Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe — Restaurant in Kenilworth

Much of the credit for Cuban food's increasing popularity belongs to the cuisine's accessibility and deliciousness. The Garden State, especially North Jersey, is where a majority of the state's Cuban population resides.

Voted Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in 2025 and named after a dance of Cuban origin that’s fast and upbeat, Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cuisine is located on Michigan Avenue in Kenilworth and is a cozy, family-owned, family-run establishment where I decided to have lunch today.

Upon entering this hidden gem as a first-timer, I was greeted by the staff and transported back to the island, which was brightly decorated complete with vintage Cuban photographs & posters, bar stools made from drums, and ceiling lights made of Cuban canotier hats.

The menu is full of classics—Cuban sandwiches, Croquetas, Tamales, and Ropa Vieja. It’s a rich and flavorful melange of Spanish, African, and Caribbean foods.

As an appetizer, I started with the Croquetas (one with ham and the other with chicken) accompanied by cilantro sauce or chili sauce. For the main meal, I decided on the Pan Con Bistec.

The meal was bold, tasty, served hot, and authentic from what I remembered from my childhood. The Cuban pressed sandwich was first quality, full of fresh ingredients, and very reasonably priced. It’s the pride of its seasonings, beginning with onions, garlic, and peppers as the foundation of every dish.

I had a great conversation with the owner’s wife, Dania, whose friendly and welcoming nature has complemented the Guava & Cheese Empanada dessert.

One is treated like family from the moment you step through its door, which I can...

I found this purely through a Google search for “ cuban food near me“ and never even checked the reviews. Unlike some folks, when I go to a Cuban restaurant, my standard of measurement is never “just like mom used to make“ because I realize that Cuban food is a food of the people… Not the product of some culinary institute with formal rules. It’s always gonna come out a little bit different, and that’s fine. I really liked eating at this place though. It’s small, cozy, and I assume they do a brisk takeout business. The decoration is colorful and warm and inviting lots of historic memorabilia to enjoy. The servers were very friendly and very fast taking our orders. At the end of the day, though, you can have a cool looking place but the food has to be good and is placed didn’t disappoint. I strongly recommend the.Ropa Vieja and the Pernil aka Lechón. Absolutely delicious. Make sure to use take advantage of the garlic in oil they give you to get that great flavor. Also, give the Maduros a try. Remember, I said, I don’t compare restaurants to “the way mom used to make“? The Maduros were just like mom used to make. Some Cuban restaurants make them OK… But a lot of times the inside is a little bit dry, but not here! I will definitely come back here again when I’m...

My wife & I ate here for the first time last week. The food was absolutely phenomenal! We’ve eaten at several Cuban restaurants in various towns around NJ over the years, but this place was by far the best of them. We shared a Cubano Sandwhich & a Choripan Sandwich. Both were outstanding, with the Choripan being our favorite. We also ordered a side order of Yucca Fries, a Beef Empanada & a Chicken Empanada. All were flavorful & delicious.

We were so impressed with the food that we also ordered entrees to go (Pollo Encebollado with Yellow Rice & Red Beans and Ropa Vieja with White Rice & Black Beans), Tostones, more Beef & Chicken Empanadas. All were cooked perfectly & outstanding! I also bought a bottle of their homemade Cilantro Sauce to bring home, which was so good. It has a slightly spicy kick & a great flavor that really compliments & enhances all of the Cuban dishes.

The husband & wife owners & their daughter are terrific people. They are very welcoming, friendly & personable. The inside of the restaurant is cozy & cute, showcasing various Cuban photos & memorabilia.

The portions were plentiful & the prices were very reasonable. We cannot wait to go back to try some other dishes. I highly recommend Cha Cha Cha if you enjoy...