A Taste of Cuba — Restaurant in Waynesboro

Every now and then we run across a new place where the experience is so great that it becomes your own little "personal spot" in your mind and soul. You want to come to your little spot to celebrate accomplishments in your life, or to share with special people, or to show off the area when family comes in town to visit. Now, that type of experience can be ruined when it gets too crowded or the wrong types of people show up; like those who can't appreciate or acknowledge when they have something truly remarkable on their hands. So you have to protect your personal spot when you find one.

With that being said........

I advise you to stay away from this place! Yup, nothing special here. Leave it to we "foodies" and those whom are already in the know. We'll let you know when it's alright to drop in for a visit 😉

Let me put my selfishness aside and be serious for a moment 😂. When I tell you that I have found my new "special place" it is just that; every part of the experience is top-notch! I was fortunate enough to encounter the owner and he's as pleasant and amazing as any person could be. The wife was in the kitchen cooking so we did not get to meet her but let me tell you that someone in that kitchen has been trained in a culinary school of some pedigree, or they have spent their life in the kitchen with family developing a true passion for this type of food. The layers of flavor in every single item that you get are incredible!!! Absolutely world-class. Right here in Waynesboro. I'm telling you we have something special! To the point that I'm going to see about nominating A Taste of Cuba for a Michelin rating. Yes, it is that good! Top notch customer service, world class flavors, and the perfect atmosphere, you can't ask for anything else!!

Those of you that know me from other pages (or elsewhere 😉) know that I don't do paid promotions so you know everything I'm telling you is the truth. Just as I told the owner when I was there; they deserve all the success in the world. The place deserves to be jam-packed every night but I really want to keep it for those that really appreciate what they're bringing with the whole entire dining experience. So if you're not ready for the developed flavors and an amazing experience there's always Wendy's right down the street 😂.

As always love and light to you all❤️⭐❤️.... And to every person involved with A TASTE OF CUBA that makes it what it is I can't thank you enough for bringing this EXPERIENCE to our little town and into my family's lives. If the universe is kind at all we plan to be there many many more times

P.S. If you do stop by, I must ask that you avoid the Creme Brulée cheesecake...... Simply because there can't possibly be enough for all of us and I just have to have mine....... so order something...

A Taste of Cuba is a relatively new restaurant in Waynesboro, VA, in the Wal-Mart complex. When I first saw they were coming I became very excited because run-ins with outstanding Puerto Rican/Cuban cuisine can be infrequent here, often just a special on a chalkboard. I finally got in there with my son David tonight, and we were not disappointed. People were going in and out the entire time we were there, and 2 customers, while departing, heaped thanks and praise to the staff so that the whole house could hear.

The menu has many classic dishes, such as Ropa Vieja, Rotisserie Chicken, and fried plantains. For this visit, we both got Cuban sandwiches and plantains. The Cubanos came in classic form: baguette, pressed and grilled, with shredded pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles & yellow mustard. The plantains were perfectly done. The bread crunched with each bite, giving in to a brightly acidic, porky payload. Neither of us finished eating the portions, and I'll have a repeat for lunch today. The food was delicious and made with care.

Set all of that aside for now: The staff are why to come here. Smiling and gracious, the people who served us were attentive, considerate, grateful, kind, and skillful. As we were paying and preparing to depart, I told the server how delicious the food was and how happy we were that they were there. As I asked for some to-go boxes, I explained that if I had looked at the menu for a minute or two more, I would have surely chosen the ropa vieja.

She handed me the boxes and a small portion of their ropa vieja, as a gift. 'Come back for more next time!', she said. When I got to taste it later, my mind melted. It was perfectly cooked, full of flavor, soothing texture, and love. I will certainly be going back. Please, go make them rich. Strongly recommended, thoroughly...

Absolutely outstanding!

I've never had Cuban food before. I didn't know what to expect. I'm leaving a detailed review for anyone else who also doesn't know what to expect. It was flavorful without heat.

This restaurant is a gem in Waynesboro. Wonderful food. Wonderful people. We'll become regulars. Portions are generous and it's well priced for what you get.

We ordered a lot and shared the meals.

I ordered the half chicken with yuca con mojo and tostones. I don't know how they seasoned the chicken, but it was delicious. The charcoal cooking gave it a nice smoky flavor, but the smoke didn't overpower the seasoning. The yuca con mojo reminded me of super tender potatoes. Delicious! The tostones were crunchy, crispy, flaky, and tender all at the same time. I don't know how to describe the flavor, but I really liked it.

He ordered the ropa vieja with yellow rice and fried plantains. The meat was full of flavor and unbelievably tender. The yellow rice was cooked perfectly and also full of flavor. The plantains were sweet and perfectly caramelized on the outside.

We also had papa rellena, empanadas, and chicken soup. The papa rellena was crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The beef filling was every bit as flavorful as the ropa vieja. The chicken empanada was nice and crunchy and the filling was tender and flavorful.

The chicken soup is literally the best chicken soup I've ever had. This includes the chicken soup made by my grandmother and my mother.

I know this review may sound over the top, but I am sitting here overly full with about half of my meal in the fridge wishing I was hungry so I could eat this food again.

If you've never had Cuban food and you're curious, try Taste of Cuba. I hope my review helps you know what to expect and see that Cuban food is approachable...