cubano is good but I wasn't a fan of the parsley and garlic seasoning. One party was very loud and that was unpleasant but once they left we were able to enjoy the rest of our meal.

Food is delicious and worth the money. Good service with great flavor! I will most definitely be back!

(4.15) ~ Very good overall food & service DRINKS: ** Double Cafecito Cubano = (4.15) Very good ** Water (tap) = (4) very good, must be filtered;) FOOD: ** Camarones En Aguacate (see photo) = (4.25) Very good ** Hot Sauce = (4.25) Very tasty ** Flan (see photo) = (4.25) very good ** Sopa De Res = (4) very filling

This WAS the best Cuban food in the MD, DC, VA area. Their food was authentic Cuban and delicious. I loved their food! I've been enjoying their cuisine since before they renovated and expanded. Their beef Empanadas are the best tasting I've had from anywhere, probably because it's deep fried. It's delicious with their homemade habanero sauce. I don't think I've ever had anything that I did not enjoy from their menu, UNTIL TODAY. I know that we have inflation these days. Restaurants have had to raise prices and reduce portions. It is evident in the size reduction of all take out containers. But this today makes me very sad. I picked out all the seafood that was in the Arroz con Mariscos. There was literally only 3 medium size, dry, overcooked shrimp and a few small pieces of scallops. There were still some small crumbles of salmon in the rice. For $28.99, you could at least put enough seafood in for customers to have a satisfying meal. Today I decided to order Flan for takeout. Very disappointed in the way they packed the flan. Since flan has syrup, it should have been put inside a container that is liquid tight. They placed it inside a container meant for dry foods. The result is in the picture below, one big sticky mess for the customer to clean up. This shows that the employees simply don't care about their customers! The side order of extra Maduros are burnt. The rice was wet soft and clumpy. (How can Cubans not know how to cook rice properly?). The Masitas de Puerco tastes good but it was enough for appetizers, not for an Entree portion. All in all, I drove 30 minutes each way, paid almost $70 ,to be sad and had to clean up a big sticky mess...

First of all you'll never find this charming spot just driving by. It's a destination. Once you find it though you'll be happy you did. The saffron rice was a flavorful bed for the mixed seafood I ordered. The service was great and the decor charming, a real slice of old Havana. Don't skip the dessert or you'll have to return!

Want a hearty meal? Visit Cuba de Ayer, great food, great service, great music. This place is a vibe, we ordered the arroz con pollo, the oxtail and honestly if I could tried everything on the menu, I would have because it's just too hard to decide with so many great options available! Want authentic Cuban food? Go to this place, you won't be disappointed. And be prepared for a massive serving portion, so make sure to save your appetite before going.

This was our first time eating here, and it was really good. It was late afternoon on a Sunday, and the place had a decent number of people there. Even though we didn't have a reservation, we were seated right away. The server was prompt and polite, and I felt that we were well attended to. We started with the combination appetizer, which was good. I had the Churrasco Cubano, and my wife had the Picadillo. She enjoyed her meal but mentioned that it had just a little too much salt. Additionally, I ordered a Cuban sandwich to go, which tasted really good even though I ate it later. The presentation of the food was also impressive. I definitely plan on coming back, even though it's kind of far from where I live. I would recommend this restaurant.

So glad we were finally able to make it to Cuba de Ayer. We were a group of six and tried a bunch of the appetizers, sides and deserts plus some had Cuban sandwich, oxtail and the chicken. Everything was cooked perfectly and seasoned well. The Cuban coffee was the best I've had since moving out of Miami. We will be back!

I had the pleasure of dining at Cuba de Ayer today, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The food was absolutely outstanding--authentic, flavorful, and clearly prepared with care. Every dish we tried was rich with traditional Cuban flavor, and it felt like a true taste of the island right in the heart of Burtonsville. We started with a couple of drinks: the Batido de Mamey and Batido de Mango. Both were superb--refreshing and not overly sweet, which I really appreciated. You could actually taste the fruit, not just sugar or ice. They were smooth, vibrant, and balanced--easily some of the best batidos I've had. For appetizers, we shared three empanadas: Guava with Cream Cheese, Chicken, and Beef. While I'm not usually thrilled to see fried empanadas, these really worked. The seasoning on the chicken and beef was excellent--savory and well-balanced. I would've liked a bit more filling to dough ratio, but the flavors were solid. The guava and cream cheese empanada leaned more toward dessert, but it was delightful--sweet, creamy, and satisfying without being cloying. For our main entrees, we tried two standout dishes. The Rabo Encendido was a fine combination of Creole spices that stewed the oxtail into a rich, fall-off-the-bone masterpiece. As a Peruvian who's proud of his own roots, this dish reminded me of a well-made seco--a hearty, comforting stew that brings you home with every bite. I'm sure others will enjoy Rabo Encendido. We also ordered the Lechón Asado, which had been recommended to us--and it did not disappoint. I was expecting a slice of pork loin, but what arrived was beautifully tender pulled pork, marinated in mojo criollo, a citrusy blend of Cuban spices that was bold, bright, and deeply satisfying. Not greasy at all--just well-cooked, well-seasoned pork that spoke for itself. You can't go wrong with the simplicity of this dish. Lastly, a special shoutout to their house-made hot sauce, Havanero. It was a perfect twist of heat and Cuban spice--unlike most other Hispanic hot sauces I've tried. It was delightfully pleasant, adding a kick without overpowering the food. You can tell it was crafted to complement, not compete. We will be coming for more soon.

I had a wonderful dining experience here. The food was absolutely delicious -- I ordered the Arroz Con Pollo, and it was flavorful, perfectly cooked, and beautifully presented. The service was attentive and welcoming. The ambiance struck the perfect balance between lively and relaxed, creating a comfortable atmosphere to unwind and savor the experience. Great spot

Wonderful service , nice & cozy environment Our server did a great job at explaining traditional Cuban dishes and making recommendations

The food was amazing here. I had the Rabo Encendido which is braised oxtails in a tomato based sauce. It was soooo freaking delicious. The service was cool my waitress was attentive. The ambiance was nice. They have a cute neon sign at its entrance. They have authentic Cuban food.

Good food. Good service. Pleasant atmosphere.. We are never disappointed when we eat here. Very nice

Ambiance and music was wonderful. But the food was absolutely amazing. The cafe con Leche and the rum cake was so good I forgot to take pictures. Our waitress was attentive and forthcoming with suggestions. I will return I need to try out the other drinks.

This was our first time coming here. We went with friends and the food and service were great. I ordered the oxtail my boyfriend got Bistek and we also shared the chicken soup. All so good as well as the Flan! We will be back for sure.

This place checks all the boxes you could want for an authentic Cuban food experience. My fiancé introduced me to this place last night as it is highly regarded among the family and actually one of her mom's favorite restaurants. This being my first time I went in with an empty stomach and open mind. I will try to recall the experience from the moment I entered to the moment we left. Atmosphere: the atmosphere is very inviting and you can tell they put a lot of thought and effort into the renovations of this place. It has been updated completely and you can tell by the little touches. You will be greeted with an enclosure that has a flame in a tube that allows you to see and feel the heat right before you enter. Then you will see a couch section with a lighted neon sign. Once you fully into the restaurant you will be greeted by the hostess that will seat you promptly. Reservations are recommended as this place can get busy. I noticed they decorated for Christmas and we actually ran into one of the staff that did the beautiful Christmas tree. They had decorations all around even down to the tiny details like a reef around the candle at the tables and little Christmas trees. The seating looks comfortable and aesthetically pleasing to match the black and white decor with cool chandeliers and ceiling fans. They also have really nice wallpaper that embodies the spirit of the restaurant. They even have a really cool hat wall with different types of hats that are commonly worn in the culture. Food: The food and drink here is without a doubt excellent! I loved how much flavor was in the different types of dishes we got. We got empanadas, shredded beef with rice and sweet plantains, steak with smashed savory plantains and everything was bursting with flavor. I got a classic mojito for my drink and it featured a piece of sugarcane and it was deliciously done. We ended the night with tres leches and even that was stellar. It was not soaking wet but still moist and flavorful. Service: Our server Karen was awesome! She was extremely knowledgeable about all of the offerings and even went above and beyond when she found out it was my first time to offer her feedback/recommendations for first-timers like myself. This did not go unnoticed and was greatly appreciated. She even went the extra step to get us a picture menu that shows the pictures for each of the dishes that are available. This was a valuable resource that helped me to be even more secure in my decision making when choosing a dish, this can be a pain point at times, especially when trying a new restaurant. She also checked on us throughout the night to ensure that our food was to our liking and followed up once we were done with to-go boxes. She helped to elevate this experience from just another visit to a restaurant to a true dining experience, she even told us some of her personal recommendations/ favorites. I definitely cannot wait to return as this earned a five out of five from me! Overall, this place is truly a hidden gem that I hope only gets better with age like a fine wine. 5/5 - SupaFlyITGuy approved!

This was my first time having Cuban food! It was a delight to try the beef empanadas reminded me of Jamaican meet pies...they were delicious!!!! Next up was the bistec salteado (Cuban sliced steak), which was very tasty with the sautéed veggies and that Cuban brown rice! Let's move to the ropa vieja (shredded pork in sauce), it was tasty with the rice but the plantains was the ultimate compliment with sweetness to the rice and pork..... Our servers were very helpful because we never had Cuban before and she took her time and explained the menu and helped us decide!!! The rest of the staff was super friendly too!!! I will be going back for seconds to see if it was as good as the first time...that's just me! If you want Cuban food this is the spot...give it a try!

Food was great, we had the Piccadillo and Cuban sandwich and a Cuba libre. Very nice warm inviting atmosphere and excellent service. Well worth a visit!

This restaurant has been a go to for authentic cuban food. However, during my most recent visit to pick up a carryout order. It was horrible. I did not eat inside so I cannot speak to the ambiance. However, it was like the food was cooked by a different chef. The chicken was charred. Beans appeared old and like they had been reheated too many times. The rice was like dry pellets. I purchased a bottle of hot sauce for my empanadas (which are now half the size- more crust than filling); the bottle was 1/3 empty. When I made a call about it- they said we make it in house. Does that mean you can't properly seal the bottle with a label or sticker?! I feel like I purchased a used bottle of sauce. Whatever changes have been made; they need to unmake them. This was by far my worst experience ever at this restaurant. Not to mention- they didn't seem to care that all these things were wrong. They merely said we'll write your name down...and then do what?! Toss it away and do nothing!!! Not happy!!

This neighborhood gem located in Burtonsville is serving up authentic Cuban cuisine that makes you feel like you've been transported to Cuba. For cocktails the mojito and espresso martini was and well perfectly made and so delicious. The empanadas and shrimp avocado dish were the perfect stat to our meal For mains, the steak with the homemade chimichurri was bursting with flavor the pollo salteado was delicious but for me the star of the show was the oxtail which was so tender and succulent and marinated in their creole sauce. The service was so phenomenal that we entered as customers and left feeling like family. We ended with the tres leeches and rum cake paired with the cuban coffee and left feeling satisfied. Cocktails: Espresso Martini Classic Mojito Whiskey Mojito Appetizers: Empanadas: Beef, Chicken, Guava and Cheese Camarones en Aguacate (Shrimp and Avocado) Mains: Churrasco Cubano- Marinated steak with chimichurri Pollo Salteado- slices of chicken breast cooked with sautéed vegetables Rabo Encendido- oxtail cooked in tomato base creole sauce Desserts: Tres leches Rum cake Cafecito (Cuban coffee)

First time here and at the suggestion of my good friend Lynne S. several of us gathered for a lunch outing. The restaurant is what one would describe as "in the cut", but clearly lots of people know about Cuba de Ayer. That was a good sign. The food is really delicious. I think we all enjoyed our choices with the exception of the crispy plantains I chose for one of my sides. Not much flavor in those at all so I will be sure to always stick to the regular plantains. Checking in on Yelp gets you a free empanada BUT there were two yelpers at the the table and only one of us could redeem. We found that a little off-putting. Other than that I would definitely return!

I can't believe I haven't reviewed Cuba de Ayer. I have been here many times and I have always had a great experience. I always order the Cuban classics like Ropa vieja, Vaca frita, and Cuban sandwich. Friday night and Saturday night are always packed of people having a good time. If you come on these days, you will have to wait to be seated.

Food has a lot of flavor and never disappoints. I just wish they would pay attn to the notes for pickup orders.

Another great spot in the neighborhood! Food was excellent and so was the service. Our waiter was attentive and on point! I will be back.

Thought that we would give this place another chance. Unfortunately, the food was very salty and boring . Ropa Vieja had little taste and lacked some vital ingredients. Shredded pork was lackluster. The plantains were the only thing worth eating. We are used to Cubano's dishes which are the owner's mother's homemade recipes. Since the Silver Spring and Maplelawn locations closed, we were hoping to find good Cuban food near us.

Ya'll know what this is! 4.5 stars Sooooo this was our second choice for today. Our fist one failed us miserably. So thankful because bay-bee! The food was awesome and so was our server. Shout out to Astrid! I'm not gonna say I was transported to Cuba because I've not been. Maybe one day. However, the restaurant is a total vibe from the music to the decor. We ordered yuca fries as the appetizer. Okay, so I now know that like yuca. As for the garlic dipping oil, it doesn't cling to the yuca as an emulsified dipping sauce such as a mayo or aioli would. You run the risk of oil dripping from the yuca on to your clothes. Fair warning, this food isn't cheap. You do get plenty. If you are looking for a quick $15 meal after taxes this ain't it. Well maybe if you just get a sandwich or a kid's meal. Maybe. Expect to spend a little and sit a while to enjoy every single bite. Yo ordered the Caribbean Salmon. Like me she opted for the fried plantains Her beans and rice are separate. I didn't taste her dish. I mean I don't eat salmon. Hush! It just isn't my thing. She had zero complaints about her meal. I ordered the pollo salteado with my rice and beans mixed. This emails looks simple as in can "I can make this at home". Be ye not fooled. This dish has a lot of flavor and well seasoned. The only teeny tiny thing I wanted was something to dip the fried plantain in. Now it is crispy, crispy ie dry but tasty. I'm truly showing my American south roots by wanting to dip everything served to me. Take some time to check out the photos. Gorgeous plating. You eat with your eyes first. I forgot what martini I ordered. Mango? I don't know but it too was beautiful. Not strong enough for me though. Perfectly chilled and balanced.

We're baaaaacccckkk! Came in after a hour drive knowing they would take great care of me. We ordered the beef empanadas, Rabo Encendido (oxtails), and the Bistec Salteado(marinated steak). There was sweet tea, Coke, and white sangria I was ready to dive in! Everything was delicious and flavorful!!! Sangria was on point but don't expect a full glass . It is a regular serving. Great job as always!!

I decided to get takeout for dinner. I usually get the ropa vieja but I wanted to try the oxtails. This is the best oxtails I've had in a long time. They were so tender, flavorful and juicy. I was extremely impressed. All of the meals come with white and beans and plantains. I got the rice and beans separate so they're not pictured here. And I got the crispy plantains (tostones). This will most likely be my new go yo order now. The food didn't take long at all to make after I placed my order.

This is my favorite Cuban restaurant in the entire DMV! Everything I've had here across multiple visits has been delicious, though my standouts have been the ropa vieja, the white rice with black beans, their guava/cheese empanada, their yuca with garlic sauce, and their pernil (I told y'all I like practically their whole menu!) service has been excellent, whether it's just my wife and I, or if we're here with a larger group. Highly recommend!

The food was great! The croquetas were perfectly cooked and seasoned omggg. def recommend the vaca frita! The service was great. my server was helpful n attentive. i'm not sure if they were managers but all the staff was great. will def be coming back !

If you're looking authentic Cuban cuisine this the place. For all those saying that the food is salty, you're not used to seasoning. As a Latina, it's like having food from home.

Great Cuban spot. Food is always good and portions are usually pretty filling. Even the ceviche, which looked small, was decent. That said, it could have had more fish. Fried yuca is always incredible. Service was fine this time, but nothing special.

5 - Star food 5 - Star service 5 - Star Ambiance Absolutely outstanding in every category! I met a good friend here to celebrate their birthday and am so glad I remembered how yummy this place has been forEVER! We were seated in the main dining area in a nice and spacious booth. Started off with the shrimp and avocado appetizer (SO FLAVORFUL!!) with a side of bread to sop up the sauce !!! Sooooooo good! We both ordered the same entree! Can't remember the name but it's the only seafood that's served with yellow rice. SOOOOO flavorful with salmon, shrimp and scallops -and sweet plantains! We could have shared it! Leftovers for days! We then had the rum cake for dessert that was so rich and melted in our mouths ! This is my new FAV in this area! Oh and the Mango bomb was the bomb!!!!

Cuba de Ayer is a great place to get your Cuban cuisine fix. I had visited years ago and had not been impressed, but figured I'd give it another try, and I'm so glad I did. It was the perfect place to reminisce about Havana trips with an amazing friend. We made reservations and I'm glad we did because it is popular. Service was attentive and friendly. The hosts were also nice. Cuba de Ayer is very colorful and vibrant. We each had three guava mojitos, which were not too sweet but perfectly strong. We shared yuca frita, empanadas, aguacate de camarones, and lechon asado with tostones, rice, and beans. Everything was delicious. Yuca was perfectly fried and the mojo was great. Empanadas were crisp and well-filled with a tasty dipping sauce. We shared the beef, cheese, and chicken ones and the chicken ended up being my favorite. Shrimp with avocado was light and refreshing and was somewhat of a palate cleanser between the fried appetizers and the main course. Beans were divine and the pork and tostones were great. I wished we'd had room for dessert but I'll just have to try that on a return visit. I adore Cuban cuisine and cannot wait to return to Cuba de Ayer.