Why Locals Love Cuban Kitchen
Located in the heart of San Mateo, Cuban Kitchen is a captivating Latin American restaurant and caterer that brings an authentic taste of Cuba to the Bay Area. This vibrant eatery specializes in home-cooked Cuban classics, delivering a deeply satisfying experience that makes you feel as if you stepped right into a warm Cuban household.
The cuisine here is a delightful fusion of bold flavors and comforting textures. Among the standout dishes, the Mojito Chicken platter offers tender, citrus-infused chicken that dances on your palate with every bite. The iconic Cuban sandwich, perfectly toasted and generously stuffed, melds savory roasted pork, ham, melted Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard into a sublime harmony. Pair this with the Broccoli & Mushroom side for a wholesome complement that adds a fresh, earthy touch to the meal.
Beyond entrées, Cuban Kitchen’s beverage offerings are a tribute to Cuban culture and nostalgia. The Café Cubano, a double shot of espresso sweetened with organic cane sugar, delivers a rich and robust energy boost, while the Iced Cortadito, with its creamy, sweet texture reminiscent of Vietnamese coffee, feels like a cool indulgence on a warm day. For a unique soda experience, try the Iron Beer, Cuba’s national soda since 1917, bursting with notes of cola, cream soda, and root beer, or opt for the pineapple-forward sweetness of Jupiña.
Generous portion sizes defy some misconceptions, as many patrons leave fully satisfied without needing to add extra sides or meat. Those who do sample extras like the Angry Fries or the irresistible Maduros—sweet, caramelized fried plantains—often find themselves craving these crispy, flavor-packed sides for weeks to come.
The atmosphere at Cuban Kitchen is as warm and inviting as the food. Friendly staff enhances the experience with attentive service, often offering samplers and sauces that showcase the depth of Cuban flavors and culinary traditions. Reviewers consistently praise the hospitality, noting how the staff’s kindness makes dining here feel like visiting a friend. Whether you stop by after shopping at the nearby mall or before heading out to explore local hiking trails, the laidback vibe makes Cuban Kitchen a perfect spot to unwind and savor the heart of Cuban cuisine.
Cuban Kitchen is truly a gem in San Mateo and a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic, flavorful, and heartwarming Cuban dining experience. From the vibrant spices that greet your senses to the cozy ambiance that wraps around you, every visit promises a taste of Cuba’s rich culinary soul.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Identifies as Latino-owned
- Identifies as women-owned
- Outdoor seating
- Kerbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Serves local specialty
- Sport
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy-hour food
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Gender-neutral toilets
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Quiet
- Trendy
- Family friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safe space
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
- Dogs allowed outside
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 3, 2026
There aren’t too many Cuban places in the Bay Area and I gotta say Cuban Kitchen is worth the trip to San Mateo alone. This is authentic, home cooked delicious Cuban food. It feels like you’re eating inside of their home. I don’t I why some reviews said the portion size was small, that’s simply not true. I went by that and added a side of meat thinking I’d need it. I got the Mojito Chicken platter with the yellow rice and sub tostones for the maduros, and side half order lechon with beans. The chicken was good, but this was easily the best lechon I’ve ever had. It wasn’t greasy, or dry, it was super tender chunks of perfectly cooked pork. The crunch of the tostones and the black beans makes for one of the best bites of food. Also the sauces here absolutely spectacular, and they got a cafe Cubano here that can easily compete with the ones in Miami. The lady working was also super nice and welcoming. Definitely recommend coming here
- Feb 15, 2026
I ordered the best Cuban sandwich and Broccoli & Mushroom. They are all super yummy. Thumb up
- Feb 15, 2026
Amazing service, hostess came out with samplers to let us try everything and sauces as well. Gave us a real taste of Cuban cuisine! Super kind, super delicious, highly recommend. Love their sauces
- Jan 12, 2026
Cuban Kitchen in San Mateo hits the spot with their classic Cuban sandwich. The non alcoholic mojito lemonade is delicious and a great refresher on a hot day for sure. The vibe is laid-back and welcoming, would recommend stopping by after shopping at the mall or on your way to the hiking trails.
- Jan 2, 2026
Amazing food and drinks we had the Ropa Veija with yellow rice and drank it down with the Sake Mojito very big portions and strong drinks will be coming back.
- Dec 31, 2025
First time here. Food is amazing. Since we are the first timer, they gave us a small sample plate. Even my picky eater mother likes the food. The ambiance is also good, seems we were the only non-Spanish speakers here, this reflects their authenticity. Price is also reasonable given the large portion.
- Dec 21, 2025
This is a small family run restaurant with a taste of old Cuban food. The Cuban lechon sandwich was tasty, but relative small. Ordered the rice and bean plates with meat. Noticed that there were no vegetables with the order. They only have a dish with broccoli. The yuca fries were very well prepared.
- Dec 16, 2025
This was a great place! We loved it very much. We are from out of the area and enjoyed this cozy little café. It is so clean and the restrooms are beautiful. The inside is welcoming and the staff is simply amazing. I cannot recommend this place enough. Please go and then go again! Because you'll want more. Thank you for a great adventure. My husband and I appreciated your hospitality and the meal was more than we could have ever dreamed of.
