The food was absolutely delicious! We loved the outdoor seating and the service was superb! We look forward to coming back!

Owner and staff are so friendly. Best Cuban I've ever had. Even the beans and rice were flavorful. I had a mojito...refreshing and delicious and I could taste the alcohol. Very reasonable prices for a tourist town. read more

The food was delicious, good atmosphere, service was friendly, will definitely be back.

This place was a surprise because I was not expecting much. The food was delicious and everything we ordered was fresh and the servings were large. The mint lemonade was great but my daughter didn't like the mint as much. So little kids might not enjoy it. The cafe con leche left me blah, it was not good and I could barely finish it. The cup was not right for me. That's a cup for a different type of coffee. The shake was icy cold but not creamy. It did taste nice. I am not sure if the server was shy or just not talkative. I speak Spanish and tried to make conversation but it's was minimal contact but not terrible. Almost every table was full and our food did not take that long. Please sit outside! The indoor seating was not pleasant and o was glad we chose outside. When I went to use the restroom my pet peeve was finding the coffee espresso maker right outside the bathroom door. Made me wish I had not ordered coffee. But it was clean and the bathroom was clean too. The prices were reasonable and the view was very nice. We will def be back. read more

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The food here is excellent and authentic! We ordered 5 different entrees and loved them all with the exception of the Bistek dish. It looked great with the chimichurri sauce and all but the steak was overcooked and the steak itself lacked flavor. We were really happy with all of our other choices including the Cuban sandwich, the fried pork dish, the fish was great and of course the roasted pork was super delicious. We also enjoyed several appetizers including the beef and pork empanadas which were great, the tostones rellenas were so good, and the yucca Frita. My favorite were the sweet plantains! At the end of the meal we ordered a flan, a bread pudding, a pineapple upside down cake, and a rice pudding. All were delicious. We will go back for sure! read more

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Yum!!!! I love eating on the porch or the stage when it's not in use. The food is excellent and tasty. Cuban food is deliciously spiced but normally not hot. They have the whole snapper deep fried which is yummy. Not greasy because the oil only touches the outside. Note there's two sizes for the snapper, the smaller one is plenty for the average person to eat at one sitting. I almost couldn't get the photo as my sis was dying to plunge her fork into it! I want to add a comment because I saw some reviews about service; this is a casual relaxed restaurant. You may have to find someone to help you or wait a few minutes. So what, the food is worth it! There's no maitre d here snapping his fingers! If you get lucky you may have a chance to meet the owner and have a lovely chat with him. read more

El Ambia Cubano - Exiled Cuban Shrimp, yummy spicy. Couldn't completely fix overexposed photo, those white things are large shrimp not califlower! - Cuban Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

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Food was spot on and atmosphere very fun. Nice having a waitress that also correctly pronounces the whole menu. Highly recommend!

I visited on a Friday and, I am glad I made a reservation. It was 5:30pm and the place was already busy. The food took a long time but sitting in the patio was nice. The food was really good and specially the empanadas. read more

El Ambia Cubano - Cuban Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

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Bad day? My girlfriend an I have eaten here on several previous occasions with positive results. This past weekend we arrived for early dinner and it was surprisingly sub par. Her entree arrived cold and mine only luke warm. Churrasco was rubbery and quite fat. Black beans an rice were flavorless as were the plantains. Had to ask for bread which if I remember correctly came with the meal previously. Not sure if this was just a bad day, changed management or are now using lesser quality ingredients. Hopefully next visit is better! read more

Friendly staff and legit Cuban food! Close to downtown with inside, patio, and covered seating. read more

El Ambia Cubano - Excellent! Traditional Cuban Pork entree! - Cuban Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

4.5 Stars....I rounded up because the food was SO good. I love Cuban food and there really isn't enough of it in the DC area that when I come to Florida I love checking out good Cuban restaurants. We chose this one because of the amazing Yelp reviews! Let me tell you that Yelp did not let me down. This place had lots of character and there was seating inside and out. We ordered a few appetizers: beef empanadas, cuban bread, and papa rellena. All of the appetizers were amazing. For entrees my family had Style Roasted Pork, Churrasco, Exiled Shrimp and chicken empanadas. I can't complain about any of it. I think everyone ate what they ordered and some of each other plates! We also ordered a colada (cuban coffee) and a tres leches! All was loved! So why did I take away the .5? Well it was the service. The service was amazing up until after our food was delivered. After that no one came to check on us and our dirty plates sat on the table for a good 15 minutes before anyone came to clear them! Next time I am in town I would absolutely come back again (and hope service was a little better)! read more

It was amazing! Traditional Cuban food and cute decor and ambiance. Definitely suggest stopping in for dinner!

This is as authentic as it can get, and in Melbourne, FL of all places... Since leaving Miami to go to college (years ago) and living in Central FL since then, I have had a difficult time of finding authentic Cuban cuisine in the entire area. And by authentic, I mean the stuff you would find not only in Little Havana, in the heart of Miami, but even the food you would find in the neighboring communities around the city. Sure, I've eaten at so-called Cuban establishments, but they lack the decor, authenticity, and basically the flavor of a true Cuban meal. After living here for almost 33 years I think I have found the place - El Ambia. The decor is something akin to those greasy spoons you find in Little Havana, down to the outdoor seating. Heck, even the parking is a PIA, just like back home. But once you do find a spot and squeeze into it, it was well worth the hassle. The menu is everything you would expect from old-school choices such as pan con bistec and picadillo, to the newer fair that the younger generation has introduced such as yuca fritas. What truly made me stop and realize my long search for Cuban cuisine in this area had come to an end was when I ordered and then delivered my most favorite of cuban sandwiches, the medianoche. It was just like my Dad and I used to get on Saturday or Sunday afternoons - brought back good memories as I was having one with my own, oldest son. Anyway, the food and down to what they serve for drinks including Malta and Iron Beer make me forget I was in downtown Melbourne for an hour or so. Now that my long search as come to an end, I can go with confidence the next time I return which will be real soon. read more

The best Cuban pork I've ever had, amazing empanadas, and incredible black beans and rice make this a place I want to eat every time I'm in the area. I've eaten a lot of great Cuban food, but El Ambia Cubano is better than any I had while I lived in Miami. Finding parking may be a challenge, but it's definitely worth it. I was still so impressed and excited about the food, I forgot to mention the service in my review. Our server was very helpful with recommendations and very attentive. The service was fast and she kept checking on us without being a pest. I ordered the Style roasted pork dinner, beef empanadas and a colada (Cuban coffee). The roasted pork had incredible flavor and was very tender. It really is the best I've ever had. My dinner came with black beans, white rice and sweet plantains. The black beans were also amazing, with a great soupy texture. My Cuban coffee was also very good and filled my craving. My coworker ordered the medianoche and loved it. He also commented on how good the pork was, which he doesn't usually like. He loved the empanadas as much as I did and enjoyed trying a Cuban coffee. I'll definitely be coming back here and wish I lived closer. I may just have to eat here again before I go home in a couple of days. read more

El Ambia Cubano - Wonderful colada - Cuban Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

One of my favorite local Cuban/Spanish food restaurants! ! Authentic Cuisine & always yummy! Its always busy but worth the wait for a great meal! read more

Great Food and Wonderful SERVICE BUT PARKING IS HARD TO FIND. If they could just dedicate more handicap spots up front that would be great.

The menu at this place is really funny. Props to the management team. I ordered the 'camaron exiliado' just because of the description of the dish! TBH, it wasn't anything out of this world, I have had better shrimp I came here with my family who love to eat rice with every meal (Dominicans ). The good thing is, there are a lot of options to keep everyone happy! All the dishes were very flavorful which is exactly what I was looking for! I would recommend the traditional cuban dish pork, by far the best dish we ordered. But, just a warning to those who may not be a fan, they can over do it with the garlic sometimes especially on the tostones and the onion mojo house sauce was ... an acquired taste. If I'm ever in Melbourne again, I will come back for the cuban pork. read more

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My mom and I had dinner at this restaurant. The food was amazing. The drinks were amazing. The whole atmosphere gave us a good vibe. The staff were so attentive. If you like Cuban food which i love you have to try it. The fried yuca was so good so was the roast pork and a dish called ropa vieja. They all come with rice of your choice. I opted for the black bean rice. Mom had white rice with beans on the side. The drinks were also good made with fresh fruit. Also , one block away you are in the town. Great for shopping and browsing lots of cafes live music. This town has it all. I will visit again. read more

Bumped into this hidden Cuban restaurant in downtown Melbourne. Good surprise. Service , drinks and food were top rated read more

El Ambia Cubano - Yummy Cuban food in downtown Melbourne - Cuban Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

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Good food, pet friendly. Get there early, small seating area. Wait staff was friendly, good menu choices.

Spent a week in Florida, Ate here 3 times. Worth it every time. The owner was awesome and must work very hard because he was there everytime we ate. read more

El Ambia Cubano - Hemingway's Rice - Cuban Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

Been there a few times never been disappointed. The food has always been good. Love the outdoor seating.

Authentic and delicious Cuban cuisine. Friendly service and lovely atmosphere. Great place for lunch too!

The best! I have had Cubano sandwiches in many places. The one here has ruined me for any others. I would drive all day to have another. Highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for delicious Cuban food! I will be back. The Flan and Cuban Coffee were also amazing. read more

This is the best Cuban food I've had. Better than Miami and better that what I've found in Cuba. The Cuban sandwich is great, their roast pork phenomenal, the fish amazing. You can't go wrong. I visit often and love it. Prices are very reasonable. 5 star and I don't ever give those out. Si quieres la mejor comida cubana, ¡este es el lugar! read more

Delicious. A little off the main drag and worth the wait. It's small. They're more set up for 2 or 4 people, not big parties.

Great ambience, great food, very relaxed and the music is great Highly recommend! We have been there multiple times and the food is great every time! read more

Food was good , coffee was excellent nice atmosphere, service was slow , overall I nice Cuban place .

Best Cuban sandwich I've tried in Brevard county, and I've tried many! Really cool atmosphere too. Eat outside!

Fantastic Cuban food with great ambience. Service was great. Dorisel was a great server and very accommodating.

BEST. CUBAN. FOOD. EVER. We have tried all the Cuban restaurants in the area, and we keep coming back to this one. Delicious!! read more

One star because the lettuce and tomato was the only thing I ate of the churrasco I ordered. Rice was bad; for a Cuban restaurant, rice shouldn't be that hard to make, right? This is a picture of my medium churrasco that I couldn't eat because it tasted horrible and very chewy. And they send a well done steak. Service is very slow. And I am still waiting for the dressing for my yuca. After complaining about the situation, they ignored me . And billed for the plate I didn't eat. Leaving the place hungry :( read more

El Ambia Cubano - Medium churrasco I ordered. They sent well done. - Cuban Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

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This was my first experience at this restaurant. Staff was courteous. The Hemingway rice was good but especially the lobster tail. Plantains were also good. read more

El Ambia Cubano - Hemingway rice - Cuban Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

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As Miami residents, we were a bit skeptical about eating at a Cuban restaurant in Melbourne. I'm glad we took the risk. This place is a local gem but everyone visiting Melbourne must stop by, even if just for a Mojito . Food was very tasty and fresh. We had the whole fried snapper and the Hemingway rice. Wow! What a treat! And to close with a bang, a Pineapple Upside down cake and a Cortadito coffee, which were both excellent as well. Atmosphere is very relaxed and the servers are quite efficient. We are already thinking about our next visit! read more

El Ambia Cubano - Whole fried snapper. Tasty! - Cuban Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

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Nice staff. Very sweet. Great Cuban food! Loved. We will be back next time in the area.

We went here over the weekend with friends for their anniversary. They had been raving about it since we moved here, and we actually got takeout Cuban sandwiches a month or so ago and weren't impressed. So very glad we gave them a second shot. (But piece of advice, the Cuban sandwiches don't travel well, so eat them onsite.) Everything we had from the appetizers to the sandwiches to the entrees to the coffee was excellent. My husband had the traditional Cuban pork, which was fall apart tender, and I had the steak churrasco, which I could cut with a butter knife. The only real downside is that they only serve beer and wine - don't be fooled by the "margaritas" or "mojitos" on their menu - they're premixed malt liquor and pretty gross. read more

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Our favorite Cuban food place. Though tucked back on a side street downtown overlooking the River, this is a gem. Very close walk to city parking lot, though they have their own parking. This little place has a great atmosphere and great food and drinks. Once you search it out and find it, you'll make it a regular stop. Whether to pick up a Cuban sandwich at lunch, stop for Cuban coffee & a dessert, or have a leisurely meal on the covered patio. Our experience has always been 5 star. read more

A must try! We were looking for a Cuban restaurant and find this place at Yelp. The owner received us, he is so nice. We asked for a recommended entree, and they served us 'tostones", delicious. A Taste of different marinated meats over a crispy toast. I ordered the Cuban sandwich, it was simply delicious, perfect. My husband went for the churrasco, served with rice and salad. We also tried the pineapple milkshake, it was so good made with natural pineapple. A must try!! read more

El Ambia Cubano - Cuban Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

El Ambia Cubano- Melbourne 5 Stars There are so many Cuban restaurants in Brevard County you would think we live in Miami. El Ambia Cubano serves a great Americanized version of Cuban food. In fact I think they do it better than their competitors and I like one of their rivals a great deal. What separates the real deal from the posers is Palomilla Steak. Some Cuban restaurants try to gild the lily. Not El Ambia. They serve a perfectly cooked perfectly seasoned Palomilla Steak. It has a rich dark creamy tang that really pops in your mouth. I gobbled it down and almost ordered a second it was that good. Service is above average. The owner was on site the day I came in. He is charming and eager to serve his customers. The dining area is small and you will have to wait a bit at rush hours but trust me it is well worth the wait. Big Boy LOVES El Ambia Cubano give it a try. read more

El Ambia Cubano - Palomilla Steak - Cuban Near Me - Melbourne, Florida

Our first visit to this quaint and cozy restaurant. The food was great and well priced. The owner stopped by and was very friendly.