BWW Reviews: CUBA Has Caribbean Charm and Delicious Food in the West Village of NYC

Cuba, the restaurant located in the heart of the West Village of New York City, perfectly represents the country's lively culture with fabulous food and drink in festive surroundings.

Delicious Latin and Cuban cuisine are yours to enjoy in this stylish, comfortable spot that has Cuban artwork lining the walls. Cuba is celebrating their 10th Anniversary and it's no wonder that guests come back frequently. The friendly, yet gracious service and welcoming atmosphere makes you feel like one of the family.

We visited on a Friday night for dinner and enjoyed the live music that made the dining room especially vibrant. Yet, the acoustics were just right for table conversation. With seating options for small and large parties that include their special nook, The Hemingway Hideaway Room. Cuba is ready to accomodate their guests. The restaurant also has Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm with specials on Mojitos and Sangria.

Cuba's cocktails are an ideal start to your meal, refreshing with flavors that represent the restaurant's culinary region. Their Ultimate Mojito ($12) is made with 8 year Bacardi and their En Su Punto ($12) is a very pleasing gin based drink. Wine, beer and white or red Sangria can be perfectly paired with your meal choices.

Fine Cuban food does not have a spicy profile as some people believe. In fact, Cuba's menu items have creative blends of tasty seasonings. Cuba presents a fine variety to please many tastes from seafood and meats to vegetarian choices. Chef Mario Garcia and his culinary team have created a menu that is sure to delight. They include traditional favorites that have made Cuba a beloved spot and they also feature specialty dishes that reflect the season.

Appetizers are generous, and perfect for table sharing. We suggest you order a few to be introduced to the taste sensations that Cuba offers. We enjoyed the Pincho de Pollo ($12), tender marinated chicken skewered with vegetables. The Ceviche del dia ($14) was some of the best we have had. Fresh, seasonal salads start at $10.00 and there are wonderful sides ($5) like their Moros, black beans mixed with white rice or Choclo, sautéed Peruvian corn.

As an entrée, the Grilled Salmon ($23) is perfectly prepared, crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The dish is served with coconut rice, shrimp and lobster sauce. Churrasco ($23), their tender skirt steak is served with yucca mash and chimichurri. And, Cuba has three specialty Paellas (starting at $22) that include a vegetarian selection. We suggest you order one of their desserts (All $7). Among the scrumptious choices are Creamy Cuban Flan or Empanaditas with Vanilla Ice Cream.

If you haven't been to Cuba yet, we suggest you gather your group plan to visit. Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, they have brought the best of the Caribbean country to the West Village for over a decade. Cuba is located at 222 Thompson Street, New York, NY 10012. You can call them at (212) 420-7878 or visit their web site, www.cubanyc.com.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Cuba