El Rincon Criollo

Cubano Sandwich Review. First, this sandwich is seriously massive. Over all it's a great sandwich. The meat cheese and pickles were all super tasty. Meat portion is ample. The bread wasn't as crispy as I would expect as the sandwich is pressed but still over all good. I had a side of plantains and those were super tasty.

I'm so happy my favorite cuban restaurant has re-open in a new location. Please support them by visiting them! Try my favorite dish, pollo en mojo de ajo!!

kathy haro

Becareful! Because once you try it you're coming back 500 times. Get the 1/2 chicken plate you won't regret it. Don't worry about the amount you're served so so much! AND their flan is delicious. Sangria is good too. Have kids? They have nuggets and fries just in case :)

Isabel Yanes

*Delayed post from May ‘25 This Cuban restaurant in Playa del Rey was a true delight for me as someone born in Miami to Cuban immigrants! The quality of food here is outstanding, despite relocating less than a year ago. Speaking with Jason the owner revealed that their chef has been with the restaurant for over a decade, so they know what they’re doing! There is some outdoor seating on the patio, but I recommend sitting inside to absorb the atmosphere more, with books, paintings and music filling the space. The parking lot has a few spaces, but street parking is easily accessible. For an appetizer, I recommend the mariquitas, or fried plantain chips, because they’re made fresh to order. At other popular Cuban places, Porto’s for example, they cook these plantain chips in the morning and let them sit out all day, causing them to become stale. The dipping sauce for these chips however, is not your typical garlic and oil mojo sauce, but rather a sour orange garlic sauce that is more watery. I love the flavor, but I would recommend emulsifying it a bit to add texture similar to its traditional counterpart. The lechon asada is fantastic! The pork is super tender and moist in the middle, yet crispy on the ends where the fat has fried. The onions are well cooked and have a bite to them instead of being slimy. The rice and black beans are exactly like my mom makes them: fluffy jasmine rice with smoky, tender beans in a thick sauce that comes from mashing some of the beans as they cook. This meal was by far my favorite as it celebrated traditional Cuban seasonings and cooking methods. Cuban Sandwiches are always a classic order, but note that while the bread is delicious and crispy from being pressed, it’s not your traditional bread made with lard. The pork is very smoky and the sandwich comes with a good amount of cheese that melts nicely into the buttered bread. Some people might prefer more pickles, mayo and mustard, though I appreciated the more balanced execution. My only criticism is on the maduros, or sweet plantains, which are too mushy in my opinion. I know this version is pretty standard, but I love it when the corners get really crispy and caramelized to add a textural contrast. At the end of our meal, Jason surprised us with a complimentary dessert that hadn’t been added to the menu yet (it may be available now as this review is a few months delayed). It was a warm empanada filled with guava and cream cheese, served with guanabana ice cream and a sprinkle of cardamom. QUE RICO! I really hope they’ve added it to their menu because it kills.

Rae Scalero

EAT HERE IMMEDIATELY!!! This is AUTHENTIC Cuban food folks! The food is excellent and reasonably priced! I’ve been searching LA for real Cuban food for years and am happy to report the search is over! The restaurant has been around since the 60’s but this is a new location. We met the owner Jason and he’s a gem, he told us the chef trained under the original Cuban chef. Come support your local restaurant and be rewarded with the most delicious food!!!

Kayla F

IT’S OPEN IN PDR! RUN DON’T WALK. El Rincón Criollo exceeded expectations—and the fact that they delivered such an amazing meal on day 2 of being open makes it even more impressive. The entire staff was incredibly welcoming and helpful, especially Isabel, who made our experience even better. Now, let’s talk about the food. The pollo asado was cooked perfectly—and when I say that, I want you to hear Gordon Ramsay saying it. Juicy, flavorful, and taken to the next level by their insanely good garlic sauce. Definitely get a side of plantains because they are absolute perfection. The ropa vieja was also delicious, rich, and full of flavor. And whatever you do, don’t skip dessert. The flan is the perfect sweet finish. We’ll absolutely be coming here weekly. If you’re in Playa Del Rey and love great food, this spot is a must-try!

Sho

Awesome spot! Really kind service and tasty food. I sat out on the patio. We had the Cuban style roast pork, garlic roasted chicken, fresh coconut water, and an espresso at the end of the meal. Everything was delicious. The seats on the outside patio are very relaxing as well. Will definitely be back!

Will Rami

Yeeeeeaaaaassss, 🇨🇺 THIS CUBAN PLACE IS MOST DEF THE SPOT.... finally i found a spot that put me to sleep after i ate WOW. THAT, WAS, AMAZING. worth every dallor, am a truck driver therez nothing but junk process food on da road so finding this place made me feel like home🇩🇴🇵🇷 ese salmon y esos camarones 🥰🥰🥰 TODO ESTAVA SUPER RICO✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

Riri “Ri”

I went there with my mother just to chat, and I must say that both the ambiance and the cuisine were excellent. Really liked their fish soups and their fried cassava (Yuka). I would additionally suggest attempting their juices. The lack of a variety of sauces is my only complaint, but other than that, 8/10.

bridget reilly

Best cuban sandwiches in LA!! super cute place, both indoor and outdoor area with a large selection. from smoothies to beer and sandwiches to red snapper. must try place!

Alex R

I am coming to the new location, even though it is further away from where I stay. I love the pollo asado in their fabulous mojo sauce.

David Schwartz

Cubano Sandwich Review. First, this sandwich is seriously massive. Over all it's a great sandwich. The meat cheese and pickles were all super tasty. Meat portion is ample. The bread wasn't as crispy as I would expect as the sandwich is pressed but still over all good. I had a side of plantains and those were super tasty.

Cesar Aguirre

I'm so happy my favorite cuban restaurant has re-open in a new location. Please support them by visiting them! Try my favorite dish, pollo en mojo de ajo!!

My first time at this restaurant so didn't know what to expect. But I am glad I decided to try it. And let me tell you it's worth it the chicken cook to perfection juicy and very flavorful. The pork tender it let's in your mouth. The rice cooked the way is is meant to be rich in flavor. The black beans have a smokey tasty flavor. I also order the cortadito cofee and it was amazing. Also order the sangria which was refreshing and hand craft with natural fruit must try it. The waitress very friendly and attentive couldn't ask for more as s Her customer service was beyond the good it was outstanding. I will definitely go back and will recommend it to friends and family.

We had the steak sandwich and the Cuban sandwich. Both were absolutely delicious. We asked for a side of the garlic sauce and they also brought their two home made green and orange sauces, which were amazing. Highly recommend this little hide away to anyone who loves Cuban food!

We had the Cuban sandwich and the steak sandwich. Both were delicious and not too heavy. They also brought their garlic sauce and a green and habanero sauce which were amazing additions to the meal. Would highly recommend this hidden gem!

this is a dream come true. I have been taking my children and family here for at least 35 years, but we’re very saddened to see that they have to go to another restaurant that we did not like as much. We have no more choice now we found it by chance passing by we are so ecstatic the quality of the food customer service is out of this world. Do not miss a chance to come and try the best food in the world.

Ceviche is so incredibly fresh with the crunchiest chips. Had it once before and it hit the spot both times. Ropa vieja pasta is like a ragú pasta in the best way possible. So tender. Had the stewed meat with rice and beans last time but wanted to try something new and I’m glad I did. Cubano always a classic. Can’t wait to try other things.

I had Dinner last Sunday the Food is Excellent Kudos to chef. The server Cassandra Excellent recomendation on Avocado salad and combination plate of chicken and shredded pork the favors. I will be back. Greg !!!

This place is a lowkey Cuban secret. Food is so good and the waitress Isabelle as kind and helpful as they come. I highly recommend this location for good, reasonably priced food.

Joe Jones

This place is a lowkey Cuban secret. Food is so good and the waitress Isabelle as kind and helpful as they come. I highly recommend this location for good, reasonably priced food.

Kimi Porter

We had the Cuban sandwich and the steak sandwich. Both were delicious and not too heavy. They also brought their garlic sauce and a green and habanero sauce which were amazing additions to the meal. Would highly recommend this hidden gem!

Kimi

We had the steak sandwich and the Cuban sandwich. Both were absolutely delicious. We asked for a side of the garlic sauce and they also brought their two home made green and orange sauces, which were amazing. Highly recommend this little hide away to anyone who loves Cuban food!

Greg Hemsley

I had Dinner last Sunday the Food is Excellent Kudos to chef. The server Cassandra Excellent recomendation on Avocado salad and combination plate of chicken and shredded pork the favors. I will be back. Greg !!!

benjamin gonzalez

My first time at this restaurant so didn't know what to expect. But I am glad I decided to try it. And let me tell you it's worth it the chicken cook to perfection juicy and very flavorful. The pork tender it let's in your mouth. The rice cooked the way is is meant to be rich in flavor. The black beans have a smokey tasty flavor. I also order the cortadito cofee and it was amazing. Also order the sangria which was refreshing and hand craft with natural fruit must try it. The waitress very friendly and attentive couldn't ask for more as s Her customer service was beyond the good it was outstanding. I will definitely go back and will recommend it to friends and family.

Lucas Rind

Definitely one of my top five favorite lunches I’ve had this year, great service great food.

Will Dawson

Ceviche is so incredibly fresh with the crunchiest chips. Had it once before and it hit the spot both times. Ropa vieja pasta is like a ragú pasta in the best way possible. So tender. Had the stewed meat with rice and beans last time but wanted to try something new and I’m glad I did. Cubano always a classic. Can’t wait to try other things.

Amanda Nguyen

The Cubano mmmmmhhmm yes. Ceviche omg yes. Ropa vieja!!! Yes!!! OXTAIL??? YES!!!!!!!!! Everything was so delicious. Show some love for this small business. Thank g it’s down the street from us.

Jason English

Real Deal. There is only 1 other Cubano restaurant on west side that compares. I was expecting 2-3 star, food is excellent. Great addition to the neighborhood. My review is only based on Pollo Asado, rice, beans so far. All 3 were legit.

The food was not the same as couple months ago maybe an off night. The service was good. I'll give one more try.