Central Florida has a distinct Hispanic culture, and with that flavor profile follows delicious meals. Thus, when it comes to Cuban cuisine, it does not let us down. However, with such a wide range of Cuban restaurants, it’s hard to know which one is legit.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the 5 best Cuban restaurants in the area. They are Cubans On The Run, Old Cuban Cafe, Rey’s Cuban Cafe, Zaza’s Cuban Diner, and Black Bean Deli. For detailed reviews, check our article below.
Cubans On The Run: Our Winner
Address: 2956 S US Hwy 17/92 Casselberry, Orlando, Florida.
Phone: (407) 339-2272
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 9 am – 9 pm; Sunday: Closed
Cubans on the Run is the best Cuban restaurant in Orlando.
It is well-known for serving exquisite Cuban cuisine at an unbelievable price! There’s something for everybody on the list, from traditional Cuban snacks to breaded steaks. Their traditional dishes are designed to please your palate sensations with every piece.
For the 2 consecutive years, Cubans on the Run has been listed in the best eateries in the Orlando region by Urban Spoon. They work hard to please their clients and deserve an excellent reputation in the Central Florida community.
Must-order dishes: Hawaiian Cuban Sandwich ($6.99 to $7.99), Roast Pork ($10.75), Roast Pork Sandwich ($6.99 to $7.99), Picadillo ($9.50), Beef Stew ($11.50), and Brenda’s Specialty Sandwich ($8.99 to $9.99).
As mentioned above, all of their dishes are affordable, and people love their menu’s diversity. They provide sandwiches and hot meals, kid plans, soups, salads, side dishes, drinks, and desserts. Check their full menu here.
Old Cuban Cafe: The Most Authentic Vibe
Address: 1672 N Goldenrod Rd, Orlando, Florida 32807
Phone: (407) 823-7777
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 6 am -7 pm; Sunday: 8 am – 5 pm
This cafe, situated in a shopping plaza, delivers mesmerizing Cuban experience. The taste of the cuisine and the diner’s design as soon as you walk by its gate. The menu includes all of your Cuban faves and is prepared to excellence.
It’s broad and authentic – it includes whatever a Cuban mother would prepare for you at home. This cafe has a friendly, easygoing atmosphere, and if you visit when bands are playing, it could be the most Cuban experience you could ever find in Central Florida.
Must-order dishes: Bisctec Empanizado ($15.99), Autentico Cubano (Authentic Cuban Sandwich) ($10.99), Vaca Frita ($14.99), Churrasco ($21.99), Cuban Deluxe ($13.99), Especial Cubano (Special Cuban Sandwich) ($11.99).
Like Cubans On The Run, they offer a wide range of food from sandwiches, hot meals, kid plans, soups, salads, seafood to side dishes, drinks, and desserts. Check their full menu here.
Rey’s Cuban Cafe: The Most Affordable
Address: 7800 S US Highway 17/92 # 194, Fern Park, FL 32730-2243
Phone: +1 407-260-2434
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 7 am – 8 pm; Saturday – Sunday: 8 am – 7pm
Look for a “food on the run” site? Rey’s Cuban Cafe is for you.
The parking space, which is near this eatery, is stashed away in a semi-used crowded mall. Nevertheless, you could see a Cuban flag on one side and an American flag on the other in the frames from across the driveway, and you’re sure that you’ll taste the flavor of the islands.
As soon as you step in, you can feel the freshly baked Cuban pastry. The vibe is similar to enjoying cards on your grandpa’s back deck. Each seat is covered with vintage Cuban artwork, giving it a typical café with Cuban quirks.
It’s a rudimentary sit-down café, but its bread is the true star. Rey’s Cafe is the place to come if you want to try authentic Cuban bread or desserts at a decent cost. Whether you dine in or take it on the run, it’s a fantastic lunchtime destination.
Must-order dishes: Pan Con Bistec ($8.49), Pechuga De Pollo a La Plancha ($9.99), Tres Leches ($2.99), Bistec a La Milanesa ($12.49), Croqueta Preparada ($6.99), Media Noche Sandwich ($7.49)
Their menu is also full of dishes from appetizers to beverages and desserts. Check their full menu here.
Zaza’s Cuban Diner: The Most Bustling
Address: 3500 Curry Ford Rd Orlando, FL 32806
Phone: (407) 228-0060
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7 am – 9 pm
Zaza’s is somewhat a “diner” than an eatery, yet it is often busy, lending it a distinctive Cuban flavor. The Waterford Town Center facility is incredibly renowned, and we agree we were reluctant at first since it didn’t look like it has an authentic Cuba atmosphere.
Yet guess what? It didn’t let us down. The menu includes all of your Cuban faves, everybody speaks the language, and you could see the preparation there in front of your eyes, exactly like at home.
And it was packed with people. The meal was delicious and deserving of a return visit. It’s fantastic to have an excellent Cuban establishment competing with the big players in the Town Center and succeeding. Here’s a bonus: it also offers a tasty breakfast.
Must-order dishes: Cuban Sandwich ($10.50), Quesitos ($10 – $12), Vaca Frita ($13.40), Ropa Vieja ($12.10), Breakfast Combo ($8.10), Mojo Chicken ($10.80), Lechon Asado ($12.10), Palomilla Steak ($13.40).
See the site’s full menu here.
Black Bean Deli: The Most Famous
Address 2: 1835 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: (407) 203-0922
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 8am – 8pm; Sunday: 9am – 4pm
This is probably one of the most famous Cuban restaurants among Central Florida residents, and it’s easy to see why. The site boasts a more contemporary design, but the food is still pretty classic.
The menu is short, yet it contains all the “must-haves” for Cuban food. Sandwiches including pan con bistec mingle alongside vegan empanadas. Everything you wish to have in Cuban cuisine is here.
The weekend specialties, such as ropa vieja or fried pig bits, encourage you to explore something new. It’s not the most authentically Cuban spot to visit, but it’s nonetheless quite welcomed by Cubans.
Must-order dishes: Empanadas ($2.5), Cuban Sandwich ($9.5), White or Yellow Rice (8oz $1.5, 16oz $2.5, 32oz $4.5), Papas Rellenas ($2.5), Picadillo ($9.75).
See its full menu here.
Wrapping Up
There you have it – our top 5 best Cuban restaurants in Orlando. While the differences between the sites aren’t much, Cuban On The Run is still considered the best. Feel free to try the options and comment below.
For more traveling advice, visit our Findings site. We’ve also discussed the best eateries to try in Larchmont.
