Alyssa Smith
What a gem! We brought our Cuban grandmother and two Miami Cubans to try this spot, and it did not disappoint. From the moment we walked in, we were warmly welcomed by the owner — and Cuban native — Adrian, who made the most incredible café con leches with condensed milk plus a delicious virgin piña colada.
We loved the medianoche and cojimero sandwiches, ropa vieja, and the isla curry chicken. The interior is bright, clean, and inviting, with a cute outdoor area featuring picnic tables as well. Bonus: there’s a Cuban art gallery just down the street!
… moreShea McCrary
Two of us had dinner here and had just such a lovely meal. The restaurant was authentic and diverse in its menu. Incredibly fresh ingredients and well thought food. We both got sandwiches as our main and shared the stuffed plantains and flan for dessert! All five stars.
… moreStephen Martinez
Wow,just wow! Let’s start with a carafe of fresh water,then move on to virgin mojito’s with compostable straws.The entire menu looks delicious but we chose the ropa vieja and was it ever so flavorful and savory, including fried plantains and moro rice. The plating, such effort really made it that much more appealing.
… moreTimothy McGuire
I love this place. It is appointed as would be appropriate for a Lino Street restaurant. They provide a carafe of cold water. Many restaurants water are warm and sometimes stagnant tasting.
I had the cordadito and Cafecito coffees one sweetened and the other an Expresso. Both coffees are worth the visit. I had the savory and very good medionoche sandwich. The sandwich alone was worth my time.
… moreDeanna Gonzalez
I’m new to Cuban food. The food, service, and place is amazing. Patio seating view outside seems like another land away from New Mexico. The standout here should be the food because everything was perfect, however I would say the service is even better. They did everything to make me comfortable, even though I was just gonna takeout. Even my takeout dishes were plated gorgeously. The plantains were the best I’ve ever had! I will be back!
… moreDana Simmons
Lado Cafe Cuban Restaurant Monday, July 15. 11:45 am
Great Cuban Restaurant! Lado Cafe is a standout. From walking through the door with a warm and friendly greeting from the owner, a Cuban native, to the ambiance and beautiful space this was an outstanding restaurant experience. The dining room is bright with Cuban art and photographs throughout. The doors were open on this sunny day to a cooling breeze. Also, there is outdoor seating on a shady patio surrounding the restaurant. And then there is the food. The menu is all Cuban including the beverages. We started with Malta sodas, a carbonated beverage with a pleasing caramel flavor served with a base of condensed milk and a shot of caramel. Never had one before and loved it. The owner explained the menu choices and specific ingredients, all new to us. My husband ordered a Medianoche sandwich, Smoked Ham and Roasted Pork with Cheese, Sweet Pickles, Lettuce and Mayo topped with a little Cuban flag. He deemed it delicious. I had Guajiro, a plate of Roasted Pork, Black Beans and White Rice (I would order the more complex Moro Rice next time.) with a tangy and piquant Barbeque Sauce on the side. It was served with sweet plantain slices. Terrific tastes. Background music was low and the dining room quiet (71dB.) The menu includes Appetizers, Tapas, Sides and Salads and Desserts with a long list of interesting Coffees. This is one of the best lunches we have had in Santa Fe. It is located in the Lena Street art district, an enclave of interesting galleries, artist studios and shops for a great walk before or after lunch. This experience is not to be missed.
… moreCaterine Stuart
What a fantastic find! We stopped in and had the Picadillo and the Lechon, and both were truly authentic and delicious. The Picadillo was perfectly seasoned, and the Lechon was tender and flavorful—just like it should be. Beyond the food, the highlight was meeting the owner and his wife. We had a great conversation with them and felt so welcomed. It’s clear they pour their hearts into their cooking. We’ll definitely be back
… moreTimothy Miller
I had the pleasure of dining at Lago Cafe this evening. It is a quaint and authentic Cuban restaurant. The staff were incredibly friendly and prompt. I had the Guajiro plate; roasted pork, plantains, and Moro rice, served with a chimichurri sauce. Every bite was delicious! For dessert, Flan was on the menu. The flavors and texture were fantastic. I highly recommend Lago Cafe, especially if you are seeking amazing flavors and lovely people.
… moreJohn Gonzalez
I’m a first generation Cuban American and was delighted to find this Cuban restaurant while on vacation in Santa Fe. My family and I very much enjoyed this cosy little cafe. The owner was attentive and friendly, and the food was amazing. The Ropa Viaja and Picadillo were just as delicious as my mother and aunt made for me as a kid. The 2 variations of plantains were also fantastic. Highly recommended.
… moreAngel Virgilio
My teens chose this Cuban cafe, and we’re so glad they did! From the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed and comfortable. Our host/server/waiter seems to be an owner, and he took the time to explain and recommend menu items. My son ordered the medianoche (smoked ham/roasted pork) and my daughter had the pan con lechón (roasted pork and Cuban mojo) sandwiches. Both raved. My son declared his the best sandwich he’s ever had. My Isla curried chicken was beautifully plated and bursting with delicate flavor. The plantains were top-notch! We had to try other menu items and had an excellent cafe con leche (European quality) and possibly the best caramel flan ever.
We eat out very rarely, and it was so rewarding to find this gem. Along with the food quality, the level of service and being treated as valued guests elevated our entire experience.
… more