The very best Cuban restaurants in Dublin

Known as the best tapas bar in Dublin, La Bodega is a firm favourite among locals looking for tasty small plates and South American-style dining. Located in Ranelagh, not far from the city centre, this spot proves popular every weekend with foodies flocking through the doors to celebrate special occasions or just to enjoy an incredible meal out with friends.

With Spanish and international influences in every dish, you can expect everything from Pan de Ajo to start, toasted bread rubbed with garlic and extra virgin olive oil, to small plates like Chorizo del Pastor, pan fried chorizo, chickpeas, coriander, and garlic, Pincho de Pollo, chicken breast skewers marinated in garlic, paprika, and chilli, Queso Frito, deep-fried goat’s cheese and sundried tomatoes served with honey, and much more. Offering classic Cuban flavours, this is the perfect place to dip your toes in the world of Cuban dining. Made with the finest ingredients and cooked with a drop of flair and a pinch of love, the team here are passionate about sharing their love of food with guests.

Located in the heart of Dublin City Centre, Orale specialises in LA-style Mexican food with various global influences. Sourcing the best ingredients Ireland has to offer, you can expect nothing short of exquisite dishes when dining here. Guests can relax in a beautiful dining area to enjoy an array of fun, vibrant dishes that you will not find anywhere else in Ireland.

While their main focus is Mexican, you can expect Cuban-inspired flavours in each dish, whether you opt for their Agave Habanero Chicken Wings with achiote and orange, their Adobo Pork Belly with sesame, gochugaru, and pickles, or their Bluefin Tuna Tostadas with miso, yuzu, salsa del valle, and calamansi cucumber. You’ll truly be spoilt for choice when it comes to epic flavours here!

An understated cafe and coffee shop located in Rathmines, Ernestos is an absolute must-visit for epic Cuban flavours in Belfast. Specialising in Cuban and Italian flavours, Ernestos offers a vast array of artisan food and delicious coffee, making this the perfect place for a quick and delicious pick-me-up or a casual catch up with friends.

You can expect everything from classic Cuban sandwiches to tasty sweet treats and a variety of flavourful pasta and salad plates, not to mention their epic coffee sourced from Two Fifty Square Coffee Roasters. With a passionate and enthusiastic team, diners will be greeted with friendly Irish hospitality to ensure an all-round unforgettable dining experience.

With four locations around the city, this traditional Spanish tapas restaurant is a popular choice among both local and visiting foodies to Ireland’s capital. With a central focus on Spanish cuisine, you can also expect an array of Cuban flavours from their vast and varied tapas menu. Elegant and refined, The Port House is open for lunch and evening dining with something to suit all tastes and dietary requirements.

Standouts from their fantastic tapas menu include their Pimientos de Padrón, fried green peppers served with sea salt, their variety of gluten-free Croquetas with your choice of jamón, pollo y chorizo, or spinach and cheese, and their Tres de Bocadillos featuring three mini buns with three different fillings: pulled brisket and pickled red onion, chicken piri piri and alioli, and pork burger with manchego sauce. Now, if that doesn’t make your tummy rumble, then we don’t know what will!