Boston Cuban Food | Gustazo: Worth a Try, Though Not Mind-Blowing 🇨🇺

When a friend dragged me to this Boston Cuban spot, I figured it’d be “basically Spanish food”—and it kind of is. But it has its own little twists. Not exactly “must-eat” level, but perfect for anyone craving a new flavor. The place gets busy, so book ahead! 🌿 Ambiance: A Cuban Spot with Middle Eastern Flair The decor was a nice surprise: Cuban at heart, but with hints of Middle Eastern and Turkish vibes—warm orange walls with geometric tapestries, wooden tables under stained-glass lights, even the servers’ aprons had embroidered patterns. Less “fiery Latin” and more “gentle exotic,” which was nice. Service was great too—friendly without being overbearing, quick with refills and plate changes 😌. 🍴 Dishes: Hits and Misses (Rated) No total disasters, but few standouts. Here’s the breakdown: 🌟 Recommended Mejillones Con Chorizo: Mussels so fresh they still had a hint of sea grit (the good kind!), swimming in tangy tomato sauce. The chorizo’s saltiness seeps into the broth—dip bread in it, and you’ll lick the bowl. Tambor De Papas: Cloud-soft mashed potatoes stuffed with tender pork, drizzled with zesty green sauce. Creamy, savory, and bright—carbo lovers, this is for you❤️. Camarones A La Plancha: Grilled shrimp, plump and springy, with a salty-spicy kick. Charred flavor pairs with the shrimp’s sweetness—simple but tasty, great with a drink. Flan: Crisp caramel top, silky custard with rich egg flavor. Not too sweet—way better than most dessert spots. Churros Con Chocolate: Freshly fried, crispy outside, soft inside. Dipped in slightly bitter chocolate, not overly sweet—perfect with coffee ☕. 🤷 So-So Arroz Con Pollo: Tender chicken, rice soaked in meaty broth—savory and filling, but nothing memorable. You’ll eat it, but won’t crave it. Costillas A La Guayaba: Ribs fall-off-the-bone tender, with guava sauce adding a sweet touch. But the sweet-savory balance is off—it gets cloying after a few bites. ❌ Skip Puerco Asado: Pork is tender but dry, and the rice is way too salty. Bland on its own—save your money. Pulpo: Octopus is chewy, but the only flavor is salt. No smoky char, no depth—just… plain. Get the shrimp instead. Tres Leches Cake: Sickeningly sweet, with the milkiness drowned out by sugar. The fluffy texture can’t save it—avoid. Mojito: Weak on alcohol, too tart, and not cold enough. Lacks that refreshing zing—opt for a beer instead. 💰 Value: $57 per person (not bad) We ordered 5 mains + 3 desserts + 2 drinks, totaling $57 per person—not bad for Boston. For a taste of Cuban food with a fun vibe, it’s worth the splurge if you’re curious. Overall, Gustazo is a “solid flavor pit stop”—not life-changing, but a nice way to try Cuban food in Boston. Book a table, bring friends, and enjoy the vibe. Not bad for a weekend outing! #BostonEats #Cambridge #Harvard #Gustazo #BostonFood #CubanFoodBoston