La Cubana Restaurant

This place was recommended to us by our friend who said this was the best Cuban restaurant in Los Angeles, and he was telling the truth! The food was so good and the servers were so friendly. The three of us ordered the ropa vieja, the oxtails and the lechon, and all three dishes were spectacular. You get to pick 2 sides each and so we all ordered the same sides of sweet plantains and the moros (beans and rice cooked together). The moros I’ve had at other places are usually dry but this was very moist. I loved it! They also served us bread with butter beforehand and it was perfectly warm and toasted. A lot of the reviews said these portions were huge but I thought it was just right. I had a little lechon leftover so the server brought me some bread so I can make a tiny sandwich out of it when I get home. I’ll definitely be back here and will try some of the other dishes. We went about an hour before closing so they were already running out of some dishes.

The food was absolutely delicious! My dad is a regular here, and he took me and my husband for the first time—I wasn’t disappointed at all. We had the ropa vieja with white rice and black beans, the codfish with yuca in garlic mojo, and the boliche with congrí rice or moro rice, and of course we couldn't left out the sweet plantains. Everything was packed with flavor and tasted homemade. The tamales were exquisite, and the fried yuca was also amazing. The service was excellent—very friendly and attentive. We definitely recommend this place and would come back again once we return to LA. A wonderful experience!

We loved the food, and had the Filete de Tilapia, Ropa Vieja, Sandwich de Pollo and the Sandwich Cubano. Our favorite was Guava Pudin Callejero, if not mistaken(pictured)... Brenda (register/espresso "Cuban sweet or regular") or maybe Brenda was the server and didn't get your name, but thank you for your hospitality! Catering would be something we would love to have you do for a birthday and will call...

One of the best Cuban restaurants I have had in a while. Everything was delicious and authentic. Came in on a Friday night just after 6pm. Party of 4, we sat right down and ordered appetizers, papa rellenas and empanadas cubanas and drinks, Cuban sodas and sangria. Everything took a reasonable amount of time taking into consideration that it was a little busy. The server was a little slow to check up but not so long that you felt forgotten. Dinner was ordered... Ropa vieja, Lechón asado, pan con bistec, yuca frita, yuca con mojo, moros and maduros were ordered and IT WAS ALL AMAZING. Portions were sizable and flavors on point. And of course cortaditos and flan for dessert. FANTASTICO!! Definitely will be back to try other dishes in the menu.

Pretty good Cuban food. The pork dish is absolutely delicious. The yuca is average. The bread is truly Cuban bread unlike other Cuban restaurants. Media noche sandwich is very good. And the flan is a must! Had the plain flan but they also have caramel one.

My family has been coming to this place since day 1. (At their original spot) I am never disappointed with their food and service. You can never go wrong with what they offer. If you are a non speaking Spanish person they will help you out on the choice of plate. Highly recommend this gem for lunch and dinner.

Great authentic cuban food! We ordered the beef tongue and the oxtail. Both were really good. The taste and the portions. I’d recommend complementing them with ‘moros’ and with ‘yuca’.

Great service. Very good food. We really enjoyed this place. We'll be back.

Excellent family run Cuban hole in the wall that has been there for many decades located in a small strip mall. Wonderful Cubano and fries! Lots of wonderful meats and seafood all Cuban style with the black beans and rice. Cuban coffee and desserts too! Small dining room is great to dine at or take out from. Super friendly service from longtime employees and family members. This is a historic Cuban cafe of LA that should be tried! Plenty of street parking around.

I don't know. I came here since I knew the place from back in the 80s. When they were on Colorado. Was not very impressed. I guess the locals just want something different to eat. Cuban sandwich ok Ropa Vieja ok Bistec Encebollado ok Maduros ok White rice and Black beans, need more flavor. The steak needed flavor, had a nasty after taste. I was a bit disappointed. I know the name, the family and food. But this place needs a better cook or someone needs to step into the kitchen and tweak. Service was slow. Came in on a Saturday.

I have to preface this by saying that I am not too familiar with Cuban fare. My wife and I love Versailles, Baracoa, and Porto's. Our exposure is limited, but what we have tried we have absolutely appreciated. That having been said, we stopped by La Cubana on Saturday after an event at The Americana. I wanted to have my kids try Cuban food. I was excited for them to try the Lechon Asado, and the results were...underwhelming. Word to the wise, do not sit in the far right back corner. It's a small, enclosed space with hard flat walls. It created a weird echo effect so that it was incredibly difficult to hold a conversation. Service was great, they were prompt, welcoming and very gracious. We wanted to order 1 Lechon Asado, 1 Rabo Encindido (Ox Tail) and a simple Sopa de Pollo (chicken soup). They were out of the Rabo and soup...so 3 Lechon Asado it was. I guess the next table over from us had gotten the last potion of ox tail, and it looked delicious. Bottom line, the Lechon was very dry. I'm not sure as to which restaurant follows a more authentic recipe, but this was lacking the citrus and fulfilling richness I had grown accustomed to. It was just slightly salted, dry roast pork. There really wasn't much in the way of seasonings at all. The black beans were great though, and were the highlight of the meal. Either way, if you're hungry, I guess this will do the trick. But I'd make the drive at least to Burbank for Mambo's if I'm ever in the area and craving again.

I felt like Cuban food so I stopped by La Cubana in Glendale to check it out. Everything I ordered was good. Presentation of the food is not their strong point, but the favors of the items ordered makes up for it. La Cubana has been in business since 1973, so what they are doing works. Downside: Service was on the slow side, because there is only one person taking care of the front house and phone orders. Also, some of their menu "best sellers", were not available. Dessert menu items are freshly made every Thursdays. Payment: Card and Cash. Parking: sux! Front of the restaurant or street - good luck.

After 40 minutes waiting, then the waiter comes and tell us that the white rice is not ready and it will take longer. Wo

I love coming to La Cubana. I have been going to this pace since the 90's, when it was located on Colorado boulevard located in Glendale. It still has that grandmas kitchen table feeling. I had the Ropa Vieja with moros and tostones. This dish is one of my favorites. It's a shredded beef stew. Moros is black beans and rices fired together and it's pretty amazing. My husband had picadillo with white rice and cuban black beans. He loves to eat his sides separately. Picadillo is basically ground beef stew too. Last but not least, we sahara the avocatè ensalada. This dish has onions and a light white vinaigrette with olive oil. If you are looking for homemade Cuban food, this is your spot. It's a Glendale staple.

Haven't been here in a few years And I hate to say this but the food is not good how it used to be; it lacked flavor Staff was friendly but the service wasn't the best

We were craving Cuban food. Our old go-to, La Taverna Cubana, has closed up shop. The Uber Eats reviews were good. The food was absolutely atrocious. The Cuban sandwiches were tasteless. We had to add more pickles (each had just one) and mustard just to make them edible. The french fries and beef empanadas were inedible. We took one bite and tossed them in the trash where they belonged. The "fried plantains" were actually tostones -- and served with a container of olive oil and crushed garlic. Traditional preparation? Sure. But aside from the pungent garlic oil they were also tasteless. Horribly disappointed first impression that won't be getting a second try.

Absolutely love the catch that I discovered this little Cuban gem in Glendale California. Felt like being back home in Hialeah. Cuban cuisine is always hits the spot. The service and ambience was superb. I had the typical Cuban dish. Arroz blanco palomilla steak black beans and platanitos maduros. We also ordered the ham croquetas. I isn't get a chance to take pictures because as soon as the food came to the table we went right at it. I'm not too familiar with other Cuban spot out here in Los Angeles but I highly recommend this spot for anyone curious to try this place. I will definitely be coming back soon. Gracias La cubana !!!

I have been dining at La Cubana since they were on Colorado, then Maryland and now at their current location. I don't think I care to return. The wait staff is not good, they were not attentive and VERY slow. I had ordered lechón which is a staple of their menu just to find out fifteen minutes after ordering that they had run out. I replaced my order with a chicken dish which left a lot to be desired. Time for me to find a new Cuban restaurant.

What a delicious meal! I was craving Cuban food and found this spot. There's parking right outside but it gets pretty busy. It's a small little restaurant with about 5-6 tables. There was only one waiter working the tables but she was pretty quick. We ordered an empanada and it was perfect texture and crunch level but I wish there was more meat inside just because it was that good. We got the shrimp in spicy creole sauce and the oxtail. Both entrees comes with two side of your choice. We picked rice, plantains and stir fried veggies. Stir fried veggies were pretty bland but everything else was so tasty!! Loved loved loved the oxtail, I feel like you have to get this if you go to a Cuban restaurant and it sure didn't disappoint. I'm sure we inhaled the food.

Delicious authentic Cuban food (stews, meats, plantains, rice), great portions and great prices. Service is more casual and slowed down, but friendly. Spanish speakers definitely welcome.

Childhood restaurant and came back 30 years later! Glad they are still around saving their Cuban heritage and their parent's savory family recipes! Food was authentic and loved your cute restaurant ! I will say I missed the family smoked flavored morro!! I was looking forward to that. Hint hint. Ropa vieja was so tender perfect sauce! Cuban media noche was fresh with perfectly toasted bread! Service was slow but I know your servers were trying their best! The best was the Cuban sampler! Everything was just tasty! Your tamales also hit the spot!!

Been there a few times over the last 7 or so years. Good food and the place has a down home/someone's living room feel to it somehow. Nice staff. I called before going there the last time to make sure they were going to be open. They said "yes, until 8". I show up with a date around 530 but the front doors were locked...and chained from the outside! There were folks inside sitting at tables so I called...but no answer. Either it was closed for a private event suddenly or the people inside were prisoners. Annoying. But I'll be back I guess.

Cute little hole in the wall Cuban place! Food is cheap and tasty, service is quick and friendly! Tried the fries, plantains, and we had some sandwiches and they were all delicious as a great price! Highly recommend this place for a quick cheap Cuban lunch!

Amazing fresh Cuban food! The vegetarian options were delicious and real authentic Cuban food! I totally recommend this little hole in the wall.

I don't know what to say. I don't think I'm going to eat at any more places in Glendale. Every place I've been to in that city from expensive steakhouses to ramen to buffets to Chinese food has been abysmal. I don't know what it is with this area that every restaurant turns out to be a major disappointment, but unfortunately you can add La Cubana to the list. Now, I want to preface what is going to be a negative review by saying that the staff are incredibly friendly and there seemed to be a handful of people who came in for take out while we were there, so someone must like this. I, however, grew up as a child in Florida and was used to eating in Little Havana all the time. I've found some okay to good Cuban restaurants in Los Angeles over the years, but many have ever fluctuating levels of quality and consistency or in the case of El Floridita (my favorite) the prices are insanely high. So, I had this place bookmarked for awhile. Cuban food is one of my favorites. My mom cooked it, even though she was Puerto Rican, and she taught my missus how to cook it. My point is my bar is pretty high. And, here are the two reasons this restaurant was such a dismal failure. First, the portions are incredibly tiny. Even the tostones (fried green plantains) were miniature in size to what they are everywhere else in the world. Also, nothing had any flavor. Cuban food should be garlicky and salty and heavy in flavor, but everything tasted like it wasn't even salted at all. It was one of the blandest meals I've ever had. We started with the combo appetizer. The yucca frita wasn't bad, but the picadillo inside the empanadas and papa rellenos was incredibly bland. The pan con bistec was bizarre. I don't know why but they don't put the french fries on the side and the menu doesn't say they just smash them into the sandwich. This wasn't how it should be. The camarones al ajillo (shrimp in garlic) had 7 teeny tiny shrimp and was very greasy, but it wasn't terrible. The maduros and tostones tasted okay but I had to salt the tostones like everything else that came to the table. The moros was bland. The masitas de cerdo was clearly not marinated the way it should be for a night or two. It has zero flavor of mojo. I also ordered a side of the frijoles blancos - a white bean soup with ham, because it sounded like a play on the hard to find caldo gallego soup that is my favorite. Considering it wasn't a soup and was a white bean side dish, I was surprised how few beans were in the actual bowl. It was all sauce. Otherwise, parking is easy to find on the street and they share a corner lot in their strip mall with some other businesses, so parking is easy. Also, it's a very small place with maybe 4 small tables, so I guess it's mainly for take out. But, we didn't have any trouble getting a table on a weekday early dinner. I am always looking for a new great Cuban restaurant. Unfortunately, this ain't it. I won't be coming back and I cannot recommend it.

Miami native and Cuban born husband: this place is very authentic! Their main dishes such as La Ropa Vieja, La Vaca Frita y el Rabo Encendido are spot on! It's great service, waitresses are attentive. It's been our best go-to since moving to LA from Miami.

The food was really good. I had the Ropa vieja and the fam had chicken and fish. All the plates were really good but still not 100% authentic. The service was good too, the staff were all nice and friendly. I haven't been here in years so I was looking forward to enjoy some live music but it is a different owner I Was kinda sad that they didn't have batido de mamey or Hatuey Malta lol. Overall, it was really good.

According to my Los Angeles friends, this is THE best Cuban restaurant in town. I had the opportunity to find out for myself. I'm Cuban, so I was curious about how the food would be. I was shocked at how good it was! Do not let the humble storefront deceive you. I lived in Miami for a number of years and I can say that La Cubana's food is as good as any Cuban food I had in Miami. Even the Cuban bread. Impressive. We had the chicken fricasee with moros and maduros, a pan con bistec, and an Ironbeer. All excellent. Sadly, they were not able to make milkshakes, so I'll have to try that at my next opportunity.

Overall the food was good, the service was great but their portions are small. I was expecting more than 4 plantains for 5$. The restaurant is small and only has six indoor tables, but for their business hrs it makes sense. The taste is pretty authentic to Cuba, so it's worth going back.

I hate to do this, but the food here was not good. Very nice people, and prepared my to-go order fast, but that's about it. I got a Cuban sandwich, steak sandwich, plantains, and rice/beans. The beans were the only decent thing. Neither sandwich seemed like it had been on a plancha, as the break was not crisp nor was the cheese on the Cuban melted. The steak sandwich has large fries instead of small matchstick, and they were super soggy and unseasoned. The steak was also unseasoned but also super tough. Unseasoned seemed ti be the common denominator here. The Cuban also had no mayo or pickles, and the pork was like leather. Rather unfortunate, but I hope I was just a bad order for the day and this isn't the standard. Hope everyone else has a better experience.

Simple restaurant, delicious food! Can't go wrong with this spot. Looking forward to coming back soon.

This place is amazing! Service, food, price, everything! My wife & I found it on yelp, gave it a shot, and we're extremely happy with our choice.

The only cuban food worth trying in LA. The best moros, yuca, bistec de palomilla sand which cubano for the last 35 years! I loooovvvvveeeeeee this place

Food is absolutely wonderful. Service is so good. Great Cuban food. You must try it. Best Cuban coffee.

Fresh, good quality Cuban food. Good service and always packed! Don't miss this gem in Glendale! Parking lot too.

I had my daughter's engagement party catered by La Cubana Restaurant and everyone was very pleased with the food. We had the roast pork, moro, yucca and maduros. Maria Fernanda helped with the menu and the price was very reasonable. She communicated with me at all times and the food was ready and fresh when we picked up the food. I will be sure to use La Cubana again.

The steak plate was disappointing. Food portions do not justify the price. The plating could use a little improvement as well.

I was looking for a Cuban restaurant and this restaurant was very good. I had the pork dish and of course the fried yuca and I recommend trying both of those. The ambience is cozy and the staff was nice. I give this restaurant 4 1/2 stars

If you are looking for nice ambiance this is not the place for you. This is a very small restaurant in an ugly strip mall. Their hours of operation is very limited but their food is very good. It is hard to find a good Cuban restaurant in So. Cal but La Cubana offers delicious food at very reasonable prices.

I've been going to this restaurant for about 20 years, and the food has always been good. I also order for Thanksgiving and Christmas as well. I picked up my food on Sunday, Christmas eve. I was having people over for dinner. Well, I have to say it's the worse food I've ever purchased. The lechon wasn't cooked all the way, it was pink, it was dried and had no flavor. I ended up cooking the pork a little bit more, which made it even drier, and having to add seasoning salt as it had no flavor whatsoever. Even the rice was hard and had no flavor, it was like steam rice. I wish I could say I saved the day, but hardly anybody ate it. I ended up throwing everything away. The only thing I kept were the plantains. What a disaster! It's sad that the owner or the chef didn't bother to taste the food before getting it ready to give to clients. I don't think I'll be ordering food from "La Cubana" any time soon.

If you're looking for a true taste of Cuba in Glendale, look no further than La Cubana. Walking into this cozy restaurant, you'll immediately feel like you've been transported to the streets of Havana. The colorful decor, lively music, and warm greeting from the staff will make you feel right at home. But the real star of the show is the food. The most popular dish here is definitely the ropa vieja, and for good reason. The tender, shredded beef cooked in a savory tomato sauce with onions and peppers is absolutely mouthwatering. It's served with a generous portion of fluffy white rice and perfectly seasoned black beans, making for a filling and satisfying meal. If you're feeling adventurous, be sure to try the empanadas as an appetizer. The crispy fried shell gives way to a flavorful filling of ground beef and spices, with just the right amount of heat. And if you're a fan of mojitos, La Cubana's version is one of the best I've had. Service here is friendly and attentive, and the prices are reasonable for the quality of food. The only reason I'm giving four stars instead of five is that the portion sizes are a bit on the smaller side. But overall, La Cubana is a fantastic spot for a taste of Cuba in the heart of Glendale.

The 1/2 fried chicken is the best! So juicy, crispy and garlicky. I always order it with boiled yucca and moros (black beans mix with rice). I mostly order delivery from Uber Eats so I can only imagine how much better it tastes dining in. Potato balls are almost twice as big as Portos...as well as the empanadas. The flan and bread pudding are also delicious when they're not sold out. As far as Lechon I prefer the more crispy style at El Cochinito on Sunset but everything else at La Cubana is just as good if not better.

i found my order was not taken care of when i arrived and i ordered a couple sandwiches on site but they were not good at all. the cubano sandwich was not at all what i was expecting and was just sub par. i really wanted the appetizer sampler but they didn't have which i found to be a big drag.

I can't wait to go back to this place. My friend invites me to try a Cuban food. I tried their ropa vieja and it was out of this world. The place is small but clean with great service.

Very good and helpful employees here at this location. Ropa Vieja with rice and black beans. I recommend this location to everyone I know.

Being that I am of Cuban descent there is this never ending journey to find the best Cuban food in California. Have tried many with similar disappointing results. Now on to the holy grail of the west coast..... La Cubana is a very humble restaurant in Glendale that has been around since 1973. It has moved locations throughout the years, but one thing that has never changed is the authenticity of the cuisine you are served. You come to La Cubana solely for "A Taste Of Cuba" in its true essence. Now on to the food..... You can start with the papa rellena which has tasty picadillo filling and is not greasy or squished. If you are an adventurous eater I would go with in order of preference, the 1) Rabo Encendido or 2) Lengua en Salsa de Tomate. Both are marinated and cooked so perfectly that the meat disintegrates as soon as you take a bite. The top traditional dishes that you cannot go wrong with are the Ropa Vieja that is made the traditional way here (with a saucy tomato base). Heavenly. Drives me crazy going to a CR and they serve tips vieja dry. Don't mess with my emotions please. If you are a pork lover the Lechón Asado is the best around. Very Large juicy portion served and is marinated with Lechonera as well as citrus . The flavors are abundant with not too much comino which is a good thing. Order a side of congris con yucca or frijoles negros (Amazing!!!!!!). Boliche Asado is excellent. Dessert: go with the Dulce de Leche Cuban flan....OMG!!!!! With a cortadito on the side and you will not eat anything else for the rest of the day as your life is complete. Don't miss this spot if you are in LA or OC. I live in Laguna Niguel and take the long drive up just for the experience of true cuisine. Please enjoy and look forward to reading your experiences here. Salud y que vive Cuba!

Great food and service. After so many years still is great. Disappointed that today they didn't have Cuban Ox Tail my favorite. What's a Cuban Restaurant without Rabo encendido

Food was scrumptious as always. Everything was fresh, made to order and delicious! I highly recommend La Cubana!

Excellent service, excellent food and excellent prices. I had no idea this place existed and asked someone for a suggestion. I'm glad we came.

Absolutely my favorite Cuban restaurant (and I am Cuban)! Been going there for years and receive consistently delicious authentic Cuban food. I would go there much more often if they were closer to my home.

While it seems a bit overpriced, this is down-home. excellent Cuban food. Everything I've tried here has been wonderful, and the staff are quite friendly. I love the unique atmosphere as well. Always a treat to eat here!

Fantastic food. I especially liked the ham crochets and potato balls. They were better than Portos Bakery.

I am Cuban. This restaurant offers delicious, authentic, clean Cuban food in a wonderful atmosphere with excellent customer service. If you're looking for a genuine experience that honors and does the Cuban culture right, that transcends you to a very special and magical trip to Cuba herself for just a little while, you cannot go wrong with this restaurant. There may not be any other Cuban restaurant in LA County that offers such a sweet experience. She is definitely worth the trip.

My partner and I are visiting from Hollywood, FL and came here while in town to have some Cuban food. We ordered the ham croquettes which were yummy as an appetizer. I had the Pan con Bistec which was delicious. Anabel was our server and she was Awesome & attentive.

Food was really good and juicy Just the customer service was horrible/rude. The girl that was serving us, kind of brushed us off. Bringing 5 people 3 waters (After asking her for water for everyone)

Wow, simple and delicious. I recommend this place 100%. Great service and yummy food.

This place is amazing. Great food and really nice people.. very worth it. Black Beans and Rice