Cubanos Kitchen & Bar — Restaurant in Brantford

I recently found out this restaurant just opened and I had to check it out. Now I have to shout about this local gem lighting up Brantford’s food scene!

I’ve called Brantford home for 12 years now. As a Cuban-born soul with a serious love for my culture and the food, I’ve always had to trek to Toronto or Oakville for a proper Cuban meal—unless I whipped one up myself or I visit my mami y papi. But guess what? No more highway hauls, because Cubanos Restaurant has landed right on King Street, and it’s serving up the real deal.

From the moment my husband and I stepped inside, the vibe was on point: warm welcomes, salsa rhythms dancing through the air, art in the making by the chef himself, and the friendliest host behind the bar. It’s cozy, full of soul, and gave me that “back-home” feeling—the kind where you almost hear ocean waves and feel the Caribbean sun kissing your face.

Naturally, we kicked things off with mojitos (I mean, how else do you start a Cuban meal?). Then came the ham croquetas—crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, nostalgic bites of heaven. For the main event, we shared the Cuban Platter, stacked with rice and beans, pulled beef bursting with Cuban spices, tamales, yuca, and my ultimate comfort food: sweet fried plantains. One bite and I was back in my abuela’s kitchen, heart full and belly happier.

We wrapped it up with a proper Cuban cafecito—small cup, big punch. Warning: this isn’t your sleepy Sunday coffee. This little guy comes with a caffeine uppercut that’ll keep your soul dancing long after the music stops.

Top-tier service, food straight from the heart, and an atmosphere that feels like Havana kissed Brantford. If you're looking for a flavorful escape without leaving town, Cubanos Restaurant is where it's at. You have to try it—just maybe don’t plan on sleeping after...

I took my Cuban friend here for lunch. It was $15 for a main with a side and a drink included. The venue is pretty small, but really cozy. Decor is not over bearing and service was great. I would call ahead for parties of more than four. I ordered a coffee with Fried Pork Chunks and Cassava with garlic as a side. My friend had the Picadillo a la Habanera with a side of fried plantains and an espresso. Both dishes came with rice and beans. Presentations was a 10/10. Coffee was wonderful, strong yet with a softness to it the euro coffee lacks. I am not a huge fan of espresso coffee, I have had euro ones that are too bitter, but this left a pleasant aftertaste. The meal was delicious, the cassava was my favourite. It has a similar taste and texture as potato but it is more creamy; I’ve only ever had the chips but as a cooked side it was really good. The pork was very tender and the rice and beans were cooked well. My friend also enjoyed his meal. I’ve travelled to Mexico but haven’t had Cuban food before. The simplicity of the ingredients and the wonderful taste of them is something I really enjoyed. I could identify everything I ate, it wasn’t smothered in sauce or seasoning, and the price was the exact amount I would want to pay for a lunch. All of the above plus the tip came to under $40. The food came quickly so would be a Really great place to grab a bite for lunch. I would definitely go back. price for lunch is now $15 for each, photo is just...

A Living Experience Through Takeout

I've never felt compelled to write a review this quickly. Usually I let meals settle, reflect on them. But something about this food demanded immediate recognition.

Even after its journey through the city in an Uber bag, the Filetillo de Pollo arrived with remarkable vitality. The blue checkered paper protected generous portions that spoke of genuine hospitality. Golden chicken strips piled high, peppers and onions present as full partners, not scattered garnish.

The black bean rice alone could have been a meal. Dense and earthy, it grounded the brighter flavors while providing foundation for everything else. Each component knew its role and held its place, even in a takeout container.

What surprised me beyond the bold flavors was discovering excellence and abundance existing together. Most places make you choose. Here, the chicken pieces were substantial and perfectly seared, the vegetables formed their own landscape, and nothing felt calculated or portioned for profit.

The garlic whispered rather than shouted. The onions provided sweetness that emerged slowly. Every bite revealed new relationships between ingredients, like watching a plant slowly open throughout the day.

Food that travels well because it was prepared with understanding, not just technique.

Five stars. Proof that real cooking transcends location...