La Cubana

The inspiration

The founders met in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, and arrived in the United States in 1970 . The restaurant has since become a Glendale institution serving traditional Cuban cooking¹ .

Who's behind it

Mr. and Mrs Fernandez, also known as Fernando and Eneida, opened La Cubana and the family has done all the cooking for more than four decades .

What to order

• Ropa Vieja: shredded beef in tomato sauce, a frequent favorite²
• Rabo Encendido: slow-cooked oxtails in tomato sauce, praised by critics^3,1
• Sandwich Cubano and Media Noche: pressed ham and roast pork sandwiches noted as standouts^4,2
• Yuca con Mojo and Congrí: essential sides with garlic sauce or rice and beans¹

What people are saying

Critics at The Infatuation call the rabo encendido delicious and note the tender oxtails in tomato sauce³ . The Los Angeles Times described the cooking as homey and addictively good⁴ .

Why you should try it

La Cubana has been a Glendale institution since 1973, serving family Cuban recipes in a welcoming setting¹ . It is one of a few places in the Los Angeles area to have a Cuban dining experience .