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    The Gnarly Cuban- La Ventanita

    4.8 (17 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    The Gnarly Cuban- La Ventanita Photos

    Business Info

    THE GNARLY CUBAN- LA VENTANITA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

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    JJ J.

    I wish I had pictures from La Ventanita from my many previous visits but this is the first time I've sampled a bunch of food so you'll just have to take my word for it, but the window is cute even if it feels sketchy driving up to this area like maybe you're in the wrong place--I promise you're not, and I promise you're gonna love the food! The owners are so friendly they always chat and say hello. Today I wasn't able to get over there so I used DoorDash and everything was perfectly packaged. My best advice--if you get the gnarly Cuban empanada make sure to bite a small tip off first to let the insides cool so you don't burn your mouth. You'll want to scarf it down, but don't-- you can thank me for saving the roof of your mouth and your tastebuds from burning off! They also have bottled iced cafecito, and you should definitely grab a pastelito, too!

    Rachel T.

    Stopped by for a quick snack and coffee. Ordered a Gnarly Cuban and Po-yo empanada. Both came out piping hot and so fresh. While both were good my favorite was the chicken- it was flavorful. To drink, I got the bottled cafecito which was good, but I think I would opt for a hot version next time. Service wasn't the fastest, but I appreciate the time that went in so we got the fresh empanadas. A bowl will be on the list for next time! Super cool to see more industrial spaces being used for local spots.

    Ropa Vieja Lil Havana Bowl
    Elizabeth M.

    Finally had a chance to stop by the Ventanita during my lunch break at work. I ordered the ropa vieja bowl and a side of croquetas. The bowl was a good portion size but I should've asked for it without the pico (which isn't traditionally found in Cuban dishes anyway). Also, I found the ropa vieja to be very dry and, without the sauce (that you have to pay extra for if you want more than that single tiny serving), wouldn't have been enjoyable. The flavor was good but the execution was poor. The croquetas were ham and they came as a set of 2 small little balls (the equivalent to one actual croqueta) for $6. No "ventanita" would charge $6 per croqueta. I'm all for supporting small businesses but the pricing here was astronomical and not justifiable.

    Breakfast
    Lisa S.

    I'm so happy to have them in the neighborhood! I placed my pickup order online a few minutes before they opened. Ordering was very easy. I set out for my morning walk around the neighborhood. My order was ready on time. I picked up my food and was met with a friendly, smiling face. The owners are lovely. She saw that I was wearing a running shirt and invited me to an upcoming running event. It's nice that they're not just a business, they are creating a sense of community. I took my food and walked back home. My cafe con leche was nice and hot and tasted so good. I got a breakfast empanada which was delicious. The crust was perfect and I loved the garlic cilantro sauce. I will definitely be back!

    Exterior
    Jenn M.

    I was so excited to check out this new Cuban takeout window located off the beaten path in College Park. The online ordering system was super simple and I was notified when my food was ready via text.. I arrived at the walk up counter and they open the window and greeted me by name. The food was prepared perfectly and packaged in relatively environmentally friendly packaging (limited plastic). Most importantly, it was delicious! The croquettes were super moist and crispy and my chicken bowl was excellent. Loved the sweet plantain bits. I found there wasn't enough of the garlic sauce, but know that I can order extra containers next time for $.50 each. The only reason I can't give them five stars is because the hours are difficult for a working family. They're currently only open until 2 PM Wednesday through Sunday. I wish that they would add a few evenings too. Can't comment on ambience as I didn't go inside... I don't even know if you can. But the order window was clean and quick. Service was super fast and super kind and I was very impressed. I will be back to try other items from the menu!

    Andi P.

    Wow- 5 Stars for my favorite Cuban food in Orlando, now with an IRL location. The Gnarly Cuban has been a favorite pop-up and catering option for me for a while, but I had to try their new "ventanita" (little window) location in College Park. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. This Latin-owned, women-owned, LGBTQ+ owned biz is one I inherently want to support, because the owners are so wonderful, but luckily for me, their Cuban food rivals my favorite food growing up in Miami. I got the Lil Havana Bowl with ropa vieja as my protein and my husband did the same but with jack fruit ropa vieja (veg). This bowl comes with white rice, black beans, sweet plantain bits, pico, cotija cheese, potato stix, and a garlic cilantro sauce. You can let them know if you want anything taken off as they build your bowl to order. The bowls were ON POINT. The flavors were savory, with sweet bursts coming from the plantain bits and acidic bites with the pico. And don't get me started on how much my Miami heart loved the potato stix. We also got two guava and cheese pastelitos (they're small, so this is the standard order, but you can order more) and the budín de pan (bread pudding). All were devoured in seconds. Truly delicious. They have convenient parking out front, a window where you order, and plenty of picnic table seating with Cuban music serenading you from speakers. This is minutes from the heart of College Park, and right by my favorite local vintage furniture shop, Warehaus, as well as Good Fills next door (where you can get environmentally friendly, locally-made detergents, cleaners, etc.

    La ventana
    Torquiose W.

    Our run club meets at The Gnarly Cuban and it's become our little post-run ritual. The coffee is strong (but smooth). Good food, good vibes, good people!

    Rum cake, with light pumpkin spice, delicious.
    Deborah B.

    I'm so happy I found this ventanita, small window, with their delicious treats. I ordered a Cuban empanada with the lightest crust that mysteriously was firm enough to hold all the delicious fillings, while still being tender. How do they do that?!? My favorite empanada crust ever. Light & lets the fillings shine. The Jupiña pineapple soda is always a treat for me. I enjoyed the rum cake, cupcake sized but with better presentation, cute paper container (fancy) & crumbled topping garnish. Take out quick food with a gourmet touch. Minimal plastic, I saw a lot of natural paper containers. Friendliest ambience. I could talk by that window all day. Across the street in that quiet corner is good fills (low waste essentials). Look for both of them at community markets around Audubon Park.

    Walk up window.

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    18 days ago

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    3 months ago

    Great food! Loved the ham/egg/cheese empanadas! Super friendly, and excellent customer service! Highly recommend!

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    1 year ago

    Finally a great Cuban spot in Orlando! Service and food were excellent. Will definitely be back

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    Sofrito Latin Cafe - Arepa Pabelln

    Sofrito Latin Cafe

    4.3(2.8k reviews)
    14.3 miInternational Drive / I-Drive, Horizons West / West Orlando
    $$

    Absolutely delicious Latin cuisine! I had the Cuban braised pork plate with yellow rice, black…read morebeans and boiled yuca with cilantro. Fantastic combo. My husband had the Peruvian shrimp with yellow rice, salad, and black beans. We were both raving about the taste while eating. They have a range of dishes from across Latin America, and lots of gluten free options. They aren't safe for celiacs though. They use a shared fryer. If you are super sensitive or have celiac, just beware of that. The staff are lovely, friendly and helpful. Conveniently located in the theme parks area near Orlando. You should not miss this restaurant. Try something new if you've never tasted Latin American cuisine, or try it if you've grown up with it. You won't go wrong and you'll likely be back.

    Sofrito was amazing…read more We wanted something fast, but not fast food with a large seated area outside. This checked off all of our boxes. You order at a kiosk fast food style, but all of the food is then prepared freshly and authentically. They have a huge menu with all kinds of delicious Latin eats like sandwiches and platters. We absolutely loved our Cuban sammies which came on thick and sweet bread. My kids kept it simple with tenders and fries and also enjoyed! They have a big drink selection and you can find everything from juices to fresh cocktails. The biggest hit was their large indoor screened patio - perfect for my kids to run around. If you want to avoid fast food but also don't feel like taking your kids to a proper sit down restaurant than this is a really great option.

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    Sofrito Latin Cafe - Indoor Decor

    Indoor Decor

    Sofrito Latin Cafe - Colombian Burger

    Colombian Burger

    Sofrito Latin Cafe - Frescolita soda (~$3)

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    Frescolita soda (~$3)

    Zaza Cuban Comfort Food - Guava Con Queso

    Zaza Cuban Comfort Food

    4.2(621 reviews)
    5.1 miDowntown South
    $$

    Uber Eats delivered it to our hotel lobby in the proper timing as specified…read more Ham Croquette was cold by the time we got it delivered. It was all alone in a small bag. Should have been wrapped in foil or something to keep it warm. Cuban Sandwich was wrapped and in a separate small bag and was still warm and the meat was so tender. Very delicious. Love the bread they use. Side dish (Maduros) were mostly good. Three out of the four were were the traditional sticky, caramelized, the way you want it to be. And one was not but still were very good. We would get food from here again for sure. Overall we were very pleased.

    Wonderful experience in here today. I was given a gift card of an unknown amount a few months ago…read moreand had been meaning to pop in. So glad I did today. Yermany was a great host and greeted me warmly and enthusiastically. She was patient while I compiled my order and helped me figure out the gift card situation. She also assisted with the cold brew choice and it was a perfect complement to a great meal. I had the classic Cuban sammie with fries and 5 pc rellanos. Everything was cooked to order and perfect. I feel like it had been a few years since | last visited but I'm glad. I did today. This a great spot to grab a quick delicious affordable lunch. Dining environment lends itself to linger. Everything was clean and in order. Subtle music in th background adds to the vibe and ambience.

    Photos
    Zaza Cuban Comfort Food - Front

    Front

    Zaza Cuban Comfort Food - Vegetarian bol de Zaza

    Vegetarian bol de Zaza

    Zaza Cuban Comfort Food - Limited tables and chairs

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    Limited tables and chairs

    Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar - Cuban sandwich

    Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar

    3.9(1.2k reviews)
    10.6 miInternational Drive / I-Drive
    $$$

    FABULOUS Went here…read morelast night with work colleagues for dinner. Can't say enough about the experience. The food was fantastic (our table shared both the Crab Guacomole and the Cha Cha Cha - both yummy; I had the Vaca Frita which was succulent which with the rice and beans were just divine). The drinks were great too, as our table shared passionfruit mojitos. Ambiance was perfect - our corner table was the perfect place for us to catch up and have our own space in this vivrant restaurant. Our server Jason was super cool and accomidating, making sure we were good without imposing, and was able to roll with our rowdy group. For those looking for good Cuban food in a nice space, look no further than Cuba Libre.

    Lively atmosphere, tasty food and drinks, and attentive service!…read more My fiancé's family and I went to Cuba Libre while checking out the downtown area of Orlando. I was immediately drawn in by the music and the LED lights. We started off with a round of sangria, which is always a great way to kick off. We also got a basket of bread and mango butter, which was both unique and really good. The table shared a Plato Cha Cha Cha. I couldn't tell what was what, but I remember the croquetas being super delicious! Definitely worth it on a hungry stomach. I ordered the Ropa Vieja for my entree. It was very good (especially the plantains/maduros), but I was already very full and probably should have ordered something lighter in hindsight. The highlight of the night was definitely dessert. It was my aunt's birthday, and they greeted her with a huge bowl of ice cream and a show. I won't spoil it, but if you have a birthday, Cuba Libre will definitely make you feel celebrated. Highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in Orlando who would like to try out Cuban food.

    Photos
    Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar - Downstairs dining room

    Downstairs dining room

    Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar - Pineapple Guacamole Cubano

    Pineapple Guacamole Cubano

    Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar - Restaurant

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    Restaurant

    Estefan Kitchen Orlando

    Estefan Kitchen Orlando

    3.9(414 reviews)
    20.1 miHorizons West / West Orlando
    $$$

    I wasn't sure about this place but it was for a family members birthday so I definitely wanted to…read moresupport but honestly ... I'm glad I went. This is a dinner and show !! The staff especially the performer was amazing !! There was live music, and a line dance going on a some point ! The drinks and food was sooooooooo good. The rice was a little salty. Portions was actually really big. The empanadas were good. I do think it was more in the pricey side but if you got it def stop by and if you do ask for Edgar !!

    I had a disappointing experience at this restaurant today around 4 PM on May 5. My wife noticed a…read morehair in the dessert that was served to us. We immediately informed our waiter, who then brought out the manager. She apologized and took the dessert back to the kitchen. At that point, I expected a replacement dessert or some effort to make the situation right. Instead, the manager returned only to explain that she had inspected the kitchen staff and confirmed they were all wearing hair coverings. While I understand she was trying to address the concern, that response completely missed the point of customer service and recovery. One poor management interaction can change the entire experience. Unfortunately, because of how this situation was handled, I have to give this restaurant 1 star.

    Photos
    Estefan Kitchen Orlando - Tables n such

    Tables n such

    Estefan Kitchen Orlando - Seafood pasta with fish shrimp calamari Manila clams mussels scallops .. so delicious

    Seafood pasta with fish shrimp calamari Manila clams mussels scallops .. so delicious

    Estefan Kitchen Orlando - Beautiful event room

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    Beautiful event room

    The Gnarly Cuban- La Ventanita - cuban - Updated June 2026

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