Recently visited Isla because I was craving some Ropa Vieja and thats exactly what I had! Been here a few times and other than the place being noticeably not crowded, all is great just as I had remember. The whole vibe is on point with a great wait staff and delicious food. Had reservations for 7:15 pm and was immediately seated. Waiter stop by to introduce himself and took our drink order for 2 old fashioned cocktails. Started off with the chicken empanadas and for the main Ropa Vieja of course. My guest went with the Ranchera Asada, which I was able to sample. Another delicious dish but my favorite still stands. For dessert the flan. Made fresh daily. Can't go wrong here. No complaints and no regrets. I will be back again soon. On to the next.... read more

See all

Went to ISLA for lunch with a client. I've never really had Cuban food before, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but the food was really good. We started with the ceviche and empanadas. The ceviche was a little sweet, which was different, but still really good. The empanadas were good too, we had the beef so next time i want to try a different protein I got the chicken sandwich. Pretty simple, but really good. The fires were good, i like the shoe string ones. My coworker got the habanero salmon and I tried some of hers. I was expecting it to be spicy, but it really wasn't. I don't have a high spice tolerance and it was fine for me. Service was okay, but the restaurant was clean and modern. Prices were pretty reasonable too, especially nowadays. Overall, good food, reasonable prices and for sure somewhere I'd go back to read more

Disgusting food , we had to turn back the dishes , food was cold , they tried to reheated in the microwave and since was with an awful amount of salt and pepper they made it worse !! At least we didn't have to paid for the disaster , but the owner gave us an attitude . Tbh since La Havana Cafe in Downey closed their doors there's no place to eat good Cuban food . Versailles in Venice is a disgusting place too . No Stars at all read more

My husband and I came here many times for date nights before kids and we started coming again, now with our two kids. The drinks are always tasty and my kids love the chicken soup and the plantain chips. The music nights are fun and it does get a little loud but my kids enjoy the music. Service has always been friendly. I usually pack my kids little silverware when we go out and I accidentally left it with some plates that got cleared. Though we ended up not finding them, the waiter was more than willing to check the kitchen which was really nice. read more

Isla Cuban-Latín Kitchen & Rum Bar - Cuban Near Me - La Palma, California

See all

Or last night and Buena Park Anahiem area. What a find!!!! We were so happy with this place. Service was amazing place was beautiful. We felt underdressed. Everybody was to the nines in their attire. The hostess was so friendly and welcoming. She sat us on a high table in the outside patio area. We didn't even have reservations but she still managed to make it happen. Our server was great (Migel) as well throughout the whole night he had about like maybe six or eight tables still managed to serve our table in an orderly manner, orders take drink orders and maintain it throughout the whole time we were there for dinner. Food here is so next level... The beautiful cuisine to match, so so delicious. Latin flare is alive and well here they had a live band from Miami. It was a cherry on top. It was PERFECT Definitely will be saving this place for future visits when in the area! Great food, service impeccable, and establishment clean, and well presented. Thanks for all make this place special. We enjoyed ourselves me and my family.thank you Migel for making it great. read more

See all

I wanted to give this place 5 stars due to the amazing service we received but when we sat down we noticed the white plates in front of us were dirty. Not a great start to our first visit here. The food was ok. It was not as expected for the price. I ordered a mojito which was mediocre yet still drinkable. The restaurant itself was clean and cute. What brought me to this place was it popping up on my IG. It looked like a great time but when we went it was a bit dead. There was 2 other couples when we walked in, not quite busy for a Friday night nor what I saw on IG. We still wanted to try out the food though. We started with the papa rellenos which were delicious. I ordered Lomo Saltado and my husband ordered the shrimp. The black beans on his plate were the best. It's not something I'd crave enough to return but the $94 check definitely won't bring us back. We've been to other Cuban spots that offer more food for the same price. My husband was not full so he ended up eating the rest of my plate just to fill up. I wish my review was better but it just did not satisfy us as much as other Cuban spots. read more

See all

It's hard to find Cuban dishes, this is a rare gem. The dishes we ordered were delicious. The restaurant looks very modern. read more

See all

From the service to the food, everything was delightful. Greeted with a warm smile Ordered the yucca cheese balls, which were chewy and cheesy with the green sauce, so good. Ordered the chicken plate, which was tender rice & beans cooked perfectly With thier house sauce The rice pudding for dessert had the right amount of cinnamon and wasn't overly sweet read more

See all

Been looking for good Cuban food in the area and I'm glad we found this one. I've been craving mofongo and they had a terrific one, with plenty of flavors/variations to choose from. The restaurant looked very nice, clean, and new even though it's been around for a while. They were also very accommodating when I asked for the Punta Cana drink non-alcoholic, it tasted delicious. We ordered the ceviche and empanadas as appetizers and both were good. The empanadas were pretty small for the price but the sauces were yummy. Then we got the garlic shrimp mofongo and lomo saltado. The mofongo was delicious and filling. The lomo saltado was yummy but there weren't many fries. Service was great and plenty of parking in the lot. We also walked in with no reservation on a Friday at 7 and there was plenty of availability. read more

See all

Pretty good Cuban food and amazing live music. Just went for Valentine's Day. Service was busy because of the holiday, and a friend of mine had a great experience so I had to try! The live music added to that and just so happened to play one of my favorite songs before we had to leave due to the 90 minute dining limit. Would definitely come back and enjoy another night soon! The vibe was right, people were salsa dancing. I have to update my review after going a second time. Unfortunately due to the time we went, many menu items were unavailable, so we weren't able to order items we wanted since the Valentine menu was preselected last time. It is a bit overpriced but the service is really great despite having to wait a bit due to how busy it was. The live music never disappoints though and really gets the vibe going. We'll have to come again a bit earlier or on another night to try some of our favorites. read more

See all

Friendly staff. Delicious entrees with many choices; food & drinks. Spacious. Takes reservations. Clean (women) restroom! Ample parking. (Went on a Thursday) read more

Isla Cuban-Latín Kitchen & Rum Bar - FLAN - Cuban Near Me - La Palma, California

See all

I had been to Isla once before on Mother's Day with my son, but we only stopped in for drinks. Today, I decided to come back to celebrate my son's birthday and finally try the food and wow, it was a great decision. We started with empanadas de carne as appetizers, and they were really good, especially paired with the sauces. For our meals, my son ordered the ropa vieja mofongo, and he couldn't stop talking about how delicious it was. My other son had the lomo saltado with congri, which was really cool to see a Peruvian dish with a Cuban twist. As a Peruvian who also loves Cuban food, I truly appreciated that fusion. I ordered the ropa vieja, and it was absolutely top-notch. My husband tried the chaufa Cubano, which was the only dish we all agreed needed improvement it lacked flavor and was a bit bland. To celebrate, my son also received a tres leches cake for his birthday along with a shot of tequila, which made the moment even more special. The service was excellent very attentive, friendly, and courteous throughout our visit. The restaurant itself is beautiful, with a cozy atmosphere and lovely décor. I especially loved the large wall mural of a Cuban street it really adds character and charm. Overall, we had a great experience and will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend read more

See all

Isla Cuban Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar is a hidden gem tucked into a cozy corner of a plaza off La Palma and Orangethorpe, and stepping inside feels like being transported to another era. I met a friend there around 12:30 on a Friday. It was fairly quiet when we arrived, though a few diners came in during our time there, which made the experience feel intimate and relaxed. The moment I walked in, I was completely blown away by the decor. It's elegant, vintage, and gives strong classic 1950s vibes think glamorous ball gowns, long cigarettes on holders, and old-school sophistication. The black-and-white aesthetic pulls you into a dreamlike atmosphere that feels timeless and intentional. I loved every second of it. I ordered a mojito (yes, I know--rum bar ), but it was a hot, sunny day and the freshness was calling my name. And let me tell you, it delivered. The mojito was fresh, strong, crisp, and perfectly balanced exactly what you want on a warm afternoon. For my meal, I chose the Rabo Encendido (ox tail) and all I can say is: ¡Espectacular! The meat fell effortlessly off the bone and was simmered with bell peppers and onions, creating a rich, savory sauce so good I wanted to bathe in it. The sweet plantains were the perfect contrast to the depth of flavor in the ox tail, and the rice paired with black beans was truly heaven-sent. Every bite felt intentional and comforting authentic Cuban food done right. I also appreciated that there were several large screen TVs throughout the restaurant, perfect for enjoying a game or event though I'll admit, I was happily distracted by the ambiance more than anything else. Compliments to the chef, who I hear is Cuban, because the authenticity absolutely shows in the food. Will I be back? Absolutely. Next time, I'm coming at night because if the daytime vibes are this good, I can only imagine how magical the evening atmosphere must be. Highly recommend. read more

See all

Isla Cubana is such a gem in the city of La Palma -- cozy, romantic, and beautifully decorated with chandeliers and warm, inviting decor. It's tucked away in the centerpointe plaza, so a lot of people don't even realize it's there, but it's absolutely worth finding. From the moment the hostess walked us to our table, the service was outstanding. The music and ambience set the mood perfectly. I ordered the pollo a la plancha and my hunny had the salmon habanero -- both were cooked perfectly and full of flavor. We started with the ceviche, and I enjoyed it with a refreshing mojito. Everything was phenomenal. I've been here before, and I'll definitely keep coming back. A beautiful spot for great food, great service, and a truly romantic night out. read more

Isla Cuban-Latín Kitchen & Rum Bar - Cuban Near Me - La Palma, California

Such great vibe with friendly service, fun drinks, beautiful warm decor and delicious food! I will be back for sure! read more

See all

Isla Cuban Cafe delivers a vibrant, comforting taste of Cuba with every dish. The food is the real standout! Rich, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The rice and beans are anything but basic, full of depth and authenticity. Even the simplest sides feel thoughtfully prepared. Isla Cuban Cafe strikes that perfect balance between casual and special. If you're craving hearty, soulful Cuban cuisine, this spot is absolutely worth the visit. Ordered delivery and the food was delivered so quickly. read more

My first time here at this Cuban restaurant with hubby, and we were immediately greeted with this beautiful smile and warm soul--Karina! Karina truly made us feel welcomed from the moment we walked in. The atmosphere was vibrant yet relaxing, with such a beautiful Latin-inspired ambiance that made the experience feel special. The food was absolutely delicious. Both dishes ordered and served were very flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented. Great presentation paired with even greater flavors! Everything we tried was so good, and you can tell a lot of care goes into both the food and the experience. The service, ambiance, and overall hospitality were top-tier. Karina's kindness and energy honestly made our night even better. My hats off to Karina. I wish a lot of restaurant staff were like you. THANK YOU! We'll definitely be back! read more

See all

Overall nice place with indoor and outdoor seating, very well decorated, staff was friendly the cocktails were spot on. Menu had a good selection the shrimp in garlic and the papas rellenas spot on read more

See all

I've been here a couple of times now, and unfortunately, this visit reminded me why I don't come back often. I ordered the garlic chicken, and while it wasn't completely dry, it definitely lacked the flavor I was hoping for. It was just okay--nothing memorable. The beans and rice were also pretty mediocre, which is disappointing since that's usually a staple that's hard to get wrong. The restaurant itself was pretty empty for a Thursday night, which didn't give the best impression either. That said, I've heard the habanero sauce--especially on the salmon--is actually really good, so that might be worth trying if you're curious. Overall, it wasn't a bad experience, but nothing stood out enough to make me want to return. read more

Isla Cuban-Latín Kitchen & Rum Bar - Cuban Near Me - La Palma, California

The oxtail alone is worth the drive! Great atmosphere, amazing food, great staff. And a live band on Fri, Sat.. What are you waiting for?!!! Run don't walk. read more

Really good food, even better people. Everyone was so kind and welcoming from the moment I walked in. Reymundo especially made sure I was taken care of and made the whole experience feel easy. Great service, great energy, and the food did not disappoint. Definitely coming back. read more

Isla Cuban-Latín Kitchen & Rum Bar - ROPA VIEJA - Cuban Near Me - La Palma, California

Lovely customer service . I have been here before and have always left content with the quality of food. However, I felt like everything was swimming in oils. Things tasted warmed up and not freshly prepared. The flan was wonderful. Maybe it was just the awkward time we dined at on Sunday . I would be interested in coming back in hopes of a better prepared meal read more

Isla Cuban-Latín Kitchen & Rum Bar - Cuban Near Me - La Palma, California

Isla has quickly become one of our favorite go-to spots! Every drink we've tried has been so good, and we've honestly loved everything we've ordered. The service is what keeps us coming back though--they're always friendly, attentive, and super efficient without ever making you feel rushed. We love bringing bigger groups here because they handle it so well. The food comes out fast, the drinks are great, and everyone always has a good time. We've recommended Isla to so many friends and family already, and we'll definitely keep coming back! read more

Isla Cuban-Latín Kitchen & Rum Bar - Cubano - Cuban Near Me - La Palma, California

See all

First time visiting. Place was nicely decorated. Atmosphere was great. Outdoor and indoor seating. Food was delicious. Service was good. Would come back again. read more

See all

I've been coming here since 2018 and up until a year ago its been amazing. Its been my favorite restaurant and bar since then but im beginning to be let down since 2024. Ive taken so many people here and would bring my abuela and mother here for their birthdays and mother's day. There must be some things going on with management because its really losing its touch in several aspects. The drink menu has been cut in half with the remaining drinks not tasting the same if you ordered them a year or two ago. They've really cut back on presentation as well. Pina colada used to be served with a separate shot of the rum it's made with but i havent seen that in a while. The food is beginning to lack in bit of flavor unfortunately. I've been trying to order the pollo guisado for a year and last night was finally told its been removed from the menu although its still there. I've noticed they don't serve you plantain chips and garlic sauce on arrival anymore, used to be immediate but now its only if you ask. It just doesn't feel the same and its so unfortunate.this place has a lot of charm and still has potential but I feel as if its slipping for some reason. I really hope this place picks up. read more

My wife and I met friends for dinner on a Friday night. It has a hip latin vibe with lively music. There was a line of people waiting for their reservation (reservations recommended). They serve delicious Cuban dishes and have tasty and unique cocktails. The service was excellent from the second we walked in. One of my favorite local places. read more

Isla Cuban-Latín Kitchen & Rum Bar - POLLO ASADO ISLA - Cuban Near Me - La Palma, California

See all

I've been wanting to try this place for a while and it did not disappoint! I ordered the Bistec Encebollado. It was super flavorful and tender! I also had the waitress recommend my cocktail. I can't remember the name but it was smokey and delicious. The service was great and restaurant had a great vibe. I most definitely will be back to try more of their menu items! read more

Isla Cuban-Latín Kitchen & Rum Bar - BISTEC ENCEBOLLADO - Cuban Near Me - La Palma, California

See all

We had reservations for a large group and were seated on time. The restaurant was half full at arrival. We all enjoyed the food: appetizer sampler, ceviche was fine but the plantain chips that came with it were mere crumbs so not useful is holding ceviche, oxtails were flavorful and tender, bistec was flavorful, ropa vieja mofongo was plentiful and delicious. However, the black beans that came with the platters were very bland. Cocktails were refreshing. Service was as attentive as it could be as the restaurant got busier as the evening went on. read more

We ordered Isla Sampler platter, Ropa Vieja and Roasted Pork Mofongo. The waiter totally forgot the Mofongo and we never got it. By the time we poked him and mentioned about that, we were already almost full with other items. He asked if we still wanted it but we just asked him to make sure they are not charging for it. It was the main item that I wanted to eat so it was a bit disappointing. Oh well... Ropa Vieja was delicious. The sampler platter was good but we felt it was a little overpriced. Instead of $50, wish it was $35 or so since everything else seems very reasonable for the quality. read more

Isla Cuban-Latín Kitchen & Rum Bar - Isla Sampler Platter. $50 as of 2/20/26 It is tasty but we were not sure if this is worth $50 honestly. - Cuban Near Me - La Palma, California

Great atmosphere, food, service, very trendy...fun! The music is great and it is great for any celebration. read more

The restaurant itself is nice, great music. Food portions are small, a little too small but decent. Worth giving it a try. read more

Isla Cuban-Latín Kitchen & Rum Bar - Cuban Near Me - La Palma, California

See all

Cuban/Latin food.....this was not what I was expecting. It is sooo good!! The lomo saltado had amazing beef paired with the amazing sauced and well cooked fries...and you know if the lomo saltado has horrible fries....thats a dealbreaker. I have never tried Mofongo, but daaaamn I know this would not be the last time I eat Mofongo. The crust was amazing covered with plantain chips (I think thats what that was), the garlic shrimp we chose had an amazing garlic seasoning. The Ceviche was good, but did use small shrimp. But the plantain chips are an amazing alternative to regular tortilla chips. The oxtail was mmmm yummmaayy. The meat was soft and easily falls off the bone, and im not one to gnaw on the bone, but sauce on the bone seems like it would taste heavenly. Edwin was an amazing server, he accommodated my never ending water refills. He even offered a free birthday dessert and tequila shot for the two birthdays after just overhearing us say happy birthday. Now that is amazing service, he went out of his way to give us a flan, which I easily devoured so no photos unfortunately. And finally, the ambiance was dark and homey with a live band playing, this was on a Saturday night. It felt like a fancy dinner, but one where you can speak freely and just have fun. I would easily come back here as the food was great and the vibes immaculate. (I would say some chairs had tight spaces, but thats just me being nitpicky) read more

See all

Pretty good food, loud boisterous atmosphere, friendly service, and crowded. It's obvious people love this place, and we enjoyed watching people come and go during the early evening in Father's Day. We ordered an Old Fashioned and a sprite for beverages. I got my drink, but the sprite we had to ask for 3 times. We then ordered the papas rellenas and the ceviche de cameron to share. They were delicious, although the ceviche was served with a bunch of tiny broken plantain chips...impossible to scoop up the ceviche. It was good though and we will try it again when there is live music. read more

See all

I've gotten take out many times from this restaurant during the COVID years but this was the first time we actually dined in. The venue was a little smaller on the inside than I imagined but I liked the overall aesthetics of the interior decor and waiters outfits. Very much date night vibes. The cocktails very tasty and spirit forward which is always a plus in my book. My favorite thing on the menu (which has been the same over the years) is the oxtail dishes. The meat literally falls off the bones and I love the flavor of it. I usually get it with the mofongo but it's just as good with rice. The flavorful dishes mixed with the speedy service will definitely keep me coming back. read more

See all

The vibe is on point here, from food to decor it's great! The service is hit or miss in my option, there were a few that were absolutely wonderful with service and the one or two who were less enthusiastic to help...it could just be us but the other servers made up for it. The papa rellenas were my favorite part but the Mofongo was also good, I would have liked a little more spice! Overall we'd go back to try other dishes. read more

See all

I came to Isla Cuban Kitchen & Rum Bar expecting to be transported straight to Havana. Instead, I got halfway there and somehow took a detour through the Walmart juice aisle. First, the good stuff: the atmosphere is fantastic. The music, energy, and overall vibe make you want to stay for another round. The food is excellent, with a great variety of Cuban dishes that are flavorful, authentic, and clearly made with care. Now, about those cocktails... As a lover of Cuban bars, I arrived dreaming of a proper mojito fresh mint overflowing from the glass, a sugar cane garnish, and maybe a little magic that makes you hear salsa music in your head. Instead, I found a cocktail menu that seemed to have a passionate relationship with fruit juices. Lots of juices. Purees. More juices. At one point I felt like I was reading a smoothie menu that accidentally met a bottle of rum. I was hoping to see some classic Cuban-inspired drinks featuring recognizable island brands and traditional recipes. Instead, many cocktails felt like they were one blender away from becoming breakfast. Would I come back? Absolutely. The food and atmosphere are worth the visit. But if the cocktail program ever decides to swap a few juice cartons for a mint plant and some sugar cane, this place might go from "good night out" to "passport not required Havana experience." Cheers to the food, and may the mojitos someday find their way home. read more

OMG, I went to Puerto Rico and had their mofongo. This place did it even better than the island! Don't be fooled. This small place is a strip mall is not your mom and pop place. When I went on Yelp, it offered me to make reservations. Not knowing the place, I thought this would be a good idea. It was until they required a credit card to hold the spot. I decided to take my chances. We drove to the restaurant to find that we should have made reservations. The place was booked! They opened the patio and some seating for us. It wasn't too cold and we took the chance. I'm so glad that we did! The drinks were top notch (just wish they were a little bigger). The food was even better! Top quality ingredients and cooked to perfection. Things to consider: 1.) Parking was easy when we arrived. Might be a bit harder during peak times. 2.) Drinks are smaller and the same price you would pay at most establishments. 3.) The food is top notch. Remember that when reviewing the menu. Yes, it is a bit more than you are used to paying but so worth it as a treat. read more

Isla Cuban-Latín Kitchen & Rum Bar - MOFONGO - Cuban Near Me - La Palma, California

I've dined here a few times, and it's been relatively good. Spacious dining and bar areas, as well as patio seating, are available. Lunchtime isn't too busy, so it's a pleasant vibe. The service was good every time I dined here, and the staff was kind and attentive. Reservations are recommended for dinner time and large groups. The atmosphere is more active during dinner, with house and live music a few nights of the week. It's also a nice spot for small and large parties. Food. The food presentation is photo-worthy. The empanadas were delicious and one of my favorite items at Isla. They have light, crispy shells, and flavorful fillings. The two sauces added a nice touch. The Lomo Saltado is also a tasty and classic option. My family enjoyed the Polla Asado, Mofongo, and plantain appetizer. However, the El Cubano sandwich wasn't great. The last time I ordered, the pork was dry, and the fries were soggy and bland overall. I didn't want to finish my meal. Maybe it was just an off day, but that was my last meal at Isla. I'll consider trying other items on my next visit. Isla also has a full bar with a good menu of house cocktails, spirits, wines, and beers (imported and domestic). Overall, a 3.75/5-star rating for now. read more

See all

This place is fire! The food is consistently delicious, and their drink menu never disappoints. The nighttime ambience is fun, upbeat, and perfect for a night out, just be prepared for a bit of a wait because it gets busy. During the day, though, it's a completely different vibe. It's quiet, relaxed, and honestly an underrated lunch spot. I've brought several clients here for lunch, and they've all loved the food and the atmosphere. The service is excellent as well. Raymond makes fantastic drinks, is always attentive, and has such a friendly demeanor. Highly recommend stopping by, whether you're looking for a lively evening or a calm lunchtime gem! read more

Isla Cuban-Latín Kitchen & Rum Bar - Nonalcoholic "La Patrona" - Cuban Near Me - La Palma, California

Delicious food and drinks, excellent service! Highly recommend. Best Cuban food in the area. Enjoy the music while dining.