The food is absolutely amazing. I got the Picadillo bowl with the plant based crumbles. It was delicious!
If you are going on a weekend in the summer I would suggest calling in your order for take out. It is unsurprisingly very popular!
MichelleNovak
Amazing gem in Black Mountain! Definitely worth a stop in for both their delicious Cuban coffee and food! Especially excited about all their plant based options including lentils empanadas and vegan friendly breakfast & lunch bowls! So good! Will definitely be returning for more!
Chip Bridges
Absolutely fantastic food, and there's something for everyone here. I try something different almost every time I come and it's hard to decide on a favorite. My answer is usually whatever I got last time. The staff is friendly and the wait is more than reasonable. Portions are ample and the food is so flavorful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jacob
One of the best pulled pork sandwiches I’ve had.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sara F
Amazing gluten free options!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Caye Conley
What a gem and a rare find in WNC. I moved to the Asheville area from Florida (where there are plenty of options for good latin food) a few years ago and finding authentic Cuban food has been almost impossible until my trip to Black Mountain. The pastries are delightful, the ropa vieja was comforting, and the aioli for the yucca fries has set a new standard. I'll be recommending Cousins to everyone!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
VeganWithATwist
My husband and I love this place. The food is delicious, the staff is universally knowledgeable about the vegan options, and dishes are labeled with a vegan sticker when they come to the table. The expanded seating area is a huge plus.
zantaz
Tucked away in the charming streets of Black Mountain lies an authentic Cuban café that’s an absolute must-visit for food lovers—especially those with dietary restrictions. From the moment you walk in, you’re met with the cozy, welcoming atmosphere of a place that feels like home, yet serves a slice of Havana on every plate.
One of the standout features of this café is its thoughtful menu, packed with vegan and gluten-free options that don’t skimp on flavor or tradition. Whether you’re plant-based or just trying something new, you’ll find satisfying choices that stay true to the rich, comforting essence of Cuban cuisine. Every dish is hearty and generously portioned—you won’t be leaving hungry.
But let’s talk coffee. The Cuban coffee here is simply outstanding—bold, smooth, and deeply aromatic. Whether you order it hot, iced, or as a traditional cafecito, it’s a cup worth savoring.
Service is equally impressive and friendly. The owner, Beatriz, is very hands on checking in on us numerous times making sure we’re happy with the food. The staff is warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve. It’s clear they take pride in creating a memorable experience for every guest.
All in all, this café blends authenticity with inclusivity in the best way. With impeccable service, cozy vibes, and food that hits the spot—especially for those seeking vegan or gluten-free comfort fare—this little Cuban corner in Black Mountain is a true culinary treasure. We left very content and with full belly’s!
Updated from previous review on 2025-07-10
brookie457
Wonderful experience today at this establishment. We had fantastic vegan lunch options. The staff were very friendly and accommodating.
PlantPeace
They had several veganizable options for breakfast. Portions were large, price was very reasonable, and the flavor was so good! Will definitely be coming back the next time we pass through the area.
Cousins Cuban had many great vegan options! I got the vegan cubano and empanadas! Both were very delicious! Staff was friendly, the restaurant had many great seating options and was a really cute space! But most importantly the food was delicious and they even had a few vegan baked goods as well!
adam friedman
Wow! The vegan options, especially the vegan Cuban sandwich, are amazing! The staff are all so kind.
Cousins provides authentic Cuban food that is delicious! It is one of my go to places for breakfast or lunch. The staff is always very friendly and the service is great. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cabin Girl
Everything is always great! Love the bowl dishes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stephanie Guillen
This is a very Cuban cozy family owned spot which surprise me to be in the NC mountains. I felt like I was transported back to Miami in a little Cuban village. The food was absolutely delicious. Everything we ordered was homemade, fresh and what you would expect from an authentic Cuban restaurant. I am blown away by how impressive the food, service and hospitality was. Highly recommend!
The food is absolutely amazing. I got the Picadillo bowl with the plant based crumbles. It was delicious! If you are going on a weekend in the summer I would suggest calling in your order for take out. It is unsurprisingly very popular!
Amazing gem in Black Mountain! Definitely worth a stop in for both their delicious Cuban coffee and food! Especially excited about all their plant based options including lentils empanadas and vegan friendly breakfast & lunch bowls! So good! Will definitely be returning for more!
Absolutely fantastic food, and there's something for everyone here. I try something different almost every time I come and it's hard to decide on a favorite. My answer is usually whatever I got last time. The staff is friendly and the wait is more than reasonable. Portions are ample and the food is so flavorful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of the best pulled pork sandwiches I’ve had.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing gluten free options!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a gem and a rare find in WNC. I moved to the Asheville area from Florida (where there are plenty of options for good latin food) a few years ago and finding authentic Cuban food has been almost impossible until my trip to Black Mountain. The pastries are delightful, the ropa vieja was comforting, and the aioli for the yucca fries has set a new standard. I'll be recommending Cousins to everyone!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
My husband and I love this place. The food is delicious, the staff is universally knowledgeable about the vegan options, and dishes are labeled with a vegan sticker when they come to the table. The expanded seating area is a huge plus.
Tucked away in the charming streets of Black Mountain lies an authentic Cuban café that’s an absolute must-visit for food lovers—especially those with dietary restrictions. From the moment you walk in, you’re met with the cozy, welcoming atmosphere of a place that feels like home, yet serves a slice of Havana on every plate. One of the standout features of this café is its thoughtful menu, packed with vegan and gluten-free options that don’t skimp on flavor or tradition. Whether you’re plant-based or just trying something new, you’ll find satisfying choices that stay true to the rich, comforting essence of Cuban cuisine. Every dish is hearty and generously portioned—you won’t be leaving hungry. But let’s talk coffee. The Cuban coffee here is simply outstanding—bold, smooth, and deeply aromatic. Whether you order it hot, iced, or as a traditional cafecito, it’s a cup worth savoring. Service is equally impressive and friendly. The owner, Beatriz, is very hands on checking in on us numerous times making sure we’re happy with the food. The staff is warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve. It’s clear they take pride in creating a memorable experience for every guest. All in all, this café blends authenticity with inclusivity in the best way. With impeccable service, cozy vibes, and food that hits the spot—especially for those seeking vegan or gluten-free comfort fare—this little Cuban corner in Black Mountain is a true culinary treasure. We left very content and with full belly’s! Updated from previous review on 2025-07-10
Wonderful experience today at this establishment. We had fantastic vegan lunch options. The staff were very friendly and accommodating.
They had several veganizable options for breakfast. Portions were large, price was very reasonable, and the flavor was so good! Will definitely be coming back the next time we pass through the area.
Restaurantji Recommends
Cousins Cuban had many great vegan options! I got the vegan cubano and empanadas! Both were very delicious! Staff was friendly, the restaurant had many great seating options and was a really cute space! But most importantly the food was delicious and they even had a few vegan baked goods as well!
Wow! The vegan options, especially the vegan Cuban sandwich, are amazing! The staff are all so kind.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cuban Sandwich, Yucca Fries, Sweet Plantains
Cousins provides authentic Cuban food that is delicious! It is one of my go to places for breakfast or lunch. The staff is always very friendly and the service is great. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everything is always great! Love the bowl dishes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is a very Cuban cozy family owned spot which surprise me to be in the NC mountains. I felt like I was transported back to Miami in a little Cuban village. The food was absolutely delicious. Everything we ordered was homemade, fresh and what you would expect from an authentic Cuban restaurant. I am blown away by how impressive the food, service and hospitality was. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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