Despite the ties between the two countries, there are not many Cuban restaurants in Madrid, although some of them have been in the city for decades. Caribbean gastronomy -and therefore its culture and population- due to its historical circumstances is a mixture of local roots, in this case Taino, Spanish and African influences.
1. The black Tomasa
If there is a Cuban restaurant that meets all expectations, it is La Negra Tomasa. Its cuisine is based on typical Creole dishes, and its cocktails are at the same level as its dishes. All this in an atmosphere in which Cuba is not only breathed throughout the place, but also heard: every nights there is live music performed by the best artists of the tropical island.
💶 €€€€€
Cádiz Street, 9 (Downtown)
2. To the sound of Cuba
Yes, at Al son de Cuba ropa vieja is also part of the menu, but, without detracting from this star of Cuban gastronomy, the tropical salad with shrimp and mango is what sets it apart. Also worth mentioning is its dessert with a nod to Spain: the Lolita cup, which here is better known as flan.
💶 €€€€€
Calle del Gral. Lacy, 11 (Atocha)
3. Borax
At Borax they serve a chilindrón de chivo (a lamb stew) that takes the Cubans living in Madrid who try it back to their grandmothers’ home on the Caribbean island. Undoubtedly, Cuban comfort food is the backbone of this restaurant, proof of which are the pots with macerated guava for desserts or the Cuban chancellor -a kind of breaded steak- made to order. Their cheesecake with flamed meringue on top is hard to forget.
💶 €€€€€
Calle de Pelayo, 28 (Chueca)
4. When I left Cuba
When the meal starts with stuffed potatoes (from a minced meat stew, battered and fried on the outside) you know you have to prepare well for what’s to come. Without lowering the level, the star of the menu is the Cuban sandwich with melted cheese and shredded beef accompanied with yucca. They also have a good offer of typical cocktails of the island, such as the daiquiri or the piña colada.
💶 €€€€€
Ternera Street, 4 (Downtown)
5. Havana Blues
Havana Blues is a sure place if you like the most classic Cuban recipes without a hint of unnecessary additions. The ropa vieja, the guajiro and the cubanísimo (rice with chicken) are exquisite, although you should always leave room for their natural juices and the guava cheesecake. The place is small, although it has a covered terrace, so it is advisable to make a reservation before going.
💶 €€€€€
P.º de Sta. María de la Cabeza, 56 (Arganzuela)
6. Locco Pizza
Locco Pizza is a Cuban restaurant that is a bit peculiar, first because it is a pizzeria (and yes, Cubans have their own version of the Italian recipe) and second, because it has become known on social networks for its pork sandwiches, very typical in Cuban street food. Its recent virality has caused queues to lengthen, but the price is still very reasonable and the dishes are hearty.
💶 €€€€€
Avenida de Oporto, 104 (Carabanchel)