Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Cubita – San Francisco
Cubita - San Francisco
Photo from Cubita
Cubita at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍚 Cuban Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 23 of the guests
#269 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Cuban Restaurant out of 1 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
211
Reviews
86.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent Value
- Flavorful Dishes
- Rooftop Ambience
Frequently criticized
- Slow Service
- Payment Issues
- Limited Options
The restaurant Cubita invites you to experience the vibrant flavors of a Cuban restaurant right in the heart of San Francisco’s lively Mission District. Imagine stepping into a welcoming space where the aroma of authentic cuisine fills the air.
Here, you can enjoy a delightful meal, whether you’re looking for a relaxed brunch, a satisfying dinner, or simply a place to unwind with a refreshing drink. It’s a perfect spot to gather with friends or family.
Overview: Introducting Cubita
Cubita offers a vibrant experience, often praised for its inviting ambience and flavorful culinary creations. Guests frequently highlight the exceptional cocktails and the overall positive vibe, making it a lively spot for a night out.
The attentive staff also contributes significantly to a welcoming atmosphere. However, some visits encounter slow service, particularly with drink delivery, and occasional issues with the payment process, including an uncomfortable assumption of theft.
While the food generally impresses, a few dishes have been noted for lacking flavor, and the clientele can sometimes be a point of contention.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
211
Reviews
86.7%
Satisfaction
20
negative
8
neutral
183
positive
Cubita generally earns a strong reception, reflected in its solid Restaurant Score of 8.4. Customer feedback indicates a good experience, with Customer Satisfaction standing at 86.7%.
This positive sentiment is built on a substantial base of 211 customer remarks, with 183 positive observations outweighing 20 negative ones, suggesting a largely favorable dining environment. Delving deeper, Value (9) stands out as particularly strong, indicating guests feel they get their money’s worth.
The Food (8.4) also receives high marks for its quality and taste, while the Ambience (8.4) consistently creates an enjoyable setting. Service (8.2) is also well-regarded, though some comments suggest occasional delays, which slightly temper its otherwise excellent standing.
What people like
- Excellent Value
- Flavorful Food & Cocktails
- Vibrant Rooftop Ambience
What people don't like
- Slow Drink Service
- Payment System Issues
- Limited Dietary Options
With a Recommendation Score of 8.4, Cubita generally delivers a positive experience, especially if you appreciate a lively rooftop setting and well-crafted drinks. It’s a solid choice for those seeking good value and a vibrant atmosphere, making it worth considering for your next outing.
However, be prepared for potentially slower drink service and clarify payment details upfront to avoid discomfort. If you prioritize a quick drink turnaround or have specific dietary needs, you might want to manage expectations.
Overall, it’s a place with strong points, but a few operational kinks.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
Verdict: Our expert take on Cubita
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally thrilled! With a strong score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 85.1%, its clear the culinary experience is a hit. Out of 114 comments, 97 rave about the delicious Cuban cuisine, authentic flavors, and even the excellent cocktails that perfectly complement the dishes.
However, a few voices (10 to be exact) point out some areas for improvement. Some found the menu to be less exciting than before, with specific dishes like the tortilla de patata or the ropavieja hash lacking flavor or substance. Theres also a desire for a wider assortment of dietary-friendly options.
Food
114
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
10
negative
7
neutral
97
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Cuban food
- Tender Lechon Asado
- Flavorful Yuca Rellena
What people don't like
- Unexciting menu options
- Bland specific dishes
- Limited dietary options
Often praised
- foodHis cocktails were simply exceptional, prepared with an attention to detail that truly shows. Furthermore, the food was equally impressive. Every dish was full of flavor and prepared to perfection, wonderfully complementing our drinks.
- drinksThe food and drinks were much better
- cocktailsA special thank you to bartender Pedro, whose talent and kindness made our visit unforgettable. His cocktails were simply exceptional, prepared with an attention to detail that truly shows. Furthermore, the food was equally impressive.
- Alitas de PolloAlitas de Pollo are sauced chicken wings with a lovely char. The pieces were thick and juicy!
- Cuban foodThe heated rooftop with Cuban food and even some Cuban-inspired cocktails were amazing.
- cevicheThe chicken wings and ceviche were absolutely delicious
- empanadasWe got the empanadas and a salad.
- Authentic foodAuthentic food & delicious drinks
- Caribbean foodLove more Caribbean food
- Ceviche CaribenoCeviche Caribeno was beautifully plated with fresh halibut, shrimp, mango, and avocado - absolutely delicious
Frequently criticized
- menuThe menu was WAY BETTER!!!
- Cuban foodwhat does Cuban food offer against Mexican food?
- dietary-friendly menu optionslarger assortment of dietary-friendly menu options
- foodPOOR FOOOD!!!!!
- frittataA pie sliced frittata for breakfast was not worth the price.
- rhum selectionCould use a better Rhum selection.
- ropavieja hashThe ropavieja hash barely had any brisket. It was just a skillet full of potatoes and sauce.
- tortilla de patataThe tortilla de patata for the price had no flavor.
- tostoneThe tostone was just one big flat fried tostone with puréed black beans that had zero flavor.
If you're craving authentic Cuban flavors and delicious drinks, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While a few dishes might miss the mark for some, the overall culinary experience is highly praised and likely to satisfy your taste buds.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
Youll be pleased to hear that the service here is generally quite impressive! With a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at 82.9%, its clear guests often experience good service. Many of the 34 positive remarks praise the attentive staff, especially Manager Vincent and bartender Pedro, for their welcoming and exceptional attention to detail, often proactively resolving issues.
However, it's not entirely without its quirks. Out of 41 total comments, 7 pointed out some areas for improvement. Some guests encountered slow service, particularly with drinks, and found the payment system a bit annoying.
A few also mentioned servers being unenthusiastic or hard to flag down when needed.
Service
41
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, kind staff
- Proactive problem-solving
- Excellent manager/bartender
What people don't like
- Slow drink service
- Payment system issues
- Inattentive server
Often praised
- serviceOutstanding service: when our brunch dish was delayed, staff proactively removed it from the bill
- staffI would have ranked the experience higher if there were more dietary-friendly menu options, as most dishes seemed to feature red meat and dairy. The rooftop itself is nice, and the staff was great. Unfortunately, the clientele was pretentious, which detracted from the overall atmosphere.
- bartender PedroFrom the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed and exceptionally attended to. A special thank you to bartender Pedro, whose talent and kindness made our visit unforgettable. His cocktails were simply exceptional, prepared with an attention to detail that truly shows.
- serverThe whole fried fish was also tasty. Our server was friendly and nice, although it was a bit difficult to flag them down when we needed the check to leave for our show on time.
- Andrea's sectionsit in Andrea's section if you can
- GM VincentThe GM Vincent was a great host to help us experience the city while we are in town.
- Manager VincentThe service was outstanding; when our brunch dish was delayed, the staff proactively removed it from the bill. Manager Vincent gave us a great recommendation to come for brunch. The casual rooftop atmosphere offered good vibes.
- ServiceService:4
- attended toWhat a wonderful experience at Cubita! From the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed and exceptionally attended to. A special thank you to bartender Pedro, whose talent and kindness made our visit unforgettable.
- attention and kindnessbartender Pedro por su atenciĂłn y amabilidad
Frequently criticized
- serverIt was annoying trying to make the payment with the toast machine when employees were not prepared for the system. The server wouldn’t let me see what I was paying for or my bill, just saying to touch my card. I want to know what I’m paying for, and the server kept staring at me, claiming it was to ensure I was paying correctly and to prevent theft.
- assumption of theftAssuming someone is going to steal a little machine is so disrespectful
- check paidhard to flag down when we were trying to get the check paid
- payment systemannoying trying to make the payment with the toast machine
- servicethe service is quite slow
- wait for drinksMy only complaint, which carries over from its previous iteration as El Techo, is the service is quite slow. Expect to wait 10-20 minutes for your drinks, which has been consistent. I suspect the bar might be the bottleneck.
Overall, the service here is a strong point, making for a welcoming experience. While you might encounter a slight wait for drinks or a hiccup with the payment, the attentive staff and proactive management generally ensure a positive visit. It's definitely worth checking out!
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
The ambience at this spot truly shines, earning a good score of 8.4 and an impressive excellent customer satisfaction of 92.5%. With 49 positive remarks out of 53, guests consistently rave about the fantastic rooftop experience, views of the city, and vibrant energy. Many appreciate the Cuban-themed decor and the overall vibe that transports them.
However, a few of the 3 negative comments point to some minor snags. Specifically, the heaters and temperature control were occasionally an issue, with some finding them either super hot or cold, making it hard to have a nice temperature during their visit.
Ambience
53
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning city views
- Vibrant rooftop vibe
- Unique Cuban decor
What people don't like
- Inconsistent heating
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was relaxed with beautiful views
- rooftopthe rooftop was absolutely lovely
- vibeFood, prices, environment, vibe, shots, and stuff were all great!
- rooftop barawesome rooftop bar serving great cocktails
- vibesthe vibes was excellent
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Cuban musicMy experience at Cubita, a Cuban-inspired rooftop restaurant in the Mission District, was a delightful journey back to 1950s Havana. The atmosphere was enhanced by tropical décor and Cuban music. We ordered the yuca rellena, which was delicious, and the ceviche Caribend, which was just okay but generously portioned.
- Cuban-themed decormore Cuban-themed decor and color schemes
- ambianceAmbiance 5/5 - feels like a hidden rooftop
- ambienceAll of the decor and ambience were perfect
Frequently criticized
- clienteleclientele is pretentious
- heatersheaters are super hot or cold
- temperaturehard to have a nice temperature during our stay
If you're seeking a vibrant rooftop experience with stunning city views and a lively Cuban atmosphere, this place is a must-try. Just be aware that the outdoor heating can be a bit inconsistent, so plan your attire accordingly.
Value (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 9% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this spot truly shines! Customers are absolutely thrilled, with an excellent customer satisfaction of 100% and an excellent score of 9. Based on 3 positive remarks, guests rave about the fantastic happy hour and prices, finding them incredibly reasonable and a highlight of their visit.
Whats truly impressive is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding value. With 0 negative comments out of 3 total, its clear that guests consistently feel theyre getting a great deal, leaving no room for improvement in this area.
Value
3
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Reasonable prices
- Excellent value
What people don't like
Often praised
- pricesThe casual rooftop atmosphere offered good vibes. Overall, it was great food, reasonable prices, and exceptional customer service. I'm definitely returning!
- happy hourthese guys have a great happy hour too
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place where your wallet will be as happy as your taste buds, this is it. You can confidently expect great prices and a fantastic happy hour' experience, making it a definite must-try for excellent value.
How are the prices at Cubita?
You’re looking at roughly 45 per person – reported by 23 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Cuban Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While most diners spend in the 31 – 50 $ range, there’s a mix of experiences, from more budget-friendly options to a few premium splurges.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 23 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Cuban restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, allowing for a nice meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cubita
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Epic Sunset and Delicious Skewers
I highly recommend the chicken skewers! We arrived without a reservation but were able to get drinks and appetizers with an epic sunset view of downtown SF. We also ordered dinner to go and had it back at home with family, which was perfect.
- chicken skewers10
- sunset view9
- dinner to go10
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Cute Spot with Crispy Yuca
This is a cute spot for a date or girls' night. The yuca was nice and crispy, and the empanadas were flavorful. I ordered the Cuban burger, but it wasn't particularly distinctive.
The garlic fries were decent. I would go again.
- yuca8
- empanadas8
- Cuban burger5
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Cuban Sandwich & Lechon!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the actual Cuban sandwich and the amazing lechon, which were both incredible. The happy hour was solid, and the drinks were definitely stiff.
I also enjoyed the hearts of palm salad, finding it both tangy and crisp. The outdoor seating was well-equipped, with umbrellas providing perfect respite from the sun and heaters keeping things warm after sunset. While the bar seating offers the best view, the entire place has a wonderful vibe that makes you feel like you've escaped San Francisco.
- Cuban sandwich9
- lechon10
- happy hour8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Food, Great Service & Views!
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive. The staff were exceptionally friendly, with our waiter being particularly attentive and making us feel very welcome throughout the meal. I thoroughly enjoyed the chicken wings and ceviche, which were absolutely delicious.
The atmosphere was relaxed and complemented by beautiful views. We also appreciated the outdoor heaters, which were perfect for staying warm on a cooler evening. Thank you for a truly nice time!
- staff10
- waiter10
- chicken wings10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Cuban with a View!
My experience at Que Bola was fantastic! I enjoyed delicious Cuban cuisine with a beautiful view, making it a perfect spot to catch the sunset. The service was attentive, and the dishes were interesting.
I was particularly impressed by the complex mixology, where Que Bola perfectly combined mezcal and pisco. I highly recommend this place!
- Cuban cuisine9
- spot to catch sunset10
- service9
What Cubita offers
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Cocktails
- Wine
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Seating
- Dinner
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
FAQs
What dining options and service features can you expect at Cubita?
Cubita provides a range of dining options, including brunch and dinner, with comfortable seating available. You can also enjoy the fresh air with outdoor seating, or choose to dine-in.
Does Cubita accept reservations, and what beverages are served?
Yes, Cubita accepts reservations for your convenience. To enhance your dining experience, they offer a selection of alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, wine, and beer.
How does Cubita generally rate with customers?
Cubita holds a strong **Restaurant Score** of **8.4** and **Customer Satisfaction** at **86.7%**. Guests particularly praise its **Value** (9), **Food** (8.4), and **Ambience** (8.4), with **Service** (8.2) also performing well.
What are the standout features of Cubita's dining experience?
Customers frequently highlight the exceptional **cocktails** and flavorful dishes, alongside the inviting **rooftop** atmosphere with good vibes and Cuban music. The attentive staff and reasonable **prices** are also often mentioned positively.
Are there any common issues or areas for improvement at Cubita?
Some guests have noted slow **service**, especially for drinks, and occasional difficulties with the payment system. There are also comments about limited **dietary-friendly menu options** and inconsistent heating on the rooftop.