Cuba De Ayer Restaurant — Restaurant in Fairland

This place checks all the boxes you could want for an authentic Cuban food experience. My fiancé introduced me to this place last night as it is highly regarded among the family and actually one of her mom's favorite restaurants. This being my first time I went in with an empty stomach and open mind. I will try to recall the experience from the moment I entered to the moment we left.

Atmosphere: the atmosphere is very inviting and you can tell they put a lot of thought and effort into the renovations of this place. It has been updated completely and you can tell by the little touches. You will be greeted with an enclosure that has a flame in a tube that allows you to see and feel the heat right before you enter. Then you will see a couch section with a lighted neon sign.

Once you fully into the restaurant you will be greeted by the hostess that will seat you promptly. Reservations are recommended as this place can get busy. I noticed they decorated for Christmas and we actually ran into one of the staff that did the beautiful Christmas tree. They had decorations all around even down to the tiny details like a reef around the candle at the tables and little Christmas trees. The seating looks comfortable and aesthetically pleasing to match the black and white decor with cool chandeliers and ceiling fans. They also have really nice wallpaper that embodies the spirit of the restaurant. They even have a really cool hat wall with different types of hats that are commonly worn in the culture.

Food: The food and drink here is without a doubt excellent! I loved how much flavor was in the different types of dishes we got. We got empanadas, shredded beef with rice and sweet plantains, steak with smashed savory plantains and everything was bursting with flavor. I got a classic mojito for my drink and it featured a piece of sugarcane and it was deliciously done. We ended the night with tres leches and even that was stellar. It was not soaking wet but still moist and flavorful.

Service: Our server Karen was awesome! She was extremely knowledgeable about all of the offerings and even went above and beyond when she found out it was my first time to offer her feedback/recommendations for first-timers like myself. This did not go unnoticed and was greatly appreciated. She even went the extra step to get us a picture menu that shows the pictures for each of the dishes that are available. This was a valuable resource that helped me to be even more secure in my decision making when choosing a dish, this can be a pain point at times, especially when trying a new restaurant.

She also checked on us throughout the night to ensure that our food was to our liking and followed up once we were done with to-go boxes. She helped to elevate this experience from just another visit to a restaurant to a true dining experience, she even told us some of her personal recommendations/ favorites. I definitely cannot wait to return as this earned a five out of five from me!

Overall, this place is truly a hidden gem that I hope only gets better with age like a fine wine. 5/5 -...

Amazing! My husband and I came by for our anniversary and my birthday (same day). He had come here before in the past, but this was my first time. The staff was super friendly and helpful. My husband has a cilantro allergy and our waitress was helpful in making sure the food he ordered didn't have cilantro (I know, who goes to a Cuban restaurant with a cilantro allergy?!)

We ordered pan con ajo (garlic bread) and tostones relleno (stuffed fried plantains). Both are seen in the pictures. No one usually talks about the bread, but it was perfectly toasted and was very light and airy. I had never had tostones relleno before. The ground beef was very well seasoned and adding the hot sauce gave it an additional flavor with a little kick.

Our drinks were a classic mojito and a red sangria. Very tasty! We had the bistec empanizado (thin sliced and breaded sirloin) and the pargo frito (breaded and fried red snapper). Both entrees came with black beans, rice, and sweet fried plantains. You have the option to have them mix your beans and rice during cooking or keep them separate. Everything was perfectly prepared. Seasoned just right.

For dessert we had the flan and the Cuban rum cake. I have never had flan that was so thick and creamy. I'm convinced all other flan I've had was just wrong! And the rum cake was the right texture and not drowning in rum glaze. It was all perfect. From making the reservation to dessert, I can't say I've had a better experience. I should have taken photos of our meals and the dessert, but it was all too good for me to think about raising my camera again! Sorry!

I will have to go again. It's a bit pricey for our budget to eat here often, but we will certainly treat ourselves again. I highly...

A Hidden Gem Worth the Trip

Cuba De Ayer Restaurant is a true diamond in the rough, easily capable of competing with top establishments in Washington, DC. The decor is beautiful and thoughtfully designed, with meticulous attention to detail evident throughout the space.

The men’s bathroom was exceptionally clean and well-decorated, even featuring a baby changing station. The restaurant offers ample indoor and outdoor seating, and the menu strikes the perfect balance with just the right amount of dishes—neither overwhelming nor sparse.

We started with the 3-empanada appetizer, which was deliciously tasty and served warm. I enjoyed the grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado, paired with perfectly cooked sweet plantains. My girlfriend had the Bistec Pallomilla, and the steak was marinated to perfection. The portions were generous enough that we had leftovers to take home.

The staff was incredibly welcoming and friendly, especially our server, Daisha, who was energetic and highly knowledgeable about the menu. Although it was a bit out of the way for us, coming from northern Virginia, it was well worth the trip. We’ll definitely be returning.

The total for two people, including one beer, one mocktail, an appetizer, two entrees, and two sides, came to just under $80 without tip. I rate Cuba De Ayer a 5/5 for its class of restaurant. Highly...