Brilliant food, friendly and prompt service on a Friday evening. Highly recommend the pork empanadas, ropa vieja (steak) and key lime tart. Mojito and Cafe Cubano cocktails were nicely presented ??
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ropa Vieja, Tierra Y Mar, Caribbean Curry
Camy T.
This spot is my favorite Cuban restaurant in South Bay! I've been going here for years and have never been disappointed. The ambience transports you when you walk in! It's a great lively restaurant for date nights, anniversaries, or even a post work dinner with coworkers. Whether you're sitter by the bar or their more intimate dining room, the vibes are immaculate and the servers take good care of you! We sat by the bar and went an hour after they opened on a Wednesday night- they weren't too busy quite yet, but soon picked up. They brought us house bread and we ordered the croquetas and shrimp ceviche to start. The ceviche is good balance of tanginess and spicy. It's served on bread soaked up with the sauce, but somehow not soggy, which they nail every time! The shrimp was cooked to perfection and had great flavor. The pollo croquetas were a special that night and absolutes melted in your mouth. The aoli was an excellent addition to this dish. All the flavors come through even without the sauce. For our main course we ordered arroz con pollo served with my favorite, plantains! The chicken was tender and melted in your mouth. It was well seasoned and as always the flavors were dancing on my tongue haha. We got the plantain crusted goat cheese salad with delicious sherry vinaigrette! It was light and fresh and a great way to end our meal. I absolutely recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting to explore authentic Cuban food :)
Gricelda Hernandez LMT
This was my first time visiting this place Don Jorge was amazing, the food was amazingly delicious, the ambiance and music ? were bohemian. I will definitely return to try the entire menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bimby G
The food tastes great. The cuban coffee is superb. The service is excellent. Needs a bit more lighting in the room perhaps. The drinks are also good. May need more mocktail drinks on the menu. Otherwise, all in all, it was a good experience and im happy to recommend it to others. ??
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Paella De La Bodeguita
Gelay Sope
It was a nice restaurant for a get together. The food is nice. I love the pork empanadas and the paella. The chocolate cake is too rich.The ambience is too dark, its almost hard to read their menu bec of the lighting.Overall it is a nice place for a fate or just a nice dinner.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Roasted Chicken Croquetas, Paella De La Bodeguita
Alex Aranda
Excellent meal, unfortunately the Calamari was too salty, but they made it right! Great atmosphere, if you never had Cuban food, you are in for a treat. Very friendly and personable. Everyone smiles!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crab Cakes with Roasted Corn
Norma M.
The atmosphere is as if you are in Cuba. Very lively. The drinks are delicious and the food is amazing. Service is always great.
Kristin R.
Downtown Palo Alto. We went here during the week and there were no indoor seating so we were offered an outdoor seating. We were sat next to a heater and were comfortable. We were immediately greeted and we required more time. The waiter did not return for over ten min-that is my only negative feedback. Once we ordered our food arrived within minutes which was a bit odd. Our waiter was good. Nothin special. My son ordered arrow con pollo ($25.20) and I ordered pasta verde ($24.80). Both dishes were tasty. And we were stuffed and I only ate half. The restaurant does charge 5% surcharge. Over all a good meal. Recommend
Lionel Jellins
La Bo Seafood Ajiaco. Remember that name.It is an extraordinary collection of flavors, seafood and deliciousness. Think paella without the rice. Think frute de mare from Cuba. But whatever you think; eat this dish.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Paella De La Bodeguita, Bodeguita Seafood Ajiaco, Ropa Vieja
Arcelia G.
Went with a couple of friends to La Bodeguita del Medio. We went on a Wednesday after work. When we first arrived, the place was pretty empty but as the evening continued more and more people started to show up. It got packed. Thank goodness that we got there early and we were able to get a great table for the five of us. From the moment that we arrived, the service was excellent. We told the staff that we were there to celebrate two occasions and they really made us feel special that we chose the establishment to celebrate. Staff offered to take pictures of our group. The ambiance was welcoming, comfortable and relaxing. It was the perfect place to celebrate and have conversation. The music was awesome... I love Orishas!!! Yet, the music was not super loud that you couldn't hear one another. Low lighting and candlelight really created the mood, especially on a rainy evening. I personally got the cubano sandwich, mmmmmmmm yummy. It was the perfect amount of cheese, a lot that is and toasted to perfection. No soggy sandwiches here! I also had the hibiscus honey bee (non alcoholic drink). Can I please have this drink everyday?!?? It was the right blend of sweetness where it was not overwhelming. The key lime tart is delightful. Not too sour and it was a great dessert right after my meal. Please note that they add a 5 percent operational surcharge to all guest checks that is not gratuity. It's noted that it's to offset the rising cost and employer mandates. For sure, I will be returning for an evening out, even if there is nothing special to celebrate. Everything about our evening was perfect. Since the restaurant is on California Ave there is no street parking right in front. There is a parking lot behind the restaurant and also a parking garage nearby.
The most fantastic service by Georgie at the bar. Extremely friendly and laid back place with soft lighting and tasty food. I don't come to Cuban food very frequently but I'd come back.
Kefan XIAO
Food is awesome. Love the Paella and ribs. The servers were quite occupied when we were there.Oh and they charge 5% surcharge for dining in.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Paella
Noosha T.
Incredible service and incredible food! I was blown away by how attentive the waitstaff here was. I had the calamari to start, it came out pretty quickly and was delicious! Next, I tried the cubano sandwich with a side of yucca fries! This was my first time trying a Cuban sandwich and I was really excited. I'm pleased to say that it surpassed my expectations! It was full of flavor and different textures that complemented each other! I also tried the Tierra y Mar which was my favorite dish. The steak was cooked perfectly and paired well with the sides. Will definitely be back!
Renee F.
I have had classic Cuban food and this is not it! Nothing was made with sofrito! The pork was dry. The desert was as if they purchased it from Cosco. The skirt steak, was 1/2 the steaks. The Arroz con Pollo was a mess. The chicken must be made with the rice which this was not. The alcoholic drink, the mojito, was not made to traditional standards. Good ambience. That was about it!
Brilliant food, friendly and prompt service on a Friday evening. Highly recommend the pork empanadas, ropa vieja (steak) and key lime tart. Mojito and Cafe Cubano cocktails were nicely presented ??
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ropa Vieja, Tierra Y Mar, Caribbean Curry
This spot is my favorite Cuban restaurant in South Bay! I've been going here for years and have never been disappointed. The ambience transports you when you walk in! It's a great lively restaurant for date nights, anniversaries, or even a post work dinner with coworkers. Whether you're sitter by the bar or their more intimate dining room, the vibes are immaculate and the servers take good care of you! We sat by the bar and went an hour after they opened on a Wednesday night- they weren't too busy quite yet, but soon picked up. They brought us house bread and we ordered the croquetas and shrimp ceviche to start. The ceviche is good balance of tanginess and spicy. It's served on bread soaked up with the sauce, but somehow not soggy, which they nail every time! The shrimp was cooked to perfection and had great flavor. The pollo croquetas were a special that night and absolutes melted in your mouth. The aoli was an excellent addition to this dish. All the flavors come through even without the sauce. For our main course we ordered arroz con pollo served with my favorite, plantains! The chicken was tender and melted in your mouth. It was well seasoned and as always the flavors were dancing on my tongue haha. We got the plantain crusted goat cheese salad with delicious sherry vinaigrette! It was light and fresh and a great way to end our meal. I absolutely recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting to explore authentic Cuban food :)
This was my first time visiting this place Don Jorge was amazing, the food was amazingly delicious, the ambiance and music ? were bohemian. I will definitely return to try the entire menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food tastes great. The cuban coffee is superb. The service is excellent. Needs a bit more lighting in the room perhaps. The drinks are also good. May need more mocktail drinks on the menu. Otherwise, all in all, it was a good experience and im happy to recommend it to others. ??
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Paella De La Bodeguita
It was a nice restaurant for a get together. The food is nice. I love the pork empanadas and the paella. The chocolate cake is too rich.The ambience is too dark, its almost hard to read their menu bec of the lighting.Overall it is a nice place for a fate or just a nice dinner.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Roasted Chicken Croquetas, Paella De La Bodeguita
Excellent meal, unfortunately the Calamari was too salty, but they made it right! Great atmosphere, if you never had Cuban food, you are in for a treat. Very friendly and personable. Everyone smiles!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crab Cakes with Roasted Corn
The atmosphere is as if you are in Cuba. Very lively. The drinks are delicious and the food is amazing. Service is always great.
Downtown Palo Alto. We went here during the week and there were no indoor seating so we were offered an outdoor seating. We were sat next to a heater and were comfortable. We were immediately greeted and we required more time. The waiter did not return for over ten min-that is my only negative feedback. Once we ordered our food arrived within minutes which was a bit odd. Our waiter was good. Nothin special. My son ordered arrow con pollo ($25.20) and I ordered pasta verde ($24.80). Both dishes were tasty. And we were stuffed and I only ate half. The restaurant does charge 5% surcharge. Over all a good meal. Recommend
La Bo Seafood Ajiaco. Remember that name.It is an extraordinary collection of flavors, seafood and deliciousness. Think paella without the rice. Think frute de mare from Cuba. But whatever you think; eat this dish.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Paella De La Bodeguita, Bodeguita Seafood Ajiaco, Ropa Vieja
Went with a couple of friends to La Bodeguita del Medio. We went on a Wednesday after work. When we first arrived, the place was pretty empty but as the evening continued more and more people started to show up. It got packed. Thank goodness that we got there early and we were able to get a great table for the five of us. From the moment that we arrived, the service was excellent. We told the staff that we were there to celebrate two occasions and they really made us feel special that we chose the establishment to celebrate. Staff offered to take pictures of our group. The ambiance was welcoming, comfortable and relaxing. It was the perfect place to celebrate and have conversation. The music was awesome... I love Orishas!!! Yet, the music was not super loud that you couldn't hear one another. Low lighting and candlelight really created the mood, especially on a rainy evening. I personally got the cubano sandwich, mmmmmmmm yummy. It was the perfect amount of cheese, a lot that is and toasted to perfection. No soggy sandwiches here! I also had the hibiscus honey bee (non alcoholic drink). Can I please have this drink everyday?!?? It was the right blend of sweetness where it was not overwhelming. The key lime tart is delightful. Not too sour and it was a great dessert right after my meal. Please note that they add a 5 percent operational surcharge to all guest checks that is not gratuity. It's noted that it's to offset the rising cost and employer mandates. For sure, I will be returning for an evening out, even if there is nothing special to celebrate. Everything about our evening was perfect. Since the restaurant is on California Ave there is no street parking right in front. There is a parking lot behind the restaurant and also a parking garage nearby.
Restaurantji Recommends
The most fantastic service by Georgie at the bar. Extremely friendly and laid back place with soft lighting and tasty food. I don't come to Cuban food very frequently but I'd come back.
Food is awesome. Love the Paella and ribs. The servers were quite occupied when we were there.Oh and they charge 5% surcharge for dining in.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Paella
Incredible service and incredible food! I was blown away by how attentive the waitstaff here was. I had the calamari to start, it came out pretty quickly and was delicious! Next, I tried the cubano sandwich with a side of yucca fries! This was my first time trying a Cuban sandwich and I was really excited. I'm pleased to say that it surpassed my expectations! It was full of flavor and different textures that complemented each other! I also tried the Tierra y Mar which was my favorite dish. The steak was cooked perfectly and paired well with the sides. Will definitely be back!
I have had classic Cuban food and this is not it! Nothing was made with sofrito! The pork was dry. The desert was as if they purchased it from Cosco. The skirt steak, was 1/2 the steaks. The Arroz con Pollo was a mess. The chicken must be made with the rice which this was not. The alcoholic drink, the mojito, was not made to traditional standards. Good ambience. That was about it!
Not worth the price.