Hola Cuban Cafe — Restaurant in Fernandina Beach

Hola Cuban Cafe is a hidden gem in Fernandina Beach that stands out for its authentic, home-style Cuban cuisine. In a sea of sanitized tourist traps serving the same tepid, deep-fried greatest hits of North Florida, this place is doing something beautifully, defiantly different. This isn't food designed by committee – it's honest Cuban cooking that tastes like someone's abuela is in the kitchen, throwing down like it's Sunday dinner.

The Mojo pork completa hits you with that perfect marriage of citrus and garlic, while their lentil soup with chorizo is the kind of soulful cooking that makes you question every bowl of watery disappointment you've suffered through elsewhere. The spinach and cheese empanada? Crispy, satisfying, and clearly made by hands that give a damn. Even their Cuban latte shows they're not cutting corners.

Look, this stretch of Florida coastline is criminally underrated. After you've stuffed yourself with proper Cuban food, the protected estuaries around here are begging to be explored. Whether you're on a touring hardboard (perfect for these flat waters) or something packable like a Solo SUP, these waterways offer the kind of peaceful paddling that makes you forget whatever chaos you left behind.

This is the real deal – a family-run joint serving food with integrity, wrapped in zero pretense, right in the heart of Fernandina Beach's Historic District. Get here before...

"Homey" is the word that kept coming to mind while I was there this afternoon. From the very welcoming person (owner?) at the counter, the comfortable interior and cozy porch, to the food that came out hot and tasted like it was straight out of someone's childhood memories. I'm not from Cuba, nor am I Latino, but eating it made me nostalgic for time spent at the family table eating a meal made with love. Food can do that and the food I had here certainly did. I'll definitely be returning when I'm back in the area.

For reference, we had two orders of Mojo Pork Completa, a side of maduros, and two cans of Iron Beer (a sort of cream soda for those like me who were not in the know). The total price was ~$33, so just under $17 each. The portions were very generous but did not stray into the absurd like a lot of places frequently do. I'm a short guy and I was able to clean my plate without feeling overly stuffed and hating myself. Pretty much the perfect amount. I hope this place stays in business for a long time so I can come back to try everything else...

You get such an amazing pure atmosphere while inside or outside this Cafe. I suggest going in the summer or Spring. But for Their food is absolutely on another universe. Made to perfection and nothing is sloppy in the slightest. Trying it for the first time felt like I was eating something made by Gordon Ramsey. Too perfectZ Their prices for what you get are INCREDIBLE. Your money will not be wasted. The serving size is large. But not terribly large enough where you’d be overwhelmed. Their service is extremely welcoming and friendly. I denied any drink and they still offered a free water cup.

If you and friends can’t decide where to have lunch on the island, and you just got done shopping or going to the beach, I definitely suggest finding the Hola Cafe and sitting inside to eat. I recommend their Empanadas, papa rellans. I have no clue if I spelled them correctly and forgive me if I didn’t but you have to trust me. This place blew away my...