Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe: Authentic Cuban Cuisine in Kenilworth, NJ

My man and I flew all the way from atl to jersey to try this Cuban spot because we wanted authentic cuban food. let me just say that this place was the spot! amazing food and amazing service!

I've heard of this place several times over the years and I was in the mood for some Cuban, specifically Vaca Frita. There is street parking but I can see it being difficult to find if you are there during peak traffic times. When I walked in it took a few minutes for someone to greet me, but once a young man did he was friendly. I sat at one of the tables expecting to stay, but to my surprise they made my food to go. I guess they assumed a single woman wouldn't want to stay and eat. A family walked in and they immediately greeted them and asked them if their order was to go or are they eating in. I guess next time I will let them know I'd like to eat in. The restaurant is cute, with bar stools that look like bongos and Cuban art all around. Anyway, Vaca frita is my favorite dish and I literally order it from every Cuban restaurant I go to. So I've experienced good and bad Vaca Frita. This Vaca Frita wasn't my favorite, I've even ordered it again after this particular time and it came out the same way. The beef is fried very hard and crispy and perhaps that is the authentic way, but it's not my preference. The congri I ordered with it helped to moisten each bite but I was desperately hoping to find some softer shredded beef pieces mixed with the crispy. The portion size is generous, that's a plus! Nevertheless, I'm open to order here again, just not the Vaca Frita!

I was looking for authentic Cuban cuisine like my mother's. We stopped after our hike from the Delaware water gap. Small and quaint, but has very close to my mother's cooking tried a little bit of everything, croquetas, tamales, yuca frita, papa rellena, batido de mamey, ropa vieja, bistec Ceballonado, frijoles rojo y negro and sopa de pollo. The food taste almost like my mother's, very close. Service was awesome as well.

Listen, if you want to take a trip to Cuba, START HERE! The flavors are transportive and It's a true meal that makes you feel RIGHT at home. Very rare to find a place that has love in each recipe with an authentic and intentional desire to have you leaving well fed and culturally exposed. Thank you guys for curating such a dope experience while taking care of my belly!

We went to lunch here today after reading all these great review here in Yelp. The service was really nice, service with a smile. We had croquette to start which was very tasty 2 different sauces. We also had steak and fish with rice and bean dishes. All the food was great and tasty. Overall, it was very enjoyable lunch. Ambiance was also unique with all the hispanic decorations. I would return again and I also recommend this place for anyone looking for good hispanic food. Price was decent too. It was hard to find a parking nearby there though. If it was not due to parking, I would have given 5 stars.

Got a Cuban sandwich and a ropa vieja sandwich to go. The Cuban sandwich was large and very tasty, would recommend. This was my first ropa vieja sandwich, it was very good but a little too salty for me. The bread on booth sandwichs was fresh and crispy. The service was fast and pick up was easy. Overall, I would eat here again and try their other menu options.

Wow, this place is by far the most authentic Cuban restaurant I have yet to come across in Jersey. Growing up in Miami there's authentic Cuban food in every corner. Once I moved back home, I came across a couple spots but nothing close. When I moved to Roselle I saw this spot on maps and read the reviews and I said you know what, let me try it. So I did! Amazing food. The owner is so sweet & she cooks with love! I love it here. This is my little go to spot. Highly recommend. Wish I could rate them 10 stars.

I've gone here a couple times over the past few years and the never miss! I've had the cubano, the choripan, and one of my personal favorites the ham Croqueta Preparada. Today my friend got the chicken Croqueta Pre parada and I got Pan Con Pernil today and I fall more and more in love. Family owned which makes the vibes very fun with great service. Definitely need to check it out if you're a foodie

Stopped in for dinner , as I was craving some Cuban food , never been here before nor heard of it but I decided to stop by and give this restaurant a try. I ordered a few things , I got the Cuban sandwich, empanadas , ropa vieja sandwich, Materva Yerba soda , and croquettes. The Cuban sandwich was very good ,but I definitely enjoyed the ropa vieja sandwich more it was just more flavorful to me and more of my liking ! I'd definitely recommend stopping by for some good ropa vieja. I think next time I'd definitely try the entree instead of it being on the sandwich. I really enjoyed the beef empanadas so delicious and flavorful definitely would recommend getting them ! The staff was very friendly and helpful with helping me select my choices and things I'd like! The atmosphere was a very relaxed , clean place to sit down and eat your food. They played music that had good vibes to eat too and enjoy our meal . I'd definitely recommend others who enjoy Cuban food to come check this place out !