Cuban Kitchen — Restaurant in Bend

Let me start by saying I’ve eaten at numerous Cuban places from Portland to Miami and this place is absolutely phenomenal comparatively. The rice reminded me of home cooked rice from my friend’s mom in Hialeah and the beans were amazing. It’s also incredibly rare to find a place with such authentic Cuban bread anywhere on the west coast (it’s great btw and pairs perfectly with their coffee which is amazing and obviously made from Cuban coffee in a moka pot). The meat from each dish I tried was awesome and tender and the sandwiches were also spectacular. Multiple people in my group ordered the Moro rice as a side and the head chef Chris came out to personally let us know that the rice wasn’t the right texture yet (we came in right when they opened) and he didn’t feel comfortable giving us something he deemed as not to his standards. This clearly shows their attention to detail and how important food quality is here. Lastly, Chris is so passionate about Cuban food that he took time out of his day to give me pointers on how to properly make his Cuban bread. I checked multiple times with him that I got the details right and he was patient and you could tell how much love he pours into his craft. I would recommend this place to anyone on any day if they’re going through Bend and I know I’ll be back when I’m back in town. Thanks...

The food at Cuban Kitchen was phenomenal—and the service was just as memorable! The cook, server, and front man (yes, he was the only person running the entire show that day) was incredibly kind, welcoming, and clearly passionate about what he does. Despite being the only staff member, he handled everything with such ease and charm, making us feel right at home.

The empanadas were a standout, with their perfectly flaky, buttery dough encasing a flavorful filling that had us craving more. The pulled pork was tender and savory, paired beautifully with the seasoned beans, fluffy rice, and sweet, caramelized plantains—a comforting and satisfying plate. The Cuban sandwich was another favorite, packed with flavor and just the right balance of textures.

But what truly elevated everything was the homemade sauce. It added a unique, mouthwatering kick to every bite and tied all the dishes together. We were planning to buy a bottle to take home, but in an incredibly generous gesture, he gave it to us for free—just one example of the warmth and hospitality that made the experience unforgettable.

If you’re ever in Bend, Oregon, do yourself a favor and visit Cuban Kitchen. It’s a true gem where the food is crafted with love and the service leaves a...

What a small and serendipitous world to see another ex-Miamian in Bend, and running a Cuban joint to boot!

If you're on the fence, let me tell you the food is authentic; it is as good as any place you'll find in Miami, and that's a bar I've only seen hit in LA and NY. Spending the last decade in SF, I had given up on finding decent and authentic Cuban food options, resorting to getting home recipes from family. Most places end up being some sort of fusion style, watering down the recipes. That wasn't the case here. I'm beyond excited I can pop in here for my fix, especially when I'm not feeling up for cooking. The black beans were flavorful with the right consistency and not overly soupy. The lechón was tender and had a solid mojo marinade that was well balanced (some places I find it is way overpowering to the point of being sour). The pollo a la plancha and palomilla were also solid, though a smidge peppery for my preferred taste. The onions, tostones, and maduros though reminded me of my grandma's cooking. Looking forward to many...