Bella Cuba

Beef tongue is not commonly eaten in the average US household, but it remains popular in many cultures and has recently gained popularity. Traditionally, Cubans are meat lovers, consuming meat at almost every meal, with pork being the most popular, often served as lechon asado, masas de puerco or pan con lechon. However, beef tongue is also popular in Cuba, when properly prepared, tongue meat is tasty, flavorful, tender and melts in your mouth. At Bella Cuba the chef cooks the meat as "Lengua Guisada", the beef tongue is meticulously sautéed and it is perfectly cooked in tomato-based sauce with traditional Cuban seasonings, accompanied by white rice, maduros and beans. Although not for everyone, I recommend trying lengua at least once for its unique flavor.On your next visit to South Coast Plaza, be sure to stop by Bella Cuba, where the gracious atmosphere and attentive staff are sure to enhance your dining experience.

Arroz con Pollo: the plantains were very yummy. It was my favorite part of this dish. My least favorite part of the dish was definitely the chicken. It was extremely, extremely dry - yes, I wrote extremely twice because that's how dry it was. The rice was fine - not bad, not great; edible. Cuban Sandwich: the sandwich was just ok. Again, edible but not something I would reorder. This is based on my most recent visit. I've eaten here before but had ordered something different. I want to say the Roasted Garlic Chicken but it was years ago. However, on this visit, the food was just eh.

The food is excellent. The portions are large, the meats are all seasoned perfectly. The chicken and garlic is wonderful. They give you pancakes when you sit down. It is a rather small restaurant near South Coast Plaza. The decor is old school, simple, with a Cuban theme. We enjoyed our meal. The service was good. The interior ofthe restaurant is old, and might be better if upgraded. If you want a taste of Cuban food, I recommend this place.

Bella Cuba has surprisingly fast service and they had a decent crowd for 2:30 p.m. on a Sunday. The waiters were also very attentive and checked on us multiple times for more bread, drinks, etc. The portion is also good for the price and you're likely to have leftovers. I recommend their Ropa Vieja but would pass on the empanadas (we liked beef better than chicken, but the chicken was bigger).

Man I really wanted to like this place. We came here during the conference and a bunch of us came here for lunch. There was a probably 12 of us at the table and I think the server was actually overwhelmed by our party. I can kind of understand that but you should also be prepared for bigger parties when you have food that is ethnic in one area.The rice and beans mixed were pretty good but nothing to write home about nor would I ever return just for those. The chicken with the garlic sauce was pretty freaking fantastic. I must say I really did like that and I loved dipping the bread they served at the table that was already buttered into the sauce for the garlic chicken and I asked for extra sauce. I did think it was seriously overpriced for what I got.Others in my party really loved the Cuban sandwiches and that seemed to be the most common sandwich. One of our party got mahi-mahi dinner plate and frankly it was extraordinarily fishy which is rare for mahi-mahi. The empanadas were okay. I definitely wouldn't be back for those.I did think the drinks were overpriced and I only got one refill but the garlic chicken was pretty amazing I might be back I might not it's not some place I would go out of my way to return to it was pretty good.The location was pretty clean overall and you go up to the counter to pay so that was all fine I hate places that pass along a credit card charge though just freaking charge it and pay that you're already charging outrageous prices for food.

We were heading to the South Coast Plaza to do some shopping. Not wanting to deal with long lines and large crowds at the dining options in the mall I decided to try this Cuban plaza. This turned out to be a terrific find. The popular braised oxtails was fantastic. They were super tender and really flavorful. The portions were also quite generous. The Arroz amarillo con camarones was also delicious. The saffron flavor was prominent in the yellow rice and reminded me of paella. In fact, our server told me that the paella, which takes 45 minutes to prepare, is basically the same with a few more meats and seafood. Delicious food with reasonable prices. This has become one of my gotos for the area.

Good ol Bella Cuba. Me and my family have been coming here for years since I can remember. I always get the same plate. I enjoy eating the "bistec de pollo empanizado" pretty much just breaded chicken. Accompanied with your side of rice and black beans. Always get a side order of "Mariquitas" and "yuca frita" which is fried cassava, and from what I can remember the service was good. The place itself is nice as well and very Cuban like. Food - 9 / 10Setting - 9 / 10 Service - 8.5 / 10 Total - 9 / 10

Oxtail! The Rabo Encendido (Sauteed Oxtail) is sooooo good! Lots of meat, it is tender, and just has a huge amount of flavor. Then you pair this with the chicken rice.... dang.... it just hits. The Pollo Asado is another great item to get. Empanadas were delicious. We tried the beef, chicken, and spinach. I personally love Spinach Empanadas, and this one did not disappoint. Halibut had great flavors, but was overcooked and dry. Scallops needed more garlic and flavors, it was still cold when it was served to us. Service was excellent and kind. For me, going forward... it is the Rabo Encendido (Sauteed Oxtail) dish. I would definitely come back for this item. Thank you Bella Cuba!

Food is soooo good!I'm not a huge Cuban food connoisseur lolBut I've tried several places and this one is up there! Service is always great! Cute place with a nice ambiance. Also, they catered my micro wedding (30 people) And all guests were pleased.

This was my first time trying Cuban food, and I absolutely loved it! Bella Cuba did not disappoint. The chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside--a real standout. The rice was fluffy and flavorful, and the plantains were fried to perfection--sweet and crispy, just how they should be.The atmosphere was comfortable with just the right amount of liveliness, making it a fun spot for a meal. The staff were incredibly kind and helpful, making sure we had everything we needed. I'm so glad I tried it and will definitely be back to enjoy more of their amazing flavors!