Al son de Cuba — Restaurant in Madrid

Overall, the experience was satisfactory, with a few areas that could be enhanced to make it truly exceptional. We had a family dinner. The food was generally tasty, and the portions were reasonable in size. We ordered the following dishes: Cóctel de camarones “Al son de Cuba” (Shrimp cocktail “Al son de Cuba”): This was a large portion of tasty shrimp with plenty of fresh fruit. It was highly recommended. Yuca frita (Fried cassava): This was a mixed experience. Our first order was tasty and well-cooked, but our second order was undercooked and mostly raw inside. Polo Barbacoa (BBQ Chicken): This was well-cooked and tender, although not particularly exciting. It was a good chicken that could likely be found elsewhere. RopaVieja Cubana (Cuban “Ropavieja”): This was truly outstanding. The tender meat was served in a creamy, savoury sauce with vegetables. We ordered a second serving. Masitas de Cerdo (Pig puties): These were also very good, slow-cooked pork. The side dishes, white rice, black beans, and cassava with mojo, were also very good. Mojitos were refreshing and tasty although not real mojitos but rather a kind of " peppermint slush" than a cocktail. So even I do liked thanks to the very low alcohol content and being rather refreshing the pricing as a cocktail was too expensive for the actual beverage you get. Waiter was correct but not specially charming. Kind of having not his best day, although he maintained a proper attitude if not friendly. I found it inappropriate that they introduced the bill before requesting its presentation, 45 minutes prior to the stipulated closing time. They seem to be in a hurry to call the day that also reflected on the second round of orders when the yuca was not...

I recently had dinner at Al Son de Cuba, a vibrant Cuban-style restaurant hidden away near Cortes in central Madrid. Stepping inside felt like a warm Caribbean embrace—bright tablecloths, vintage photos, and a small wooden bar that exudes friendly island charm.

I started with a starter trio: crisp empanaditas filled with spiced beef, sweet plantain chips, and a creamy tropical shrimp salad. Each bite burst with authentic Cuban spice and fresh flavors. For my main course, I chose ropa vieja—a tender shredded beef stew with simmered tomatoes and peppers—served alongside white rice and fried sweet plantains. The dish was rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying.

To complement the food, I had a Cuban mojito: light, minty, and perfectly balanced—refreshing alongside the hearty dishes. Service was warm and personal; the staff chatted easily about Cuban food traditions and made me feel like an invited guest rather than just a diner. The pace of the meal was relaxed, letting me savor each dish fully.

The restaurant’s vibe is cozy and colorful—lively Cuban music, laughter at neighboring tables, and sunlight streaming through simple curtains. It felt more like a friendly home kitchen than a formal eatery.

Al Son de Cuba delivers genuine Cuban cuisine in an intimate, lively Madrid setting. Honest flavors, heartfelt hospitality, and a taste of Cuba without leaving the city—I'm already planning my next visit to try the...

It was my first time trying Cuban cuisine. I was really hungry and eager to sample some interesting dishes, so I went for the Empanadita Criolla, Tostones de Plátano Macho, Yuca Frita, Croquetas Cubanas Caseras, Buñuelos de Yuca, and Tiras de Pollo Crujientes.

I absolutely loved the last one – thin, crispy chicken “nuggets” with a Cuban twist. However, I was a bit disappointed with some of the other items: the Yuca Frita was undercooked and still raw inside, and the Buñuelos de Yuca (small fried balls) had a rather odd smell that put me off.

On the positive side, the waiter was very friendly and attentive, always nearby to help. The prices were affordable. While I probably wouldn’t return, it was still a nice...