Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe

Popped in for the first time yesterday after spotting Cha Cha Cha in my Instagram feed. It did not disappoint. I ordered the permit and hubby got the vaca frita. Both were excellent as were the ham croquettes. The service was warm and friendly. We will be back.

Loved loved loved it! Delicious food and an amazingly welcoming family and staff. The cafe is small, bright and cheerful. Tables inside and out, as well as counter service. We were warmly greeted and served two delicious ham croquettes (such a nice treat!).
The food is amazing. Made to order, hot and plentiful. Authentic. A delicious Cuban sandwich, crispy, buttery on the outside, generously stuffed on the inside.
Don’t hesitate! Go and have a great meal. You’ll be treated like family.

This one of those small family joints where the food is cooked to order and you absolutely feel like home eating there. The ambiance, the kid taking orders and the sound and smell of your steak and onions frying is crazy. I can’t wait to go back and try the fish and like the sign says it isn’t fast food

Great food. Great people. The owners are truly wonderful to be around and they connect with their customers on a personal level. Absolutely loved the “Cubano”. Amazing flavor and basically UN SANDWICHASO. We also tried the Fish Sandwich and the Ropa Vieja Sandwich.

Absolutely full of flavor. Great local Cuban spot. Will come here again.

Much of the credit for Cuban food's increasing popularity belongs to the cuisine's accessibility and deliciousness. The Garden State, especially North Jersey, is where a majority of the state's Cuban population resides.

Voted Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in 2025 and named after a dance of Cuban origin that’s fast and upbeat, Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cuisine is located on Michigan Avenue in Kenilworth and is a cozy, family-owned, family-run establishment where I decided to have lunch today.

Upon entering this hidden gem as a first-timer, I was greeted by the staff and transported back to the island, which was brightly decorated complete with vintage Cuban photographs & posters, bar stools made from drums, and ceiling lights made of Cuban canotier hats.

The menu is full of classics—Cuban sandwiches, Croquetas, Tamales, and Ropa Vieja. It’s a rich and flavorful melange of Spanish, African, and Caribbean foods.

As an appetizer, I started with the Croquetas (one with ham and the other with chicken) accompanied by cilantro sauce or chili sauce. For the main meal, I decided on the Pan Con Bistec.

The meal was bold, tasty, served hot, and authentic from what I remembered from my childhood. The Cuban pressed sandwich was first quality, full of fresh ingredients, and very reasonably priced. It’s the pride of its seasonings, beginning with onions, garlic, and peppers as the foundation of every dish.

I had a great conversation with the owner’s wife, Dania, whose friendly and welcoming nature has complemented the Guava & Cheese Empanada dessert.

One is treated like family from the moment you step through its door, which I can recommend this place.