A little piece of summer at Coco Cubano in Sydney

Written by Tim Blight

Writer, traveller, amateur photographer, teacher. Based in Melbourne and Lahore.

June 14, 2014

Coco Cubano Cantina Café

If you’re in Sydney and you’re missing summer, fear not, because we’ve found a little piece of Caribbean heaven in Crows Nest where everyone’s welcome. Since first opening, Coco Cubano has spread across Sydney and Melbourne with franchises in Darlinghurst, Parramatta, Blacktown and Prahran.

 

Chicken Fajita at Coco Cubana

Chicken Fajita at Coco Cubana

Decked out in the style of a Cuban cigar lounge, at Coco Cubano the adjectives which immediately spring to mind are ‘tropical’ and ‘languid’. Close your eyes for a minute, breathe in the coffee aroma, and let the Latin beats so the you, because for the next while you’re not in cold Sydney any more.

 

Grilled Salmon Coco Cubana

Grilled Salmon Coco Cubana

We’re feeling healthy today, so my friends and I order the seared salmon served with a side salad, and chicken fajita with a tangy and smooth guacamole salad on the side.

Grilled Haloumi Tapas (Image: Coco Cubano)

Grilled Haloumi Tapas (Image: Coco Cubano)

 

The meals are generous, and the food delicious. Of course, this being Cuba (and me being me), the meal isn’t complete without coffee – perfectly poured lattes. There are lots of other options such as burgers and breakfast, many with a Latin infusion. After 12 there’s tapas, a range of drinks, and churros for dessert! There’s even a cigar menu, and many of the cocktails can be made alcohol-free, including, of course, the signature mojito!

 

Coco Cubana's Caribbean vibe

Coco Cubana’s Caribbean vibe

The service is perfunctory, but it’s a busy morning, so we can forgive that somewhat. The overall theming is splendid – you’ll leave wanting to return to the restaurant whose slogan is Comerade (comrades), Música (music) and Libre (free). Happy summer in June!

 

Calamari with Chili Salt and Aioli (Image: Coco Cubano)

Calamari with Chili Salt and Aioli (Image: Coco Cubano)

Details

Food: 8/10

Ambience: 9/10

Service: 6/10

Cost: Mains $10 – $30

52 Willoughby Rd Cnr Clarke St

(02) 9437 6257

For other locations, check the website below;

http://cococubano.com

Opening hours: Early – late, call and check

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4 Comments

  1. Agness

    There is something I’ve noticed on your blog Tim – you’ve been eating so healthy lately and I absolutely love it. I’ve been maintaining a healthy lifestyle for the past 2 years and I am feeling much better. I would love to try this salmon and chicken dish with plenty of salad!! Omomomomom!

    P.S. You look so great right now. A lot of travels+ healthy diet – I can see the results! Keep it up :)!

    Reply
    • Tim Blight

      Awwww thanks Agness! Yes, my healthy lifestyle started a year and a half ago, at the same time as this blog, and when I decided to live as I wanted to, not as I am “supposed to”. And yes, it pays off – I love it!! You’re looking amazing too – make sure you keep it up when you get back to Europe – all those cheesy savouries and creamy desserts are so tempting!!

      And pleeeeeeease visit Australia or Pakistan some time – we have so many meals to enjoy together! 😀

      Reply
  2. Renuka

    Really nice! I did not explore many restaurants while I was there. But this one sounds so good. I like the setting too.

    Reply
    • Tim Blight

      I guess you’ll just need to come back then! Thanks for reading Renuka 🙂

      Reply

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