Nestled in the heart of the city, Rincon Criollo Restaurant is more than just a dining destination—it’s a vibrant celebration of Cuban culture and culinary tradition. The moment you step through the doors, you’re greeted with the warm aromas of sizzling garlic, slow-roasted meats, and freshly baked Cuban bread.
Every detail, from the lively décor to the upbeat rhythms of salsa music, is designed to transport you straight to Havana. Yet, the true star remains the extensive and thoughtfully crafted menu, which pays homage to both classic recipes and modern innovations.
At Rincon Criollo, the menu tells a story—a story of family heritage, fresh ingredients, and a passion for authentic flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned lover of Cuban cuisine or a newcomer curious to explore, the menu offers a remarkable journey through savory appetizers, hearty mains, and irresistible desserts.
The chefs blend traditional techniques with creative twists, ensuring that each dish captures the essence of Cuba while also appealing to contemporary palates. With options to satisfy every appetite and dietary preference, Rincon Criollo’s menu stands as a testament to the rich culinary landscape of the Caribbean.
Guests are invited to savor not just the food but the entire experience. With every bite, you’ll discover layers of flavor, history, and heart.
The following sections offer a closer look at the menu’s highlights, revealing why Rincon Criollo is a beloved fixture for locals and visitors alike.
Appetizers: A Flavorful Prelude
The appetizer selection at Rincon Criollo sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. Each starter is carefully crafted to awaken the palate, offering a blend of bold flavors, contrasting textures, and regional ingredients.
The menu honors both Cuban staples and inventive creations, ensuring there’s something to intrigue every guest.
Begin your experience with a plate of croquetas—crispy on the outside, creamy within, and filled with ham or chicken. Alternatively, the tostones rellenos present twice-fried plantain cups brimming with savory meats or seafood.
The appetizers serve not only as a taste of what’s to come, but also as a testament to the kitchen’s commitment to authenticity.
For those new to Cuban cuisine, these small bites provide a gentle introduction. The flavors are robust, yet balanced, with hints of garlic, citrus, and subtle spice.
Every appetizer is made to order, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.
Signature Appetizers
- Croquetas de Jamón: Golden-fried ham croquettes, served with a tangy dipping sauce
- Tostones Rellenos: Plantain cups filled with picadillo, shrimp, or shredded chicken
- Yuca con Mojo: Steamed cassava drizzled with garlicky citrus sauce
- Empanadas: Flaky pastries stuffed with seasoned beef or vegetables
The appetizers are perfect for sharing, encouraging conversation and connection around the table. As one satisfied diner once commented,
“The first bite of Rincon Criollo’s croquetas brought me back to my grandmother’s kitchen in Havana—crispy, creamy, and utterly unforgettable.”
Soulful Soups and Hearty Salads
No Cuban meal is complete without a comforting bowl of soup or a crisp, vibrant salad. Rincon Criollo takes pride in offering both classic and contemporary options, each highlighting the bounty of the Caribbean.
The soups are slow-simmered for hours, extracting layers of flavor, while the salads showcase market-fresh produce and zesty dressings.
The Sopa de Pollo is a perennial favorite, featuring tender chicken, root vegetables, and fragrant herbs. For those seeking a vegetarian option, the Ensalada de Aguacate—sliced avocado with tomatoes and onions—is a refreshing choice.
Each dish is thoughtfully seasoned, striking a perfect balance between comfort and vibrancy.
Salads and soups at Rincon Criollo are more than just side dishes—they are integral components of a well-rounded Cuban meal. They can be enjoyed as a light lunch or as a prelude to heartier fare, depending on your appetite.
Menu Highlights: Soups and Salads
- Sopa de Pollo: Traditional Cuban chicken soup with potatoes, carrots, and rice
- Ensalada de Aguacate: Sliced avocado, ripe tomato, red onion, and olive oil
- Caldo Gallego: Hearty Galician soup with white beans, collard greens, and chorizo
- Ensalada Mixta: Mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette
To help guests decide between the various options, consider the following table comparing key features of the most popular soup and salad choices:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Best For |
| Sopa de Pollo | Chicken, vegetables, rice | Comforting, savory | Chilly days, hearty appetites |
| Ensalada de Aguacate | Avocado, tomato, onion | Fresh, tangy | Light meals, vegetarians |
| Caldo Gallego | Beans, greens, chorizo | Earthy, robust | Traditionalists, adventurous eaters |
Whether you’re seeking warmth or refreshment, the soups and salads at Rincon Criollo provide a flavorful foundation for your meal.
Classic Cuban Entrees
The heart of Rincon Criollo’s menu lies in its enticing array of entrees. These dishes represent the soul of Cuban home cooking, blending African, Spanish, and Caribbean influences.
Each plate is a harmonious medley of flavors and textures, slow-cooked to perfection and finished with vibrant garnishes.
Signature entrees like Ropa Vieja and Lechón Asado have become legendary among regulars. Ropa Vieja, a savory stew of shredded beef in tomato sauce, is both hearty and deeply satisfying.
Lechón Asado, meanwhile, showcases tender roast pork marinated in citrus and garlic, served with crackling skin and a side of mojo.
Vegetarians and health-conscious diners are not forgotten. The Vegetariano Criollo features black beans, rice, and a medley of seasonal vegetables, all prepared with traditional spices but free of animal products.
Every entree can be paired with a choice of classic sides, from sweet plantains to aromatic rice.
Must-Try Entrees
- Ropa Vieja: Shredded beef simmered in tomato, peppers, and onions
- Lechón Asado: Slow-roasted pork with garlic-citrus marinade
- Pescado a la Plancha: Grilled fish fillet with lime and fresh herbs
- Vegetariano Criollo: Cuban-style beans, rice, and sautéed vegetables
As one local food critic observed,
“The Ropa Vieja at Rincon Criollo is a revelation—each forkful is packed with history and flavor, a true taste of the island’s past and present.”
With generous portions and soulful seasonings, the entrees invite guests to linger, savor, and share. No visit is complete without indulging in at least one of these time-honored specialties.
Seafood Specialties
Cuba’s coastal geography has endowed its cuisine with a wealth of seafood dishes, and Rincon Criollo honors this legacy with an impressive selection of ocean-inspired entrees. The seafood menu is a celebration of freshness, featuring responsibly sourced fish and shellfish prepared with classic Cuban flair.
Signature dishes like Camarones al Ajillo—succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic and white wine—showcase the kitchen’s deft touch. The Pescado en Salsa Verde offers a flaky white fish bathed in a zesty green sauce of herbs and capers.
For guests seeking a lighter option, the grilled seafood salad is an excellent choice, offering a medley of flavors without heaviness.
The chefs are committed to sustainability and quality, working closely with local suppliers to ensure that each dish is as environmentally responsible as it is delicious. This dedication to excellence shines through in every bite.
Seafood Highlights
- Camarones al Ajillo: Garlic shrimp sautéed in olive oil and white wine
- Pescado en Salsa Verde: White fish fillet in a tangy herb-caper sauce
- Ensalada de Mariscos: Mixed seafood salad with citrus vinaigrette
- Arroz con Calamares: Savory rice with tender squid rings
For those curious about the comparative qualities of the seafood entrees, the following table provides a helpful breakdown:
| Seafood Dish | Key Ingredients | Flavor Notes | Recommended Pairing |
| Camarones al Ajillo | Shrimp, garlic, white wine | Bright, aromatic | White rice, fried plantains |
| Pescado en Salsa Verde | White fish, green herbs, capers | Herbaceous, tangy | Yuca con mojo |
| Ensalada de Mariscos | Shrimp, squid, octopus | Light, citrusy | Tostones |
Seafood lovers will find no shortage of options at Rincon Criollo, where each plate is a tribute to Cuba’s oceanic heritage.
Sandwiches and Light Fare
For guests seeking a quicker or more casual meal, the sandwich and light fare section of the menu delivers plenty of flavor in a compact package. These options are perfect for lunchtime or a relaxed dinner, offering generous portions and traditional accompaniments.
The Cuban Sandwich is an undisputed classic, featuring layers of ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard pressed between slices of fresh Cuban bread. Another favorite is the Medianoche, a midnight sandwich with a softer, sweeter bread and the same savory fillings.
Other selections include hearty wraps, empanadas, and vegetarian-friendly choices. Each sandwich is served with house-made chips or a simple salad, ensuring a satisfying meal even on the go.
Popular Sandwiches
- Cuban Sandwich: Ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard
- Medianoche: Sweet bread, ham, pork, cheese, pickles
- Vegetarian Wrap: Grilled vegetables, black beans, avocado, cilantro-lime sauce
- Pollo Sandwich: Grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, garlic aioli
As one regular patron puts it,
“No matter how many times I order the Cuban Sandwich at Rincon Criollo, it always tastes like home—warm, melty, and packed with flavor.”
Whether you’re in a hurry or simply craving comfort food, these sandwiches deliver both convenience and authenticity.
Vegetarian and Vegan Delights
While Cuban cuisine is often celebrated for its rich meats and seafood, Rincon Criollo has gone above and beyond to ensure vegetarians and vegans enjoy an equally robust dining experience. The dedicated vegetarian section includes both traditional and original recipes, all prepared with the same care and attention as their meat-based counterparts.
The Vegetariano Criollo platter is a standout, offering black beans, white rice, fried sweet plantains, and sautéed vegetables. For those seeking something lighter, the Ensalada de Quinoa features South American quinoa tossed with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a citrus dressing.
Many of these dishes can be adapted for vegan diners—just ask your server for modifications. The kitchen is responsive to dietary restrictions, ensuring every guest feels welcome and satisfied.
Vegetarian Options
- Vegetariano Criollo: Black beans, rice, plantains, sautéed vegetables
- Ensalada de Quinoa: Quinoa, black beans, corn, peppers, citrus vinaigrette
- Yucca Frita: Fried cassava served with garlic sauce
- Vegetable Empanadas: Flaky pastries filled with seasoned vegetables
A recent review praised the restaurant’s inclusivity:
“As a vegan, it’s rare to find a Cuban restaurant that truly caters to my needs—Rincon Criollo delivers on both flavor and variety.”
By offering a wide range of plant-based choices, the menu encourages all guests to savor the diverse flavors of Cuba, regardless of dietary preference.
Side Dishes: The Perfect Complement
No Cuban meal is complete without an array of vibrant side dishes. At Rincon Criollo, sides are not merely afterthoughts—they are essential components that round out every plate and elevate the dining experience.
Classic sides provide contrast, texture, and a burst of flavor with every bite.
The Moros y Cristianos—black beans and white rice cooked together—are a staple of Cuban tables. Other favorites include tostones (twice-fried plantains), yuca con mojo, and maduros (sweet fried plantains).
Each side is prepared using time-honored techniques and fresh ingredients.
Guests are encouraged to mix and match, creating a personalized medley of flavors to accompany their main dish. For a true Cuban experience, order several sides to share among friends and family.
Essential Cuban Sides
- Moros y Cristianos: Black beans and rice cooked together with spices
- Tostones: Crispy fried green plantains, lightly salted
- Maduros: Sweet plantains caramelized to perfection
- Yuca con Mojo: Cassava root with tangy garlic-citrus sauce
For those curious how these sides compare, the following table highlights their unique qualities:
| Side | Main Ingredient | Texture | Flavor Profile |
| Moros y Cristianos | Beans, Rice | Soft, hearty | Savory, aromatic |
| Tostones | Green Plantain | Crispy, starchy | Salty, mild |
| Maduros | Ripe Plantain | Soft, caramelized | Sweet, rich |
| Yuca con Mojo | Cassava | Dense, tender | Garlicky, tangy |
These sides transform any meal into a feast, providing both comfort and a sense of tradition.
Desserts and Beverages: A Sweet Finale
Every meal at Rincon Criollo deserves a proper conclusion, and the dessert and beverage menu delivers just that. Drawing inspiration from Cuban bakeries and coffee houses, the selection features both timeless classics and inventive treats.
The Flan de Leche is a must-try, boasting a silky texture and a caramel glaze that melts in your mouth. For something lighter, the Tres Leches Cake offers a delicate sponge soaked in three types of milk, while the Guava Pastelitos provide a sweet-tart finish.
To accompany dessert, choose from an array of Cuban coffees, tropical juices, or a hand-crafted mojito.
Each dessert is made in-house daily, ensuring freshness and authentic flavor. The beverage list is equally impressive, offering both non-alcoholic and spirited options to suit every occasion.
Noteworthy Desserts and Drinks
- Flan de Leche: Creamy caramel custard topped with syrup
- Tres Leches Cake: Sponge cake saturated with three milks
- Guava Pastelitos: Puff pastry filled with guava and cheese
- Café Cubano: Strong, sweet espresso-style coffee
- Mojito: White rum, lime, mint, sugar, sparkling water
A satisfied guest once remarked,
“The flan at Rincon Criollo is the perfect ending to any meal—smooth, sweet, and utterly irresistible.”
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these desserts and drinks are the ideal conclusion to a memorable meal.
Conclusion: The Heart and Soul of Cuban Cuisine
Dining at Rincon Criollo is not merely about feeding the body—it’s about nourishing the soul through shared experiences and beloved flavors. Each dish on the menu reflects the restaurant’s unwavering commitment to authenticity, generosity, and culinary excellence.
From the first bite of a crispy croqueta to the last sip of Café Cubano, guests are enveloped in a world where tradition and innovation harmoniously coexist.
The menu’s diversity ensures that every guest feels welcomed and satisfied, whether seeking a taste of home or embarking on a culinary adventure. Family recipes are honored, while new creations keep the offerings fresh and exciting.
The thoughtfully curated selection of appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts guarantees a journey through the vibrant tastes and textures of Cuba.
What truly sets Rincon Criollo apart is its sense of community. The restaurant is a gathering place for friends and families, a space where memories are made and stories are shared over generous plates of food.
As you explore the menu, you’ll discover more than just a meal—you’ll uncover the heart and soul of Cuban hospitality.
