Hola! Cuban Kitchen — Restaurant in Merritt Island

My wife and I found our new favorite restaurant. Hola Cuban restaurant, delivers an exceptional dining experience that beautifully blends sophistication with warmth, making it the perfect place to create lasting memories with loved ones and close friends. From the moment you step inside, you’re welcomed by an inviting ambiance infused with vibrant charm elegant yet lively setting the ideal tone for both intimate dinners and joyful gatherings. What truly makes this spot unique is its masterful celebration of authentic Cuban cuisine, elevated to a refined level while preserving its authenticity roots. As a matter of fact, Hola has the best Ropa Vieja an amazing standout a tender, slow-cooked shredded beef masterpiece, infused with a rich symphony of spices and flavors sauce, perfectly paired with traditional black beans and fluffy rice. The Palomilla steak is another highlight, featuring a crisply seared exterior and succulent, flavorful meat that simply flavored explodes in your mouth. I thought the chef’s cooking skills “es Un barbero!!!!” Complementing these dishes are exquisite!!!!!!!!! sides like sweet plantains with rice kissed by a garlicky citrus sauce, and Tostones golden, extra-crispy plantain slices that add a delightful crunch. For dessert, the Tres Lechescake and the velvety Flan Cubano provide a luxurious, lingering finish that satisfies every sweet craving. Beyond the cuisine, the attentive and knowledgeable staff who each one are unique & super cool elevate the experience, making every guest feel embraced like family. This restaurant is far more than a place to eat. In fact, it’s a vibrant celebration of Cuban culture, flavor, and connection. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, this unique Cuban gem offers a sophisticated yet warmly inviting atmosphere. The beautiful outdoor terrace, complete with fans and a tiki-inspired vibe, enhances the relaxed, beachy ambiance that keeps me coming back time and again. It’s a rare blend of elegance and laid-back charm that makes every visit...

If you’re looking for an authentic Cuban experience that goes way beyond just good food, Hola! Cuban Kitchen is the place to be. I’ve eaten at several Cuban spots across Florida, but this one honestly stands out for how genuine and heartfelt the entire experience feels.

I ordered the Bistec de Palomilla and Flan de Queso, and both dishes were flawless. The steak was perfectly seasoned, tender, and juicy — the kind of flavor that reminds you of homemade Cuban cooking. Portions were generous (more than enough for one person), and the temperature was right on point — not lukewarm like you get in some places, but hot and fresh from the kitchen. The presentation was so clean and refined, it could easily pass for something out of a Michelin-rated restaurant.

The service, though, is what truly makes Hola! Cuban Kitchen special. The staff treats you like family — they literally introduce you to everyone, and you can tell their warmth comes from the heart, not just training. Hospitality like that is rare these days.

The atmosphere ties it all together. Cozy lighting, outdoor seating cooled by fans, and Cuban music floating through the air — it’s the kind of environment that slows you down and makes you enjoy your meal. My Cuban dad even said he felt like he was back in the good old days of Cuba, which says a lot about how authentic the vibe is.

Prices are fair — especially considering the quality and service. I’ve paid more for far less in other “Cuban-style” restaurants that couldn’t compare.

Overall, Hola! Cuban Kitchen delivers everything a true Cuban restaurant should: flavor, hospitality, and heart. Five stars...

Location: Super cute spot, and the interior is very clean — though there was a strong sewer smell outside, which was off-putting.

Cleanliness: Very good inside. Service: A bit slow to start, but once our server took the drink order, everything flowed smoothly. Service overall was attentive and responsive — great job there.

Food: We started with the Hola! Sampler, which came with two empanadas, four shrimp, three croquetas, and a Cuban tamale. The complimentary mariquitas (fried plantain chips) with garlic aioli were delicious — honestly, they were the highlight of the meal.

My husband ordered the Cuban sandwich — it was slim and underwhelming; we’ve definitely had better elsewhere. I initially had the Bistec Empanizado, which was soaked in grease and flavorless. The arroz congri was cold and dry. I shared my feedback with our waitress, and she immediately brought it to the manager's attention. I was offered a replacement dish and chose the Masitas de Puerco. That had much better flavor, though the pork was still a bit dry. Rice and beans were good.

One thing I did notice — not much Spanish was being spoken by the staff, which made me question the authenticity a bit.

Overall:

The location and service were strong, but the food didn’t quite deliver. The mariquitas were fantastic, but everything else fell flat. We likely won’t return, but I encourage others to try for themselves — maybe your experience will...