Amor Cubano

I've live a few blocks from this restaurant for awhile, but didn't hear about it until I saw a feature on one of those cab TV screens. I'm SO glad I tried it! The food was amazing! I had the salmon dish and ordered a side of sweet plantain and it all literally melted in my mouth. My friends got a shrimp and a chicken dish and I can't remember the exact names but they were equally amazing (we kept taking bites of each others dishes because it was all so good!). Some reviewers have had problems with the portions but I thought it was right on especially with bean and rice extras. Just don't expect to take home left overs. Also I agree that its a little pricey (entrees are $15+) especially in comparison to other places in the area but if it was further downtown it would definitely have the same pricing and I doubt there's be complaints PLUS the food quality is definitely worth it (its a restaurant! Not a carryout or cheap eat on the run type place)! Had the mango mojito which was good though a little sweet thanks in part to a slice of raw sugar cane (though that was a nice touch). The entire staff was extremely friendly and welcoming and our waitress was very attentive although I should add we went on a Sunday afternoon so it wasn't crowded. The band was setting up to as we were leaving so we didn't get a chance to hear them play. I can't wait to go back for that! All in all, good restaurants in Harlem are not easy to come by but this is one gem I will definitely be going back too especially when I want to hang around home and eat well. Would make a great date spot or place to meet up with friends. Its dangerous that they deliver because I'll be tempted to order every time its time to reach in my menu drawer!

As a picky eater, I have to say I loved this place. The decor is adorable and I can't get enough of their Ropa Vieja, I could eat it every day. the yucca frita with cilantro sauce is also delicious. It's a little pricey, but I just go during lunch time when I want to save a little cash. Overall, I recommend Amor Cubano

The wait was not long, but the waitresses were not friendly. They gave warm welcomes and very attentive to "friends". We waited for the bread forever, the order was wrong with no apologies. It seemed as though you have to know someone in order to get service. The waitress almost sat on my brothers lap passing by more than one.The tables were very very tiny. In the middle of East Harlem, spanish food is difficult especially when the food is so, so and very expensive. Portions quite small, maduros under cooked, UGH. Not CUBAN at all, very sloppy

This place is really cute. The menu is well designed with carefully selected pictures of Cuba. The bar has a pretty palm fringe and everything is attractive. The food tastes good and the mojitos are great - very tasty - although they're a little small. The main problem is that, for the location, the prices are high. Side dishes and apps are $5-$8 and entrees range from $16 to $21. My friend had a cuban sandwich that was so so and the my paella was a little tough. We agreed "this rice tastes really good", but I don't eat Paella for the rice. The thing that really killed this place for me was the service. The waitresses were competent, but completely unfriendly, with sour looks on their faces. Anything from walking across the restaurant to taking a customer's order seemed like the most tedious task. No welcome, no smiles, no conversation - they were completely uninterested in everything.

A great place to visit and unwind. The atmosphere and music is great. I grew up and moved back to the area but often eat outside El Barrio (All Manhattan, Bronx, Orange/Rockland/Yonkers, Atlantic City & Puerto Rico mostly) but the neighborhood is fast becoming a place to stay and eat. It's larger than many other quality places in EB but still a small place for its popularity. The wait on days when there is live music can be long but that is the reason it gets crowded - people like the festive environment. Could be better organized but there are many catch-22 scenarios. Crowded=popular place=many go and come back, great music=people dine longer=longer wait to be seated, great drinks (mojito,sangria)=crowded bar, more seating=back room which is nice=separated from band area. The food is very good and you get about the right value. The people are very friendly and there is a diverse crowd of dinners that is becoming reflective of El Barrio. If you live in the area Amor Cubano is a must at least to form your own opinion. I've recommended the place to friends and family and most are repeat visitors to the place.

Waiting 90 minutes is expected on Mother's Day but with that aside, the inside atmosphere is warm and traditional. Live band while small brings tremendous life and sound to the establishment. Being latin myself, some food could have used a little more seasoning but over all it was delicious. I recommend the Ropa Vieja and you must try the house mojito, two of them and you will be clappin' it up with the band, Little Havana is East Harlem. A Must Go.

For some reason this beautiful gem of a restaurant chose a tacky red awning with no style, and no taste. BUT when you go inside, not only is the ambience right on key, but the staff and the food continue to impress. We went there after reading a killer review in time out new york. There were only three tables sat on a late sunday night, yet the staff looked genuinely happy to be there (im a restaurant worker i know how rare that is). Even the bartender came across the room to ask us if we were enjoying ourselves. We are real foodies and this place did everything right. The grilled shrimp in garlic and wine sauce was to die for. People below who complain about the portions are not separating this place from a local corner spanish joint. This is not that, its an elegant, and classy restaurant, where the portions and price are very appropriate. Could use a few more vegetarian friendly items (like the veggie paiella) but otherwise no complaints! will be going back with friends very soon.