Saturday night in for cocktails Service - - extraordinary Mojitos - - The BEST GORGEOUS outside area I side is nice too read more

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In the midst of a residential area, stood this quaint home. Who would know that HOME would be the main word to describe this restaurant? As soon as you enter the main dining hall, you see families in big tables eating & laughing. The atmosphere is very cozy. We were led to the patio with tall & regular tables. More groups of people talking loudly, like a family on a picnic. They all seemed to know each other! We were welcomed by the bubbly Lexi. We know we found a gem! As soon as we were seated, plantain chips & dip arrived, complimentary appetizers! We started our meal with The Hola! Sampler: Cuban-style tamale, ground beef empandas, fried shrimp, and ham croquettes served with sriracha mayo and guava BBQ dipping sauce. Our quad ordered two Cuban-style Churrasco. It was seared steak topped with the house-made chimichurri sauce served with white rice & black beans and plantains. The meat was so tender, we cut it with a butter knife. Perfect portion for two! Delicious! Both dishes tasted like it was a family recipe. The postres, desserts were the perfect end to this meal: cheese cake with guava drizzle & tres leche cake. Thank you to the Yelpers who reviewed this restaurant. It was an unexpected delight. When you visit, ask for Lexi for a great dining experience, too! read more

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Food, service and ambiance - amazing! Can't wait to go back when it cooler to sit outside! read more

Hola Cuban Kitchen - Garlic chicken and Pesca Fundida - Cuban Near Me - Merritt Island, Florida

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Today we tried Hola Cuban Kitchen for takeout and it did not disappoint! We ordered the vaca frita served with white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains - the perfect Cuban comfort combo. The beef was flavorful and crispy, the black beans had that home-cooked taste, and the sweet plantains balanced everything with just the right touch of caramelized sweetness. What's unique is the vibe of the restaurant itself - from the outside it looks like a cozy little house, but inside it's quaint, intimate, and welcoming, complete with a full bar. They also offer outdoor seating, which makes it perfect for enjoying Florida evenings with friends and family. Even though this was just a takeout run, the food was so tasty that I can't wait to go back and dine in soon for a full sit-down review. Something tells me the atmosphere paired with their dishes will make it a true Merritt Island gem. read more

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We had our friend's 60th birthday celebration at Hola. Everything was great! Service, atmosphere and food!! read more

Beautiful remodel of this old house into a very nice restaurant. It was very busy sp the 2 of us sat at the bar. The Bartenders made us one custom drink and a mojito (both very good). We loved the complimentary plantain chips with garlic sauce. We had Skirt steak and roasted pork entrees and everything was delicious. Not inexpensive, but fully worth it (which is all anyone can ask these days). read more

Great ambiance, friendly staff, and delish food! Loved having dinner at Hola Cuban Kitchen on the back patio. Everything tasted well prepared without being overcooked. Enjoyed the ceviche, daiquiris, and chicken/pork with rice. Will definitely return! Wish the backyard had some fans to combat Florida heat though! read more

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This restaurant is wonderful. We had bistec, pork chunks, and chinichurri steak. All were great and so were the croquettes. And we are from Miami so we are pretty picky about Cuban food- It is nestled in an unsuspecting nice neighborhood in Merritt island and the place is very nice with a cozy inside and very cool and tropical outside area. The service was great and recommend the mojito pitcher. Delicious read more

The first time we heard about Hola Cuban Kitchen, the great food recommendation came with a warning "arrive early as it does get packed." Well... Here are the hits and misses: Hit: Beautiful setting, very friendly staff. Fun outside bar. Miss: one hour and a half wait to eat inside and not in the smoggy (yet adorable) outdoor. Hit: Best Tamale I've ever had with the mojo just right, this is because it was a new batch. It is worth the $7 price tag. Every bite is heaven. Miss: Size does matter. Tamale is fairly small, not enough to share, and you definitely could not make a meal out of it. Order at least two. Hit: Sample platter came with tasty items to share like croquettes, empanadas, shrimp and tamale. Miss: The tamale in the sampler platter tasted like it was reheated. Definitely not freshly made. Again, wait for the new batch. Hit: The garlic aioli that comes with the plantains is to die for. Miss: The plantains were almost as old as we were by the time we got our table. I kid, but it was definitely a mixed batch of feelings and tastes all around. Was the fantastic 'new batch' tamale worth the wait? Jury is still out. Is Hola Cuban Kitchen a new restaurant just getting their bearings? Probably. It feels like they do care about their food but may need a bit more time to get up to speed. As for me, Hola will have to wait for "Luego." Hasta Luego! read more

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We had dinner at Hola Cuban Kitchen tonight and it was an absolutely fantastic experience! Technically, we didn't have a full dinner--we sat at the bar and ordered the appetizer sampler, which turned out to be a perfect choice. It came with ham croquettes, a tamale, empanadas, and fried shrimp--each bite was packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. Paired with the crispy plantain chips and their rich garlic aioli, it was more than enough to fill us up. For dessert, we tried the flan--our server mentioned it often sells out, and now I see why. It was smooth, creamy, and hands-down one of the best I've had. As for drinks, we tried a few! I had a mojito (wish I remembered which one--it was that good), the red sangria, and an espresso martini. Every drink was spot on. My husband had the Island Margarita with Tajín on the rim--delicious and refreshing. The entire vibe of the restaurant was welcoming and laid-back. The service was fast and friendly, the place was spotless, and the ambiance was just right with great music playing at a comfortable volume. There's both indoor and outdoor seating, which adds to the charm. Highly recommend checking this place out if you're in the area. We'll definitely be back! read more

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Wait was a little longer than expected (sat other party who arrived after us) however, they delivered a free appetizer sampler as apology. Wait staff is spot on and the food exceeded our expectations. Little loud. Will definitely go back. read more

Amazing REAL AUTHENTIC Cuban food.. so delicious and the service was over the top. We will become regulars here for sure

Very impressive and simple decor that feels inviting yet elevated. Great spot for family dining, date night or after work cocktails with coworkers. Location is manageable although parking may be a little tricky on a super busy night with only a few parking spots in front of the restaurant and about 10 across the street. Not sure if street parking may be necessary. Food: I ordered the pulpo al ajillo which was described as char grilled octopus. There was no char grill or grilled flavor as you can see pictured and the garlic wine reduction was lacking flavor. However, it was close to 8oz which is an amazing portion size for the price and VERY tender so chef knows what he/she is doing. A dash of salt definitely revived the dish flavorwise. It comes over a bed of potatoes so I ordered a cup of the red bean soup to pair with it (not pictured). Red bean soup had no flavor but was also revived with a dash of salt. The highlight was the complimentary plantain chips and sauce. I was munching on those for dayss and they were amazing. Service: I sat at the indoor bar and the service was TOP NOTCH. Bartender is very experienced and makes a mean gimlet. Next time, I will check out the outside patio. read more

Hola Cuban Kitchen - Complimentary garlic plantain chips and crema - Cuban Near Me - Merritt Island, Florida

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When I walked into the place I was very impressed. Clean and classy. I was greeted immediately by a very friendly hostess. I ordered the Cuban style CHURRASCO medium rare, with their combination rice, beans and plantains. The meat was undescribable delicious. The accompanying sides fit the dish perfectly. I need to mention the staff, they were very attentive and I wanted for nothing. I was basically doing recon for another upcoming group dinner. I think I found our place at Hola's. 5 stars read more

You know, I always hesitate a bit before calling anything "the best," because these days everyone slaps that label around like it's seasoning. But I've got to admit "Hola" gives me pause in the best possible way. It's the kind of place that makes you wonder why more restaurants don't stick to the simple, time-tested ways of doing things: warm hospitality, honest flavors, and an atmosphere even though just opening in 2025, feels just like it's been welcoming people for generations. When you walk in, there's this inviting hum; nothing flashy or overdone, just the kind of lively, comfortable buzz that suggests real people are enjoying real food. I found myself thinking, "Alright, Hola... show me what you've got." And then the dishes started arriving. Every plate felt like someone in the kitchen cared a little more than they had to. The flavors were bold yet familiar, the kind you almost recognize before you've even taken a bite. It takes me back home when i would go to enjoy my mother's delicious meals. It's the sort of cooking that makes you curious; How do they get this right every time? But also grateful.; Finally, a place that remembers what good food is supposed to taste like. Service? Just as steady and genuine. No fuss, no theatrics, just attentive staff who seem to take pride in doing their job well--something I always appreciate in a world that's forgotten the charm of simple professionalism. If you're looking for a place that doesn't chase trends but instead leans into what's always worked quality ingredients, tradition, and a dash of genuine warmth definitely Hola stands tall. I walked out thinking, almost reluctantly, "Well... maybe this really is one of the best." read more

Hola Cuban Kitchen - Cuban Near Me - Merritt Island, Florida

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Excellent and Cuban food done right. Almost like like my families cooking. I grew up in Miami with a Cuban family and the food tasted like home cooked and still had an excellent presentation and extremely friendly staff. Gota try this one read more

Fresh, delicious and authentic Cuban food . Hola Cuban kitchen takes my award. I started with a Guavatini and got dinner I ordered ropa vieja. Delicious, delicious!! We chose to sit outside in the courtyard, temperature was very pleasant (for Florida) once sunset arrived and night fall, the place transformed into this quaint lit up backyard. We'll go back guaranteed! Post note: gone back again and again! read more

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Came as a group of 5 on Friday dinner, and had to wait about 45 min or so for a table. We ended up sitting inside and had a great dinner. The complimentary plantain chips are super tasty, and all of us enjoyed our dinner entrees. I got the ropa vieja and enjoyed it very much! read more

Hola Cuban Kitchen - Ropa Vieja (added pepperoncinis) - Cuban Near Me - Merritt Island, Florida

Sat at the bar. The service was friendly and prompt. Had two of their appetizers, one of them the octopus. Both were fantastic. Finished the visit with a Tres Leches dessert... to die for. read more

Julia provided outstanding service from start to finish. She was friendly, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable, making our experience truly enjoyable. Her professionalism and warm personality stood out and made us feel genuinely welcome. Julia is a true asset to the team! The food was impeccable so delicious we will definitely be back read more

My husband and I really liked the atmosphere good service and the food was tasty lots of different flavors we are excited to go back and try more things from the menu we did think the fried shrimp was a little overpriced considering how much you get but they were delicious read more

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Wonderful Cuban restaurant. Food is very good and the restaurant itself is very nice. I do have to say service is hit or miss. I've had several outstanding servers and two that were well did the minimum and had to flag them down for items, check..., But in the end I would have no hesitation recommending. read more

Friends and I stopped in for drinks and appetizers on a Friday night. It was chilly outside but they had the outdoor heaters going and it was very comfortable. Server David was charming and helpful. Tostones rellenos and tamale were very good. Prices are reasonable for a nice place like this. read more

This place is pretty good and I really want to give 5 stars, Visited on Friday night and the vibe and speed and attentiveness was spot-on. Love the decor of the dining room and the outside patio dining. The pulpo app was pretty good and loaded. In fact, all the meals were really big and too much for a meal, so kudos there. The thing that loses me is the "boxed" like taste of the paella rice. I cant say 100% if it is boxed (I wasnt the chef) but as a Latin man that grew up eating and cooking paella and having just had it several times in Spain last month, it just wasnt even close. In fact, it tastes (and looks) like the packaged yellow rice I use for arroz con pollo; almost exact. To the untrained gringo, this is going to work, but to the seasoned Latin cook, nope. Please do better, us Latinos deserve it. Anyhow, still a lovely dinner and glad they are doing so well. what a great addition to the island. read more

I went to dinner tonight with my sister and my niece and was very disappointed. The appetizer was so salty. I couldn't even enjoy it. The flank steak was very tough and extremely salty. Our dessert which was the fllan and the Tres Leche was extremely dry. we will not be returning. read more

Amazing restaurant. Highly recommend!!! Great authentic Cuban food. Loved the outside seating. Had a chance to meet the owners - great people. Definitely a do over!' Can't wait to be back. read more

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This place was such a great find ! Nestled in an unassuming Merritt island neighborhood in an old remodeled home you will find this great Cuban restaurant. The food is authentic .. I love the Cuban app platter and the ropa vieja dish is amazing . Highly recommended read more

Great food, very pleasant outdoor tables. we will go again soon we are from Denver but come to Cocoa Beach every winter. read more

Service was very good. So was the place and the ambiance. Of everything we ordered some things were good, others need improvement. A coke was flat. It was replaced right away when told. One "bistec" had good flavor, but was hard. The octopus needed a little more taste. The "yuca frita", and the "chorizo with salsa chimichurri" were excellent. They were very honest. I left my credit card there and save it until I picked it up. I hope they improve those few things. read more

Great Place, Great Owner, Great Food, Great Ambiance, Great Service, simply Great! ADA compliant! read more

Food and service was amazing. We came here for our anniversary after hearing some great things! It definitely lived up to the hype. We loved every thing we tried, but especially the ceviche and the chicharrones. Our server Lexie took care of us and made us feel so special and literally like we were her only table, even though we saw her with other tables! What a fantastic addition to our island! We will be back and urge you, if you haven't tried this restaurant to give it a try! read more

Hola Cuban Kitchen - Cuban Near Me - Merritt Island, Florida

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Went to Hola! Cuban Kitchen for dinner tonight. We got to the restaurant at about 4:15 where there was already a line out side the restaurant, and when the restaurant opened at 4:30 the entire line was quickly seated! We were promptly greeted by our Sever Julia who took amazing care of us! For drinks we got the traditional mojito and Hola! Rita. Yum! For apps we got the Camarones Fritos and the Tostones Rellenos which were amazing! The star of the show was the Pollo Ajillo, which if you went to their prior restaurant El Tucan, you know this dish is phenomenal! Everything we had was perfectly seasoned and had so much flavor. Can't wait to come back to try some other dishes the next time we are in town from Orlando! read more

The service is the top, Lexi is an amazing server and loves to serve people. The Masa Fritas were very tasty and tender, black beans are amazing as well, and being a Cuban their food are very authentic with the Cuban taste. read more

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The dishes are fantastic and very authentic. The service was outstanding. If you can and the weather is nice, please sit out of on the patio--less noisy and a great atmosphere. read more

My family went to Hola for the third time, and it is one of our favorites. The wait staff is the best that we have ever experienced in our life. Our waiter was so attentive, so friendly and went above and beyond on everything. The other wait staff who helped him were phenomenal as well. The food is delicious. My favorite is the pepperocini chicken and empanadas. My husband is going down the menu and ordering each entrée and enjoys them all immensely. Seriously, try this restaurant out. You will not be disappointed. read more

We ate there last night for the first time and were not disappointed. Everything we had was wonderful. There is a wait which can put some people off, but it is worth waiting. The service and food are spot on. The inside is a little small, but they have outdoor dining. We sat inside, so I can not comment about the outside. Inside is well decorated, and the sound level is minimal, easy to carry on a conversation with your date. The food was phenomenal, empanadas, octopus, and paella are all worth the wait. Empanadas were flaky and delightful. The octopus was sheer perfection. Then the paella was superb. I can't wait to go back and try the rest of the menu or maybe the paella again. read more

We had dinner this evening at Hola Cuban Kitchen with a group of 10 friends. It was not a good experience. We thought we had made reservations only to be told that it was call ahead and we had to wait for tables to clear. They ultimately put us in a space the was very inadequate for the number of people. We had to stack serving dishes to make room for our plates. Then we were treated to possibly the worst waiter I have had in my life! He didn't bother to introduce himself, so I can't even give you his name to warn you to avoid him. When the food came, one person was served steak that was nearly raw. I had picadillo. It was too salty and greasy. One member of our group ordered a Cuban sandwich. We all were eating except her. The waiter never even bothered to tell her anything. I finally flagged down Mr bad waiter and he said the kitchen lost the ticket for it but we're making it now. It didn't arrive until the rest of the party was done eating! Mr bad waiter never came back to check on my friend, offer her something quick to tied her over or offer her a comp of any sorts. He never came to refill drinks and when one in our party asked for more water, it took about 10 minutes for it to arrive. He refilled her water and never even asked if anyone else would like more! He failed to ask if anyone wanted dessert or coffee. As checks were being prepared, I told Mr Bad Waiter that I wasn't going to let my friend pay for her meal that arrived after we were done so if he wasn't going to comp her to put it on my bill. Only then did he agree to comp the meal. Those that had steak said it was very tender. No one especially liked their meal. I don't recommend this restaurant. read more

Service is attentive and professional, food is excellent and varied, and the ambiance of the patio seating is magical. From the plantain chips to the seasoned meats/fish, black beans and rice, everything here is excellent. Best restaurant on Merritt Island. Dining here is magical. read more

Food, service and atmosphere were all AMAZING! Almost impossible to find all of these things at once. Staff was friendly and helpful and our food and drinks were delicious. Will definitely be back. (Almost didn't want to share my thoughts on this gem as I don't want to wait for a table but they deserve it!) read more

Julia was an amazing server!! The food was good, we got the ropa veija and the portions were enough to take some home! Will be back.