I truly hope the owner reads this as I believe with some minor adjustments you could be great. I am a frequent visitor to the other two Cuban restaurants in the area. I consider El Ambia the best tasting food in town. I was hoping, like Cuban island restaurant, that you would be comparable. I ordered the pork Lechon, which comes with moros rice and yuca. I started with the rice and unfortunately it was crunchy, meaning it wasnt cooked with enough water. This is a basic, rice. To fix, all it would take is for your chef to taste the food before sending it out. Every person who ate that rice tonight was given a bad impression. It is inedible. There were hardly any beans in the rice, so it could not be saved by the beans. It was also tasteless. The Pork however was delicious. I would add a little lime, but that's my preference. The Yuca tasted home made, like my abuela made it. I also had a cafe con leches, which was delicious. It's unfortunate, as something as simple as the rice, which makes up half the plate, gave me a negative impression of the whole plate.
I do not say this to be rude, I say this because, as a business manager myself, I have always compared my business to my competition. I urge you to do the same, try El Ambia, so you know what your up against. They take pride in EVERY part being perfect, their black beans by themself are to die for. Their pork Le chon, I consider, the best tasting plate of food in town. They do not have a nice building , in fact it's old and beat up, but they are packed every night, I believe, because they focus on the taste of the food. You have a beautiful building in an amazing location. If you were to make the simple things special, it would perfectly compliment the things your doing right.
The first time I tried Cuban island it was horrible. The second time too. Then I waited a year and went back and it was delicious. The manager told me they were under new management and you could tell Good luck to you, I will try you...
Read moreMOUTHWATERING SABOR!! The food was absolutely amazing. Perfectly seasoned, did not need any salt or pepper from me.. which is rare. I ordered the Pechuga a la Plancha and it did not disappoint. Being Hispanic and growing up around such food, a lot of restaurants in Melbourne really miss the mark when it comes to preparing delicious food that tastes like it comes straight out of your mama’s kitchen. Nini’s hit the bullseye. To start - the chicken was thinly sliced but made up for its thin cut with massive size. Despite that thin cut, it was juicy, mouthwatering, and FLAVORFUL!! No skimping on onions or lime.. Served with a side of black beans chock full of bacon grease (I believe) and seasonings bringing back nostalgic memories of my mom’s cooking.. I knew I was in the right place. The rice is nothing to write home about of course, but that’s because it’s made to be eaten with the delicious black beans! What IS worth writing home about, however, is their homemade SOFRITO. Served with my chicken and my boyfriend’s skewers, this sauce is like crack. Just try it!!
Onto my 4 stars for service, we came on a Thursday night and the restaurant was almost at capacity. I don’t think they staffed properly for this because there was only 2 servers rotating hostess duties. Due to that, service was a bit slow but very friendly nonetheless. We were never neglected.
Atmosphere leaves a bit to be desired, not sure if I came on a bad day but the bathroom inside was a little smelly. Whether that be from the chemicals used to clean it or some sewage issue, but I seemed to be the only one bothered by it. Curse my sensitive nose!
All in all, do not let my 4 stars for service and atmosphere prevent you from going. It’s very possible I just came on a bad day. The FOOD is what you’re coming for. And that is the crowning jewel of reasons why I will be...
Read moreRestaurant was so good I forgot to take pictures! Nini's Cuban Cuisine is an absolute treasure for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Cuban delights. From the moment we stepped in, we knew we were in for a treat.
We started with Nini's platter, a true feast for the senses. The croquetas, masas de cerdo (fried pork chunks), mariquitas (plantain chips), tamal, and yuca fries were all simply to die for. Each bite was bursting with flavor and showcased the culinary mastery behind the dishes. It was a perfect introduction to the richness and depth of Cuban cuisine.
For the main course, we indulged in the lechon asado, and it was a revelation. The meat arrived tender and succulent, effortlessly melting in our mouths. The accompanying rice was a symphony of flavors, and the yuca struck the perfect balance between softness and crispness.
We also savored the Palomilla steak, and it left us speechless. The steak was cooked to perfection, exuding freshness and tenderness. The caramelized onion topping complemented the steak beautifully, enhancing its natural flavors.
To accompany our meal, we enjoyed the mojitos, which were expertly crafted with just the right amount of alcohol. They were refreshing and balanced, adding a delightful touch to the overall dining experience.
To end our unforgettable meal, we couldn't resist trying the flan, and it was nothing short of perfect. Silky smooth, creamy, and flawlessly sweetened, it was the ideal conclusion to our culinary journey.
As a Cuban myself, I can confidently say that Nini's Cuban Cuisine is the best Cuban restaurant I have ever had the pleasure of dining in. The attention to detail, the authentic flavors, and the warm atmosphere all contribute to an exceptional dining experience. If you're craving genuine Cuban cuisine, Nini's is an...
Read more