Escudo de Cuba

Super food. Mixed grill was great, we shared it among 3 along with 6 tapas. Dark rum on the rocks. The octopus is galician style on potatoes, and to top it off there was a hot chick chatting us up from the next table (service not included).

There is a reason why this place wasn’t busy last night. The staff were great if a little all over the place and multi tasking. We were given plantain crisps and olives gratis which was a great start but sadly the food was very average. Do NOT order the quinoa salad. It was a sad day for the vegetarian tryin’ to eat right. Having said all that the mocktails and sangria were great. I think this place ended up fairing better as a bar.

Takeaway:
Friendly service. I had a glass of wine while I waited and was also given banana chips (yummy and obviously fresh) as well as olives.
I feel sorry for chefs trying to do take away in crappy containers and that’s what happened. It was a bit over cooked and looked kinda ghetto but very yummy.
I want to try this dish as eat in, I’m sure I’d love it– steamed chicken with creamy coriander sauce, rice, beans, vege and plantain.
Overall: I want to give a 3.75 but that’s not an option…
coming back to dine in.
take away only, no delivery.

You’ll fall in love with the place. I promise.
First time I went there was for a late drink after a concert at Birthdays across the street. The place was completely empty but the South American staff was so lovely that we didn’t feel out of place at all. The decoration, lighting, and music made for a comfy Cuban atmosphere. Creamy Pina Colada and complimentary banana crisps (the best I’ve ever had!) quickly made us feel completely at home.
I went a few more times with some friends and also tried the sangria (delicious) and a selection of tapas (also yummy). I’d like to go again for a real dinner!
The head waiter, Marco from Ecuador, was always there and is sweet and smiling at all times. The manager also comes by a lot and makes sure everyone’s feeling all right and happy.
On some nights you can also dance in the basement, which I haven’t checked out, but the upstairs bar and restaurant is reason enough for you to come to the Escudo de Cuba.

The best restaurant in Dalston!
We decided to try this little place out after passing many times and loving the atmosphere. The staff are some of the friendliest in London, the food is absolutely delicious and portions massive. Prices are extremely reasonable too.
I have been telling anyone who will listen about this place. We’ve visited on numerous occasions now and the complimentary shots at the end of the night are always a welcome bonus!
I’d recommend this place for any occasion from romantic meal for two or a full blown celebration!

This place has amazing food and cocktails. Otantic cuban cuisine make your saturday night awesome. Complimentary olives and banana crisps are so good that make you more hungry. Marco is the best ever, he always smiling. Highly recommended! Definitely go back again!

Wow am I glad I discovered this place. It is fantastic! Seriously seriously fantastic. I love Cuban food and unfortunately there isn’t much of it in London. So disappointing. And the places that do exist are just not good quality or very authentic. This place is right on. And I’m not just talking for London standards, I’m talking for universal standards. The food here is delicious and real and I highly recommend it.
We went on a Saturday night. Pretty full. I’m not sure if you need reservations typically, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. This Saturday night was particularly busy apparently, so our food did take a very long time to come out, but not only were we compensated with a complimentary dessert, the wait was so so worth it.
We ordered the Ropa Vieja, about as classic of a Cuban dish as it gets, and the shredded steak was cooked to perfection, melted in your mouth, and was unbelievably flavorful. It comes with white rice (with a bit of oil), black beans, veggies, cassava, and plantains. We asked for no plantains and more veggies instead, which they said was no problem (although I’m not sure we did end up getting more veggies to be honest). The vegetables were yucca, broccoli, and carrots. These were all flavorful on their own and a great addition tot he dish. The cassava was a big hit. It was mashed and delicious. What an amazing dish. I highly recommend this — it is a star.
We ordered an extra side of rice because there is an ample about of meat in the dish with delicious sauce that begs for rice to soak it up. The rice was expensive (3.50) but was a generous portion.
We also ordered the arepas, served two to an order. These are maize bread pockets, essentially, so definitely have that corn taste. They are filled with avocado, Parmesan cheese, and some salad like mix (carrots, lettuces, and tomato). So great.
The tres leches cake was also great. It’s a small piece, but very moist (soaked in three milks — evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream), and topped with a thin layer of frosting and coconut flakes.
The manager was very nice and apologetic about the delay. They were great with customizations and accommodating any requests we had.
Ambiance is casual, but nice. The place has personality to it. Dimly lit at night and lots of wood around (tables, floors, walls).
I will absolutely be back and would really encourage you to give it a try!

Awesome food, amazing cocktail. Plus free bravas and shots when I come, it’s great. I mean, I know I make it sound like a haven for 21 year old students, but I’m a boring 33 year old academic and I heart this place. And they sense my aging bones and tendencies, and instead of free tequila, they give me free baileys. Now that’s sensitive staffing. Could not be happier than I am here.