Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar - Cambridge
Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar - Cambridge
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Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar - Cambridge
Review
About
The word Gustazo means great pleasure and “darse or dar un Gustazo” means to treat oneself or someone else to something special. Located two blocks from Porter Square, Gustazo aims to bring authentic Cuban flavors to the vibrant Boston restaurant scene. Its festive and original decor embodies the spirit of Havana, with elements of Spanish colonial architecture, reminiscence of the 1950s and colorful Cuban modern art. In the kitchen, modern interpretations of classic Cuban dishes are crafted daily with the best available ingredients. When visiting this lively neighborhood restaurant, savoring our authentic Cuban fare and listening to our carefully selected compilation of Cuban music, we aim that you our guest, will have a Gustazo!
Features
CUISINES
Latin, Cuban
Meal types
Dinner, Late Night, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
FEATURES
Women-owned, Hispanic/Latinx-owned
Accepts Credit Cards
Delivery
Free off-street parking
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Gift Cards Available
Live Music
Non-smoking restaurants
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Private Dining
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Sports bars
Table Service
Takeout
Wine and Beer
Location
Free off-street parking, Parking Available
Is this a Latin restaurant?
Reserve a table
Order delivery
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 5:00 PM
Sunday
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Contribute
4.4
(44)
Excellent
26
Good
14
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
1
tinaNtravel
San Jose2143 contributions
May 2022 • none
We made reservations for a specific time, however they were running behind and we had an approx. 45 minute wait. However, the host was very friendly, kept us informed and gave us a free appetizer for our wait, when we were finally seated. We ordered several different appetizers and meals to share and all of them were excellent. Our waiter was nice and friendly and efficient.
Written June 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James W
Somers1116 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We enjoyed dinner here with friends, and it made for a nice night out. Reservations were pretty hard to come by, and we had to make them pretty far in advance. But when we showed up, we were seated promptly (after all members of our party had arrived). The menu consists mostly of various tapas items, although there are also more traditional "large plate" entrees as well. I tried one of the large plates (slow-roasted pork), and it was very good, while the rest of our party ordered a number of the tapas selections. In retrospect, it probably would have been better if we had all ordered either tapas, or the large plates, not a mix, since they started bringing some of the tapas items out pretty quickly (the cold ones I guess were quick to prepare), whereas the large plate entree was served when the tapas-eaters were maybe already halfway through their meal. A better strategy might be to just order a bunch of tapas (maybe counting 2-3 per person) and then share them as they arrive. Next time! Our waitress was very friendly, food was all very good: we'll definitely return! P.S. The sign says that there is parking in back of the restaurant, but we parked on the street (meters were free since it was Sunday).
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ravi s
Boston86 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
As a vegetarian, I'm usually wary of going to latin/south-american restaurants because of the meat-heavy nature of their menus. Gustazo was wonderfully different and an incredible experience. The vegetarian tapas offerings were more than enough for a party of four, and the taste/texture was fantastic. Beyond the food, the ambience is great, and they have some very interesting cocktails. Highly recommended!
Written April 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ferney L
Lowell23 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Tapas is an understatement at this place. The tapas were so small for the price that they should only be called “ta”. My wife and I have been to Spain and other parts of the world where tapas are customary and Gustazo’s are much smaller if you consider price. We ordered 6 tapas and had to order an entree to feel somewhat full. The entree was also a bit small, but what caught my eye was the size of the sweet plantain slices. They were so tiny they reminded me of tic tacs. With all this said, all the food tasted good and the bartender was on point. It was an ok experience, but I would not go back. The prices are comparable to Smith & Wellensky’s, Capital Grille if you consider the quantity they serve you for what you pay.
- Ambience was nice
- decor was also nice
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelEatXplore
Boston5395 contributions
Jun 2021 • friends
If you're craving for authentic Cuban food and around Cambridge area. You should stop here. They have to locations. One in Cambridge and the other in Waltham. They have two separate menu for each location. You can't go wrong with any of the dishes here, but I highly recommended either Mojitos or Golden Sand drink (refreshing and yet has a bit of a spicy kick). From vegetarian small plate, Guacamole Cubano and Cazuela De Coliflor Asada. Small plates Chicharrones, Pulpo picante and empanadas. The Camarones Al Ajillo was ok. The Large Plates recommended the Pescado en Salsa Caibarien. The Ropa Vieja was ok. It was burnt. The staffs were friendly and attentive. The food came out fast. It's a tapas style food. For a party of 3 it comes about 200 bucks.
There are meters parking. However, you can park in the back lot after 5pm.
Written June 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christopher N
146 contributions
Apr 2022 • couples
Came with my wife. Offered to let her taste a couple red wines she was considering. We loved the corn fritter plata and the Mahi mahi entree, which had a delicious coconut sauce. Would get both again. Guacamole with fried plantain was good but my wife craved saltier chips. Would be great to have two couples and lots of platas.
Written April 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
barry p
Chapel Hill255 contributions
Sep 2021 • none
We ate there for the first time. We are foodies. We had a number of truly great dishes: the pulpo,[octopus], cauliflower dish, and the grilled lamp chops were all special. the camarones was ok but not special.
excellent service and very good drinks/wine list.
Written September 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica H
Cooksville56 contributions
Jul 2021 • family
Best Cuban food and best meal in a long, long time. I love Cuban food and this was as good as I’ve had, including South Florida. Started out with an amazing cocktail: The Cuban Cigar with tobacco-infused rum (and perfect ice cube). Shared 2 of their tapas - empanadas, perfectly crisp and coquetas impeccably fried and seasoned (not too salty as they can sometimes be). Split the arroz con pollo; chicken and as moist and plantains were just right amount of sweet. Finished with the flan with coconut, creamy, not rubbery. All at a super reasonable price. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TBC
Boston15 contributions
Nov 2019 • none
Cuban food is a favorite so I was super excited when I found this restaurant. I have been there twice after the 1st time I knew to make a reservation especially for a Fri/Sat night. They are super accommodating of food allergies. The service has always been great, even in the bar area. I have never felt rushed to finish. It has always been a great and relaxing meal to enjoy.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred S
Cambridge34 contributions
Jun 2024 • solo
Gustazo is absolutely top-notch, perfect for special occasions or simply to treat yourself. Tonight I celebrated my 28th wedding anniversary there--alone, because my wife is traveling on business, but I said a prayer of gratitude for her! I started my meal with the classic Hotel Nacional cocktail (rum, pineapple, apricot, lime)--delicious! As a vegetarian, I opted for the corn fritters and the cauliflower tapas, both superb. Upon the recommendation of my server Frank (attentive, friendly, and funny in a low-key way), I selected the Tres Leches dessert and was not disappointed. I finished my meal with a dessert cocktail, G.E.M. (Gustazo Espresso Martini), the perfect finale. I'll be back (hopefully with my wife next time)!
Written June 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flemming
6 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
Excellent experience. Everything was awesome, the food was so taste and the service was superb. We tried both vegi and fish tapas and everything tasted great. We will be back for sure.
Written April 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
welshpembrokecorgi
Newton132 contributions
Sep 2023 • friends
excellent service and food. Everything was wonderful, well prepared and served. All the dishes were tasty, served timely and well presented.
Written February 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anshita_S
Boston1765 contributions
May 2023 • couples
Loved the food at their Waltham location and now love the food at their Cambridge location as well. Options for vegetarians can be a little limited and even then a lot of those options are fried, but they are all yummy nonetheless.
We tried a few dishes -
Yuca Fries- cannot go wrong with fried yuca, it was crispy goodness
Beet salad- very fresh and the dressing was light and tasty
Fried plantains- fried sweet goodness
Special of the day with charred peppers - very good, the sauce it came with was nice and tangy
Rice & Beans- very flavorful and delicious
Overall the food and service was good. Cannot wait to go back again!
Written December 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katrina J
15 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
We had the corn fritters, and the queso Frito and some cocktails, and everything was amazing! The service was above and beyond. The atmosphere was alive without the music being too loud-will definitely visit again!
Written November 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reading King
612 contributions
Jul 2023 • family
This chef owned restaurant is mostly a tapas place but does have a few large plates on the menu. We started with cocktails. My Hemingway Daiquiri (daiquiri made with lime and grapefruit) was really one of the best cocktails that I have had in a long time. Then we ordered several tappas and one large plate to split at our table. For tapas, we tried the guacamole with pineapple and seeds served with plantain chips, mahi mahi stuffed piquillo peppers, plantains wrapped in bacon, chicharrones, guava glazed baby back ribs and tacos de vaca frito (beef). We also split a large plate of slow roasted pork with rice which was super delicious! And, we topped it all off with churros with chocolate and butterscotch dipping sauces. Everything was excellent. The attentiveness and pace of service was great and the atmosphere was nice with a bar and small restaurant area upstairs (where we sat) and more dining space downstairs. As is usual with tapas, it is not inexpensive. Other notes: even though website says there is a parking lot, we couldn’t find one at this Cambridge location. There is metered on street parking in the area. And, the touch-less bathroom was clean.
Written July 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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