Excellent food, self-service less than desirable though. Prices are in line with sit-down restaurants so prices should not substantially increase if service is introduced. read more

Amazing place with variety of delicious dishes to choose from different Latin American countries. Great service and loved all the delicious pasties. This place is good for when traveling and want to have a quick stop without waiting long for food or when very hungry and want good homemade food. read more

Cocina Cafe - Latin American Near Me - Palm Bay, Florida

My family got take out here for the first time and I can honestly say I am not impressed. They have many food options with a relaxed vibe and a menu that changes daily. Today was primarily chicken so I decided to try the rotisserie chicken. I only eat white meat and instead of being able to purchase just a breast or individual pieces, I had to buy the entire half a chicken. The spices were good but the chicken was as dry as the desert. I also ordered mashed potatoes which were terrible with zero flavor and steamed vegetables which they were out of. My boys all got steak sandwiches and enjoyed them. I will have to try one eventually although I am not anxious to return. We also got dessert to go. I love cheesecake and got the strawberry cheesecake. It was some of the worst cheesecake I have ever eaten. Not one strawberry, just some strawberry flavored gelatin on top and the cheesecake itself was as dense as a brick. Yuk. I did not bother taking pictures because the food was not photo worthy. I gave the place more than one star only because the service is good and friendly. The prices are far too high for such low quality. 64 dollars total. Too much for food that is only memorable because of the lack of quality and taste, sadly. read more

The chicken and cheese empanadas were good and not greasy. Unfortunately, dinner was disappointing. The food was bland, dry, and overpriced. I was charged an extra $2 for two dry hard tostones that seemed like they'd been sitting out for hours, and $6 for a very small extra piece of salmon because the original portion was tiny compared to the large serving of dry moro I got. read more

Best coffee in town. And best Cuban in town. Move up here from SoFla and this did not disappoint. There are plenty of crap Cuban places here, but this is not one of them! Cafe con leche of my dreams read more

Cocina Cafe - Latin American Near Me - Palm Bay, Florida

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The latest newest restaurant in Palm Bay. Sadly it do not meet most people's expectations but in no way makes it a bad experience. This restaurant is owned by the same people that own thrifty product. Because of that, they don't really understand restaurant service. It's run like a cafeteria just like you would expect from a grocery store. The scene is just one large open area like a school cafeteria. The line to order food even wraps around the seat in area so if you're trying to eat your food there people will stand next to your table and enjoy your private conversation. This is why I only order take out from here. The selection of food is very large and wide. Sadly it's mostly flavourless but there are a few good choices. The roasted pork is actually very good. Some of their pulled pork and chicken was pretty good. The biggest food fail he rice and the spice. The rice looks like good yellow Spanish rice but taste like nothing. Most of their food is very plain and bland and doesn't have flavor. Just like you'd expect for my normal cafeteria. I would suggest the Roastes Pork! It's pretty good and after sitting in the fridge over night it gets even better! There was a orange colored pulled pork that is really good as well. Come early! Because they sell out. read more

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When it comes to quick-serve Spanish food, most people living on the Space Coast will probably refer you to the hot kitchen of any of the Thrifty Produce supermarkets. Originally on Palm Bay Rd. just east of Babcock St., the business has expanded to have stores in Melbourne, Rockledge, and Cocoa, from what I am told. However, there are many who simply go to Thrifty Produce just for their hot food. Ergo, it is great that the owners opened Cocina Cafe. Summarized, it is Thrifty Produce's hot kitchen expanded into a restaurant. With the space of a restaurant, Cocina Cafe now has room for tables and chairs for customers, especially families, to sit down and enjoy their meals together. This was something you could not do at the hot kitchen at Thrifty Produce. Cocina Cafe also made use of all their space for sitting which includes outdoor seating in the storefront. I will say that outdoor seating might be avoided during the summertime months since Florida does get hot, but at least they have umbrellas for shade. Since Cocina Cafe is new, they are still trying to get their strides and groove when it comes to how they run. There is a singular line, one way in, one way out. This means customers who simply want a pastry or a smoothie may have to wait awhile for their food as the hot kitchen meals are first and most who come here want that. I did not see any "convenience cutting" in line for such but maybe that is allowable. I understand. I mean, why wait 15 minutes in the hot kitchen/food section of the line when all you want is a guava pastry and a cup of coffee? As for the food, it is everything you see at the hot kitchen at Thrifty Produce plus more. You order your food by choosing your kind of base (rice, veggies, beans), a side (yuca, plantains), then your main (beef, chicken, etc.). There are also hot sandwiches such as the Cuban and Tripleta. The bakery has a nice selection of Latin and Jamaican pastries for customers to enjoy. Cocina Cafe also serves fruit smoothies and coffeehouse drinks too. Overall, my first experience was very good, but the overall wait and the fact you do not know what hot food is offered until you get to that part of the line are minute hindrances. Also, restrooms are bare bones but at least clean. I will give Cocina Cafe an initial rating of four out of five stars. I am sure it will be better if they improve but for first impressions, Cocina Cafe is a welcome indie restaurant that is needed in the Malabar/Bayside Lakes area. read more

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Cocina Cafe 1150 Malabar Rd. Palm Bay, FL 32907 5 Stars Looking at the name Cocina Cafe on my random name generator, I realized one thing about myself. While I dreaded going OTB, I would do so without a qualm for two reasons: good food from South of the Border and the Caribbean Sushi. First, I was taken aback by the overwhelming assault of delicious aromas attacking my olfactory organ and the staggering amount of choices when I entered. Running the gambit from beans and rice to whole fried fish the menu changes daily and does not appear to be locked into any one country or region of the globe. Don't get me wrong, it does have a heavy Latin influence, but you will also find rotisserie chicken on the menu for Mondays and Beef with Broccoli makes an appearance on Thursdays. Regretting not taking Spanish in school I was saved from any awkwardness by Zuleyka. She came to my rescue and walked me through this amazing cafeteria-style restaurant. While the choices seemed endless, I managed to narrow it down to a few of the proffered delectable. With Zuleyka ever at my side, I ordered some Roasted Pork, Fried Pork Rinds, fried red Snapper, Beef with Ziti, Beef Blood Sausage and mashed plantains. Perhaps it was because I came early, which I am glad I did, but judging by everything else, I don't think that was why everything was so fresh and delicious. As the tender, juicy piece of roasted pork in my mouth can attest, this was a far cry from your typical cafeteria. The pork was not top-shelf, but it didn't come from the bottom of the food service barrel either. It was seasoned perfectly and cooked with undeniable love and skill. The Fried Pork Rinds were nothing like the bag you can get in the chip aisle at Publix. If you've had the real deal, I don't need to tell you this. These were magnificent on the palate: crispy, light, and flavorful with just a hint of spice. Exquisito! This brings me to the plat du moment, the friend Red Snapper. I don't know how they do it; all I know is that every time I try to fry anything at home, parts are done perfectly, parts are well done, and parts are sushi. This was not the case here. The Red Snapper was fried to a mouthwatering conclusion. Moving along, I sampled the Beef Ziti. As I worked it across my palate, I couldn't help but notice that this had to be some of the most flavorful Italian-esque food I've had in any restaurant. The sauce was fresh and spicy, and I found the Ziti to be cooked perfectly al dente. Ben fatto! Forcing myself to forgo more Beef Ziti, I turned my attention to the Beef Blood Sausage. Found in nearly every cuisine on the planet, the Blood Sausage is one of mankind's oldest meals. It varies from country to country and region to region with a myriad of ingredients. I don't know what version this was; all I know is that it was extremely good. If not seasoned correctly, blood sausage can easily be overpowering or too strong for the average palate. This was not the case here. I snapped pictures of every food item along with the price. I have never discussed price in the seven years of doing over 500 reviews. I will pay any amount of money for outstanding food. As with most Americans, what we won't put up with is overpriced garbage that's been left in Wayne Szalinski's lab and has experienced "shrinkflation." I purchased enough food for 12 people and the price was...$61.00! I insisted the bill be double-checked, knowing it just couldn't be right. It was. The Big Boy says, "This may be the best food value in the county. GO NOW!!!!!" read more

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I ordered the empanadas and they were freshly made, very flavorful, it was busy however the line moved fast.

Food is pretty good BUT watch for price gouging on some items. The mixed plate is tasty and filling, and under $10 a plate. And Now the OUCH: 10.99 for a pound of Chicharon. Try the arroz con gandules and the Pernil...good eats at a good price. Ask for prices up front. The service was fast and courteous! The ambiance is criollo ala Cafeteria style. Not sure I can recommend this place...pricing is like stepping on a landmine you didn't know you stepped on until you get home. Also try the empanadas de piojito!! Awesome. read more

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I've visited this establishment several times, and unfortunately, I've consistently felt a lack of respect toward melanated people. During my most recent visit, instead of handing me my change directly--even with my hand extended--the staff placed it on the counter. It may seem small to some, but it's a clear reflection of deeper disregard. This, along with other subtle but telling experiences, was the final straw. No one deserves to be treated this way. I will not be returning. read more

First of all, there was not one price on any of the items so you didn't know what you were paying or any of the sizes they did this so they can charge you what they want to based upon who you are. Not nice at all I don't see how they're gonna stay here with that attitude. They'll only talk to Spanish people in Spanish. They just give you a stare if you're trying to find out anything or you wanna know a price they just stare at you and won't talk. Was with my time at this place and I won't be going back it just opened too. I don't see how they're gonna have anybody but Spanish-speaking people there and there's a lot of people who speaking English in America don't you know? We weren't there to just look, we spent $100. It didn't matter. Finally, at the end of spending $100 a white lady in line told me the prices are there and she looks up at the wall and way up there. There's a board that they have prices on with sizes. I could not even see it. I'm 70 years old everything is made for young people. I felt like we were getting the cold shoulder . As I said, we won't be going back. read more

chicken fajitas were old and dry, resturant was clean, service was good. May go back to try other items on the menu.

Wow it was great I had the rice and pigeon peas, oxtail,sweet plantains. Server was delightful, beef patty, and the empanada. Outside seating was good. The only downside was that homeless people is coming there like it there home. I also encountered one of them into a confrontation. read more

Food was fresh and flavorful! I'll definitely be going back! They have so much more I would like to try!

We have been coming here since it opened and originally they were great portion for the money and they made you plate the way you asked with the consideration you paid for extras and special asks, but they have become stingy making the portions smaller and charging the same price or more! Today they actually refused to give me the food I asked for regardless of the understanding I was willing to pay extra?! I don't understand a deli style restaurant not giving the paying customer the requested food seeing as it's readily available! The whole restaurant has gone downhill and apparently prejudice to non spanish speakers and greed is not the new character of this "family" restaurant! read more

This eatery opened July 14, 2023 and this is my first time here. The restaurant is like a large cafeteria room with hot and cold selections and hot sandwiches. The food is Caribbean/Latin flavored. You can eat in or take out. The staff is attentive and there are people available should your server not speak English. I ordered the Harina de Maíz which was a memory that came to life! I'd not had this since I was a child. Although it was very good, it was too sweet for my older adult tastebuds LOL! We also got the pionono empanada. This was a beef empanada with bit's of sweet plantain mixed in. I also ordered a Cuban sandwich for my husband but it has not come out yet as they are very busy with a lunch crowd. I believe that this eatery may be owned by the Thrifty market people and it very much looks like the hot bar in their grocery store. I'll definitely return, hopefully when it's not so slammed. Thumbs up! read more

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Cocinacafefl - My cheese Empanada had no cheese & was under cooked. The black beans were more like soup, right out of a can. Potatoes & carrots were mushy, & absolutely no flavor. Our bottles of water were warm, & the sweet plantains were gross! Will not be back. For $26, we will get a better meal from Publix steam table at half price. read more

Cocina Cafe - Empty Empanada! - Latin American Near Me - Palm Bay, Florida

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The food was good but was a bit dry but besides that it was good.The workers worked fast and you could get your food quickly and good portions. I did go back another 3 times and more in the future read more

The food was great and service was quick! They have serval options to choose from and pricing was reasonable. I opted for chicken, plantains, rice & peas. I was disappointed to only get 2 small plantains. I also ordered the passion fruit drink and really enjoyed it. Although outdoor seating is available and there is plenty of space inside I ordered to go. read more

I love Latin/Mediterranean food and this place really brings it! The Cordadito coffee was amazing. I was browsing their pastries and got an authentic Churro, which of course was magnificent. Atmosphere is wonderful, Clean and the music played is nice to dine to. The girls working the counter were sweet, efficient and helpful. Definitely returning soon to try the Cuban!! 5 read more

Tuve una gran experiencia en el lugar desde q salí de mi país no había probado una comida tan deliciosa,el trato de la cajera yoleysi fué excepcional me hizo sentir como en casa un gran lugar q recomiendo visitar. read more

Place is really quick and efficient, food is great and service was good. Huge portions for the price.

We were very happy with the food and service at Cocina Cafe, until yesterday. My wife and I really enjoyed ordering the rice with pigeon peas (arroz con gandules), yucca with red onions and a meat choice. I have witnessed so many people get this combination. It's very popular. But yesterday when I visited Cocina Cafe, I asked for that same combination and I was told that yucca was no longer included as a side and it was now offered at an additional cost. So, I was greatly disappointed at this change. Plus, when I asked what I could substitute for the yucca, I was told that the only choice was fried plantains. I don't like that option. So now, you don't even get a choice of side like it saids on their menu. It's their way or nothing. How unfair this is to us, the consumer. Then, I noticed that they raised their prices on the beef meals as well, without notice, and it's not reflected on their menu. So, the consumer gets less for more now. And I too have noticed how they are being stingy on the food portions. So, to save themselves $0.50 on the cost of the yucca, they lost $17.00 and a frequent customers. As consumers, we have to stand up for ourselves and not let businesses continue to take advantage of us and charge more, more, more for less, less, less. They have no customer loyalty. read more

0 stars if possible. Rice is extremely dry. It feels as if I'm chewing rocks. This restaurant couldn't provide decent rice even if their life depended on it. That is just so sad. The veggies taste old and bitter.. also rubbery and tough??? The salmon smells like a bathroom. Nothing good to say about this restaurant other than lazy cooks and stealing people's money while producing mediocre food at best to their customers. read more

Cocina Cafe - Latin American Near Me - Palm Bay, Florida

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I happened upon this new gem when stopping by to drop off a package at The UPS Store located in the same shopping center. I was delighted to pop in to see a cafeteria style set with a beautiful selection of delightful Caribbean and Latin cuisine options. The prices for a combo meal of one meat and two sides was less than $10. What an incredible price for a full take out box. I got the yellow rice with pigeon peas, yuca, and pork bites (cerado fritas) with a side of garlic oil. My husband had the shredded pork (pernil), white rice, and fried plantains. So scrumptious! We so enjoyed both of our meals so much and can't wait to go back. We did select 3 different empanadas to try. They were okay but nothing compared to the Empanada King at the Renninger's Flea Market. I loved that their signage was in both English and Spanish to help order. It seemed difficult for the workers to hear me through the buffet glass dividers whether I spoke Spanish or English. It seemed many workers were Spanish-only speaking but some English speakers were accessible to help if needed. I love the authenticity of the food and diversity of the workers. I look forward to coming back to enjoy the excellent flavors and service. I was really eyeing the avocado, tomato, and onion salad. There were plentiful vegetarian options from rice, mofongo, plantains, yuca and other salad bar items in the corner before the pastries. As well as plentiful parking options being in the shopping center at the opposite end of Publix. Great location! read more

It's good to have a place where they have a menu and you can buy delicious food and eat right away. No wait, just sit down and enjoy your hot yummy hispanic food or take out. read more

Very over priced and your workers needs to learn great customer service eye rolling at customers is very unprofessional and rude.

Service was so horrendous I paid and walked my box directly to the trashcan. I got the opposite of everything I asked for and they pretended not to understand me. The gentleman in front of me was treated disrespectfully as well. There was a dramatic attitude shift for the regulars in line behind us. read more

The roasted pork is fantastic. The churros are delicious. Love the black beans and rice. I also enjoy the casual and unpretentious atmosphere. read more

1st time at Cocina Cafe- very hard to hear the servers- picked a meat and vegetable then box was closed and brought to the cashier. Did not a chance to make other choices like salad or desert...asked for yucca at checkout and girl rolled her eyes...meat very salty and couldn't eat it due to my kidney disease. Will not be back but may order online if that is available. Vegetables said steamed bit tasted like over Boiled read more

The food was great and so was the service. First time here and it definitely will not be my last time.