El Cristo Restaurant

We are vegetarians and we thought we would struggle to get some food. El cristo came to our rescue with a limited but yummy vegetarian options. The vibe looks great and I am sure it would look more lively during the night times. We were greeted with garlic bread and we ordered a vegetarian platter which looked bland but tasted delicious. We also tried fresh lemonade which was not too sweet and refreshing. Caramlized plantain was our favorite.

Stopped here for a quick bite. Enjoyed their take on Cuban sandwich and fried shrimp. Also, Cuban style lagers proved to be quite decent

This place is so good. The food was amazing. I’m pretty sure the plantains I had here were some of the best I’ve ever had. Great mojitos too. We got a half pitcher for 2 of us, and it was almost too much. Almost. I do wish the music wasn’t so loud though.

The food is amazing and they serve generous portions! Delicious and freshly prepared:) one of my favorites and so tasty, love it!!! Gracias!! ♥️

El Cristo Restaurant, a cornerstone of Little Havana since 1972, orchestrates a sensory symphony of Cuban tradition and modern comfort. Within its white-washed walls and beneath the carnival-themed artwork declaring "La Vida Es Un Carnaval," the restaurant pulses with an energy that's both nostalgic and alive. Ropa vieja arrives in tender, aromatic cascades of beef, each strand telling a story through its sofrito-infused essence. The Cuban sandwich, a study in textural contrast, comes precisely pressed and crowned with house-made potato straws that shatter delicately with each bite. Even simple sides command attention: white rice appears in geometric perfection, while maduros offer their caramelized sweetness as counterpoint. The space itself breathes history through exposed brick walls, while Cuban flags flutter alongside modern wine displays. From the intimate interior, where staff in crisp black uniforms navigate with balletic precision, to the sun-dappled sidewalk seating where red café tables dot the brick pavement, El Cristo masters the art of place-making. Operating daily from dawn's first cafecito to midnight's final feast, the restaurant hums with an efficiency that keeps wait times brief even during the busiest hours. Despite its tourist-friendly coordinates, El Cristo maintains its soul as a neighborhood sanctuary. The beverage program spans from throat-warming Cuban coffee to "Japi Aquar" happy hour libations, serving cultural purists and curious newcomers alike. This delicate balance of authenticity and accessibility, preserved through five decades of service, explains El Cristo's enduring position as a Little Havana landmark. Here, each meal is more than sustenance—it's a sensory portal to Cuba's culinary heritage, served without pretense but with plenty of pride.

What a terrific meal. Authentic Cuban menu and flavors with a nice vegan / vegetarian section. It was perfect for my family because two had traditional Cuban meat dishes of ropa vieja and pulled roast pork, one had seafood soup, and the fourth had a vegan plate of arroz y frijoles, plantains, two kinds of yuca, and more. It was clearly marked vegan. And everything was tasty. It is for tourists, but not offensively touristy

12/22 First visit. Wonderful food!! Food 5 Service 4 Atmosphere 5 12/23 Second time coming. Had to come back. I've enjoyed the food, drink, and vibe. Very nice. Food 5 Service 4 Atmosphere 5 12/24 Third visit. The lamb shank is soooo tender. My roasted pork full of food taste with some crispy strands . Loved it. Cuban coffee mmmmmm good. Service changed from 4 to 5.

I recently visited El Cristo and Emilio was an amazing experience! The food was absolutely incredible—every sandwich was packed with flavor and perfectly prepared. The authentic Cuban flavors truly stood out, and you could tell everything was made with care and attention to detail. The service was equally impressive! The staff were warm, welcoming, and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed throughout our meal. The overall atmosphere was vibrant and inviting, which added to the charm of the dining experience. If you’re looking for delicious Cuban food and exceptional service, I highly recommend El Cristo! I’ll definitely be coming back to try more of their menu.