Soul de Cuba Cafe

Reviews

• Ellen E.

  star star star star star 10 August 2026

  I had not been here in several years as I don't live in New Haven, but now I am all the way reminded how much I loved the food here the few times I went five or so years ago.  I was all set to order my go-to Cuban, and was initially disappointed to learn they stop serving sandwiches at 5, but the chicken dish I ordered instead was fabulous anyway, so it's fine I got pushed to try something new.  Also at our table were olives appetizer, salmon, eggplant, and beef empanadas--all worthy.  I've had one lunch out of half the leftover chicken and half the leftover eggplant--I can't wait to polish them off today.  Super good food.  
  
  And try a mojito!

• D M.

  star star star star star 6 August 2026

  Cuba. Quick! What comes to mind? A slower pace of life, tobacco, rum, embargo, mathematicians, very strict high school Spanish teachers... Music that is less rhythmic, and more melodic than our salsa in Puerto Rico. (Quick jingoistic aside: yes, Celia Cruz is called la reina de la salsa, but when you need to learn you go to the Universidad de la Salsa, you crouch at the knee of the Gran Combo. I guess we each like what we are used to.) But of course there is also something of the exotic, the mysterious, the alluring. Like my first girlfriend, in 8th grade, daughter of Cuban émigrés who first fled to Miami, then came to their senses and arrived in San Juan. Same language, different accent - so close, so far. That fragrant hair, so abundant when dry, sleek and wavy when emerging from the deep end of the pool with her besotted would-be lover in ardent, vain pursuit. Maybe that's the right point to curtail this metaphor, which while it can't get much dirtier, more's the pity, certainly is going off track.
  
  Especially as far as consummating a relationship is concerned: cause we had our way with that delicious meal last night! Or perhaps it was the other way round? Tostones (done perfectly, couldn't even say they needed more salt!), empanadas of beef, chicken and veggie, "crispy pork belly," and picadillo w black beans to die for.
  
  Two other data points.
  1. Warm, warm welcome, even though we showed up 30 mins before my reservation. And they squeezed us in bless their hearts, totally undeserved, and lucky us we were under the expert care and supervision of Christina. Yo, we ain't snobs, but having been round a wee bit, we know top class when we sees it and Soul de Cuba management, you doin something right with your team. Christina - and her colleagues- are confident, enthusiastic pros.
  2. The place is tiny! And it was rightly jumping last night. Reservations are in order friends. I promise next time to show up when I said I would, and you must promise me that you will also. Above all, promise that you'll go!

• Jessica D.

  star star star star star_border 4 August 2026

  Looking for somewhere to eat while visiting Yale's campus and this was suggested on yelp and I'm glad that we tried this place. This place is very tiny so if you are coming with a group of 5 or more I would suggest calling for a reservation.
  
  We started off with the fried pork belly. It was delicious but tiny so if you have more than 3 ppl I would suggest ordering too. These were served with hard fried plantains which were crispy and delicious.
  
  Some ppl at out table are doing the keto diet and at this place they were still able to find options by holding off on the rice beans and plantain as a side and instead going for the green beans as a side.  
  
  I went with the rojo vieja which is shredded beef simmered with onion, bell peppers as garlic in a light tomato sauce. It was seasoned very well and delicious.
  
  Every one else at my table loved their food.
  
  For dessert we ordered the tres leches cake. Try it if you haven't! It was goood!

• Lisa B.

  star star star star_border star_border 30 July 2026

  There are a few things I really like about this place. The staff are very warm and inviting, they make you feel like you are walking into your friend's house. Each team member really showed great hospitality to us. The food itself is good, though the menu is very limited. There also seems not to be a lunch menu, so if you come for a lunch you are paying the same price as a dinner which is ultimately very pricy. For the food I think the prices are a bit outrageous. 20 dollars for white rice, beans and chicken? I think this should be 14 at most. The location is in central New Haven which is a nice area, however I recently went to a Cuban restaurant in Time Square and paid less. If the prices were not so high I would probably be back. This is a good place if you are having a special date night or celebration. For an everyday lunch I wouldn't recommend it.

• Ro K.

  star star star star star 13 July 2026

  Excellent place for Cuban style food! Some of my favorite dodgers are the pork belly, empanadas, plantains, and  for the appetizers. The ropa vieja is an excellent entree.
  I came here with a party of 9, the food and service were both excellent. The drinks were pricey, but did taste very good.