If you are familiar with Cuba’s Cookin’, you know it has been present in the restaurant scene for many, many years, 26 to be exact, and this month, it happens to be its anniversary. When a restaurant has been in business for so long, that can only mean one thing: it is good at that it does.
I visited them once as part of an Oranjestad food tour, and I remember it making a good impression! Now, as a food reporter for The Renaissance Marketplace, Cuba’s Cooking was one of my top places to visit. What is new? What keeps them popular? I was so curious to try it all, and oh, I did.
Located right at the entrance of The Marketplace on the right side, Cuba’s Cookin’ has the prime spot! Impossible to miss, the decor is really interesting, displaying all over a beautiful and colorful art collection from Cuba that the owner, Douglas Markus, has amassed for over 30 years. The vibe is bohemian, Cuban Salón.
For you to have the ultimate Cuba’s Cookin’ experience, you have to start your evening at the Mojito Bar, they have over 10 different iterations of this cocktail, a crowd favorite. How can you not have one at least, to beat the heat of an island evening?
I had two different ones, the classic and the berry mojito. Both perfect, no notes, 10/10. Just look at them!
Cuba’s Cookin’ has been working on revamping its menu to refresh it and show some versatility, while staying true to its essence. Chef Martín Campos was in charge of it, adding a variety of dishes and zhuzhing up the presentations.
Adriana Danjo, the Restaurant Manager, gave me the best recommendations and insight into what the favorites are here.
“The ceviche has a lot of people coming back, it’s a local favorite”, Adriana declared. It’s made daily, with a great balance of spice, acidity, and seasonings. Gone in a second.
$17
Classic Cuban dish, this plate of nibbles, fried pork meat, and onions, is a good entry to Cuban sazón, comes with lime wedges to squeeze on top of it, brightening everything up.
$16
Being a sandwich fan here, I could not believe I hadn’t tried this one! A panini-style bread and presentation, filled with thick-cut ham, pork, cheese, and sweet pickles, just everything. A mustard-based sauce on the side to dip and enhance the flavors. You’ll never regret ordering this one, it was perfect in my eyes.
$13.50
Hear me out: it is not about the calamari rings (which were great and abundant), it is about the sauce. Not the typical heavy mayo-based, this one is tangy, has an interesting kick to it.
$18
Shrimp in a tomato sauce broth, something I would call “guiso”, with garlic, peppers, a light touch of cayenne, with the classic Cuban sides: black beans (super tasty and tender), rice, and fried plantain. It’s a dish that allows you to have a taste of the Cuban flair without being too heavy.
$34
This dish is great for someone like me, who can’t decide what to order more often than not. This is the treat here, because it comes with 3 different proteins. BBQ Ribs, Ropa Vieja (shredded meat), and a pork steak. 3 completely different flavor profiles, all super delicious. I was surprised by the ginger kick in the ribs’ sauce. The sides are the same standard Cuban sides. I say you could share this one.
$36
What’s Cuban about Seafood Pasta, you might ask? Well, they say it is very popular there, in Cuba, seafood is plentiful, it’s a classic comfort dish, and the creamy, white wine sauce is way lighter, and to that I agree. The sauce was light and well seasoned, shrimp, squid rings, and mussels were all cooked to the right point, as well as the pasta, it’s a big portion, for the big appetite folks, and you can’t tell me it doesn’t look appetizing!
$32
What’s not to like? Just by reading the title, you know it is a winner.
$11
A very interesting take. This one is a whipped mix of cream cheese, which makes it lighter. It has white rum and a mint syrup drizzled on top. All key flavors of the cocktail.
$12
As for deals and happenings, they have Live Entertainment every day, with a 2x1 Happy Hour on drinks from 9-10 PM. They have a vegan menu, and they open for lunch. I know I am going back for that sandwich very soon!
Will I add Cuba’s Cookin’ to my list of recommendations? Of course! Especially in Aruba, our small island, where every experience that makes a difference is appreciated. The Cuisine and the decor make it interesting, fully out of the ordinary, and so tasty
Special thanks to Brenda for the fantastic service. If you go there, she’s the one!
