Where is the Best Cuban Food in Los Angeles, California?
I don’t know where to start — there is so much to love about Portos. The cheese pastry and guava/cheese pastry, their potato balls (like shepard’s pie in the round), the pulled pork sandwich, their chicken empanadas, their mango moose…When you eat here its like you died and went to heaven. Culinary ecstasy. A tip for parking: bring lots of change for their new parking system. Pros + CULINARY ECSTASYCons – Can be very crowded and chaotic
The absolute best Cuban food I’ve had in a very very long time. I’m from Jersey, and am accustomed to strolling into Union City (the second largest Cuban population outside of Cuba) and filling my mouth with a freshly made Cubano and batido de mamey. So my Cuban food standards are high my friends. And this place, surpassed them. Not only was the service excellent and friendly and prompt, but when the food arrived, it was very close what I am used to. The plates were huge and the food was very very good. I had the bbq chicken con arroz blanco, moros y maduros and my boyfriend had the pollo empanizado with the same sides. The portions of meat were huge. They skimped a little on the white rice (which could have been a bit warmer/fresher for my taste) and the maduro (which were crisped and ripened to absolute perfection), but the black beans were excellent, really. They even had Fruta Bomba (sweetened papaya chunks in syrup with cream cheese), people! Oh, yes and batidos de mamey! I will b
We had reservations for 8:30 and called to say we are late- they saved our table for another 15 minutes and we arrived in the nick of time. We were seated on the patio next to the windows for beautiful LA views. The staff was friendly and the ambience was nice- good music in the background but not too loud.The mojitos were fine, but nothing out of the ordinary. We ordered jumbo scallops to start and they were outstanding. We also ordered the duck, the pork roast and the butterfish with a side of plaintain rice w/guacamole. The food was delicious, albeit the pork and duck tasted a bit too fatty. Oh well, rich food for a reason sometimes. :-)Our server was attentive and we enjoyed the evening. I don’t usually go all out at pricey places, but it’s great to treat yourself once in awhile.Overall, and excellent experience and I may return one day.Pros + Nice atmosphere,views, delish foodCons – a bit pricey
We went late last Sat night (after attending a tacky fight-night event) and the lounge side was rented out for a loud private party (Armenian?). An ambitious promoter from the party tried to charge us $25 for entry. As we were walking away, a waitress/bar tender from the restaurant ran up to us and offered us entry for no charge. She chastised the promoter and walked us in. We told her that we just wanted drinks and appetizers and she gave us friendly, courteous, and quick service! She sat us at a quiet table in the restaurant side, recommended great appetizers, and made our drinks herself. We had the popcorn shrimp and the Malaysian chicken skewers with ice cold and strong martinis! Though she was also working the private event, she checked on us often, brought us water, and refilled our drinks. She saved our evening! We live close by and will be back! Pros + Service, ambiance, martinisCons – Parking is valet only
