Alma de Cuba
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 988-1799
Fax: (215) 988-0807
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- 16th Street
- Specialties:
- After-Work Bar
- Hours:
- Sun 5pm-10pm, Mon-Thu 5pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-12am
Editorial Review for Alma de Cuba – by Lauren McCutcheon
In Short
Three low-lit floors offer white, suede-soft seats, a glowing, red glass bar and vintage-looking wall projections of cigar-smoking musicians. The menu features island comfort foods including crab empanadas and fried oysters stuffed with spinach for starters. Entrees include tender rack of lamb decorated with mint leaves, halibut coated in fried plantain and tuna loin spiced with garlic and rum. A cigar-shaped cocoa-dusted almond cake with a baked book of matches is the popular dessert.
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasSemi-private parties up to 47 guests can be accommodated.
When to GoDue to limited space, specific times for large party seating have been scheduled: 6:30pm or 8:30pm and later Sun-Thu; 6 pm and earlier or 9:30pm and later Fri-Sat .
Save MoneySelect drinks with reduced prices and free tapas are available 5pm-7pm Mon-Fri.
User Reviews for Alma de Cuba
09/20/2008 Posted by rf
I recently had the pleasure of having lunch at Alma de Cuba and was very impressed with all facets of my experience. The atmosphere and decor of the restaurant combines rustic beadboard ceilings & ceiling fans with modern recessed light boxes and contemporary seating. The waiter provided excellent service and was very helpful in describing the ingredients and preparation of the many menu choices. I ordered the hamachi ceviche and the grilled salmon with lentils and horseradish cream. The ceviche was fresh and refreshing with a blend of crushed chili and citrus. The salmon was outstanding. There were many flavors and textures that worked so well together - creme, horseradish, lentils, bananas. I must say that this was the best meal I've had in quite a while. And the prices at lunch are unbelievably reasonable for such a quality meal. Others at the table raved about their grilled steak, crispy braised pork, black bean soup and tapioca (served in a large coconut). I cannot wait to return.
Pros: Relaxing atmosphere, great food, great service
Cons: none
06/27/2008 Posted by MAK78
Went to Alma de Cuba - several issues: While the wait staff was very pleasant... they just took forever to do everything... to come get our drink orders, to take our appetizer orders, our main orders.... the check... you get the point... I had to get up at one point to go inside to ask them to run my credit card so we could leave. We ordered a black lobster empanada... good filling, revolting outside.... not worth $18. The arugula was not fresh in the salad. Rice and beans were unfortunately quite bland - given that this is a Cuban restaurant, this was really disappointing. I got the Vaca Frita... which was ok... but its like they poured the WHOLE salt shaker on it... it was unbelievably salty (and of course it took forever to get a glass of water)(and the Coke came as our meal was wrapping up). I will say their rolls were excellent - but we had to ask for a few more several times, and the second dose came at the end of the meal.... after we were already feeling sick. I'll spare you the details about the gastro-intestinal issues we experienced afterwards from the food but you can use your imagination. Big disappointment, I will certainly not be eating here again.
Pros: Good bread, pleasant staff
Cons: Everything else - terrible food, terrible service.
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