Lidia’s Cuban Kitchen

Even if you’ve never tried Cuban food before, you are sure to become a fan once you visit Lidia’s Cuban Kitchen, located at 117 N. Union Avenue, right across from the gazebo, in the heart of downtown Cranford.  The cozy atmosphere, the friendly wait staff, and especially the FOOD are sure to add you to the list of regulars in the area.  All of the dishes come from authentic Cuban recipes and all of the food is made fresh on the premises. And ever since the restaurant opened its doors in 2013, the fan base has been steadily growing.

Owner Lidia Galvaz comes by the business honestly; she initially learned how to cook authentic Cuban cuisine from her mother and ex-mother-in-law. Her brother actually had a restaurant in Highlands, which was forced to close after Hurricane Sandy.  When one door closes, another one opens . . . . Lidia decided that was the perfect time to open the restaurant in a place with a home-town feel, and that was growing as a dining destination town.  So Cranford it was!  And since then, her customer base has grown mostly by word of mouth and fabulous reviews.

Lidia considers the signature dish at her restaurant to be the “sampler platter” of “La Cubana,” which offers tastes of roasted pork, oxtail, and twice fried beef. And the Vaca Frita, the crispy, shredded flank steak marinated in lime and garlic, is to die for!!!  Finish that of with the Tres Leches Cake or Flan, both of which are made in-house, and your dining heaven is complete.

And when you eat there, prepare to meet Lidia herself!  She always makes a point of introducing herself to her customers, as well as to new business owners in her community. She maintains that sense of community by using local businesses whenever possible.  She has created not only a restaurant, but a piece of the community.

It’s the perfect place for families, for date night, or for girls’ night out.  The restaurant is BYOB, so bring some wine and some friends, and prepare to feel welcomed in one of the coziest, most fun-filled restaurants to enjoy some of the best food on the planet!

Check out the menu at http://www.lidiascubankitchen.com/  Prepare to drool!