Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar - Cambridge
Cuban restaurant · North Cambridge ·
Cuban small plates, tapas, and rum-forward cocktails
Cuban small plates, tapas, and rum-forward cocktails
"Expanding from its original Waltham location (opened 2014), Gustazo is moving into the former Elephant Walk space at 2067 Massachusetts Ave. in Porter Square, Cambridge; the sizable two-level space spans more than 7,000 square feet with multiple dining rooms and two bars, and the Cambridge outpost places a heavier emphasis on beverages — cocktails developed in collaboration with Sam Treadway that highlight rum both in cocktails and for sipping — while the owners pursue a full liquor license for the new site." - Eater Staff
"First impressions are important—just ask Mr. Darcy from Pride & Prejudice—and Gustazo Cuban in Porter Square knows this. You’ll immediately notice the art-house film posters and salsa-heavy playlist coming out of the speakers, which makes it a place for a fun dinner, with dishes highlighting the Spanish, Caribbean, and African influences on Cuban cooking. Get the crispy fried yuca, mussels with a chorizo sauce, and savory-sweet guava-glazed ribs, and pair it all with one of the cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks that feature ingredients like tobacco spray and lapsang souchong tea. And while you can make a reservation, you don't really need one—the seats at the mosaic tile-lined back bar are usually open and are our favorite place to be." - tanya edwards, megan zhang, dan secatore
"With multiple levels, Gustazo has the space for a group night out with a menu to match. The small plates selection is flavor-packed, with plenty of easy to share options for a group — try the yuca frita and the croquetas. The bartenders shake up some incredible cocktails, and wine, beer, and mocktails as well." - Celina Colby, Erika Adams, Karen Wilber
"Of course the cinnamon-sugar coated churros at Gustazo are a perennial favorite. But the new key lime pie — at both its Waltham and Cambridge locations — is giving that dessert a run for its money. Served up in a glass goblet, each mini pie is topped with lime curd (bringing that perfect citrus zing), lime zest, and mini merengues that see a slight kiss from a blowtorch. It’s a bite that tempts to skip dinner and head right on over to dessert." - Nathan Tavares, Erika Adams
"Open since early 2019 (but with an older sibling in Waltham), Cuban restaurant Gustazo quickly made a splash in the neighborhood thanks to its bustling ambiance, flavorful small plates, and a cocktail list splashed with rum-based hits." - Julian Cohen, Eater Staff