MenuPages

I love this place but admit, a trip here will cost you dearly. This ain’t Restaurant Row, but it’s not far, just off the television studios and Theatre District that draw tourists by the double-decker busload. Why so costly? Well, what do you think they pay in rent for this location? A scaled down place by the same name used to serve good and reasonably priced Cuban cuisine uptown around W. 71st but that joint is no mas. Here you pay in part for the ambiance - the lighting, plants and open air décor - that aims to mimick old Havana, or at least Eighth Street, Miami. Suggest the Ropa Vieja (shredded skirt steak) or Lechón Asadó (roast suckling pig marinated in sour orange) as an entree. Appetizer: the red snapper Ceviche or Tamal De Maiz Tierno, a pork-filled corn tamale. Wanna save some digits? Try a Cuban sandwich. Better still, don’t drink here. Walk a block west to 9th Ave and get your sangria or mojito on in some nueva Hell’s Kitchen taberna before or after dinner. Miki Matos Vega

My friend and I had the ropa vieja and chimichurri skirt steak. Both were excellent and perfectly-cooked. My pina colada was very good as well. Not cheap and the portions were not large, but the quality was high. I would go back.

My fiance took me there for my bday and wow, the food was excellent and the service even better. First they took us to the back section and I was cold so without an attiude like I have seen with some places, they happily moved us to the front. They refilled our water all night when usually my fiancee has to ask for water several times. Overall, multiple waiters giving us the friendliest service, even as it started to get very busy... The talapia, flan, rice (with chicken arroza dish) and mango gelato was the best I've ever tasted! We were not crazy about the mango and coconut mojitos (too sweet) but when the food is that delicious, we paid little attention to alcohal anyway.

Old friends got together for a pre-theatre dinner, but the staff wanted the table and tried to rush us out. We couldn't relax and enjoy the food and conversation with our companions. I'll never go back.

The food, for the most part, was very good. It was very expensive though, especially in these recessionary times. And I felt that we were being rushed at the end of the meal.

The black bean soup is unreal! Have it once and youre hooked. I promise you will find yourself thinking about it.

My husband and I dine at Victor's whenever we are in N.Y. This is probably one of my favorite restaurants ever--I have had great meals all over the world! I also love to cook and wonder if Victor's has ever made a cookbook. Service is always incredible--see you next time!