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Tropicana Cuban Restaurant
Photograph: Courtesy Tropicana

Where to eat the best Cuban food in Austin

Craving a Cubano sandwich? Rice and black beans? Plantains? Check out our guide to the best Cuban food in Austin.

Written by
Kelly Stocker
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Sure, we can now hop on a plane and enjoy authentic Cuban food across the border, but who has time for that? When you’ve had just about enough of the best tacos in Austin and the best sushi in Austin or are looking for something a bit more ethnic than the best BBQ in Austin, consult our guide and find out where to eat the best Cuban food in Austin. We assure you: your cravings for Cubano sandwiches, plantains and dishes filled with rice and black beans will be completely satisfied. Enjoy!

Best Cuban food in Austin

  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Restaurants
  • Cuban
  • South Austin
  • price 1 of 4
  • Recommended
Bistec uruguayo, lechon asado and ropa viejo are just some of the classic Cuban dishes available at this unassuming spot in South Austin formerly known as Guantanamera. The owner emigrated from Cuba and the menu spans the diversity of Cuban food, including items that reflect Spanish, African, Chinese and French influences. Island fresh cocktails, tropical smoothies and mojitos complete the experience.
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Restaurants
  • Cuban
  • North Austin
  • price 1 of 4
  • Recommended
Among the ethnic wonderland of North Lamar lives the truly authentic family-owned Tropicana restaurant. Diners can expect to find traditional Cuban food like chuleta, pechuga de pollo, Medianoche and, of course, Cubano sandwiches. With a new location on Anderson lane, the restaurant recently expanded its menu to include seafood specialties like ceviche, fritura de bacalao and sea bass.
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  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Restaurants
  • Dawson
  • price 2 of 4
  • Recommended
Habana was one of the original Cuban restaurants in Austin and its South Congress location is evocative of what we think Cuba looks like: big sunny patios, brightly colored light strings and group palapas. Frozen mojitos, giant Cubano sandwiches and shareable appetizers like ceviche or guacamole with plantain chips are the best sellers. Insider’s tip: the restaurant also serves a vegetarian version of the Cubano.
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Restaurants
  • Cuban
  • Heritage Center
  • price 1 of 4
  • Recommended
Cuban coffee, flaky pastries, flan and authentic Cuban sweet bread are the name of the game at this small bakery in Round Rock. But don’t limit yourself to the sweet stuff: enjoy a Cubano sandwich for under $6 and ropa vieja for under $8. Business hours are dependent on the availability of ingredients, so make sure to call ahead of your planned visit.
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