The food here never disappoints. I've never had a bad meal at this restaurant. It is a family-run business with a small, intimate setting. Pictures of Cuba and its heritage are displayed throughout the restaurant. Salsa music plays in the background, and you feel the Caribbean atmosphere as soon as you walk in. Complimentary Cuban bread is served as an appetizer at the table. I always order the Bistec Empanizado with two sides. This time, I had moros (black beans and white rice cooked together) and tostones (fried, smashed green plantains), along with a side of avocado salad with onions, oil, and vinegar. It completed the meal perfectly. My husband had the Carne con Papa (beef stew) with moros and plátanos maduros (sweet fried plantains), along with a bottle of Coke. This restaurant is a Glendale staple for both locals and the Cuban community. I remember when it was located on Colorado Boulevard many years ago. Even after all these years, the quality of the food has remained just as excellent for the past 26 years. read more

See all

The "cordadito" was amazing! But the Flan was even better... The food continues to hit that nostalgic spot from childhood, pollito frito (fried chicken) con arroz y frijoles negros is sooo good and large enough to split with my daughter. Definitely a winner! read more

My Cuban parents would of given it the up. I was first taken to this spot when it was on E Colorado. .. black Beans were on point as was the bread pudding. read more

La Cubana - Cuban Near Me - Glendale, California

Great Cuban food. I have tried the papa rellenas, vaca fritas, ropa vieja and Cubano sandwich. Food is amazing and the staff is nice and welcoming. I order regularly for lunch. Highly recommend read more

I went here on March 15, 2023 with my parents and brother. I ordered the vaca frita, fried beef. For the sides I chose white rice and red bean soup. We also ordered yuca frita and an empanada. The vaca frita was pretty good. It was tender and chewy, a little dry. The service was great. We had questions and the server answered them sufficiently. My mom brought up it being my birthday and the server said happy birthday. There weren't any birthday food or discounts. It was bright inside, the windows were floor to ceiling I think or as big as half the room in length. There were at least a few tables inside and some customers were eating lunch. read more

See all

La Cubana has been around forever -- one of those fixtures in Glendale that looks like it's seen more birthday parties and family lunches than some people see in a lifetime. Places like this matter because they carry the history of immigrants who brought flavors, stories, and survival with them. But longevity doesn't always mean perfection. I came in looking for comfort: black beans, rice, maybe a shake if I was lucky. The food came out hot -- no complaints there -- but the black beans had way too much green pepper, tipping the balance from earthy comfort to bitter overkill. The rice was fine, the meat decent, but nothing that makes you want to stand up and sing "Guantanamera." And when I asked for a mamey shake, the classic Cuban dessert-in-a-glass, they didn't have it. That stung. Mamey isn't just a fruit -- it's memory, culture, and nostalgia blended with milk. The staff was polite enough, the vibe casual, and the prices fair. But the spark? Missing. It's the kind of spot you appreciate for surviving the decades, but not necessarily a place you'd cross town for. No mamey shakes? That's like a Cuban restaurant without music. The food is hot, but the experience is lukewarm. La Cubana has roots, but the plate I had didn't hit like it should. You come here for nostalgia, not for fireworks. read more

See all

This Cuban restaurant is located in a corner strip mall on Windsor and Glendale Avenue in the city of Glendale. The mall has its own lot which can fill up quickly but there's plenty of neighborhood parking close by. My party of 5 ended up here on a Sunday at the last minute, one hour before closing. All of the other shops in the mall were closed so parking was easy. I was hesitant to dine at this restaurant as I'm a vegetarian and thought my choices would be limited. I was pleasantly surprised that there were a few tasty vegetarian options. The dining room was simple in decor with tables set up for two or four individuals. Since we had five people, we just added an extra chair to one of the tables. The vibe was comfortable, casual and relaxed. My table ordered a Sandwich Cubano, Filete de Tilapia (Pan Fried Tilapia)*, the Rabo Encendido (Oxtail in Spicy Tomato Sauce)*, and the Combo Vegetariano (Vegetarian Combo) (which was a selection of three vegetarian sides). For the vegetarian plate, I ordered the black bean soup, the mixed veggie side and the Yuca Con Mojo. *Each of the main plates came with a side. Everything was very flavorful and delicious. The oxtail was a hit. The portions were also generous. Service was friendly and helpful. Prices were reasonable. We will be back! read more

See all

Fantastic food! I was craving black beans and they delivered. Did pick up and the people were friendly. All the food was really good but the dessert, a guava and cream cheese pudding was absolutely my favorite thing. read more

The ropa vieja was delicious! Rice and black beans was good. The Cuban coffee was super tasty Service was good and the restaurant clean. read more

La Cubana - Ropa vieja and Cuban coffee - Cuban Near Me - Glendale, California

I was craving a cubano sandwich, so I stopped by La Cubana. I went around 12:30 pm and it wasn't busy when I first stepped in, but there were more people over time. This location has parking available in a plaza, but it's shared with other businesses. In addition to the sandwich, I also got an order of the plantain chips. This was a takeout order and took about 15 minutes to be ready. The plantain chips were very crispy and good. The chips came with a mojo sauce. For the cubano sandwich, I also enjoyed it. I enjoyed everything from the ham, cheese, pickles and bread. The sandwich held together well with each bite. Note: American Express is accepted. read more

See all

The food was great! I ordered the masitas de cerdo. The pork was very tender! This is a small restaurant but the food was great. Service was good too. read more

My grandparents love the food, everything tasted delicious. Service was great, we stayed about 2 1/2 hours just catching up with family. Ambiance was relaxing , definitely coming back ! read more

Love La Cubana. The food is delicious and authentic. Get the rabo, the empanadas and the soup if they're serving it!

Legit Cuban food. This is coming from a Cuban . We often get the lechon and congri, and the black beans are excellent too. The rabo encendido is amazing!! Must get platanos as well. Don't eat too much bread so you don't fill up before your food arrives. Their desserts are great and whatever they have for dessert that day, just say yes. You can thank me later. Service is always friendly and they always get our orders right. read more

Amazing food!!! Knowing Cuban food well this is authentic and so incredibly !!!! Portions are great, prices are fair.. food is delish!!!!!!!

I felt like Cuban food so I stopped by La Cubana in Glendale to check it out. Everything I ordered was good. Presentation of the food is not their strong point, but the favors of the items ordered makes up for it. La Cubana has been in business since 1973, so what they are doing works. Downside: Service was on the slow side, because there is only one person taking care of the front house and phone orders. Also, some of their menu "best sellers", were not available. Dessert menu items are freshly made every Thursdays. Payment: Card and Cash. Parking: sux! Front of the restaurant or street - good luck. read more

See all

This restaurant is next to the laundromat I go sometimes. After months, we decided to try it while we waited for a load to complete. The restaurant is quaint with around 6-8 tables inside and minimal decorations. The staff was friendly and the food came out quickly. We got the Cubana combo appetizer which is a great intro to their appetizers or Cuban appetizers. The yucca was delicious! We got the bistek, platanos, moros, and a couple other dishes and they came out great! I'd love to come back to try the sandwiches. Parking is in a small lot, but there's usually no problem finding a spot. Will come back! read more

See all

I read an article about the best sandwiches in LA and wanted to try La Cubana's Cuban sandwich. It's good, but not as good as the Cuban sandwiches I've had in Miami. The restaurant is located in a mini-mall in Glendale. It's clean and comfortable. The service was excellent. read more

Unfortunately, our experience wasn't great. When we decided to split a meal, our server made a comment about it that felt judgmental and unnecessary. It came across as shaming, which made the atmosphere uncomfortable. We were just trying to enjoy a day trip out, and no one should feel awkward about how they choose to order. On top of that, our dessert was served completely frozen solid, even though it clearly wasn't meant to be. We could barely get a spoon into it, which made it impossible to enjoy and honestly pretty disappointing to end the meal that way. Overall, the experience didn't live up to expectations. Between the uncomfortable service interaction and the dessert issue, it left us feeling let down. read more

good service good food. nice and simple. you can tell the food is made with love. very much comfort food. will now be in regular rotation.

Excellent family run Cuban hole in the wall that has been there for many decades located in a small strip mall. Wonderful Cubano and fries! Lots of wonderful meats and seafood all Cuban style with the black beans and rice. Cuban coffee and desserts too! Small dining room is great to dine at or take out from. Super friendly service from longtime employees and family members. This is a historic Cuban cafe of LA that should be tried! Plenty of street parking around. read more

See all

Authentic Cuban cuisine, I been coming to this restaurant since I was a child, the food has so much flavor and the service is always amazing. Definitely the best Cuban restaurant in southern CA !!! read more

If I could give this place 6 stars I would! traditional Cuban cuisine with amazing prices and obviously delicious food. staff is lovely and it's a great spot for lunch or even to go. the Cuban coffee is great too, don't hesitate to come here just do it read more

See all

The food here is so good. It was so busy the entire time I was here. Service was great! 5/5

La Cubana Restaurant does it again! I catered food from them for my daughter's bridal shower, and everything was fresh, delicious, and more than enough. Guests kept asking where the food was from--it was a hit! I'm very happy with their service and will definitely order from them again. Highly recommend! read more

La Cubana - Congri, Masita de Puerco, Maduros & Salad. - Cuban Near Me - Glendale, California

my family has been coming to La Cubana for decades, since they were at their old location on Colorado. it's a special treat once or twice a year to visit here. Wonderful to have a Cuban restaurant with all the typical cuban dishes and merengue and salsa playing on the speakers. Quality is always consistent and authentic and i love that we've been helped by the same waitress for years. I always order the bistec a la plancha (bistec encebollado) with the moros and plátanos maduros. Always leave satisfied. I've noticed that over the years, the quantity of food has lowered while the price has increased. true across all restaurants I suppose. Still- will continue to enjoy for decades to come. Fingers crossed! read more

La Cubana - Bistec a la Plancha - Cuban Near Me - Glendale, California

Haven't been here in a few years And I hate to say this but the food is not good how it used to be; it lacked flavor Staff was friendly but the service wasn't the best read more

Absolutely love the catch that I discovered this little Cuban gem in Glendale California. Felt like being back home in Hialeah. Cuban cuisine is always hits the spot. The service and ambience was superb. I had the typical Cuban dish. Arroz blanco palomilla steak black beans and platanitos maduros. We also ordered the ham croquetas. I isn't get a chance to take pictures because as soon as the food came to the table we went right at it. I'm not too familiar with other Cuban spot out here in Los Angeles but I highly recommend this spot for anyone curious to try this place. I will definitely be coming back soon. Gracias La cubana !!! read more

La Cubana - Flan de Dulce de Leche - Cuban Near Me - Glendale, California

Found this little gem on line and decided to try because of the great reviews. No disappointment here. Located in a small corner shopping center it has an nice interior with Cuban music playing which added to the atmosphere. We met a wonderful Cuban couple who were dining there and they helped us make some great choices from the menu. We tried the roast pork and the ropa vieja, plantains, Croquetas, Papa Rellena. Everything was absolutely delicious. Ended the meal with flan and expresso. Anna, our server was delightful. We will be back. read more

Food is delicious , good prices, service is excelente specially with Annabel she is fabulous but all the others lady's are great too I love this place I have been a customer for over 20 years in others locations that they had before. I like the ambiance too is a family and friendly place feels like home. read more

What a delicious meal! I was craving Cuban food and found this spot. There's parking right outside but it gets pretty busy. It's a small little restaurant with about 5-6 tables. There was only one waiter working the tables but she was pretty quick. We ordered an empanada and it was perfect texture and crunch level but I wish there was more meat inside just because it was that good. We got the shrimp in spicy creole sauce and the oxtail. Both entrees comes with two side of your choice. We picked rice, plantains and stir fried veggies. Stir fried veggies were pretty bland but everything else was so tasty!! Loved loved loved the oxtail, I feel like you have to get this if you go to a Cuban restaurant and it sure didn't disappoint. I'm sure we inhaled the food. read more

See all

Love this place. The food is great, large portions, and fair pricing. The service is great too. Worth stopping by if you're in the area. Only downside is parking, the lot tends to be full due to the various other businesses in the plaza. read more

Cute little hole in the wall Cuban place! Food is cheap and tasty, service is quick and friendly! Tried the fries, plantains, and we had some sandwiches and they were all delicious as a great price! Highly recommend this place for a quick cheap Cuban lunch! read more

La Cubana - Family and I have lunch! - Cuban Near Me - Glendale, California

I was just there today! I got Vaca frita and my son ordered the Lechon. Both where really good. The Yuca frita was delicious too! Good waitress and fast service! The Mojo was the best mojo I've ever tasted! I highly recommend this restaurant! read more

I don't know what to say. I don't think I'm going to eat at any more places in Glendale. Every place I've been to in that city from expensive steakhouses to ramen to buffets to Chinese food has been abysmal. I don't know what it is with this area that every restaurant turns out to be a major disappointment, but unfortunately you can add La Cubana to the list. Now, I want to preface what is going to be a negative review by saying that the staff are incredibly friendly and there seemed to be a handful of people who came in for take out while we were there, so someone must like this. I, however, grew up as a child in Florida and was used to eating in Little Havana all the time. I've found some okay to good Cuban restaurants in Los Angeles over the years, but many have ever fluctuating levels of quality and consistency or in the case of El Floridita (my favorite) the prices are insanely high. So, I had this place bookmarked for awhile. Cuban food is one of my favorites. My mom cooked it, even though she was Puerto Rican, and she taught my missus how to cook it. My point is my bar is pretty high. And, here are the two reasons this restaurant was such a dismal failure. First, the portions are incredibly tiny. Even the tostones (fried green plantains) were miniature in size to what they are everywhere else in the world. Also, nothing had any flavor. Cuban food should be garlicky and salty and heavy in flavor, but everything tasted like it wasn't even salted at all. It was one of the blandest meals I've ever had. We started with the combo appetizer. The yucca frita wasn't bad, but the picadillo inside the empanadas and papa rellenos was incredibly bland. The pan con bistec was bizarre. I don't know why but they don't put the french fries on the side and the menu doesn't say they just smash them into the sandwich. This wasn't how it should be. The camarones al ajillo (shrimp in garlic) had 7 teeny tiny shrimp and was very greasy, but it wasn't terrible. The maduros and tostones tasted okay but I had to salt the tostones like everything else that came to the table. The moros was bland. The masitas de cerdo was clearly not marinated the way it should be for a night or two. It has zero flavor of mojo. I also ordered a side of the frijoles blancos - a white bean soup with ham, because it sounded like a play on the hard to find caldo gallego soup that is my favorite. Considering it wasn't a soup and was a white bean side dish, I was surprised how few beans were in the actual bowl. It was all sauce. Otherwise, parking is easy to find on the street and they share a corner lot in their strip mall with some other businesses, so parking is easy. Also, it's a very small place with maybe 4 small tables, so I guess it's mainly for take out. But, we didn't have any trouble getting a table on a weekday early dinner. I am always looking for a new great Cuban restaurant. Unfortunately, this ain't it. I won't be coming back and I cannot recommend it. read more

See all

The tilapia and the yuca is sooo good. They also give you a lot of food for a good price, I had enough for lunch leftovers.

It's been a long time hadn't been here. The food was delicious not as hot as I like my food but HD. The service was fast friendly except for one thing. The place was nice n clean people seem to be joying not being rushed . Yes go bk ? read more

Most amazing Food I will definitely come back. I came from Long Beach and I don't mind the traffic just to come and try their authentic food my delicioso !!!!! read more

I don't know. I came here since I knew the place from back in the 80s. When they were on Colorado. Was not very impressed. I guess the locals just want something different to eat. Cuban sandwich ok Ropa Vieja ok Bistec Encebollado ok Maduros ok White rice and Black beans, need more flavor. The steak needed flavor, had a nasty after taste. I was a bit disappointed. I know the name, the family and food. But this place needs a better cook or someone needs to step into the kitchen and tweak. Service was slow. Came in on a Saturday. read more

Very friendly ambiance, very good service, and great food except they serve small amounts of!