Gigis Café Cubano — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I arrived around 10a and wasn't able to get in the parking lot without fear of being rear-ended due to how terribly narrow the gate is. I was lucky to find street parking next to the fire hydrant but still pulled forward and parked a bit on red so any cars leaving the lot wouldn't clip my rear bumper.

The two food menu screens were not working and they didn't have a paper menu. Told the cashier in both Spanish and English but she didn't bother to reset or offer info on the menu options or where to access it online. I was the only person in line when I arrived, two people seated at tables, and there were four people behind that counter. None bothered to greet me, fix the screens, or assist with the menu. Used the online gmaps menu instead but when i attempted to get more information on a dish, the young female cashier seemed to try to rush me as by then she already had 3 people waiting. I just ordered the first thing I was familiar with but i wish i would've called her out on the bad service and immediately left.

It was a chorizo egg torta and was pretty disappointed as it didn't include the plaintain chips that were listed in the online menu. I honestly couldve bought a better one from a street food vendor for a lower price anyway. Same with the coffee, without the menu working i ordered what i thought was a fail-safe drink: a cuban coffee. They gave me an overly sweet cafe latte instead. Ive had plenty of cafe cubanos and none have been bigger than 4oz - this was more of a 16oz size so definitely not what i ordered. I was halfway through my meal when an older female worker finally reset the screens. Also ordered the potato ball and guava cheese pastry. They were just ok but NONE of the food was worth what I paid.

I will stick to other Cuban restaurants for my Cuban food fix or wait the hour for Porto's delivery instead. Shame, because I was really hoping to like them...

I used to come here all the time for the media noche. It was, in my opinion, the best in LA when you're not in Miami. I had stopped when I found that the bread of my sandwich was hard, the meat was dried out on the corners almost like it had been run through the microwave too long. I know the microwave is a great invention, but there is a significant difference. Of course I ate the parts I could that day because I had ordered it to go and I didn't want to turn around to complain. After all, it had been one of my favorite places. They were busy that day; it could have been an off day.

I came back today because I missed that sandwich so much. This time I stayed in and requested to not put the sandwich through the microwave. A lady from the kitchen came up and assured me it was going to be pressed. I get my sandwich and it was pressed but it was cold. I was so embarrassed of myself because I went back to the counter and told them thank you for pressing my sandwich but it's cold. I hate complaining. So the guy told me they could press it again. He came back and he told me that they had put it in the microwave. Oh goodness, I just wanted to go back there and make it for them. It goes on the grill not the microwave. Anyway I just let it go. And did not finish my sandwich. Unfortunately, I may not be coming back. But with the gentrification, I am sure authenticity will not matter and they would be unaffected by my participation.

On a positive note, cafe con leche is still pretty good as well as...

I recently visited Gigi’s Cuban Bakery & Cafe and was thoroughly impressed by the authenticity and richness of the food. I tried the Pan con Lechón sandwich, a delicious creation with flavorful leftover roast pork, and was pleasantly surprised that it came paired with crispy plantain chips. The Palomilla dish, which included tender plantains, fluffy rice, and savory beans, was equally delightful and satisfying.

The ambiance at Gigi's is fantastic, offering more than just a typical cafe experience with its amazing bakery selection. The food's authenticity shines through, featuring rich, well-chosen ingredients that truly capture the essence of Cuban cuisine. The customer service was also commendable, with friendly and attentive staff ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

I'm already looking forward to returning to try their pastries, as the bakery items look just as enticing as the savory dishes. Gigi's is a great spot for anyone craving authentic Cuban flavors, and it's the perfect place to relax, enjoy a meal, and possibly spend some time working at the cafe. Highly recommended for its delicious food and...