Gustazo: Tender Lamb Chops, Ribs That Steal Your Heart

Boston Cuban Food Alert｜Gustazo: Tender Lamb Chops, Ribs That Steal Your Heart, Even the Sauce Deserves a Lick 🍖 Wandering through Cambridge in Boston, I was drawn to Gustazo, tucked away on a corner—push the door open, and you’re met with walls of colorful tiles, warm yellow light filtering through rattan chandeliers, and a Mexican-style tapestry fluttering above the bar. Even the servers’ floral shirts exude vibrant energy. I came for Cuban food, but left obsessed with their lamb chops, ribs, and that coconut rice—turns out, Boston’s Cuban flavors hold wonderful surprises. 🌶️ Ambiance: A Cuban Spot with Mexican Vibes, Perfect for Drinks & Chats Calling it "Mexican-style" isn’t wrong: walls painted bright yellow and indigo, decorated with straw hats, guitars, and old Cuban street posters, with greenery in the corner almost climbing up to the chandeliers. By evening, the bar’s already packed—Spanish laughter mingles with clinking glasses, and the bartender in a floral shirt shakes mojitos, the scent of mint drifting far. Both the Cambridge and Waltham locations radiate "unpretentious liveliness": tables are spaced just right—no elbow-bumping, but close enough for easy chat; the lighting’s bright enough to see sauce drips on plates, yet soft enough to hide over-excited grins. A friend said, "It’s perfect for drinks and chats"—and she’s right. Even just sipping rum by the window, watching the street, you’ll feel time slow down nicely. 🍴 Dishes: From Octopus to Ribs, Every Bite Makes You Want to Lick the Plate The two locations have slight differences (Waltham’s a touch saltier), but every recommended dish hits the mark: Pulpo (Octopus, top left in Photo 1, Photo 5): First to rave about! Tender octopus tentacles dance on your tongue—chewy yet soft, brimming with sea-fresh flavor. It’s a bit salty on its own, but paired with the accompanying sauce (a zesty, yogurt-like mix with a hint of lime), the saltiness balances out, turning into pure deliciousness. We even fought over the last little bits of tentacle. Costillas A La Guayaba (Ribs, Photo 4): Straight to the heart! These ribs fall off the bone effortlessly—juices drip from every strand of meat, and a bite reveals tender, pink flesh with a slight char on the outside (not burnt, just perfectly crispy). The sweet glaze coats each piece, like biting into Cuban sunshine. The magic? The beets on top—tangy and a little odd alone, but paired with the ribs, they cut through the sweetness. One bite of rib, one of beet—you won’t stop. El Dorado (Mahi-Mahi): The fish’s a little dry? Who cares! Its sauce and coconut rice are the real stars. The sauce is rich, creamy, almost like melted cheese, with a hint of spice and The coconut rice, fluffy and fragrant with a touch of sweetness, mixed with that sauce? It’s a match made in heaven. We practically pushed the fish aside to focus on the rice, mopping up every last drop with bread. Chuletas De Cordero (Lamb Chops): Even non-lamb lovers will be won over. The chops are seared outside, pink and juicy inside—juices splash when you cut into them. No gamey taste, just a hint of herbaceousness. The side roasted potatoes, soaked in meat juices, almost outshine the lamb itself. Honorable Mentions: Cazuela De Coliflor Asada (roasted cauliflower, top right in Photo 1) is crispy with melted cheese, like "veggie barbecue"; Ropa Vieja (shredded beef, bottom left in Photo 1) is tender, simmered in tangy tomato sauce, perfect with rice. Mejillones Con Chorizo (mussels with chorizo, top right in Photo 2) is good, but I’ve had better elsewhere—still, their sauce is so tasty, you’ll want to soak it up with bread. 💁 Service: 5 Stars All the Way Service is fantastic—they add a 4% kitchen appreciation fee, but gratuity is calculated after tax (no hidden tricks). Servers are quick to say, "Today’s ribs use fresh guava glaze, sweeter than usual" and swap out plates before you even ask. As we left, our server smiled, "Try our mojito next time—it pairs amazing with the ribs." I believe it. After too many cold seafood plates and heavy steaks in Boston, Gustazo’s Cuban flavors feel like a warm hug—fresh octopus, sweet ribs, rich sauce, and that coconut rice. Whether with friends for drinks or a family meal, it’s guaranteed to make you smile. Next time in Cambridge, I’m heading straight to the bar: order ribs, a mojito, and let the sweetness and tango on my tongue. After all, a restaurant that makes you want to lick the plate? Worth a hundred returns. 📍 Addresses: 2067 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140; 240 Moody St, Waltham, MA 02453 #BostonLife #BostonFood #BostonEats #CubanRestaurant #BostonCubanFood #BostonFoodie #BostonDining #BostonTravel