Awesome food --- but the food cart has reasonable prices ($6-7 arepa), the dine in prices are OUT OF CONTROL for the exact same food ($15-19). This place cannot command a $18 entree. I was offended. read more

I consider Rubamba a hidden gem of New Haven. It's a little hole in the wall that serves great food including the best areaps I've ever had. I've gone here several times and never been dissapointed. The prices are pretty standard. It's not the cheapest place to eat in New Haven, but it ain't overpriced at all. Finally, the presentation of the food is really impressive. I'm not really the kind of eater that cares about that too. Plop the food on the plate and if it's tasty then I'm happy. However I cannot help but notice how nice the food looks upon delivery. They have great vegetarian options too; lots of portobella mushrooms! A final cool note: They have dozens of varieties of hot sauces to choose from on their wall (nothing beats Cholula though, which they have). Rubamba is a quaint little restaurant with a lotta heart! You could have a nice date here, or grab a lunch quick on the go! Whatever you do, it's sure ot be delicious! read more

My favorite place in New Haven!!! Love the vegetarian arepas, either the grilled, cheesy, piled high Colombian style or the baked, stuffed with fresh avocado and sweet plantains Venezuelan style. Also. The guacamole. The wait staff is so kind and friendly :) Also I love to have large parties here. You can make a reservation and get a whole wing to yourself .. with great music to boot. They don't serve alcohol but I find this to be a plus -- you can bring your own wine / beer and have your favorites without paying restaurant prices on the drinks. read more

My cousin loves this place, so she made it her mission to take me on a lunch date before I left town. I can totally see why she likes it so much. The restaurant is small and homey, which I like. It was around 3pm, so we were the only ones there. I got the veggie portabello arepa and my cousin got the pollo arepa. We both enjoyed our lunches and the leftovers. :0). We also got churros for dessert. They were good too. Altogether, the food is good and reasonably priced, and the service and environment are pleasant, so I'll definitely go back to Rubamba next time I'm in Connecticut. read more

This is one of my favorite mexican/latin eateries in New Haven. Yes, they're expensive, but they serve very good food, carefully prepared. You could buy something for much cheaper at the carts, but it wouldn't look or taste as nice. Still, I think they could knock 20% off their prices and make it up in volume -- but then I'd always have to be standing in line! read more

Super good little spot!! I didn't even know it existed until my friend brought me. I loved everything about this place. The stuff is so fresh! The salsa is one of the best I've ever had. I got the chicken tacos and it was all white meat in a double corn tortilla.. seriously the best. Can't wait to come read more

Best arepas and pulled pork from a Spanish restaurant in awhile. I lived in NY for 30 years and even though I have been to quite a few places over the years I can definitely say this place is LEGIT. I recommend the chancho. read more

Rubamba is great! I was introduced to Colombian style arepas the first time I dined here and the stuff just blew my mind. I couldn't figure out how this stuff could be so delicious - something about that combination of corn pancake and warm melty cheese filling, lightly browned on both sides and topped with meat...I've had their arepas from their truck as well and while those have been good, their restaurant tends to give more food and the arepas are more fresh. Portions are generous (rice and plantains come with the order) - you can get combinations of toppings as well (pulled pork and chicken are both great) read more

Rubamba Restaurant - Pulled pork arepa - Latin American Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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1st time we discovered this place we tried the spring roll just to test it out. The guy In front recommend we try the arepas next time. Took the spring roll home and the family loved it. So we then decided to sit in the 2nd time. Mostly everyone ordered a different version of the Columbian arepa. All 10s across the table. We'll be back regularly. read more

I absolutely love this place. The food is fresh and interesting, and to me the prices are quite reasonable for what you get. Yes you can get something similar from a food cart, but I honestly believe that most food cart meals are underpriced in order to stay competitive. Anywho, my boyfriend and I stop through here every once and a while. I usually get the pork arepa, which is moist and delicious. The plantains are well-cooked, and I always leave wanting more of those. My boyfriend got a quesadilla the last time, and he also enjoyed it. For apps we ordered the mexican corn and the ceviche. The corn was delicious, but the ceviche left something to be desired. I would not recommend it. We are also not generally a fan of their jamaica (hibiscus water) or horchata (rice milk). It's fine, but I've had lots of both before, and those just miss the mark. In terms of service, it's usually pretty good. The last time we were in, our server was quite attentive, but seemed to get a bit flustered toward the end when a few large groups came in (and as a result it took her a while to get our check). However, on another occasion we stopped through at the last minute to make a reservation for a large party, and they accommodated us quite well. Everyone in our party raved about the quality of the food, the decent amount of vegetarian options, and how it was a great deal. Overall, I think it's a solid 3.5 to 4 star place, and I can't wait to go back for tamale day. read more

Had to wait 45 minutes for my food because they forgot about me. Food came out cold and in a to go box. The servers told me 5 times "1 more minute". The actual food was ok but my experience was sullied because of the terrible service read more

First time here and it was delicious! We had Venezuelan arepas, and of course sweet plantains. Definitely be back!

Absolutely outstanding! A friend of mine recommended it to me and I'm so glad I went. Had an arepa for the first time and every aspect of the dish was absolutely perfect. Highly recommend this place read more

Really good! As far as I can tell, not a tremendous change from Ay Salsa, but really tasty--the Portobello Arepa was really great. A decent amount of mushrooms, but mainly a really delicious arepa. My one thing might be that it is a touch pricey, but frankly, it's good enough that I'm willing to shell out a buck or two extra. read more

A nice and unassuming little spot. It feels like a takeout place with a few tables added into a side room, but its comfortable for a quickish lunch or dinner. Food is great and service is nice, though i agree with people saying costs a little more than it really should. Have been a few times. Tip - no alcohol on menu, but BYO read more

Went to their truck outside the hospital & had their food for the first time. Best word to describe the experience: YUM! I had the pollo arepa & it was absolutely delicious. Very flavorful & worth every penny I paid; though, I've noticed their prices on the truck versus the restaurant prices I saw online are very different so took a star off for that. If you're going to try this out, pay the $5.50 for lunch at the truck instead & prepare to not be disappointed. read more

Inexpensive and the food is awesome!!! I recommend this place to everyone. The dont have a liquor license though, only negative. read more

It was absolutely delicious! My only complain would be the actual place, a bit to small and not that conformable. The staff was friendly and again, the food was different and delicious. read more

Rubamba Restaurant - Area de pollo - Latin American Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Very big fan of the food truck so wanted to try out the restaurant. The biggest thing you notice first is the huge price discrepancy for the same food. You pay $16 for the $7 food cart meal. Granted it's a restaurant and there is overhead for rent, staff and a nicer presentation. The food is definitely tastier in the restaurant as it's more fresh. However, the service is very slow. We waited for over an hour for our food. It was kind of busy but this was still a really long time. I got the lamb arepa with a pork empanada on the side. The lamb was a bit tough but well flavored. Finished the meal with some churros, which were a solid end. The staff was nice and attentive. Just wish the food would have come out earlier. Some of the other tables who were seated after us got their food first. Overall, a nice small spot but I think I prefer the food truck. read more

Absolutely​ loved the Arepas! We also had the corn and guacamole​ and can't say enough good things. Service was also great. We will be back for sure! read more

Amazing Latin Gourmet style, delicious food, Great service, good price. Every thing great, and you should visit it. read more

Rubamba Restaurant - Latin American Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Ordered on Uber Eats. Delivery order was correct and food was delicious. We ordered the pork empanada, pork arepa, and guacamole and chips. The guac and chips was really good, a little on the saltier side, with huge chunks of avocado. Chips were fresh, not oily, and lightly salted. We had a handful of chips leftover, good portion. I enjoyed the pork arepa. In contrast to the saltier guacamole, the meal was on the sweeter side. The rice was cooked well, good texture (not dry) and my dish came with four sweet plantains (caramelized). A wedge of lime and side of sour creme would have earned this dish 5 stars. Empanada was actually a good portion (we were a little worried as its $5 less than the arepa meals). Boyfriend said it was very filling, sauce on top was delicious and he would definitely order this again. His dish also came with sweet plantains and rice. I would give them a 4.5 if i could, simply because i would have liked a lime to cut the sweet/richness of the arepa and also the saltiness of the guacamole. But overall we would order here again. Very good, another great New Haven find! read more

I've always loved the food here. The 15% student discount is helpful too. That's why I was surprised--and disappointed--when I noticed the waitress shorted me about 5% on the discount. I'm come here, in good faith, expecting to get what is advertised. The fact that my good faith assumption was taken advantage of is unacceptable. It makes me wonder, if Rubamba is willing to short me on their--prominently advertised--discount, then I'm probably not the only one. Fam, ask for your receipt and double check it. read more

Rubamba Restaurant - Latin American Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Excellent yet again. The apps and dinner was outstanding! Service and attention to detail was spot on again. The restaurant is always clean and everyone is very friendly. Definitely enjoy coming here. read more

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Great arepas- not quite the same as I had in Colombia, but good enough. The food is flavorful and not too expensive. My only complaints are that the rice is incredibly salty and the space is super tight. We were all falling over each and spilling stuff. Super nice staff. They also have take out and they deliver so you can always get it to go. read more

This seems like a family owned business. The staff were pleasant. The floor a little sticky. The Arepa was sweet and good. However the rice, beef, and guacamole were bland. It could be that there was flavor but not well balanced. I would recommend using flank steak instead on the Arepa. Customer service was good. Cleanliness a 8 out of 10. Food needs work. read more

Love this restaurant! I order delivery and have always gotten my food in a lot less time than they estimate. The Beans Arepa is my favorite meal of all time! read more

I really like this restaurant, especially their many offerings of arepas. The portion sizes are worth your money and-- according to my Columbian friend-- their food is decently authentic. The service staff is friendly, and they deliver food in a reasonable time period. The restaurant is quiet enough to have a one-on-one conversation without shouting over music or other people. One of my favorites in New Haven! read more

I decided to stop by Rumbamba around 6:15 PM with the thought that since the Ay Arepa food cart on York Street was closing soon I would just stop by the restaurant and get the ingredients fresh. Big mistake! There was only one difference between my food cart fish arepa and the restaurant fish arepa - PRICE! While I can grab a fish arepa from the food cart for 6$, I was charged 13$ for a takeout fish arepa. The portion size was the same (good) and the flavors were the same (delicious!), however I now know that I should always choose the food cart above physical location. If you don't mind shelling out the extra money, the food is delicious. I can't speak to the dining conditions since my meal was takeout. read more

We took a Spanish class here after visiting the Yale Art museum right down the street. Ernesto helped pick out a great prix fixe menu ahead of time that had something for everyone. Our waiter, David, took orders in Spanish and was attentive. The food did not disappoint. My pork arepas were amazing! I wasn't surprised to see lots of people, including nurses coming all the way from Yale NH hospital to get take-out lunches for groups of people. One of our chaperones said it was the best meal she has had in a long time. I agree-can't wait to go back! read more

Rubamba Restaurant - Pork arepas - Latin American Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Very fun atmosphere, great authentic food, and a staff that's genuinely excited for your visit. Get the empanadas!!

I love their food. The Arepas are incredible and so different than what you can get elsewhere. I preferred the Chancho over the Carne. Both were good but the Chancho had more flavor and I found the Carne to be a bit tough. The chips and guac were very good. The only downside to this place is the space which is bit cramped and casual, and the fact that they don't serve alcohol. That also leads to many of the complaints about the prices. I think the amount and quality of food is well worth the price BUT the fact that you're not drinking a mojito and sitting in a more trendy environment makes you feel like you should be paying less. I think it's time for them to kick it up a notch and make the environment more akin to Geronimo or Pacifico and get a liquor license. The food itself is far superior to the competitors. Regardless, I'll be back. read more

I was a bit hesitant when I saw the small location. De food on the other hand was excellent. There is no liquor served just so you are aware. Good place for inexpensive decent meal. read more

Rubamba Restaurant - Latin American Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

The food here is awesome! My husband I were fortunate to stumble upon this great spot for dinner as we were walking one evening. The customer service was also excellent. We will definitely be returning soon. read more

LOVEEEEEEE this place. The food is massive and absolutely delicious. Arepas are absolutely fantastic and they may not be exactly authentic Colombian, but they are definitely innovative and better for it. Highly recommended to stop by if you're in town and looking for something Latin and delicious to eat. It's a no frills place inside and the entrance can be very confusing and you're faced directly to the order area, but don't worry, it's delicious! read more

Been to this place twice. Both times were very satisfying. This is the best place I've eaten at in my nine months of culinary adventures in New Haven. The arepas are amazing. I really enjoyed the pulled pork ones -- made with orange juice in the pork, which adds a nice citrus flavor. The fried plaintains made me say "mmmm" outloud. I also tried the steak torta today, and it was mind-blowing. The bread was perfectly crisped, the avocados and onions complimented the delicious steak, and the chipotle mango aioli brought the whole thing together very nicely. For less than $10 a plate, this place is a steal, especially considering how nice the presentation is! Go there, and go there often. read more

Cute and small inside, not many tables, but it's very cozy. delicious food and drinks, it could be a long waiting time for your food to come out, but once it's ready, it's amazing, and it looks pretty. They have both take-away and eat in options, the price is alright, reasonable for the quality of the food. read more

Great food! Very fresh, and a varied menu with several options for vegetarians. I loved my chicken arepa. Also, the Mexican corn was delicious. I am also a fan of the BYO-ness. We brought some Skinny Girl Margarita, and it was the perfect complement to the food. read more

I think this place is a delicious little gem hiding on High Street. A Living Social deal brought me to it, but their great food will keep me coming back. I ordered a variety of things to take home and split with my boyfriend for lunch. They had a few interesting and different Latin dishes I had not heard of. I got the fish tacos, a chicken arepa, and a carne azada burrito. It was more than enough food for the two of us. Everything was fantastic. I have to say that my favorite was the arepa. If you have not had one, I highly recommend a try. I thought the prices were fair for what you got and how wonderfully it was prepared. It is definitely worth a stop! read more

So happy that they re-opened...NEW NAME...ORIGINAL CHEF. I would not be going back but I saw the chef and still a loyal customer. My fav is the chimichurri arepa, but I'll be honest that every arepa is pretty darn good. If you are in New Haven and want a flavor-full lunch or dinner, you should try this place out. read more