Cafe La Vida — Restaurant in Tokyo

I was anxious to try this place, but ended up being a little disappointed. I had the Cuban sandwich which was good, but a bit greasy. What bothered me the most was the incredibly long wait for service. A large group that came in after me were served before me and seemed like they were getting good service, so maybe it was because I was sitting by myself. The guy next to me was alone and ordered takeout and also seemed discouraged at having such a long wait. It really wasn't crowded until the group came in after me so I can't figure out why the poor service. I guess solo diners don't get the same treatment. Also the food on their website looked incredible but I didn't see a lot of those choices on the lunch menu; it seemed to be more limited. While I can appreciate that they might take more time to make things fresh, being there over 2 hours for just a sandwich seems an excessively long wait. I wasn't planning on spending my day there. I also asked if I could have a frozen margarita and the waitress asked me isn't that more for evening? Well, I guess. But it was a hot day out. Is it a problem? But, since it seemed too complicated, I settled for some juice instead. Even after I finished I had to wait probably another half an hour for someone to notice that I had finished and ask if I wanted anything else. The restaurant wasn't full and it is very small inside, so I can't figure out why the poor service. I'm glad there are good reviews and other diners had better experiences than mine, but as for me, I think I will find another place to go for Cuban food...

4 Cubans visiting Japan for the first time. After 8 days of Japanese food we had to find some Cuban food and came across Cafe La Vida. We loved it and definitely recommend. The Chef cooks amazing and Leah was an awesome server and spoke to us in English and Spanish. We closed down the restaurant and had wonderful conversation with the Chef and Leah. We will come back for sure!

Café La Vida offers an authentic Cuban experience that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Havana. As you descend into this cozy basement establishment, you’re immediately enveloped by the rhythmic beats of live Cuban music, setting the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining adventure.

The menu, curated by a skilled Cuban chef, showcases a delightful array of traditional dishes. A standout is the Cuban sandwich, praised for its delectable combination of flavors.

Beyond the culinary delights, Café La Vida’s ambiance is both intimate and lively. With seating for around 20 guests, the space fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere. The presence of live music enhances the dining experience, making it a perfect spot for both casual gatherings and special occasions.

Conveniently located just a short walk from Hiroo Station, this hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone eager to immerse themselves in genuine Cuban culture without leaving Tokyo. Whether you’re a connoisseur of Cuban cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore, Café La Vida promises a memorable and...

I didn’t realize Mojita cane to be in Cuba, so it was a no-brainer to try one at Cafe La Vida. Among those in the list, I’ve never seen Chocolate as an added flavor - the chocolate flavor was only a hint to add to the pretty strong mint flavor. This was certainly one of the best mojitos I have ever had!

We made the mistake of ordering Fried Yucca (Cassava) with our Cuban Sandwich not because it was not good, but just because we didn’t know the sandwich was also cooked oily (to the point it tasted a bit “fried”) so we were having too much oily food. I wish we tried Yuca con Mojo instead. Nonetheless, both the fried yucca and sandwich were good. The table beside ours had Black Beans Soup and after tasting it, decided to immediately order more - must have been very good; would love to try that as well too!

Service was not bad at all, though we slightly felt that we were being asked to order more. They weren’t pushy at all, but just that recommendations were repeated a few more times than we felt necessary.

The restaurant is in the basement and with nice interiors and a small stage for a live band. There were a few tables in addition to a broad...