Mirna's Cuban Cuisine — Restaurant in Sarasota

Low rating primarily for service. Came here on a Friday evening. It was busy, and it seems like they only had three waiters/waitress during that time — they didn’t seem prepared for a busy night? We sat at their outside patio, us and one other couple got seated at the same time, but the other couple got their drink orders taken, then eventually their meal orders taken, AND their food came out... we were still waiting to just get our drink orders taken. Three other tables got seated and two other tables got their orders taken before us.. we asked the guy who seated us and he gave us a brush off indicating we had a different waiter… but it was like a one-second hand-gesture wave with something he said while facing the other direction (it could have been better if he just told us nicely that we had a different waiter and he will check on it —but he didn’t give us any courtesy). So we told him that HE seated us before all these other tables so why are we not getting our orders taken. Our waiter finally came to our table after another few minutes then the second he came, he reached in his pockets and he left saying to give him 2-5 more minutes.

After we finally got our food order taken, we notice that the other tables received their food quickly, so we were excited about that since perhaps we wouldn’t have to wait long to eat. Our appetizer came out but it was brought to the wrong table (the one next to us) thankfully they said they didn’t order that dish and I recognized it as ours so I waved the server down. Our food came out a little slower than the other tables, I can only assume it might be due to the rice selection? Since all other tables ordered the rice with beans and one of our dishes had the yellow rice? Who knows. Our waiter came to check on us only once, and the next time we saw him we asked for our check even though we weren’t done yet because we knew we wouldn’t see him again for a while.

Food: This is our first time trying Cuban style food so we were excited to try, but overall was underwhelmed by flavors. Of course we don’t have anything else to compare to, but just thinking about the meat and if it tastes any different than just meat. —We ordered the Tostones Rellenos as an appetizer. This dish was probably the best dish out of what we got, the cheese really pulled the dish together, but also the beef was cooked very tenderly. One of my bites I had a nice herby flavor that made it super yummy, but most of the other bites just tasted like beef (nothing too special). The meat had a nice red oiliness but the flavors didn’t come through. We were surprised about the plantain crust because it just tasted like tortilla (savory). — The main dishes we ordered were the Roast Pork with fried plantain and yellow rice, and the Palomilla Steak (Cuban style steak) with fried plantain and the rice and black beans. We liked the fried plantain, it’s just a simple fry but the sweet plantain flavor is one of our favorites -so satisfying. Both of the rice were good, and flavorful. The rice and beans seem to have some kind of cumin spice. The yellow rice tasted like Spanish rice (that we are familiar with) so it had some kind of seasoning that made it flavorful. We were satisfied by these two sides. Now the meat... the Roast Pork was super tender, the texture was amazing. But the flavors again was underwhelming. My husband said that if he ate the pieces that seem to be the exterior of the chunk then it was flavorful, but the majority of the pieces didn’t seem like they had flavor. The onion toppings gave him a better bite when paired with the meat. The Palomilla Steak was the same, didn’t seem like much of anything special than just steak on a pan. Since it stated “Cuban style” steak I assumed there would be seasoning that would make it a different experience for me. But just tasted like a thin piece of beef, and tasted better when eaten with the...

Mirna’s Cuban Cuisine, a beloved Sarasota establishment known for its authentic and affordable Cuban dishes, has recently relocated to a more central spot at 2901 N. Tamiami Trail, near the Ringling College of Art and Design. 

This move brings several enhancements, notably increased parking availability, a welcome improvement for patrons who previously faced limited spaces. The new venue also introduces outdoor seating, allowing guests to enjoy their meals in the open air, a feature not offered at the former location.

Despite the change in address, owner Mirna continues to serve the same exceptional Cuban cuisine that has garnered a loyal following since 2016. The menu remains a testament to traditional Cuban flavors, with standout items like the classic features house-made roast pork, skirt steak and fried snapper… yummy

The restaurant’s commitment to offering high-quality meals at reasonable prices is unmatched honestly. 

The new location’s ambiance reflects a blend of cultural authenticity and modern comfort, providing a family-friendly atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. The addition of outdoor seating offers a delightful option for those who prefer to dine al fresco, further enriching the restaurant’s appeal.

Mirna’s Cuban Cuisine operates from Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, remaining closed on Mondays. 

In summary, the relocation of Mirna’s Cuban Cuisine not only addresses previous parking constraints but also enhances the overall dining experience with the introduction of outdoor seating. The unwavering dedication to authentic, flavorful, and affordable Cuban cuisine ensures that both long-time patrons and newcomers will find their...

We went to Mirna's on the recommendation of some visiting relatives who had been.... I was very apprehensive because as a vegetarian, it's difficult to find Latin food without chicken or other meat additives in it... Let me tell you... I will go back to Mirna's again and again.

The staff was so friendly and very helpful as to what I could safely order as a vegetarian (or vegan even) - my husband is not a veg, so he could order anything and both times he's been, he's eaten whatever our lovely server suggested. He was not sorry either time.

I've seen reviews with people complaining about the wait or that they were out of certain things when they did go... but what do you expect of a place that offers great food, at great prices, with great staff? PATIENCE PEOPLE... even the food didn't show up fast... because it's made right there.. it's not just sitting and waiting to be served up. So if you go, plan to spend some time... and I do not mean that as a criticism. I think it's part of the experience. No where inside our out is there anything that states "Fast Food"... go to Taco Bell or TJ Flats if that's what you expect.

If the staff seems inattentive (another complaint I read), it's because they are busy - however, if we needed something they were always around and we could easily have asked for whatever we wanted. It's not like they disappeared... people... THEY ARE BUSY FOR A REASON!

If you want ok food, quickly, with no wait... go elsewhere. BUT... If you want incredible food...REALLY incredible food,...