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The 16 Best Cuban Sandwiches in New York

When it comes to finding the most delicious and authentic Cuban sandwiches in New York, look no further than this comprehensive list of the best options in the city. Whether you're a local looking to satisfy your craving for a classic Cuban sandwich or a visitor eager to experience the flavors of Cuba in the Big Apple, this guide has you covered.

From traditional Cuban eateries to trendy food trucks, these top Cuban sandwich spots in New York offer a variety of options to suit every taste and budget. Explore the city's diverse culinary scene and discover your new favorite spot to indulge in this flavorful sandwich.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to taste some of the best Cuban sandwiches in New York City. Whether you prefer your sandwich with extra pickles or hold the mustard, there's a perfect option waiting for you on this list.

How this guide is ordered

Chosen by our New York editors from places across the five boroughs, giving weight to a long track record with locals, current opening details and how well each one delivers on what it promises. Lists are revisited often; tell us when a spot closes or moves.

Featured businesses may pay for a more visible position within the guide.

Top 3Full listMapHow to choose

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#1
Coppelia
4.53,208 reviews
#2
Café Habana
4.52,852 reviews
#3
Havana Central Times Square
4.35,903 reviews

Full list

Compare 16 local options

Coppelia#1
What stands out

  • The food was okay, but the AC was too cold for one customer's liking, and the rice was crunchy.

  • Coppelia is always packed and has bumping music, so it may not be the place for a calm dining experience.

  • Prices can be on the higher side, but the salmon is amazing according to one reviewer.

  • Customers have had mixed feelings about certain dishes, but when you order right, they can be absolute hits.

Coppelia

4.53,208 reviews
207 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011, United States

Coppelia is a popular Cuban restaurant located in the heart of New York City. With a rating of 4.5 stars, it's clear that customers love the food and atmosphere this restaurant offers. Some of the highlights of Coppelia include fast service, great cocktails, great coffee, and great dessert.

This 24/7 Cuban diner is known for its large portion sizes and delicious food and drinks. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a tasty lunch, or a satisfying dinner, Coppelia has something for everyone. Come by anytime for a taste of authentic Cuban cuisine in the heart of NYC!

Café Habana#2
What stands out

  • Excellent service and fantastic experience. The acclaimed corn and frozen margarita were top-notch.

  • Drinks and food were fantastic during happy hour. Delicious corn and Cuban sandwich. Friendly staff despite not having a booking.

  • Delicious corn and shrimp tacos, although sandwiches were a bit bland.

  • Efficient brunch spot with delicious food and coffee at reasonable prices. A cozy atmosphere with quick service.

Café Habana

4.52,852 reviews
17 Prince St, New York, NY 10012, United States

Café Habana is a beloved Cuban restaurant located in New York City. Known for its fast service and great coffee, it offers a variety of options such as delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers rave about the delicious food and friendly atmosphere, making it a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant also provides rooftop seating for a unique dining experience.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

With a rating of 4.5 stars and over 2,800 reviews, Café Habana continues to impress locals and tourists alike with its unique Cuban flavors and welcoming ambiance.

Havana Central Times Square#3
What stands out

  • Great Cuban food with amazing drinks and appetizers

  • Decent service and food, but nothing exceptional

  • Fantastic service, delicious food, and loud music for a fun dining experience

  • Disappointing food quality, especially the special dish, but good customer service

Havana Central Times Square

4.35,903 reviews
151 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, United States

Havana Central Times Square is a popular Cuban restaurant in New York City that offers a variety of services to cater to its customers. From Outdoor seating to No-contact delivery, this restaurant ensures a comfortable dining experience. With highlights like Fast service and Live music, patrons can enjoy a lively atmosphere while indulging in delicious Cuban cuisine.

Customers have left 5903 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 stars for Havana Central Times Square. A few key points from their feedback include:

So if you're looking for a taste of Cuba in the heart of Times Square, make a reservation at Havana Central and enjoy a flavorful dining experience with a vibrant atmosphere.

Margon#4
What stands out

  • The food is excellent with charming chaos

  • Crazy flavorful dishes with friendly staff

  • Transporting atmosphere with authentic Cuban flavors

  • Reliably delicious Cubano sandwiches

Margon

4.61,157 reviews
136 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, United States

Margon is a renowned Cuban restaurant located in New York. The place offers a variety of services and features to its customers, such as No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in. Visitors praise the restaurant for its fast service and great coffee.

Cuba#5
What stands out

  • Impeccable service with friendly and accommodating staff.

  • Delicious food and good drinks, especially the lechon asado with yuca.

  • Live music adds a lovely touch to the dining experience.

  • Reasonably priced food and drinks in a delightful atmosphere.

Cuba

4.51,822 reviews
222 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012, United States

Cuba is a renowned Cuban restaurant located in the heart of New York City. With a rating of 4.5 stars, this establishment offers a variety of services and features that make it stand out. Customers have highlighted the following key points in their reviews:

If you are looking for a cozy and intimate location to enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine, Cuba is the place to be!

Guantanamera#6
What stands out

  • The live Cuban trio was fun, with delicious dishes like black beans, tender skirt steak, and great whiskey sours.

  • Good variety of Cuban food, though the croquetas de pollo lacked some smoothness in the texture.

  • Fun, lively spot with good seafood, friendly staff, and an awesome Tres leches.

  • Great ambiance, delicious food like Cuban sandwich and vaca frita, with super friendly staff and fast service.

Guantanamera

4.42,757 reviews
939 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States

Guantanamera is a vibrant Cuban restaurant located in New York, offering a variety of service options including No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in. Known for its fast service, great coffee, great desserts, live music, and sport atmosphere, it is a popular spot for lunch, dinner, and solo dining. Their diverse menu includes options like cocktails, comfort food, vegetarian dishes, and more.

Customers have raved about their experiences at Guantanamera:

Victor's Cafe Cuban Restaurant#7
What stands out

  • Good service and Cuban food with a great atmosphere

  • Delicious and authentic Cuban dishes with impeccable service

  • Outstanding food and drinks, excellent service

  • Beyond expectations in food quality, drink preparation, and service

Victor's Cafe Cuban Restaurant

4.42,247 reviews
236 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019, United States

Victor's Cafe Cuban Restaurant is a renowned Cuban restaurant located in New York City. Offering a wide range of services such as kerbside pickup, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in, this establishment caters to various preferences. The restaurant is known for its fast service, great coffee, great dessert, and live music, creating a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere for customers.

Customer reviews highlight the exceptional experience at Victor's Cafe. Some key points from the reviews include:

With a high rating of 4.4 and glowing reviews, Victor's Cafe Cuban Restaurant stands out as a must-visit dining destination in NYC for those seeking a taste of flavorful Cuban cuisine in a lively setting.

BSTRO 38#8
What stands out

  • "Very good food and comfy experience with awesome service. Prices are reasonable and the happy hour deals are a must-try." - Olivia Leigh

  • "Food is delicious here! Must try the Cuban-style dishes." - S San

  • "Great experience, fantastic short rib dish, and friendly bartenders." - Rich Martin

BSTRO 38

4.41,248 reviews
58 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018, United States

BSTRO 38 Bistro offers a variety of service options such as outdoor seating, kerbside pickup, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. The bistro is known for its fast service, great desserts, and sports atmosphere. It is a popular spot for lunch, dinner, and solo dining. Customers appreciate the comfort food offerings including cocktails, beer, coffee, wine, and vegan and vegetarian options. The bistro has a casual, cozy, romantic, and trendy atmosphere that caters to families, groups, LGBTQ+ individuals, tourists, and serves as a transgender safe space.

Here are some customer reviews:

Amor Cubano#9
What stands out

  • The food is excellent with strong and good drinks, sauce for the bananas was amazing.

  • Favorite Cuban sandwich ever had with exceptional service and delicious mojitos.

  • Top-notch service, live music, and fantastic food for special occasions with a touch of home.

  • Authentic taste of Cuba with amazing food, impeccable service, and immersive experience.

Amor Cubano

4.4998 reviews
2018 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10029, United States

Amor Cubano is a vibrant Cuban restaurant located in New York, where patrons can experience the flavors and atmosphere of Cuba without leaving the city. The restaurant offers a variety of services including no-contact delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Customers can enjoy fast service, great coffee, desserts, and even live music.

Some key highlights of Amor Cubano as described by visitors include the welcoming ambiance that makes you feel at home, delicious strong drinks, amazing Cuban sandwich, and excellent service. Here are a few summarized customer reviews:

With a high rating of 4.4, Amor Cubano is highly recommended by customers for a taste of Cuban cuisine in the heart of New York City. Visit their website for more information and plan your next visit to this hidden gem in Spanish Harlem.

Floridita#10
What stands out

  • Stopped by for a quick bite before a concert at the United Palace. The food was very good, the pork in the cuban sandwich was a bit dry but still tasty.

  • My regular spot to eat is under construction. So I decided to try this place out. The food did not win me over. The atmosphere and 'look' is definitely 5 stars.

  • The food was not great. The chicken soup was barely warm. The cuban sandwich had a weird taste and had a huge amount of green garlic.

  • We went there after a concert. The food was already prepared, but it tasted fresh and delicious. Thank goodness because we had a long drive home.

Floridita

4.21,154 reviews
4162 Broadway, New York, NY 10033, United States

Floridita is a popular Cuban restaurant in New York City that offers a variety of services and features to its customers. With a rating of 4.2, this restaurant provides options such as no-contact delivery, takeaway, dine-in, and delivery. Customers have praised the fast service, great coffee, great dessert, and sporty atmosphere of Floridita.

Tina's#11

Tina's

4.3479 reviews
179 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States

Tina's is a popular Cuban restaurant located in the heart of New York City. They offer a variety of services and features, including no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Known for being popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, Tina's provides an authentic Cuban dining experience.

Customer reviews rave about the authentic flavors of the food, with one reviewer mentioning their love for the Pernil sandwich and plátanos. Another reviewer appreciates the freshly squeezed lemonade and quick service for both dine-in and takeout orders. Some minor issues mentioned include the texture of some dishes and the portion sizes relative to sides. Despite these factors, customers generally applaud the friendly staff and the overall quality of the food served at Tina's.

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Lenox Hill#12
What stands out

  • One visitor was pleasantly surprised by the delicious pernil sandwich with plantains and fries but found the prices a bit steep.

  • Another customer loved the perfectly made empanadas and highly recommended trying the Cuban sandwich.

  • One visitor praised the attentive customer service and the fantastic flavors of the beef, chicken, and cheese empanadas.

  • While another guest appreciated the excellent cheese empanadas and green sauce, mentioning the courteous and helpful staff.

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Lenox Hill

4.2627 reviews
401 E 68th St, New York, NY 10065, United States

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Lenox Hill is a renowned Cuban restaurant located in New York City known for its vibrant flavors and authentic dishes. They offer a range of service options like kerbside pickup, delivery, and dine-in, making it convenient for customers to enjoy their favorite Cuban meals.

Their menu includes popular favorites like empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, and more, perfect for both lunch and dinner outings. Customers have praised the quality of their food, especially highlighting the flavorful empanadas and the signature green sauce that adds a delightful kick to every bite.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Lenox Hill has created a welcoming atmosphere that combines casual vibes with trendy flair, attracting a diverse crowd of locals, tourists, and university students. With their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, it's no wonder they have earned a solid rating of 4.2 based on 627 reviews. Visit Sophie's today for a taste of Cuba right in the heart of NYC!

Cubana Café#13
What stands out

  • Delicious and authentic food, such as the half chicken and hanger steak quesadilla

  • Excellent service and attention to detail

  • Great variety of dishes, including the cubano sandwich and appetizers

Cubana Café

4.2537 reviews
272 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, United States

Cubana Café is a cozy Cuban restaurant located in Brooklyn, NY. They offer a variety of services and features that cater to their customers' needs. From Outdoor seating to No-contact delivery, Cubana Café ensures convenience and satisfaction. Customers can enjoy Great coffee in a Casual and Cosy atmosphere while listening to Live music.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Hell's Kitchen#14
What stands out

  • Flavors are on point, quality ingredients, and friendly service.

  • Authentic Cuban food experience in the heart of Hell's Kitchen.

  • Delicious dishes, fresh ingredients, and amazing Cuban flavors.

  • Good food at a reasonable price, quick service, and a great dining experience.

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Hell's Kitchen

4.1569 reviews
947 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Hell's Kitchen is a renowned Cuban restaurant located in New York. The business offers a wide range of services, including outdoor seating, kerbside pickup, no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Customers enjoy the comfort food offerings, vegetarian options, and the casual atmosphere of the restaurant.

With a rating of 4.1, Sophie's has attracted a loyal following of 569 reviews. Here are some key points from customer reviews:

Habana To Go#15
What stands out

  • The blackened chicken Diablo sandwich lacked flavor, but the grilled corn was outstanding.

  • One reviewer was disappointed with the use of American cheese in the Cuban sandwich but acknowledged that it might appeal to others.

  • Memorable dishes like the grilled corn and steak salad have kept customers coming back for more.

  • Many rave about the Cuban sandwiches, tostones, and the overall vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant.

Habana To Go

4.3136 reviews
229 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012, United States

Habana To Go is a popular Cuban restaurant located in New York City. This cozy spot offers a variety of service options including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Known for their popular lunch and dinner options, Habana To Go is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is praised for its coffee, comfort food, quick bite, and small plates menu items.

Customers have left positive reviews highlighting the following key points:

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Murray Hill#16
What stands out

  • The chicken and meat empanadas have good flavor and are quite enjoyable.

  • The staff is friendly and accommodating, making the dining experience pleasant.

  • Cuisine and coffee are highlights, along with the enchanting Cuban atmosphere.

  • Excellent service has been noted, with the staff going above and beyond for customers.

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Murray Hill

4.0441 reviews
593 1st Ave., New York, NY 10016, United States

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Murray Hill is a vibrant and welcoming Cuban restaurant located in New York. They offer a range of dining options including lunch, dinner, and catering, making it a popular choice for those looking to enjoy authentic Cuban flavors. Customers have praised the empanadas for their delicious flavor and juiciness, with the friendly staff always ready to assist with orders.

Summary

The comparison at a glance

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Coppelia 4.53,208
#2Café Habana 4.52,852
#3Havana Central Times Square 4.35,903
#4Margon 4.61,157
#5Cuba 4.51,822
#6Guantanamera 4.42,757
#7Victor's Cafe Cuban Restaurant 4.42,247
#8BSTRO 38 4.41,248
#9Amor Cubano 4.4998
#10Floridita 4.21,154
#11Tina's 4.3479
#12Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Lenox Hill 4.2627
#13Cubana Café 4.2537
#14Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Hell's Kitchen 4.1569
#15Habana To Go 4.3136
#16Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Murray Hill 4.0441

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Map of Cuban Sandwiches in New York

Craving a delicious Cuban sandwich in New York City? Look no further! This map highlights all the best spots across the city where you can indulge in this tasty and iconic sandwich. From traditional Cuban eateries to trendy cafes, there's a Cuban sandwich waiting for you just around the corner. Discover your new favorite spot today!

How to choose Cuban Sandwiches in New York City

  1. Authentic Cuban ingredients.
  2. Freshly baked Cuban bread.
  3. Generous portions.
  4. Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Frequently asked questions

What makes a Cuban sandwich different in New York?

In New York, a Cuban sandwich may have some variations compared to the traditional version. Instead of using Cuban bread, it might be made with a different type of bread such as a baguette or a ciabatta roll. Additionally, some delis in New York may use different condiments or add their own twist to the classic ingredients. Despite these alterations, the key components of a Cuban sandwich remain the same in New York - ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami. The sandwich is still grilled to perfection for that crispy, golden crust. Overall, the New York version of a Cuban sandwich may provide a unique and delicious spin on the classic recipe that appeals to local tastes and preferences.

Where can I find the best Cuban sandwich in New York?

When looking for the best Cuban sandwich in New York, it's essential to explore different neighborhoods and eateries that specialize in this iconic sandwich. Some popular spots known for their delicious Cuban sandwiches include La Caridad 78 in Upper West Side and Victor's Cafe in Midtown. Food trucks and smaller delis in New York may also offer hidden gems when it comes to Cuban sandwiches. By asking locals or checking online reviews, you can discover lesser-known establishments that serve up authentic and mouthwatering versions of this classic dish. Ultimately, the best Cuban sandwich in New York is a matter of personal preference, so it's worth trying out a few different places to find your favorite.

What are some variations of the Cuban sandwich in New York?

In addition to the traditional Cuban sandwich, some New York establishments have put their own twist on this classic dish. Variations may include adding ingredients like avocado, bacon, or different types of cheese to enhance the flavor profile. Some eateries in New York also offer vegetarian or vegan versions of the Cuban sandwich, using plant-based proteins such as seitan or jackfruit instead of the traditional pork and ham. These innovative takes cater to a diverse range of dietary preferences. Exploring the diverse culinary landscape of New York can lead you to discover creative and delicious variations of the Cuban sandwich that offer a fresh take on a beloved favorite.

How has the Cuban sandwich become a staple in New York?

The popularity of the Cuban sandwich in New York can be attributed to the city's rich history of culinary diversity and immigrant influences. As waves of Cuban immigrants settled in New York over the years, they brought with them their cultural heritage and traditional recipes, including the iconic Cuban sandwich. Over time, the Cuban sandwich has become a beloved staple in New York, featured on menus at delis, cafes, and food trucks throughout the city. Its unique combination of flavors and textures has appealed to locals and visitors alike, earning it a place in the hearts of New Yorkers as a go-to comfort food option. The continued popularity of the Cuban sandwich in New York reflects the city's appreciation for diverse culinary offerings and its embrace of global flavors and influences.

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