We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

“Interesting story, delicious food...Westerner stomach friendly!”
Review of El Palenquito

El Palenquito
Price range: RM 24 - RM 57
Cuisines: Cuban
More restaurant details
Restaurant details
Dining options: After-hours, Breakfast, Reservations
Description: comida criolla e internacional elaborada fundamentalmente al Carbón ambiente campestre buen servicio y buena Cocteleria
Reviewed 15 March 2017

On the way over to the restaurant, a Cuban friend told us that the origin of "el palenquito" is that they were a group of black Cubans who, to escape slavery, hid in the mountains. They ate fresh meat and vegetables from the land. Not sure how accurate the story goes, but it added to the air of authenticity and freshness this restaurant has to offer!

As you walk in, the roasting meat scents tantalize your senses. This was by far the most flavorful food I had in Cuba. The meat was seasoned well, the fish was fresh and also delicious. Prices were cheaper than other Westerner-friendly restaurants we dined at.

Dessert, like much of Cuba, was coconut ice cream or flan. We enjoy pouring our espresso over the ice cream to make it softer and super tasty!

WARNING: Shrimp cocktail is pieces of shrimp in a bowl of mayonnaise.

Lovely environment, although the outdoor seating would probably be a bit warm during the hottest months of the year.

Date of visit: February 2017
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
1  Thank olivethejoy
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviews (186)
Traveller rating
Traveller type
Time of year
Language

15 - 19 of 186 reviews

Reviewed 26 January 2017

Our group enjoyed a wide range of appetizers and I had the Cordon bleu as my entree . . who would of thought in Cuba. Staff was very polite and a full bar. Our hosts had brought wine so I don't know the extent of their wine list. All seating is outdoors, and while we were not bothered by the bugs, we were seated in a concrete flooring area, where many tables are arranged on the lawn. Very pleasant surprise, would return again.

Date of visit: January 2017
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
2  Thank Willy5169
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 14 January 2017 via mobile

The food was awesome! I had the lamb and it was delicious. Because it's outside, I would suggest bringing with bug spray! They also have one of the best mojitos I had while in Cuba--I personally like a lot of lime in mine. I would visit again!

Date of visit: January 2017
Thank alexandrakkort
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 11 January 2017

This is a good place to visit with family and friends, the food is ok but the quantity and the price doesn't match.

Date of visit: December 2016
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
Thank vivacubalibre50
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 9 January 2017

I was not sure what to expect when we parked our car in front a house in a residential neighborhood. This is a bbq restaurant and the food was very good. I had grilled octopus, and my husband had the pork chops. Everything was delicious, and our waitress was very pleasant. The setting is the backyard of the house, but very nicely done and very clean.

Date of visit: November 2016
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
2  Thank carolina c
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Travellers who viewed El Palenquito also viewed

Santiago de Cuba, Santiago de Cuba Province
Santiago de Cuba, Santiago de Cuba Province
 
Santiago de Cuba, Santiago de Cuba Province
Santiago de Cuba, Santiago de Cuba Province
 

Been to El Palenquito? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos & Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing
© 2024 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.