Yodaly Bakery — Restaurant in San Antonio

UPDATE... Dinner time this time. Took another friend. They loved it as much as I do! The name has bakery in the title, So you know that rocks, but the lunch and dinner menu are just as great. I had to have the pork meat again today. It's just so juicy and tender and falls apart completely! Yum. And that yellow rice and I are going to build a wonderful relationship. Can't get enough. Super service! I was there later than lunch but earlier than dinner so it wasn't that crowded. But I have to tell you that door was open and closed with people picking up to-go orders. And I saw a few cakes go out as well. I might have to try a whole cake next time I need one. LOL

What an absolutely delightful find. Tucked away in the far corner of a shopping center. Don't let the parking scare you and make the effort to find one lol. People were coming and going through the lunch hour with a few coming just to pick up to-go orders. The staff was incredibly friendly and very attentive to everyone, including us. I decided to go with the buffet so I could try a bit of everything. It's going to be hard for me to pick just one thing on my next visit because they were all really well made. The meats just fell apart. They were so tender and juicy. I said it to the young lady and I meant it. I could probably just live on that yellow rice and black beans alone. Delicious. This friend I went with decided to try the Cuban sandwich, when in Rome, and she loved it. The only problem with it was that it was so big she had to take half home. My only problem with it, was she didn't share it LOL. But I had plenty on my plate. Trust me. Along with the little extras they have- like fresh fried plantain that they put out on the buffet as well. No iced tea. Sweet or otherwise. That was a loss for me. The music was part of the ambiance. And the wonderful smiles we're icing on the cake. Actually don't forget the bakery side because there's real icing and real cake LOL. I tried the guava cake which was wonderful. I thought of it as a tres leches Cuban style. And then I also tried The eclair and trust me both were delightful. I only tasted a bit of the desserts when I got home and then shared them with another friend later. That friend said "where in the hell did you get this?" They fell hard for the eclair LOL. So we're already making plans for the next visit! It's on...

The food is good and the buffet, which includes postres (dessert), is an excellent value. A la carte prices can add up quickly, especially at the bakery case. However, the prices are reasonable given the quality and quantity. The only criticism I have is that I'd like my own bottle of mojito, lol. Some criollo sauce or similar spicy sauce would be nice but they have bottled hot sauce. Other than the buffet, my daughter has tried the Cuban sandwich. Let me tell you, it was simple and delicious. Also, huge. The fries were frozen. Skip those and get a different side. The sandwich is more than good enough that the side ain't a big deal, anyway, you'll be taking half that Cuban home unless you're real hungry. There may be arguments over who gets that half, so, you know, maybe use the fries as camouflage.

Buffet servings are generous. I've never been able to try everything during a single visit. The lemonade and coffee are worth it. The baked pastries are Cuban style. I like them. They go well with a cubita. But, they may not be what you expect, especially the liberal use of merengue. That said, I took a whole guava cake to my family for easter and it went fast!

On the whole, Yodaly Bakery is a great lunch spot, not just a nice bakery. Unassuming but pleasant interior, fast, generous buffet, reasonable prices. Food is tasty. If you eat too much, have a little coffee to...

As a Cuban who grew up in Miami, let me put it this way: if my abuela were still around, she’d be in here fighting the staff for the recipes.

Yodaly Bakery is legit. Not “kind of Cuban because they sell pastelitos” legit—real-deal, tastes-like-Miami Cuban.

The place is spotless (like “my mom is coming over, hide the chancla” level clean) and the buffet is dangerous in the best way. The yuca is buttery and soft, the congrí has that perfect smoky flavor, and the lechón… bro, the lechón tastes like it’s been whispering to a mojo marinade for 24 hours. Everything is seasoned right, not shy.

And just when you think you’re full and happy, hit yourself with a Cuban cortadito. Strong, sweet, and smooth—exactly how it’s supposed to be. It’s the perfect Miami-style ending that’ll have your eyes open and your heart planning the next visit.

If you’ve never had Cuban food, this is the place to fall in love. If you have had Cuban food and you’ve been disappointed around San Antonio, this is where your healing begins.

Do yourself a favor: • Go hungry • Get a plate with yuca, congrí, and lechón • Wash it down with a cortadito • Then question every life decision that led you to not coming here sooner

10/10,...