Victor’s Café – Cuban
Step into a vibrant portal to Old Havana where the rhythmic pulse of live music and the intoxicating scent of garlic-infused mojo create an atmosphere of timeless tropical elegance. Beneath soaring ceilings and lush greenery, the kitchen breathes life into soulful Cuban classics like succulent slow-roasted lechón and velvety black beans, all perfectly complemented by the crisp, minty refreshment of a hand-shaken mojito.
NY 10019 +1-212-586-7714 https://www.victorscafe.com/menus/Rating: 4.4/5 (2512 reviews)
Cuisine: Cuban
Price range: $$$
Dietary options: high-protein, keto, low-carb, vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, vegan, mediterranean, diabetic, heart-healthy, low-fat, sugar-free, plant-based, pescatarian, whole30, paleo, low-sodium, anti-inflammatory, atkins, south-beach, clean-eating, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, dash-sodium-reduced, low-fodmap, zone, tlc, detox, raw-food, volumetrics, alkaline, mayo-clinic, candida, pegan, slow-carb, lectin-free, macrobiotic
What diners are saying
Diners celebrate this vibrant Cuban spot for its beautiful bistro-style interior and central location near Times Square, making it a favorite for pre-theater dining and special celebrations. Guests rave about standout dishes like the tender lechón asado, flavorful fritas cubanas, and the signature ropa vieja served in plantain baskets, often pairing their meals with refreshing coconut mojitos. Reviewers frequently highlight the warm, professional service and the inviting atmosphere, noting the charming skylight and lively music that create a memorable New York City dining experience.
Menu
Brunch Specialties
Available on Saturday and Sunday 11:45am to 3pm.
- Brunch Torrejas (French Toast) - $17: Guava & cheese stuffed French toast with maple syrup Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free
- Tres Leche Pancakes - $18: Fluffy pancakes soaked in three milks with maple syrup Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free
- Tortilla Cubana - $15: Cuban-style omelette frittata, onions, ham, chorizo, diced potato, sweet plantain Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Cuban Eggs Benedict - $26: Two Cuban eggs over shredded skirt steak (ropa vieja) on top of a toasted baguette drizzle with Hollandaise sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Vaca Frita Hash Rice Bowl - $25: Pan-fried shredded Prime Black Angus skirt steak, red onions, Seville orange mojo, potatoes, white rice and fried egg Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Tortilla Blanca - $15: Egg white omelet, goat cheese, spinach Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, GERD-Friendly, Low-Fodmap, Zone, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Candida
Fresh Starters
Cold appetizers and salads.
- Ceviche de Salmon - $20: Atlantic Salmon, citrus marinade, red onion, mango, avocado Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Raw-Food, Zone, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Havana Guac - $19: Avocado, tomato, cilantro, onions, lime, tropical root chips, queso frito Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Ensalada de Palmitos y Mandarinas - $17: Field greens, hearts of palm, Mandarin slices, Marcona almonds, Manchego cheese, champagne vinaigrette Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Mediterranean, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Raw-Food, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic
Hot Starters
- Cuban Quesadilla - $16: Baked handmade bite size soft cassava tortillas, creole shrimp, Manchego cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Pulpo a la Parrilla - $26: Grilled Octopus on a bed of romesco sauce, chimichurri sauce, boniato crisps Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach
- Piquillo de Bacalao - $18: Cod-stuffed piquillo peppers served over a smoky, house-made romesco sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach
- Croquetas Corral - $16: Berkshire ham croquettes, Fig Jam Sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Harina de Maíz Tierno con Camarones - $17: Creamy polenta with shrimp in a zesty creole sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Fritas Cubana - $17: Cuban-style beef, chorizo & pork sliders, matchstick fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Empanadas de Pollo - $16: Baked savory puff pastry shell, braised all natural chicken, mango-habanero sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Tostones con Masitas de Puerco - $16: Fried plantain topped with morsels of fresh pork Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo, Sugar-Free
- Mariquitas Surtidas - $11: Homemade tropical chips with Salsa Lulu Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol
- 1492 Aperitivo Cubano (serves two) - $36: Assortment of classic Cuban appetizers Dietary tags: High-Protein
- Frituritas de Bacalao - $17: Codfish, corn fritters with homemade tartar sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Rice Dishes
- Arroz con Pollo - $30: Saffron infused Calasparra rice, braised all natural chicken and rice casserole with sofrito and beer Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Paella de Mariscos - $45: Saffron infused Calasparra rice, squid, mussels, clams shrimp, chervil, white wine Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Seafood
Served with Victor’s famous black beans and white rice.
- Salmón Carnaval - $37: Seared Atlantic Salmon, charred pineapple, chives, cilantro Cuban creamy polenta. Available Simply Grilled. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Camarones Enchilados - $34: Shrimp in spicy creole sauce with wine, boniato purée, boniato crisps Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Meat
Served with Victor’s famous black beans and white rice.
- Pollo Manigua - $30: Cuban adobo roasted bone-in air-chilled chicken breast, sweet potato purée, watercress salad, Cuban mojo vinaigrette Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, Detox
- Lechón Asado - $36: Traditional roast pig marinated 24 hours, slowly roasted overnight in Cuban style mojo, garlic mojo yucca, moros Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo, Sugar-Free
- Rabo Encendido con fufu de plátanos - $47: Wine-braised slow roasted oxtail, African-Cuban fufú with pork cracklings Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo, Sugar-Free
- Dale Puerco a la Vieja - $38: Our classic Roast Pig with Ropa Vieja Duo in Plantain Baskets Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo, Sugar-Free
- Pollo Campestre - $37: Slow roasted Chicken in a hearty wine reduction sauce, potatoes, and mini carrots Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, Detox
- Churrasco con Chimichurri - $49: 9oz Prime Black Angus Skirt Steak, chimichurri sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Ponle Ropa a la Vaca - $38: Our Ropa Vieja and Vaca Frita Duo in Plantain Baskets Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Vaca Frita al Mojo Agrio - $36: Pan-fried Crispy shredded Prime Hanger Steak, red onions, Seville orange mojo Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Candida
- Ropa Vieja - $36: Victor’s house specialty. Slow cooked and pulled braised Prime Hanger Steak in a pepper sauce laced with garlic, tomatoes and onions Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Atkins, South-Beach
Vegetarian
- Plato de Vegetales - $27: Sauteed mushrooms, broccoli, Cipollini onions, mixed peppers, side of yucca, sweet plantains, and white rice Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Pegan
- Paella de Vegetales - $27: Saffron infused Calasparra rice, seasonal vegetables, Manchego cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Mayo-Clinic
Sandwiches
- Sandwich Cubano - $26: Traditional Cuban pressed sandwich, hand-carved pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickle & mustard, Tropical Chips Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Sides
- Fried Sweet Plantains - $10 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Low-Fodmap
- Boiled Yucca with Garlic Mojo - $12 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Pegan, Candida
- Fried Green Plantains with Garlic Mojo - $12 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol
- Seasonal Market Vegetables - $15 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Yucca Fries with Cilantro Sauce - $12 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
Desserts
- Guayabitas de Maria - $14: Warm guava cobbler with vanilla gelato Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Zuly’s Tres Leches - $14: Sponge cake soaked in three milks with toasted merengue Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Flan de Huevo - $11: Traditional Cuban-style egg custard topped with a light caramel sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Flan de Café - $11: Espresso Coffee Flan Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Pastelitos de Guayaba con Queso crema - $12: Handmade puff pastry filled guava and cream cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Churros con Tres Salsas - $15: Cuban-style doughnuts with three dipping sauces; chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, sweet condensed milk Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Helado - $12: Choice of coconut, vanilla or chocolate gelato Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Pescatarian
- Sorbete - $12: Guava or Mango sorbet Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC
Victor's Specialty Cocktails
- POP STAR MOJITO - $19: In partnership with MJ: The Musical. Bacardi Black, Fresh Lime, Mint Leaves, Simple Syrup, Red Glitter
- STRAWBERRY REFRESHER MOJITO - $19: Grey Goose Essences Strawberry & Lemongrass, Strawberries, Lime, Mint Leaves, Simple Syrup
- COCO LOCO - $18: Bacardi Superior, Bacardi Black Rum, Coconut Lopez, Pineapple Juice
- THE HAVANA, OUR TAKE ON AN OLD FASHION - $19: Santa Teresa 1796 Solera Rum, Maraschino Liqueur, Martini Fiero, Angostura Bitters
- Hemingway Daiquiri - $19: Bacardi Superior, maraschino liqueur, fresh lime, simple syrup
- Mojito Clásico - $19: Bacardi Superior, fresh lime, mint leaves, simple syrup
- Cubiche Flaco “Skinny Mojito” - $19: Tito’s Vodka, fresh lime, Splenda, mint leaves
- Coconaty Mojito - $19: Bacardi Coco, fresh lime, mint leaves, simple syrup
- Havana Spice - $19: Bacardi Spiced Rum, lemon juice, fresh lime, sugar & spice cinnamon ring
- Spicy Cucumber Margarita - $19: 21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeno Tequila, Orange Liqueur, Tajín Clásico Chile Lime Rim
- TROPICAL HURRICANE - $18: Bacardi Superior, Bacardi Black Rum, Frangelico, Pineapple & Orange Juices, Grenadine
- ZERO PROOF TROPICAL - $16: Refresher Limonada, Pineapple & Mango Juice, Ginger Beer
- Stella Liberte - $12: Alcohol Free
Sangria
Sangria with A Cuban Twist - A Cuban twist on the Spanish standard. Our Sangria is made with wine, triple sec, brandy, gin, pineapple, guava, oranges, and fresh-squeezed juice.
- Slutty Sangria: The Red Wine Glass - $19
- Sassy Blanc: White Wine Glass - $19
- Victor's Bubbly Bliss: Champs Glass - $20
Wine By The Glass
- Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut - $33: Champagne, France, 187ml
- Mionetto Prosecco - $18: Italy, 187ml
- Justin Rose - $16: 2023, Central Coast, California
- Terras Gauda o Rosal Rias Baixas Blanco - $14: 2024, Spain
- Schug, Sauvignon Blanc - $15: 2023 California
- Bortoluzzi Pinot Grigio Delle - $16: 2022, Trentino Alto Adige
- Chalk Hill Chardonnay - $17: 2021, Sonoma Coast, California
- Banshee, Pinot Noir - $16: 2023, Sonoma Coast, California
- Felino, Malbec - $18: 2022, Mendoza, Argentina
- Beronia Rioja Reserva - $15: 2020, Rioja, Spain
- Justin, Cabernet Sauvignon - $19: 2021, Paso Robles, CA
Half Bottles
- La Crema, Pinot Noir - $34: 2022, Sonoma County, CA
- Silverado Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon - $61: 2018, Napa Valley, CA
- Caymus - $59: 2022, Napa Valley, California
- Justin, Sauvignon Blanc - $32: 2024, Central Coast, CA
- La Crema, Chardonnay - $34: 2020, Sonoma County, CA
White Wines
Bottles
- Stags Leap, Karia - $85: Chardonnay, 2021, Napa Valley, California
- Patz & Hall - $75: Chardonnay, 2019, Sonoma Coast, California
- Flowers - $99: Chardonnay, 2023, Sonoma Coast, California
- Rapaura Springs - $57: Sauvignon Blanc, 2022, Marlborough, New Zealand
- Silverado Vineyards - $66: Sauvignon Blanc, 2022, Napa Valley, California
Red Wines
Bottles
- Quilt - $95: Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021, Napa Valley, California
- Faust - $109: Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022, Napa Valley, California
- Jordan - $109: Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019, Alexander Valley, California
- Foley Johnson Estate Bottled - $87: Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020, Rutherford, California
- M - $65: Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022, Paso Robles, California
- Stag's Leap Artemis - $129: Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021, Napa Valley, California
- Robert Mondavi Winery, The Estates Oakville - $129: Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021, Napa Valley, California
- Scattered Peaks - $69: Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022, Napa Valley, California
- Silverado Vineyards - $93: Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022, Napa Valley, California
- Jayson by Pahlmeyer - $154: Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021, Napa Valley California
- Flowers - $134: Pinot Noir, 2019, Sonoma Coast, California
- Red Schooner by Caymus - $89: Malbec, Red Wine of The World Voyage 12, Argentina
- Ramon Bilbao, Rioja Crianza - $51: 2021, Rioja, Spain
- Beronia Rioja Gran Reserva - $84: 2016, Rioja, Spain
- Antigal, Malbec Uno Platinum Edition - $66: 2019, Argentina
Champagne and Sparkling Wines
Bottles
- Ruggeri, Prosecco - $69: Italy
- Emmolo Sparkling Wine No. 5 - $74: California
- Legras & Haas Brut, Grand Cru - $129: Champagne, France
- Heidsieck & Co. Monopole Brut - $129: Champagne, France
- Perrier Jouet, Grand Brut - $165: Champagne, France
Dessert Beverages
- Gonzalez Sherry Matusalem Rare 30yr - $19
- Tio Pepe Cuatro Palmas Amontillado - $17
- Nonino Grappa di Merlot - $17
- Nonino Amaro Quintessentia - $17
- Averna Amaro - $17
- Grahams 20yr Tawny Port - $17
- Luxardo Sambucca - $16
- Romana Black Sambuca - $17
- Frangelico - $15
- Kahlua - $16
- Luxardo Amaretto Di Sachira - $16
- Baileys Irish Cream - $16
Cuban Lunch Tasting Menu
Available Wednesday, Thursday & Friday until 3pm. Beverages, Gratuity, and Tax Not Included.
- Prix Fixe Lunch - $29: Choice of one Appetizer, one Entree, and Dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions about Victor’s Café
- What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?
- Popular dishes include the tender lechón asado, flavorful fritas cubanas, and signature ropa vieja served in plantain baskets.
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- Ceviche de Salmon is keto and gluten-free, while Boiled Yucca and Fried Green Plantains are both vegan and gluten-free.
- Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?
- Supported diets include vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, and paleo, featuring dishes like boiled yucca, salmon ceviche, and vaca frita hash.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- The provided review summary mentions no customer concerns, instead highlighting the professional service, inviting atmosphere, and central location near Times Square.
- Is this a good spot for a date or special occasion?
- Diners recommend this expensive ($$$) 4.4/5 rated spot for special celebrations, citing its beautiful bistro-style interior and professional service.
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- Victor’s Café has a total of 2,512 reviews, reflecting its popularity as a long-standing Cuban dining destination in New York.
- What is the overall customer sentiment about this restaurant?
- With a 4.4/5 rating, guests celebrate the warm service and vibrant atmosphere while raving about the lechón asado and ropa vieja.
- What's the best way to experience this restaurant?
- Diners recommend visiting for pre-theater dining or special celebrations to enjoy live music, signature mojitos, and the vibrant atmosphere.
- Is this restaurant currently open and operational?
- The provided data does not specify current operating hours or status, though a website and menu highlights are available.
- What is the restaurant's atmosphere and style?
- The restaurant features a vibrant bistro-style interior with live music, soaring ceilings, lush greenery, and a timeless tropical elegance.