Clandestina Cocina

A little piece of the island with so much heart and an unmatched "sazón".We went on a rainy day and the special was ajiaco, a soup filled with chicken, potatoes and yuca and it's the kind of soup that gives you a hug and takes you back home. We then tried the Cuban, which even though it is of American origin (look for the article on Clandestina in the SF Chronicle) and it was like no other one we've had, the pork is perfect. A few days later we saw their pop-up at Berkeley Bowl and ordered the "ropa vieja" a Cuban specialty of shredded beef that came with beans, rice and plantains. So rich and flavorful. Just perfect. The owner is so nice and community-oriented and really elevates the Cuban presence in the Bay Area. The 14th street Eatery is a lovely space, with lots of tables and huge mural honoring the community and just good vibes. Go try out their food in San Leandro and now also every other Sunday in Berkeley Bowl West. ---------Un pedacito de la isla con mucho corazón y un sazón inigualable. Sabor casero que viene directo de Cuba. Clandestina definitivamente es un restaurante cubano que debes probar en la Bahía.

https://www.instagram.com/clandestina.cocina/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==This is a one amazing lady operation, where she makes super tasty cuban. The Cubano is definitely a must get. The lechon bowl breaks down that meat over rice, beans, plantains and more. Also got her amazing guava pastry, her flan and her home made guava ice cream as a topper that kicks it up a notch.Current popup is in a shared market space with two other small foodie business, so check those out too.https://maps.app.goo.gl/29XJX4wE3LBvkS3f9?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copyParking, sucks with busy street parking, but there is a community teen center 1 block south that has good amount of parking.Again, 1 person, very slow and intimate with asking chef about each item and you know it will be good. No rushing the good stuff.Yes, this is a must go back!

If I could give this 10 stars I would. My meal here today was truly one of the best meals I've had in the last few years. The combination of flavors was so exiting and delicious. The loaded yuca fries are my favorite! The Cuban sandwich is excellent and LOADED with meat. The flan is so smooth! I can't wait to go back and try the bowls. The owner was working and she is a literal angel. The dining area is cute, cozy, and super clean. It's housed in a E15th Eatery Kitchen so there are 2 other vendors in there too which is super fun.

This is a one woman shop that sells delicious Cuban favorites! Came in on a Saturday at 3pm and the food hall was pretty empty. The owner warmly greeted us and provided great service. The food took a little longer (20-25 min) but it was worth the wait! Everything was tasty and had great flavor. My favorite was the loaded yuca fries while my partner loved the rice & beans combo. Definitely recommend and will come back again.

We drove about half an hour to have lunch here for my birthday, and I am SO happy we did. This was one of the best meals I can remember. My husband and I shared a Ropa Vieja bowl and a Cuban sandwich, with a side of loaded yuca fries and a guava limeade each, and I couldn't stop talking about how good it all was after each bite. I'm already planning bringing friends and family out to eat here. The dishes each had a unique flavor profile that complimented each other so well, and the limeades tasted so fresh and not too sweet. There's nothing better than a fantastic meal to celebrate a birthday, and I am so happy we drove out to Clandestina Cocina to celebrate mine.

Cuban girl in San Leandro here! Was SO excited when I heard Clandestina Cocina would be cooking up flavors of home right here in my backyard! And CC did not disappoint! Ordered lechon bowl, ropa vieja bowl, croquetas, and pastelitos (these are quintessential Cuban dishes). The lechon was a star - tender, garlicky, and a little tangy- just like abuelas noche beuna lechon (IYKYK). Ropa vieja was equally on point - broken down and cooked perfectly in its juices alongside delicious green and red pepper ribbons. Both served atop your typical black beans and rice, with a side of classic maduros and a delicious slaw with a minty sauce that was a pleasant surprise. Croquetas were generous in size; rich, creamy, and complex in the center with a lightly battered, perfect golden crust. Can't miss celebrating the guava and cheese pastelito! Tasty, flakey, and gooey in the center! Excited that I can get my pastelitos fresh, and won't have to have them shipped in from Porto's every time I have a craving! Thank you, Lilian, for bringing the flavors of home to the East Bay! Can't wait to try more of your menu, and to bring mi mami and mis hermanos by to celebrate the culture! And can't wait to meet you when I get to you in person (you can get delivery, folx!). Run, don't walk, to your new go-to Cuban eatery!

Delicious food and generous portions! I ordered the Yuca fries and the cubano sandwich and everything was perfectly seasoned and cooked. Will definitely come back to try more from their menu!