Mambo Latin Kitchen - Cuban Peruvian — Restaurant in Rutherford

Updated Review: 12/2023

"Great Atmosphere with Room for Menu Expansion"

After over a year, I recently revisited this gem of a restaurant, and I'm glad to report that the superb atmosphere and service are still a highlight. The aesthetic upgrades add a vibrant touch, and the Cuban Dinner Cuisine music perfectly complements the ambiance. My server, Linda, was wonderfully accommodating and professional.

As someone who has become a more conscious eater, I found the menu challenging for vegetarians/vegans but not impossible. I opted for the "El Classico" dish sans salami, and the eggs, tostones, rice, and black beans were satisfying. The chips and guacamole, freshly made with a subtle cilantro flavor, could have used more salt for my liking.

While some dishes could benefit from a little more seasoning (a personal preference), the Mambo iced tea was a delightful treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. The coffee was decent, though exploring customer preferences for coffee brands might be beneficial.

I'd love to see the addition of a vegetarian-style empanada and a meatless main dish to the menu. This would cater to vegan/vegetarian customers and allow everyone to enjoy the Latin/Cuban dining experience fully.

Overall, I give the food three stars – not terrible by any means, but with room for improvement. The exceptional atmosphere and service certainly elevate the whole experience. I can't wait to see how this place continues to evolve!

I had a wonderful experience here and will definitely return. I visited on a Sunday with my daughter around 3pm. We were immediately greeted and welcomed by the hostess and promptly seated, as we were the only patrons in the establishment at that time. . Though the outside climate read below freezing temperatures, the automatic air curtain and warm temperature inside made for a very comforting entrance. I mention the air curtain because for me it's little things like this that make for a five star experience. There's nothing more annoying than feeling the biting cold air every time the front door is opened. . Upon seating, our waiter Carlos immediately represented himself in a professional, pleasant and courteous fashion. Carlos is also very attentive and this showed when I dropped my knife and before I could even get his attention, he rounded the corner with a fresh knife in hand. . We ordered the chicken empanada which proved to be very delicious. I recently read a review stating they were dry and poorly made; this review couldn't be any further from what I experienced. Fresh, crispy, flavorful, juicy shreds of chicken. This appetizer is more than enough to share between two people. . As my entree I ordered the Pernil with rice and beans, and I decided to order extra sides of fried yucca and sweet plantain. The Pernil entree was very filling as I can eat my fair share and I barely finished the dish. My only suggestion with the Pernil is that they add a little more seasoning. However, I do understand appealing to the mass majority so playing it safe works for business. And the sauces they have available are very delicious, I recommend asking for the jalapeño mint if you enjoy tasty spices. The sides were so hefty I asked to have the boxed to go. . My dining experience was very pleasant and I anticipate my next visit to enjoy another one of the various dishes they have...

HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED IN CUSTOMER SERVICE/STAFF.

Ordered a very large order ($320.00 worth of food) on a Sunday, but was ordering because my grandmother had just passed away, and the food was for my entire family.

I ordered 4 trays of Chaufa & they gave us White rice & beans. When I got home, I realized the mistake & the man who took our order (Rudy) told us that, that’s what we ordered. Saying Chaufa & White rice are two different thing - I never said white rice once so basically he was calling me a liar & told me I WAS THE ONE WHO ORDERED IT. After arguing for a bit, he then admitted he “assumed” that we wanted white rice. After arguing some more, that I did indeed say Chaufa, he said that there were “too many people talking in the background” .. imagine that? A restaurant can’t take an order correctly because there are too many people talking in the background.

After constant arguing for 1/2 hour, he said to come back and he’ll have chaufa ready. I got to the restaurant & he ran outside with ONE TRAY (enough for only 5 people, when I ordered for 20). Mind you he tried keeping us outside. After being exhausted of arguing I went inside and spoke to the manager (apparently they had no clue what was going on) They gave us one other tray & didn’t really try to correct the situation because they were “busy that day”. I didn’t receive a refund for my other two trays because we already “received the white rice” - IMAGINE THAT, being charged for something you didn’t order, nor was your fault.

On TOP of that I was generous enough to give a $60.00 tip before I realized the mistake. They did try offering that back to me, but the manager said they couldn’t because he was reconciling cash.

ALL OF THIS ON THE DAY OF MY GRANDMOTHERS DEATH, which they were fully aware of.

We were frequent customers here, but never again. Horrible Staff & People - GO TO JAIMITOS in...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Mambo’s in Rutherford, NJ, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The moment I walked in, I was warmly greeted by the staff, whose friendliness and attentiveness set the tone for the evening. You can tell there was so much thought and effort put into everything.

The ambiance at Mambo’s is vibrant and inviting, perfectly capturing the essence of Cuban culture. I started my meal with an appetizer that was a delightful prelude to what was to come. The flavors were rich and authentic, instantly transporting me to the streets of Havana.

For dinner, I savored a dish that was nothing short of spectacular. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, beautifully balanced and expertly prepared. The chefs at Mambo’s truly know their craft, and their passion for Cuban cuisine shines through in every dish.

Dessert was a highlight in itself. I indulged in not one, but two desserts, each more delicious than the last. The homemade ice tea lemonade was the perfect accompaniment, refreshing and perfectly sweetened.

Meeting the owners and chefs was a special treat. Their dedication to providing an authentic Cuban dining experience is evident in every aspect of Mambo’s. They took the time to share their stories making the meal even more memorable.

Overall, Mambo’s is a gem in Rutherford, NJ. The combination of outstanding food, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a must-visit. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their delectable menu. I will be telling all my...