Cuba Libre Restaurant & Bar in Cambridge

Would not recommend. It was cold inside. Lights kept flickering. Were out of certain items on the menu which they didn’t tell us about. When my main came the rice was rock hard like it had been kept under a hot plate. Overall very disappointed as was expecting good things from the place. For the price wouldn’t go again.

Very average, flavourless and tough beef with chimichurri in tacos. My friend’s chicken tacos were equally lacklustre. Staff were friendly but uninformed about food and drink options so, while it wasn’t terrible, there are too many brilliant options in Cambridge for us to feel like coming back.

Wouldnt call it a very cosy place, but the food is super! Ordered octopus and seafood...compliments to the chef 👌🏼Great choice of also fine cocktails

Poor food quality, service, and general upkeep of the restaurant. Food: - There is literally no Cuban food on the menu. No ropa vieja, maduros, frijoles negros: nada. No mojitos, either! - Several dishes were not available and their menu is already quite limited. One of those ended up being guacamole and this is allegedly a Latin restaurant (!) - The menu does not name all of the main ingredients in the dish. I ordered the Peruvian paella which didn't have onions in its description, yet it was so full of onions, it's what I mostly tasted. I worry for those who have food allergies or sensitivities. Service: - Terribly slow and aloof. At one point, I put all the used dishes at the front of the table to help the waiters spot that they were accumulating and taking up space, but even at the waiter's next visit, she simply looked at them and tried to leave. I stopped her mid-turn to ask her to take them! Upkeep of the place: - What is with the lights going off randomly? There's even a sign in the toilet that says the the lights often go out and if you get stuck in there, to pull the red cord for help. Several levels of wrongness here: An accessibility toilet is the only one available to customers in the place (which was unclean and very wet as there were no hand dryers nor kitchen roll). As an accessibility toilet, it should legally have a red cord for emergency use for those who have disabilities and need urgent help. It's not there for if the restaurant's electricity goes out while you're peeing! And even worse, there wasn't even a red cord! Just evidence of where it was supposed to hang from the ceiling! Hazards on top of hazards. No entre!

As a Cuban, the name of this restaurant bothers me a bit. The only traditional Cuban thing they have on the menu is Cuba Libre. When asking for a mojito, the answer received was total nonsense. When I asked for the ropa vieja (shredded beef) they used to have before, which was why I invited my friends there, they removed it from the menu. When asked if they had Cuban dishes, the lady (who acts like one of the owners) told me, “I don't know; I am not Cuban”. I have to recognise the food was excellent. Congrats to the chef. It is an expensive place, but the food quality is good. But don't use the name of a country if your menu does not match the customer's expectations. Ultimately, we had a good time because we are just happy people. But we ended up getting the dessert and coffee at another place nearby.

I came in after work and had no battery left on my phone, Lucia seated and looked after me while I ordered a glass of wine. She helped charge my phone so I could get home and we had a lovely chat. I felt very comfortable and welcome. The atmosphere was wonderful and I can’t wait to return. Thanks for accommodating me 🙏

1st red flag - Google says that the restaurant opens at 12, we reserved a table for 12:30 and arrived on time, only to find the restaurant still closed. Had to knock on the door before some opened it for us 2nd red flag - floor was sticky, lights were turned off despite the fact that it was gloomy and rainy outside, so it was really dark inside. Everything looked so sad and unkempt, which is not aligned with their prices they are charging 3rd red flag - it was really really difficult to get served although there was only 1 other customer group besides ours and they only ordered drinks. Staff looked very uninterested and unfriendly. 4th red flag - took forever for our food to be served. Everything was too salty, poor quality and small portions. Again, doesn't match the prices they are charging. 5th red flag - toilet floor was super wet and dirty. Shouldn't really be a surprise considering the state of the main dining area

Totally disorganised. Can’t print a bill. Good very mediocre. Music good though

Came at lunch time when the restaurant was empty. Even so, our food took around 40 minutes to arrive and came mostly cold. Shame because the flavours were nice but it was cold... also be aware they had a LOT of dishes unavailable, I.e. no oysters, no calamari, no yucka chips (maybe around 7 items unavailable which was a fair chunk of the menu)

We started with waiting an hour for a table we booked. They had clearly overbooked. We have got our table after keep pestering. Two out of four main dishes we wanted were not available. Which meant we ended up ordering food we did not really want (which were beef and chicken tacos 🌮). The other dishes our friends ordered were chicken curry and sea food dishes. Three of us only ate very small part of the meals. All of them were way too salty and oily. We left most of it. Bear in mind it is not a cheap place. We will never go back.

10/10 - see Leon- top guy- best service

The ceviche was fresh and zesty, and the Lomo Saltado was cooked to perfection, with tender beef and vibrant flavors. The Pollo a la Brasa tacos were a real treat—succulent, smoky chicken wrapped in soft tortillas that left me wanting more. The restaurant has a lively and warm atmosphere, with Latin music and colorful décor that really sets the mood. The staff were incredibly welcoming and provided excellent service, offering great recommendations and making sure everything was just right. For anyone in Cambridge looking to explore the bold and delicious tastes of Peru and Latin America, Cuba Libre is a must-visit.

Good service and the lomo saltado is very delicious. Recommended!

I had the pleasure of dining at Cuba Libre, a fantastic Peruvian restaurant with vibrant Latin American flavors, and it was an unforgettable experience! The menu offers a delicious blend of authentic Peruvian dishes and Latino-inspired cuisine, each plate bursting with fresh and bold flavors. The ceviche was a standout—perfectly balanced with citrus and spices—while the Lomo Saltado was tender and packed with flavor. The Pollo a la Brasa tacos were also a highlight, with perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken and a smoky kick that made every bite incredible. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, with the vibrant décor and music creating a fun Latin American vibe. The staff provided excellent service, making sure we were well taken care of throughout the evening. They were attentive, friendly, and happy to offer recommendations, which really enhanced our experience. If you’re looking for a taste of Peru and Latin America in Cambridge, I highly recommend Cuba Libre. The food, atmosphere, and service all combine to make it a must-visit spot!

We visited restaurant on Saturday 28, the food was great and we got it quickly. Cocktails were amazing. Thanks to our host Ilona, who served us. Even though it was busy, she always kept an eye on our table and was making sure that everything is okay. We really enjoyed the evening the music was wonderful and already looking forward to our next visit!

Review of Cuba Libre - Cambridge: An Unforgettable Experience We had the pleasure of dining at Cuba Libre in Cambridge on a wet cold late September Saturday night, but the night warmed up real quick, and I can't say enough about how fantastic the entire evening was. From the moment we walked through the doors, we were enveloped by the warm, vibrant atmosphere of this gem of a restaurant. But what truly made the night stand out was the impeccable service provided by our host, *Ilona*, and the live Cuban music** that electrified the entire experience. Ilona greeted us like we were old friends, making us feel instantly at home. Her warm smile and genuine hospitality set the tone for the evening, which only got better as the night progressed. She went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed, offering insightful recommendations on the best dishes and cocktails and adding her personal touch to make the night truly special. It was clear she was not only passionate about the food but also about creating a lively, inviting atmosphere for every guest. The live Cuban band - a charismatic duo with swagger in spades - added a magical energy to the night. True connoisseurs! The rhythm of the music flowed through the restaurant, giving the entire space a pulse that made you feel like you'd been transported to Havana. As we sat down, the rich sounds of salsa and traditional Cuban beats filled the air, providing the perfect soundtrack to our meal. The musicians were exceptional, and their performance brought an authentic, vibrant energy to the evening that had guests tapping their feet and swaying in their seats. The food, of course, was equally impressive—authentic Cuban flavors with a creative twist. We started with the **grilled chicken**, which was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfectly seasoned and served with a tangy garlic mojo sauce. Ilona suggested we try the **scallops** for our main course, and it did not disappoint. Further, the slow-cooked sea bass was tender and bursting with rich, bold flavors, accompanied by a fresh crispy flavourful salad. Paired with the fragrant black beans and rice, it was truly a taste of Cuba right in the heart of Cambridge. But what really elevated the evening was Ilona’s thoughtful touches. After noticing we were celebrating a special occasion, she surprised us with her dexterous attention to detail, which was flawless, and she consistently checked in to ensure everything was to our liking without being intrusive. Her warmth, attentiveness, and natural charm made us feel like we were part of the Cuba Libre family. Between Ilona’s outstanding hospitality and the electrifying live music, the ambiance was perfect—lively, fun, and full of authentic Cuban spirit. The music never overpowered conversation but added just the right amount of energy to keep the night exciting, while the colorful decor and Cuban tunes rounded out the vibrant atmosphere. In a city full of dining options, *Cuba Libre* stands out not just for its fantastic food, but for its exceptional service and the unforgettable ambiance. If you visit, be sure to ask for Ilona—she will make sure your experience is truly special. With her warmth and the infectious energy of live Cuban music, we left the restaurant not only satisfied but already looking forward to our next visit!

Great service from Leo, great food, great ambiance.

Great food, drinks, atmosphere, and very nice staff. Will definitely come back.

I had a wonderful experience in this place the food and the service were very good! I have been in other restaurants who serve Latin and Peruvian food in London, Spain and Rome and they didn’t have the wow X factor to say this is really an authentic Peruvian flavour. I can tell you the Pollo a la Brasa and Ceviche are really delicious and the sauces for the salad and chilli were delicious too. Thank you so much for transporting me to my wonderful Peru. Mary B

Set on the corner of Parkers Piece park the Cuba Libra restaurant is serving authentic Latino food with a great variety of Peruvian cuisine. The Pollo a La Brasa is probably one of the best this side of the Atlantic and one of the best I have in the UK. Ceviche was delicious, again flavours so authentic, I was transported back to Lima Perú. Don't miss out on this gastronomic experience.

They are the most boring and dry tacos I have ever eaten in my life. And they didn't give me spicy when I asked for it. At least the fried yucas are delicious but they are very stingy with the sauce.

Leo was amazing. super nice . good service . super helpful with recommendations too

Leon was very helpful and friendly

Very disappointed multiple items missing from the menu and poor service

They are so kind people and the have a delicious food. My congratulation for the chef because I have a very good experience in my mouth with him meals

Was visiting from out of town - great food, atmosphere and service.

The tastiest and most authentic food in Cambridge. I definitely recommend. Everything I have tried has been yummy.

Amazing food, great values and portions

Very tasty food and cocktail. Amazing atmosphere 😊

Food was good. A few issues regarding menu and service Service was fairly slow and inattentive it wasn't very busy aswell. The biggest issue is when ordering the mussels it clearly states next to it GF(gluten free) however it comes out with bread in the bowl. If it means this can be made gluten free on request that really needs to be stated rather than just saying GF.

Wonderful restaurant with a great atmosphere. Food is amazing especially the Arroz con marisco’s and Lomo Salteado. Geraldine is a fantastic host and makes you feel very welcome. Just like being in Latin America! Looking forward to coming back on Friday or Saturday night for live music!!

I visited this restaurant today with my family, the food was nice but a bit overpriced. However the food was ready in less than 15 mins. The atmosphere and service overall was good.

The food and drinks was amazing. The service was excellent. Very friendly and nice. Also super clean !

Atmosphere was nice and food was good but too expensive. Nowhere in the menu was mentioned that ceviche is cold fish, but that's important to know considering many people don't like cold fish. The service was disappointing as the waitress couldn't answer any of our questions without asking the kitchen first. They also charged us the wrong amount at the end.

If youre looking for a Latin American experience then look no further. From the music to food you will get an authentic Latin experience. Cuando extrañes tu país, ven aquí para recordarte tu hogar!

Amazing food. The cactus side and tacos were delicious, and the seafood looked amazing too.

Food was amazing! Nice ambience and staff were lovely too! Very spontaneous but very happy!

Myself, my husband and 14 month old went for lunch here last week. The food was really tasty, and very fresh. Also we felt it was good value for Cambridge and provided a bit of variety to the other restaurants in Cambridge. The service was lovely, it was wonderful to feel welcomed with a toddler to a restaurant like this. It was otherwise empty because we were there for an early-ish lunch and our server suggested allowing him to walk around, which meant his patience was so much better and we evaded any meltdowns! Thank you so much for a lovely family friendly experience with 'grown-up' food!

Good tacos 🌮, excellent service.

It's a great place to listen to good music on a Friday evening. However, the prices are not competitive at all.

Food is good, cocktails really good and service very friendly

Thank you Lion for making us feel at home!

Both the food and the service are spectacular. Very delicious food and very helpful staff. To repeat!

Lovely customer service in Spanish by friendly Leon and very yummy food in a nice atmosphere.

Great place, even better food, great vibes… perfect for a date night or to go with family

Brilliant first time having Latin food. Delicious food, great service and atmosphere especially Maria who served us. The cocktails were also amazing.

Amazing authentic food from all over Latin America. Really cool vibes and supreme music 🎵

Had the Tacos de lomo and pollo a la brasa, both dishes were great. Service was fast and friendly, and very helpful offering us advice where to find latin grocers in Cambridge.

It transports you to beautiful Cuba, excellent food and service!

Delicious food here, tasty cocktails. Nice atmosphere and friendly service.

Food, drinks, and service was great! Highly recommend!

Fantastic South American food and cocktails. I had a great margarita, oyster ceviche (unique to me - I haven't seen this before) and grilled octopus. Great service. A stylish, relaxed place to spend the evening.

Very good experience, totally recommended by a Peruvian.

I regularly enjoy great food, cocktails and the atmoaphere at Cuba Libre in Cambridge. It is a very good destination and eatery in Cambridge. The food is authentic and never disappoints in all the time i have been coming. I can highly recommend this restarant for couples and families. I recently had 6 oysters and a special martini, followed by a nice salad and delicious chicken and fries with a yellow sauce that is off the radar!

Food was very tasty, presented beautifully. Waitress was attentive with a smile 😊

I recently dined at this fantastic Latino restaurant in Cambridge and I must say, the experience was truly delightful. The food was absolutely delicious, bursting with authentic flavors that took my taste buds on a flavorful journey. My waiter Maria and her colleagues were incredibly friendly and attentive, making me feel welcomed and at home throughout my meal. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a genuine taste of Latino cuisine paired with exceptional service. A must-visit for food lovers seeking a memorable dining experience!

I had the best time ever!! The food was awesome, it felt authentic but elevated. The cocktails are some of the best I've tried in Cambridge, and the live music was the cherry on

Excellent food, good service, great live music I really enjoyed the experience. BEST COCKTAILS IN CAMBRIDGE, AMAZING FOOD!

Excellent attention from all the staff, we were very well cared for, they even played the music from our country (Arg), the food was very delicious, everything we ate was really recommended!! More than grateful!

My family was in here and they didn’t let me in because they said they are full.

Very nice food. Brought promptly and very pleasant staff

The culinary experience offered at this restaurant is simply outstanding. Each dish is a work of art in both taste and presentation. The impeccable service complements the delectable cuisine and ensures an unforgettable dining experience. It was my first time dining here, but it definitely won't be my last.

Highly recommended, fast service, good food at a good price and unbeatable attention

Amazing food and service from the team tonight. Could not fault anything! Thank you so much 👏🏼 Certainly recommended!

Great atmosphere and live music, amazing cocktail and delicious food. Geraldine was particularly professional and friendly. ¡Muchas gracias a todos!

Excellent food and service, Fantastic staff especially by Leon, absolutely lovely. Definitely recommend the restaurant. Loved Leon 🥰

I had a wonderful dinner time, I felt very welcome by Gloria, very professional, fast service with amazing food and cocktails, highly recommend.

Wonderful atmosphere, staff, and cocktails. 100% recommend

Popped in for a cocktail with my friend, the music was lively, cocktails were scrumptious. Overall experience for a leapling birthday, (recommend the choc truffles) was excellent and would definitely visit again!

Dana was great as our waitress (perhaps needs to add more Spanish language skills), and is a great salsa dancer. We will definitely be coming back with friends and clients!

The best cocktails and food I've tasted in a while...highly recommend 😊

Is an excellent place to be so beautiful atmosphere there

The food was super yummy, nice cocktails too and the music was so good.

I ordered seco de picanha and it was phenomenal! Peruvian food cooked to perfection. Wonderful selection of cocktails. I strongly recommend the Japanese Highball and Passion Fruit Daiquiri. We had set de lucuma for dessert and it was also delicious.

The Tacos were sublime. The table service by the lady was good and despite the rain it was nice place to spend the afternoon. They will see me again.

Beef tacos were amazing (excellent cilantro sauce) and the strength of the margaritas rapidly turned the afternoon into an ordeal

Dana was absolutely amazing and the service she provided was above and beyond. Highly recommend coming here and having food and drinks. She should be paid a lot more for the work she does. She gave us a wonderful experience at Cuba Libre tonight and could not recommend anyone more. Lovely experience with the band and the food was excellent but the service was above and beyond.

Thank you Geraldine, from Ben and Niquia. The food and service was amazing, we recommend everyone to stop by and give it a shot.

I think it is one of the best independent restaurants in town! Great service and amazing food! You should all try out! I have been there many times since they opened and never been disappointed. Just amazing!

We just had a lovely team dinner where Dana took incredible care of us. We appreciated her honest recommendations and dedicated service.

Great bar staff, amazing hospitality and quick service aswell as smiling faces

Leo is the man to go to Ask for Leo The best Drinks Not your normal drinks but it’s worth it I promise If you go Wednesday Friday or Saturday they play live music If you go in the day time ask for Anya she is an absolute superstar and such a good cocktail maker she deserves a pay rise as she is amazing and so does Leo But Anya deserves more money

Live music was lovely, food was delicious (tried cactus paddles for the first time and was pleasantly surprised). The staff were all very welcoming and patient with us as a large group.

came here the other night, brig and dana made my experience so much better. highly recommend and amazing service from them two, would only come again if they are working

Incredibly overpriced and underwhelming food. 4 small tacos for 15 pounds! 1 tasteless fish and a few frozen chips for £20. No wonder why the place was empty on a Friday night. If you're out for dinner in that area, there are plenty more options so just keep looking and skip this one!

Great food and good cocktail selection

Tough meat, probably cheap cuts and not particularly warm. The restaurant itself was cold, would’ve really appreciated a hot meal.

Great service and good music. It’s upsetting knowing the staff DONT GET THE SERVICE CHARGE OR THE TIPS IN CARD!!! If you go, make sure you have cash to tip, anyways, there’s an ATM in the Sainsburys 1min walking away

Great Latin American food in Cambridge UK? Absolutely! Top notch service and incredible menu. Try the habanero margarita and flambé beef tips.

Amazing latin flavours and excellent service. We had a Ceviche, lomo saltado, skewers, seco de cordero, espárragos con salsa huancaina and lomo tacos. Everything was delicious! And the Pisco Sour while live band was playing was just perfect. Would definitely recommend and go back :)

We ate here twice in the same week while working in Cambridge. Fantastic Cuban dishes full of flavour would reccomend.

Great place to eat lovely atmosphere and nice staff and great food

What a little jem this place is food on the Friday was amazing and the best cocktails in Cambridge so much we went back on the Saturday for more cocktails staff were just beautiful thank you Cuba Libre for making our stay in Cambridge perfect definitely be back

Really disappointed in Cuba libre was really looking forward to dining there as their menu looks amazing. Unfortunately from the moment we walked in it seemed very disorganised. Once seated the options for starters were very limited as they had run out of food stock which on a Saturday night 8pm in Cambridge is really poor, ended up having tortilla chips with guamole and added prawn crackers?? As for the main the lamb shank was really good but as for the rest of the group food was lup warm and pork extremely tough, also beans seemed to be over cooked. We ask to speak to the manger her only answer was it was the owners fault, from there we never saw her again and was left with a really nice young guy who tried his hardest to solve the bill, well done to him he was very professional and understanding. We will not be going back anytime soon.

I LOVE this place..LOVE the music and the people are so so nice. The only think i didn't like to much IS when you Seat near to the kitchen later you smell like good allí the night 😅🤣

The food was lovely, although my chicken curry was spicy (I had asked before ordering and was told it wasn't spicy). Atmosphere was really nice with beautiful live Cuban music but the venue was cold (there was the entrance door opened and on top the air-con that intermittently came up). Prices are on the high level. The things they need to improve are: ° the service: 10 minutes after sitting we still didn't have the menus, I had to ask for them, and they forgot to give me the wine menu. The food took AGES to arrive (>40 minutes). ° the tip. We paid by card and there was a request in the machine if we wanted to leave a tip, which luckily we declined and then after reading the receipt I realised that a 12.5% tip had already been applied (see photo) so if I had given a tip, I would have paid it twice. They serve nice cocktails though as I saw them passing around and looked inviting.

We had a great evening here. The Latin America Band was really good and really added to the lively atmosphere. The cocktails were delicious and refreshing. The food was all very tasty and well presented. The selection of tacos were very good and the Peruvian chicken curry very flavorful. My only niggle was that the staff weren't very informed when we asked about the menu and the portions were a bit confusing I ended up with three dishes for my main. Also all the food arrived at once. It was however all delicious and I would definitely visit again.

Very good food and service. I had the mixed tacos but the beef one was my favourite. A good place to try something new.

An exceptional dinning experience !!! After a lot of Walking I found this Latin food restaurant and I couldn't miss the delicious peruvian food. The Ceviche was delicious , the Lomo saltado even better and some Anticuchos to try, which were very delicious (creativity and skill of the chef). The service was impecable and the staff very friendly.

Great food, great music, friendly service. Have the Peruvian chicken curry and the brigadeiros for dessert. Wonderful!