Jacksonville, Florida is a city rich in cultural diversity, and one of the ways this is reflected is through its food. Among the many cuisines that have found a home in Jacksonville, Cuban food stands out for its unique blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean flavors. Cuban cuisine has a rich history, and its influence can be seen in many of the city’s restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. If you want a better understanding of Cuban influence in Jacksonville’s culinary scene, check out these top Cuban Restaurants in Jacksonville.
CUBAN PIZZERIA
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Cuban Pizzeria is a junction where classic Italian pizza meets Cuban zest, creating a unique culinary narrative. Among their offerings are vegetarian and vegan options, catering to a diverse clientele.
Their loyalty program is a cherry on top, rewarding food enthusiasts with freebies on return visits. The ambiance is casual and cozy, making it a fitting choice for family dinners or a relaxed outing with friends.
They have yet to stop at just savory pizzas; there are unique creations that touch on the sweet side, too.
Some of their most popular dishes include Cubano pizza, Frita pizza, Picadillo pizza, Guava and Cream cheese pizza, and Havana Heat pizza. If you are curious about what this blend of flavors and cooking tastes like, then head on over to Cubano Pizzeria now.
Address: 4347-2 University Blvd S, Jacksonville, FL 32216
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday (11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
- Friday – Saturday (11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 575-8731
Website: https://cuban-pizzeria.business.site/
1928 Cuban Bistro
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1928 Cuban Bistro, a family venture, is more than just a restaurant; it’s a portal to Cuban culture. With a full bar, you can complement your meal with various beverages.
They extend their culinary expertise to cater to events, and their gift shop offers a slice of Cuba with its range of themed items.
Their dishes, crafted from locally sourced ingredients, have earned them accolades, making them a noted name in the Cuban culinary scene in Jacksonville.
Some of their most popular dishes include Ropa Vieja, Vaca Frita, Lechon Asado, Cuban sandwiches, Tostones, and Empanadas.
Address: 3928 Baymeadows Rd #9, Jacksonville, FL 32217
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Monday (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
- Tuesday – Saturday (8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 683-8104
Website: https://www.1928bistro.com/
The Cuban Place
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The Cuban Place is a compact, homely spot offering authentic Cuban delicacies. Outdoor seating allows patrons to enjoy their meals in the open air.
Their daily lunch special is a steal, and the dessert menu with Cuban sweets like flan and tres leches cake is a sweet ending.
They host cultural events, providing a platform for local talents, making it not just a place to dine but to experience Cuban culture.
Address: 9850 San Jose Blvd Suite 1, Jacksonville, FL 32257
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday (8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
- Friday – Saturday (8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
- Sunday (11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 862-6127
Website: https://thecubanplacerestaurant.com/
Mambos Cuban Café
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Mambos Cuban Café, a venture by a former Navy family, embodies the essence of Cuban hospitality. Their kids’ menu, online ordering, and delivery services reflect their aim to cater to all.
The live music schedule featuring local talents adds a lively rhythm to the Cuban culinary adventure. They host cooking classes, allowing patrons to take a piece of Cuba with them.
Address: 13770 Beach Blvd #9, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday (10:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.)
- Friday – Saturday (10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 374-2046
Website: https://mamboscubancafe.com/
El Cubano Jax
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El Cubano Jax, tucked inside Lemonstreet Brewing Company, is where Chef Esteban Azofeifa’s passion comes to life. With a food truck serving around Jacksonville and a catering menu for events, they extend their culinary reach beyond the restaurant.
Their weekly special keeps the menu fresh and enticing. The ambiance is jazzed up with special events and themed nights, providing a holistic Cuban experience.
Address: 2100 Dennis Street Jacksonville, FL 3220
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday – Friday (11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
- Saturday (1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
- Sunday (1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 712-1998
Website: https://www.elcubanojax.com/
La Bodega Original
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La Bodega Original has been a staple in Jacksonville for over a decade, offering authentic Cuban flavors. The menu showcases crowd favorites such as Cuban Sandwiches, Empanadas, Rellenos, Tostones, Yuccone, and Jibaro Shrimp.
A special event that gathers excitement is their once-a-month pig roast. On the beverage front, various coffees, teas, and a special champagne with orange juice known as Mimosa are available.
The restaurant caters to diverse dietary needs with a range of vegetarian dishes. Dedicated events like salsa nights or Cuban culture-related events enrich the dining experience, making each visit a culinary adventure.
Address: 4541 Shirley Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32210
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Friday (10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 513-3716
Website: https://www.labodegaoriginal.com/
90 Miles from Cuba
Located in the Southside, 90 Miles from Cuba, is a low-key restaurant reputed for its authentic Cuban dishes in Jacksonville. The menu stars Cuban sandwiches, Pan con Lechon, Media Noche, and Croquetas de Jamon, among other delightful offerings.
The warm and welcoming nature of the staff and service is a hallmark of this restaurant. The convenience of dedicated parking makes this Cuban eatery a favored choice among locals.
Address: 9938 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday (7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 379-9281
Website: https://90milefromcuba.com/
JAX FITO’S
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Opened in January 2023, JAX FITO’S has swiftly garnered a reputation for its excellent Cuban dishes. Praises have been sung for their Cuban sandwich, fried rice, papa rellenas, ropa vieja, empanadas, and cafe con leche.
The welcoming service has been a talk among patrons. It’s pertinent to note that the restaurant wraps up by 7 p.m., which might pose a challenge for dinner plans.
The early closing time suggests a visit for a hearty lunch or an early dinner to experience the offerings of JAX FITO’S.
Address: 11915 Beach Blvd #112, Jacksonville, FL 32246
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday – Friday (10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
- Saturday (9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
- Sunday (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 586-2076
Sol De Cuba Cafe
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For authentic Cuban dishes, a visit to Sol De Cuba Cafe is highly recommended. The menu has gained praises for its ropa vieja, empanadas, sopas, Cuban sandwich, Pan De Bistec, and Cafe Con Leche.
The prompt, warm staff enhances the dining experience.
Dedicated parking simplifies the visit, and outdoor seating provides an enjoyable dining ambiance.
Address: 195 Blanding Blvd Ste 6, Orange Park, FL 32073
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Saturday (8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
- Sunday (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 644-7211
Website: https://cubanfoodorangepark.com/
El Mofongo
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El Mofongo in the Westside area of Jacksonville is the destination for Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Dominican delicacies. The menu features Roast Pork, Cafe Con Leche, Cubano Special, Mofongos, Empanadas, and more. Known for swift and excellent service, El Mofongo ensures a satisfying dining experience.
The restaurant offers cooking classes on popular dishes, transforming it into a locale for culinary learning. Authentic bread made in-house is a notable feature, making El Mofongo a cherished spot for those seeking traditional Cuban food.
Address: 6011 103rd St #11, Jacksonville, FL 32210
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday (7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 777-4933
Website: https://elmofongojacksonville.com/
The Bread & Board
The Bread & Board celebrates the age-old art of bread-making, which forms the cornerstone of its innovative menu. This establishment marries traditional bread with contemporary sandwich creations, yielding a menu blending the familiar and the exciting.
The open kitchen concept demystifies the culinary process, offering transparency and an engaging dining experience. The Bread & Board’s commitment to the local community shines through its sourcing practices, supporting Jacksonville’s farmers and producers.
This eatery is not just a place to dine but a locale where the community, tradition, and innovation come together over a well-crafted sandwich.
The Bread & Board
Address: 1030 Oak St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Saturday (11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
- Sunday (11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 862-6992
Website: https://thebreadandboard.com/
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty plate of ropa vieja, a crunchy medianoche sandwich, or a refreshing mojito, you can find it all and more in these restaurants. Moreover, beyond their delicious food, these establishments are often family-owned and operated, with warm and welcoming atmospheres that make you feel like you’re part of the community. So, next time you’re in Jacksonville, be sure to stop by one of these Cuban gems and savor the taste of Cuba right here in Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do you need to know Spanish to order in Cuban Restaurants?
No, not really. For most of the Cuban restaurants in Jacksonville, staff, chefs, and owners are mostly capable of speaking in English so knowing Spanish is not a requirement. However, if you haven’t eaten Cuban dish before, knowledge of Spanish can be an advantage because it makes things faster and easier when you look at the menu.
Nowadays, even though the menu lists items in Spanish, there is often an English description that follows explaining the ingredients or type of cooking for each item, so this should help too.
Are Cuban dishes spicy?
Not all of them. They do have strong flavors though, but not all delicacies are spicy. Sandwiches are mostly not spicy and so are the desserts. However, some (usually indicated in the menu) can be. If the word chili comes up, then it often is spicy. By default though, most Cuban dishes are not spicy.
Do Cuban restaurants in Jax offer liquor?
Not all of them. They do have strong flavors though, but not all delicacies are spicy. Sandwiches are mostly not spicy and so are the desserts. However, some (usually indicated in the menu) can be. If the word chili comes up, then it often is spicy. By default though, most Cuban dishes are not spicy.
Most of them do. A lot of these restaurants offer cocktails, mojitos, beer, wines, and other alcoholic beverages, but not all. It is usually indicated in their online menus if they serve such drinks, so you can either check their offerings online or call the restaurant beforehand.
What are some popular Cuban dishes to try at these restaurants?
Some popular Cuban dishes to try at these restaurants include ropa vieja, medianoche sandwich, and mojito.
Are there any dress codes or other requirements for dining at these restaurants?
It depends on the restaurant, but most Cuban restaurants in Jacksonville do not have a dress code or other requirements for dining.
