Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    El Ambia Cubano

    4.4 (731 reviews)
    ModerateCuban
    Closed 11:00 am - 2:30 pm, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    El Ambia Cubano Photos

    Business Info

    EL AMBIA CUBANO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    More like El Ambia Cubano

    Recommended Reviews - El Ambia Cubano

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Menu
    Maria A.

    We visited El Ambia Cubano Restaurant in downtown Melbourne for the first time today. My husband and I are always on the hunt for authentic Cuban cuisine in the area, and this place definitely caught our eye. It's got a cute and quaint vibe. We decided to do takeout this time just to sample their menu. We ordered the grilled chicken breast with white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains, the ropa vieja with the same sides, and I personally tried their traditional roast pork with congri and boiled yuca(I found the pork a bit too salty for my taste). We noticed they have live music in the evenings, which makes the atmosphere even livelier. We'll definitely be back to dine in and enjoy the full experience. If you're looking for a place to get some solid Cuban food, give El Ambia a try!

    Whole fried snapper
    Aiden S.

    Great Cuban food in a really fun spot. The whole fried snapper is delicious. Get the mint lemonade - it's really good.

    Great food, great service, live music, and pricing is extremely reasonable. This restaurant knows how to make a customer feel appreciated. Do yourself a favor and see for yourself. I had the Cuban sandwich with rice-n-beans. Wow! Fantastic.

    Roasted chicken leg
    Malou C.

    We found this place tucked away. From the outside it doesn't look like much. It was not what I expected and the decor was a hodgepodge of items. There is some outdoor seating and a small indoor space with about six tables. There is parking which is a plus. The staff is very nice and friendly. You could see into the kitchen as the chef cooks which I enjoy. Thankfully I was able to find something on the menu to accommodate my allergies. The food was well seasoned and enjoyable. The portions are a good size for the price. We were stuffed and had no space for coffee or dessert. The next time we come we will leave room for the coffee. Sometimes the holes in the wall surprise you.

    Fried yucca (appetizer)
    Jeannie C.

    The pork dish I had was good, except the plantains were a little too mushy for my taste. The rice with black beans and bacon bits my sister ordered was a bit strange in taste. The Tostones were good but the yucca had little taste. The waiter was not attentive and would not tell us his name even after my sister asked. It is small inside, but had additional tables outside. Drinks were just okay.

    Outside patio
    Lindsay R.

    Hands down the best restaurant in Melbourne, FL. My husband and I stop here every time we travel to Florida. It has that "hole in the wall" vibe but really it's so much more than that. The outdoor ambiance cannot be beat. This time we had the pleasure of listening to a beautiful Cuban vocalist and several instrumentals. The service is always top notch, large portions, and affordable prices! We always get the Cuban style roasted pork with white rice, beans and fried plantains. It doesn't look fancy but wow is the flavor is amazing! This time my husband tried the Colada (Cuban coffee) which was small but super tasty. I got their famous mojito and to be honest it's the best one I've ever had. Then for desert we got Batido's (Cuban milkshakes). We picked Mamey and guava. Both were very refreshing and not overly sweet. It was fun to try a new fruit that I've never even heard of. We will forever go back to this restaurant whenever in town.

    Lisa D.

    What a fun and delicous place to dine at. They do take. Reservations and have a cute outdoor area to sit in. The staff was super friendly and the food was unbelievably delicous. They have a variety of drinks from alchohol to coffee. We even were greeted with a sample of the most delicous blueberry smoothie. For foods there is a large list of traditional Cuban food. We had a few different items so we can try a lot. The black bean soup, empanadas, and cassava stuffed beef to start were just so so good. For an entrees we split a Cuban pork dish served with yucca and it was also unbelievably good. I wish we had room for dessert because everything was amazing! Also super reasonably priced!

    Jean B.

    perfect for sipping mojitos on the patio However, the service was disappointing. We were left waiting for a while before being acknowledged, it wasnt a great welcoming The food was good, but not great. I was disappointed to find out that they were out of chicken at 4 pm on a Friday, which is the main reason I wanted to go. I ended up ordering the ropa vieja, which was flavorful but not particularly memorable. My partner's Cuban sandwich, on the other hand, was delicious. Overall, this restaurant has potential, but they need to work on their service and inventory management. If you're in the area, it's worth stopping by for the atmosphere and a good Cuban sandwich. *Pros:* Lovely patio area, delicious Cuban sandwich *Cons:* Disappointing service, out of chicken at 4 pm on a Friday

    Ropa vieja
    Andy G.

    This was our first time eating here. The place was a little difficult to find, but we found it! The outside looks like someone's front porch, there is no open/closed signage. Upon entering, we were greeted and seated. Next, a guy decked out in Trump/MAGA gear came around to each table, begging for money for his church....this was unacceptable. I'm disappointed that this restaurant would allow someone to come in, make others uncomfortable, and then BEG for money while people are eating... Thankfully none of the tables gave this person any money. Each table had a look of disgust after he begged them for money. I took a star off for this. Anyway, I ordered the Ropa Vieja and it was so good! It had lots of flavor as well as the black beans. The service was rough. I took a star off simply for this part. I am not sure if I would go back? I mean, the food was amazing, but the experience itself was a bit uncomfortable for me.

    Jason P.

    I recently tried the Cuban sandwich at el ambia, and it was absolutely incredible! The bread was perfectly toasted--crispy on the outside with just the right amount of chewiness on the inside. The combination of savory, tender pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard was spot-on, delivering that perfect balance of flavors you expect from an authentic Cuban. Every bite was a little piece of heaven! Soo delicious especially after a long flight!! The ambiance is also super cute and eclectic with Cuban items.

    Whole Snapper
    Tegan A.

    I thought the food was very yummy and fed the little group of people well. My dad enjoyed the Whole Snapper and ate the whole thing. My Contra Fidel was yummy as well. The foods I enjoyed the most were the plantains and the enchiladas. The crispy delicacy of the crust mixed with the meat in the middle was delectable. The sweet plantains were the needed sweetness to add to the dish. The service was very nice and the live music added a nice ambiance for the meal.

    Rick G.

    This is another excellent find in the dwindling retinue of excellent, true and authentic Cuban restos almost anywhere in the country. Don't get me wrong, there are some good ones out there, but they are becoming harder and harder to find. The El Ambia Cubano Cuban Restaurant in Melbourne stands up as one of the best Cuban Culinary traditionalists we've found in a very, very long time. Thanks to my daughter for turning us to this fascinating Cuban tour de force! As a family at the table, we were able to be able to savor quite a few items in their culinary repertoire, finding their dishes superbly prepared and presented. We made a point of starting up with the no brainer Mojitos for thirst quenchers. We then proceeded with appetizers of croquetas de jamon and empanadas - the croquetas were excellent, the empanadas were very OK! In the coming meal, we found how they extraordinarily mimic the genuineness in flavors, textures, aromas, style and presentation. It's been a long, long time since I've been able to discern and appreciate the most traditional of spices in Cuban cuisine like fresh garlic, aromatic cumin, delectable oregano, Bell pepper, Black pepper, Coriander, Onion, virgin Olive Oil and bay/laurel leaves, not to mention saffron (a little known but crucial spice in Cuban Cuisine) in differing quantities and combinations to render each separate dish its mouthwatering flavors. Our samplings included their house specialty, Ambia's Proprietor's fave, Hemingway Rice which is a Pearl of the Caribbean Cuban Seafood paella with a decent sized lobster tail on over the yellow rice, along with delicate and tender fish and shrimp prepared together along with sweet juicy plantains and a fresh salad. My Wife's Puerco Asado and congri and also with Plátanos maduros and salad was beyond excellent. Ambia's Flan is exquisite, and very Cuban, while wrapping the meal up with a few Cortaditos made the afternoon perfect. They've been around since 2009 apparently not only offering great food, but a Cuban atmosphere I've not experienced not years. Between their nostalgic décor, furnishings and overall welcoming attitude, excellent food and music, inside and outside seating in very Cuban-setting, Ambia is definitely A-1, 4-Star, y increible! El ambia (a Cuban slang for 'the friend') definitively makes them your 'CFFF's' - Cuban food friends forever!

    Lemonade and mint. A frozen drink that is very delicious.

    See all

    2 months ago

    The food was absolutely delicious the service was great people were so kind to me and my husband we're definitely going back

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vero M.
    0
    41
    25

    1 month ago

    Great authentic Cuban cuisine .. reasonably priced w amazing ambiance. Highly recommend

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jean B.
    2
    53
    94

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anita C.
    27
    50
    26

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1
    Photo of H O.
    0
    12
    2

    4 months ago

    Food was good; server was friendly; enjoyed sitting outside for lunch. 3 year old grandson loved his cheese sticks. My mojito was delicious!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Great food, service and ambiance always! Outside seating is never too hot or cold. Nice views of Crane Creek. Friendly staff.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of L S.
    0
    6
    0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of D D.
    0
    96
    31

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bob P.
    2
    33
    102

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 19

    Ask the Community - El Ambia Cubano

    Is there a link to a menu available?

    This is from their web page, they don't have their breakfast on here yet, but they open every day at 8 am now!… Read more

    Hours of operation?

    They have now started breakfast service and open at 8 every morning, M-TH till about 2:30 and then reopen for dinner at 5. Friday and Saturday open 8am-9pm, Sunday 8am-2pm.

    Is El Ambia dog friendly? Thanks Dan

    YES! Out door seating allowed for pets! I saw a dog there.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Cuban 706 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Henry’s Cuban Cafe - Super yummy lunch special with pork

    Henry’s Cuban Cafe

    4.5(19 reviews)
    8.6 mi

    10 out of 10! This small, counter-service restaurant is casually located in a gas station across…read morefrom A1A beach access in satellite beach. Look away for a second and you'll miss it but don't sleep on this hidden gem. I tried a pressed Cuban and beef empanada which are my traditional favs but I won't be playing it safe next time because now I know the quality is 100% and the menu has me excited to try something new. It all tastes homemade in all the best ways. The roasted pork in the pressed Cuban was not neat little slices, it was juicy chunks of pernil made with talent and love. I'm already desperate to come back. Parking is limited. Service was surprisingly fast. Food is takeout only and there are 2 picnic tables outside the gas station along with public beach access across the street.

    Oh, this place is a hidden gem. This is actually delicious food when it comes to that prepared…read moreplate and you know that it's gonna be bombed when it's their main draw with very little substitutions. Why? Because you don't have to reinvent the wheel. This is a very generous portion of food for the price you're gonna pay . I don't mean they go heavy on rice and light on pork. Quite the contrary you are getting your bang for your buck with this meal and if you're still hungry, you're in luck because they have an assortment of desserts that are gonna satisfy that sweet tooth almost as much as that main plate Satisfies most hungers. I grew up eating Spanish food in the south Florida so I'm particular about where I spend my money and I assure you that from my liking and taste buds this place gets it right every time . Don't be shy about simply asking for a double portion of pork if you're trying to avoid carbs and enjoy their coffee first thing in the morning as well I had a great time here I've come back multiple times and I intend to continue coming back. When you first walk in it's located on the right hand side. The staff is completely bilingual, which I think is also neat giving the area and they always offer the best customer service. It feels like you're being greeted from someone welcoming you home.

    Photos
    Henry’s Cuban Cafe
    Henry’s Cuban Cafe - Beef Empanadas

    Beef Empanadas

    Henry’s Cuban Cafe - Menu (January 2026)

    See all

    Menu (January 2026)

    El Ambia Cubano - cuban - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...