Local Diner Offers Truly Authentic Cuban Fare

Overview: Cuban food lovers rejoice: There is such a thing as authentic Cuban food right here in "Mayretta." When I say authentic, I really mean it. is the real thing, folks and it is GREAT (the Tony the Tiger kind).

To me, authenticity requires certain basics: First, I need to see people from Cuba in the restaurant. It can be the owners or guests, but I must know beforehand that a real live Cuban is there because of the food.

Second, the food must be prepared, cooked and served in a way different from any I have ever experienced–a signature of sorts.

Third, the atmosphere and décor should reflect the heritage of its name.

Check, check and check.

The owner, Lou, came right over when I first walked in and asked me if I had ever eaten Cuban food before. “Kind of, but not really” I replied, because I had never been to an authentic Cuban restaurant and the only Cuban food I was familiar with was an empanada.

Lou, without prompting, began going through the menu in front to me, telling me what was most popular, explaining the preparation of certain items and which sauces or seasoning enhanced them. For a serious foodie, this info is really appreciated and helpful when faced with a total ignorance of the menu.

On this day, I had Cuban Diner’s signature sandwich for $7.50, El Cubano. What makes it “signature” is that it’s loaded with pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, mayo and pickles, and then pressed on either side in a hot skillet. It’s phenomenal and half of it would be fine for one person. 

I enjoyed eating in the warm, modern décor of this great little casual restaurant surrounded by Cuban artifacts. They included an interesting display of cigar boxes, newspaper clippings and the staff themselves.

Here’s a quick explanation of Cuban cuisine and suggestions for ordering:

The Food: Authentic, meaty, delicious.

No matter what you order, ask for the garlic sauce. It is made from melted butter and spices and can be used on any of the menu choices. If you are a garlic lover like me, you will love this sauce and will want the recipe. You can’t have it of course, but it will inspire strong cravings at a later date, which will make you have to go back.

Appetizers:  Sampler Platter ($10.95) includes: Two empanadas – turnover pastries filled with chicken, beef or guava and cream cheese, two croquetas – chopped ham, breaded and fried, two tostones – green plaintains topped with seasoned ground beef or chicken and two meduros – fried ripe plaintains. This sampler is a great representation of the overall menu. Don’t forget to use the garlic sauce.

Sandwiches: All sandwiches are between $7 to $8 and served with your choice of rice, black beans, french fries, yuca fries, maduros or tostones. I had the yuca fries, a variation of the root vegetable (like a potato) with a slightly sweeter taste than regular potato fries.

Entrees: Most entrées are served with three sides.

Pescado En Salsa ($9.50) - Tilapia chunks cooked in traditional Cuban sofrito (sauce) with tomato sauce, red peppers, bell peppers and onions.

Vaca Frida ($9.99) – Grilled shredded beef brisket topped with grilled onions

Arroz Imperial ($8.50) Layered yellow rice with pulled chicken in sofrito sauce. Topped with a thin layer of mayo and melted swiss cheese (choose two additional sides)

Desserts: Tres Leches )$3.50) - Moist yellow cake soaked in three different types of milk. This one is hard to describe so just order it. You’ll see why I recommended it.

Mango Pie: ($3.50) - Yum. This fruity pie may be compared to key lime pie, but sweeter and deliciously different.

Flan (caramel custard) ($3.75) - You’ll be hard pressed to find a better flan than right here.

The Drinks: Large selections of imported and or/Cuban beer and wine including Presidente, Segura Viudas Aria, Tapena and its own red/white sangrias.

Tropical milkshakes (Mango, Papaya, Mamey, Trigo) are $2.50.

Three choices of delicious, rich expresso offered from $1.25 - $1.50.

Hours: Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 9 p.m. for dinner. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday closed.

Address: 1484 Roswell Road in the East Marietta Shopping Center) 

Contact: 770-509-2576 or www.mariettacubandiner.com