Gustazo Cuban Kitchen: When Cheese Corn & Pork Belly Steal the Show

We’d heard so much about Gustazo in Cambridge—the it spot for Cuban food—so I finally dragged my boyfriend over to check it out! I expected a "decent but unremarkable exotic meal," but ended up obsessed enough to plan a return visit immediately. Especially the roasted pork belly hidden in fried rice—it somehow stole the show, proving that popular recommendations never lie～ 🍘 Must-orders: Cheese lovers and meat fans, rejoice Corn Fritters These golden little balls caught our eye as soon as they hit the table! Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, with melty, stretchy cheese woven through the corn batter. The sweetness of the corn balances the richness of the cheese, and the tangy yogurt dip on the side cuts through the fried heaviness. My boyfriend and I fought over the last one—cheese lovers, this plate is non-negotiable😋 Roasted Lamb Chops Lamb enthusiasts, don’t skip this! The chops are seared to a crispy exterior, and a knife glides through the tender meat, releasing juices with every cut. They’re seasoned with a hint of rosemary, and there’s zero gamey aftertaste. The fatty bits crisp up like "crunchy cracklings," while the lean meat stays juicy. Even the roasted peppers and onions underneath soak up the meaty juices—my picky boyfriend cleaned his plate, and sharing one portion between two was just right (any more would be too rich). Roasted Pork Belly Fried Rice (xhs-recommended) I grumbled when I saw it was "only available as fried rice," but one bite turned my complaints into raves! Crispy pork belly bits are mixed into the rice, their oil infusing every grain. Pineapple chunks are the secret weapon—their sweetness cuts through the pork’s richness, creating a "savory + tangy" explosion in every bite. It’s so good, we wanted to high-five the chef. No wonder it’s a fan favorite—popular opinion never fails🫶🏻 🦪 Misses: Seafood might be hit-or-miss Mussels Not sure if we just got unlucky, but these had a strong fishy smell that even the tomato-and-herb broth couldn’t mask. The meat was tough, with none of the "sweet brininess" you want from mussels. My boyfriend and I picked at a few before giving up. Grilled Octopus Equally disappointing: Overcooked to the point of being rubbery, with a charred exterior that couldn’t hide the dry, chewy texture. It tasted like "frozen leftovers"—ask your server "how’s the seafood today?" before ordering to avoid this. 💡 Pro Tips: It’s super popular! Weekend wait times for walk-ins top 40 minutes, so book ahead on their website. 5:30 PM or 8:00 PM slots are quieter and skip the rush. Located on Massachusetts Ave in Cambridge, it’s a short walk to Harvard Square—perfect for post-meal window-shopping or a coffee to digest. Overall, skip the seafood and stick to the meat dishes and snacks. At ~$60 per person, you’ll leave stuffed, making it ideal for dates or friend hangouts. We’re one step closer to 100 restaurants—now, where to next? #BostonCubanFood #CoupleEats #NorthAmericaFoodGuide #CambridgeEats #Boston100Restaurants