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Londonderry

Europe

United Kingdom

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Londonderry, Escudo de Cuba offers an authentic Cuban dining experience that transports guests straight to the Caribbean. This lively restaurant combines rich flavors, colorful decor, and a warm atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot for lovers of Latin American cuisine and those seeking a spirited night out. Known for its hearty dishes and lively ambiance, Escudo de Cuba is a place where every meal feels like a celebration.

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Ordered some drinks. We paid first round at the end when we closed the bill. Second round the waitress wanted payment before we re lived our drinks! We came into the restaurant because they begged us to come in their establishment. Big mistake. No wonder the bar was empty! This US citizen  will not be visiting this establishment again.

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This is a noisy place, the Noiseak level is about 11. You have to shout to place an order. It gets very crowded, despite the chalkboard outside listing their food, I think people come here to drink. They certainly don't come to eat. Which brings me to the food.  They say they serve burrito, they serve something with mayonaise that isn't a burrito. The Cuban dishes are low on rice and black beans, 

You like deafening noise and mixed drinks, this is you spot.

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This is a great place if you fancy spanish/latin american food at a good price with big portion but still tasty! 

Most of my friends went for the tapas deal 6 for 15£ including a portion or rice and salad (comes with every 6 tapas)
And other friend and I went for the Paella which served 2 but could have easily served 3 or 4 ppl! 

It doesnt look like much but great vibe, good service plus they gave us a free round of tequila shot at the end which is always a nice touch!

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Was a regular at the previous restaurant, Cuba Libre in Angel, before it closed down (which nearly broke my heart). Naturally, when Escudo de Cuba was birthed, I found my way there and can honestly say the food, service and experience is just as delightful as before. 

The cocktails are yummy (go during happy hour for even more value), food is wonderful, you receive service with a smile and the atmosphere is brilliant. The decor is just how I like it - authetic and unpretentious. 5*s from me any day since I've never had a bad experience here. The staff are attentive and friendly - can't ask for more.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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).

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Quite limited vegetarian options. 6 dishes for £15, and some absolutely delicious fritters. There's a great happy hour with 2 drinks for 9£, though they have to be the same drink. Real friendly staff.

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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.

Escudo de Cuba: Authentic Cuban Restaurant in Londonderry

Nestled in the vibrant heart of London, **Escudo de Cuba** invites you to indulge in a menu brimming with authentic Cuban flavors and a lively atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a satisfying meal or a quick bite with friends, this restaurant promises a delightful culinary experience.

Begin your culinary journey with tantalizing starters that set the stage for the main event. Here’s what you can expect on the menu:

Arepas filled with avocado, Parmesan cheese, and a fresh salad mix.

Crispy plantain chips served as a delightful snack.

Delicious fritters that burst with flavor.

The main dishes at Escudo de Cuba embody the essence of Cuban cuisine, featuring generous portions and rich flavors.

Ropa Vieja: Shredded steak slow-cooked to perfection, served with white rice, black beans, veggies, and cassava.

Paella: A generous mix of seafood and meats, perfect for sharing.

Finish your meal on a sweet note with the following desserts:

Tres Leches Cake: A moist cake soaked in three types of milk, topped with coconut flakes.

A wide array of beverages is available, perfect for complementing your meal or simply enjoying a night out.

Enjoy refreshing **Pina Coladas** and a selection of **Sangrias**.

A variety of cocktails are available during happy hour.

Don’t miss out on the daily specials that highlight fresh ingredients and innovative twists!

Savor vibrant Cuban flavors at Escudo de Cuba in London! Experience lively atmosphere and authentic dishes—your unforgettable Caribbean escape awaits. Book now!

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