I once considered moving to Miami. The reasons will no doubt make you look at me quite strangely. You see one of my favourite television shows Dexter is set there and I told Mr NQN that we needed to move there so that I could work at the Miami Dade Police station and help Dexter and Deb with catching criminals. “But they aren’t real mon cheri” he told me patiently. “Yes but have you seen the Cuban sandwiches that they have for lunch? They are real!” I exclaimed excitedly.
So when I was asked where I would like to go for my birthday with my two friends Gina and Teena it was this Cuban influenced restaurant. Cuban food? Yes that’s enough reason to want to visit as we don’t seem to have much of it on offer here in Sydney. It’s a Friday night and we make our way there. Just opposite the Queen Victoria Building the building is enormous and makes us ponder what used to be there (apparently an unmemorable computer store). Three months of construction on the heritage listed building later and it’s now a thriving, buzzing place. “How did everyone find out about it?” Gina asks looking around at the packed in crowds.
The left entrance is the restaurant and the right restaurant gets you into the upstairs and downstairs bar area where there is a live Cuban band leader Armandito and his band Trovason playing seven nights a week. Perhaps it’s the night, it’s an after work crowd after all and the atmosphere reminds us of the Bavarian Bier Cafe. The cocktail menu has some interesting specimens such as Cuban President, the Hemmingway Special, Canchánchara and Mary Pickford.
La Bodeguita Del Medio or LBDM is a chain of Cuban restaurants that have branches throughout the world inclduing Mexico, US, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Venezuela, Germany, England and Argentina among others. One of the main drawcards is that the legendary writer Ernest Hemmingway used to drink mojitos in the original Havana location along with Salvador Allende and Pablo Neruda. In fact Hemmingway so famously dedicated a scrawl on the wall saying “My mojito in La Bodeguita, My daiquiri in El Floridita” and an imprint of the writer and his scrawl features on a wall here. Other scrawlings from customers litter the walls along with photographs.
We are all quite curious about Cuban food so we ask what is good and Cuban on the menu. They hesitate and explain that the menu is more South American with Cuban influences and recommend their steaks and a few items. We try these although I was hoping for more Cuban items and we imagine being an island and having no imports must have an impact on the cuisine.
Classic mojito $10
It seems silly to go to a place where a famous writer has written about one of their drinks and not try it so we try their mojito. It comes out with requisite greenery intact and we all agree that at $10 it is a very decent price for a cocktail. We ask for Gina’s verdict as she is a Canadian and Cuba is to a Candian what Bali is to an Australian as a holiday destination. It has the lime and mint although Teena finds that it needs more rum while Gina finds that it needs more sugar syrup.
There is also debate about the type of sugar used (we later learn that it is caster which is what they use in their Cuban branch) and Gina prefers it with sugar cane juice and whether the lime is muddled enough. The mojito should have a good balance of sweetness and refreshment but I do find the sweetness and the lime lacking so that they’re not quite balanced.
The sourdough bread is served warm and the pick out of the whole wheat and the olive is the olive.
Croquetas de malanga Taro croquettes served with aji de gallina sauce $15
I don’t think you’ll find a croquette hater amongst the three of us and the taro croquettes served with a spicy mayonnaise type dressing are a hit. They’re hot and crunchy with a soft, moreish filling and they come paired with a refreshing pickled cucumber noodle salad for respite should the aji chilli sauce, which is like a spicy mayonnaise, become too spicy.
Ropa vieja Tomato & yoghurt braised lamb neck, Cuban rice with black bean vinaigrette $24
I was determined to have something Cuban and this dish fit the bill. It is also a very generous size and more a main size than an entree size. The lamb neck is gorgeously soft and is paired with tangy black bean vinaigrette flavoured with garlic, onion and thyme and paired with a saffron Cuban rice. Although slightly underseasoned this is my favourite entree and keeps me going back for more.
Empanadas de conejo con pebre Slow braised rabbit with tomato salsa $17
The empanadas are filled with slow braised rabbit and a tomato salsa which is different from Mexican salsa. The salsa is clear with herbs and diced tomato. The empanadas are encased in a thin pastry and we note that the white rabbit meat isn’t very discernible as rabbit and it is a touch watery.
There’s a little break between the entrees and mains. I take a look at the bathroom which gets me all kinds of confused as I see a hand drawn sign that says “Mens” but it actually says that it’s the ladies too in a hand drawn scrawl. The two doors to enter the bathroom aren’t quite wide enough and I find myself trapped between the two momentarily before I enter the unisex bathrooms (these kinds of things always happen to me). On the way back to the table I spot a room which is full of lockers. These are rum lockers which will hold bottles of rum for members so that they can drink from them whenever they visit.
Pato con chocolate Duck breast, sweet potato & spinach croquants with chocolate sauce $36
Our mains have arrived and we were recommended the duck with chocolate sauce. We’ve all had chicken with chocolate mole sauce but it is quite different from the mole sauces that we’ve tried. This one resembles a glossy jus and is light in chocolate but it is certainly present. The sweetness is further emphasised with the sweet potato puree which is heady in cinnamon and the duck is fatty and juicy.
Bife Ancho 400g 120-day grain fed dry age rib eye steak $37
Service throughout the night has been sweet and friendly but a bit absent minded. A request for share plates and steak knives is met with a friendly smile but they never appear so we figure we will take our chances on the steak and try cutting it with our regular knives. It slices like butter and is wonderfully tender. It comes with a Cuban mustard and a red wine sauce which reminds us of a pesto or herby mustard with the distinctive mustardy kick to it. It also comes with a piquant tomato salsa sauce. There is a serving of roast potatoes strong in garlic and rosemary that aren’t quite crispy although they are a good pairing with the enormous steak.
Tamales con espárragos y Queso de cabra: Asparagus, Spring onion, Goats cheese with pea puree $24
The tamales actually look more like an entree than a main and we remark that if you had ordered that and seen the size of the steak or other mains you might feel a bit left out. The tamales are thick and a bit stodgy in a similar way that cornbread (both use maize or masa as the main ingredient) are. We’ve had them previously stuffed with a filling and wrapped in corn husks but here they are presented out of the husk and with they are topped with spring onions, goat’s cheese and one of the tamales rests on a pea puree with asparagus which helps to lighten the cornmeal.
Plátanos fritos: Fried plantains with Cuban aioli $8
I wasn’t sure what these would be like and they come as slices of plantain banana dipped in batter and deep fried. They are a bit dry and none of us go for a second fritter. I preferred the plantain fritters without the batter at Jazz City Diner which were crunchy and moreish (and apparently the plátanos fritos are served mostly without the batter in Cuba).
Frijoles negros: Braised black beans $8
No such fate for the modest bowl of black beans covered in shredded cheese queso fresco (similar to Spain’s queso blanco). In fact the bowl is scraped clean as the beans are full of flavour and I marvel at the queso fresco cheese which softens but never quite melts.
Café y caramelo Mocha dome with candied peanuts & salted caramel ice cream $14
We end up waiting quite a while for the plates to be cleared which gives us plenty of time to contemplate the dessert menu. We had just enough room for dessert-and this one caught all of our eyes as we’re all avowed Reese’s Peanut Butter cup lovers. The mocha dome is rich, and probably best shared as it is quite a generous portion. It is paired with a cylinder of delicious peanut powder compressed together (similar to the Glory brand of Chinese ground peanut cookies) and toasted candied peanuts as well as a moreish salted caramel ice cream. Not only did it win our hearts but it was very prettily presented.
Mojito… una vez más Lime granita, mint, rum & sherbet $13
The dessert that they really suggested that we try is a bit of showmanship at the table. They bring a black slate plate to us and then remove and upturn the top and a cloud of dry ice wafts out. Once this disappears there is an interesting concoction inside…
Inside the glass bowl
Inside there are three little half orbs of creamy mint custard with the texture of panna cotta as well as lime granita, mint, rum, sherbert and tiny rum caviar balls which are made using algin and calcic. The whole dessert is tantalisingly refreshing and well balanced in the way that we wanted the actual Mojito cocktails to be and we can imagine this being a hit during Summer.
Nidos de banana Slow cooked bananas, dulce de leche, guava & cinnamon ice cream $12
Again this looked nothing like what we expected. There are three nests of what look to be vermicelli but they taste buttery like a finely shredded kaitifi filo pastry and on top of each nest is a slice of slowly cooked banana, some dulce de leche caramel and on the side are dots of a sweet, thick guava paste and a scoop of cinnamon ice cream and shards of crispy toffee. It’s not bad although it’s nothing what we expected which was more a pudding type of dessert.
We have a little time so we slip downstairs where the after work Friday night crowd has cleared. There’s a table of people taking photos of the “Please do not write on the walls” handwritten sign and the band strikes up a tune. We may have just gotten a little closer to Cuba!
So tell me Dear Reader, have you ever tried much Cuban food? And have you ever wanted to visit a city because of a TV show or movie?
La Bodeguita Del Medio
125 York Street, Sydney
Opening hours: Mon – Thu 12pm – 12am, Friday – Saturday 12pm – 1am
Sunday Closed
Under 18′s are welcome until 4pm
http://lbdm.com.au/
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54 Comments | Add your own
Goodness! Everything looks delicious. I’m drooling all over…especially that handsome piece of thick, juice steak! I never had Cuban food, but would love to try it now.
Italy. I’ve been before, but I really want to go to that pizza place from Eat, Pray, Love film. Preferably with Julia Robert. One can only wish.
I had my first Cuban sandwich in Flordia…and my third…and fourth…and fifth…
Yes, I’ve been to Cuba and Miami. Cuban food in Cuba is surprisingly ordinary. Not so much due to its economic isolation from the US, but because of a lack of imagination! A terrible shame when so much else in the country is full of life and flavour. It’s fairly well accepted, though, that Miami has better Cuban food than Cuba. Empanadas, guava pastries…mmmmm. The tres leches cake is to die for.
To answer your second question, I fell in love with New York purely from seeing it on TV as a kid. It was my dream to visit, and in a couple of weeks I’ll be there for my 9th visit (I’m an Aussie living in Sydney so it’s an obsession). I continue to love it – the feel of the city pulsates right through the screen. Sensational.
Oh Lorraine, this Cuban restaurant look fabulous, all the dishes look wonderful and I specially like the lime granitas that the nidos de banana…what an interesting combination of flavors…thanks for sharing. Have a great week ahead
The food looks good, even if it was a mixed bag. Never had Cubsn food. I want to visit PE Island because of Anne of Green Gables.
I have never tried Cuban food – but I HAVE had one or two mojitos yum!
Very cool looking venue. The beef steak looks to die for!
Ok, firstly, LOVE Dexter, and became aware of my need to visit Miami from watching that show! Secondly, never tried Cuban food, but am taking a trip to Sydney in October, and this restaurant is now on my to do list!
have I ever tried? yes, and it’s such a great foreign cuisine!!! i think it’s delicious, especially the way they make their pork and plantains. Also, these dishes look amazing and omgness the banana dessert…I might be able to make something like that at home since i have dulce de leche! woowhooo
so what’s your real verdict on the rabbit empanada?! I don’t think I could eat that b/c I love rabbits and used to have one. 
have a beautiful day Lorraine!
It looks like a really different experience. The chocolate dessert would be a winner with me, it looks so rich.
I’m so glad to see you did a review of this place. I also felt the mojito was lacking in rum, sugar and just overall flavour really – maybe because there was too much ice? I used to live in Miami so cuban and haitian food is very close to my heart. I remember first trying plantain and yuca chips, I also thought it was quite stodgy but soon fell in love with it. I now spend my time searching all over Sydney for good, authentic Latin American/Carribean food. It’s very hard to find!
The restaurant looks very nice… it’s a pity they did not have much Cuban food for a Cuban restaurant though… not even simple moros y cristianos?? I have eaten well in Cuba (it’s a very popular holiday destination for Italians) and would love to go back… sigh! <3
Stunning venue and photos really. I could sink a mojito right now.
I had the same impression as you. Been to Cuba many times and it is a great place to holiday. Was hoping for some more post holiday memories with the food.
This place was supposed to open up next to my office and then never appeared – I wondered what happened to them but didn’t realise they’d opted for a better space down the road! Looks great, I can’t wait to give this a try.
I hear you on the Dexter Cuban Sandwiches though…
Wow! If only they served this kind of food in CUBA!!. I have been there and the food there is terrible- nothing more than bland potato dishes and pizzas ( a result of the food rations) I’m guessing this food is based on pre-revolution food.. or is it an American take on Cuban food??!
Croquettes, steak & the mocha dome would be my pick. Yum!
Thank you for a totally new experience for me – both Cuba and S America remain in the realm of ‘never been, but interested’. Do a few Argentinian, Brazilian etc recipes at home. Have been to Mexico quite a few times – sorry, not quite my type of cooking! Or drinks! Yes, shows like Tony Bourdain’s do make me think of travel destinations, but not ardently enough to ever have done anything about it! Not very positive feedback – sorry, ma cherie!
!
Absolutely delish Lorraine!
p.s. my asos sweater dresses came and they are divine. Good thick material and the fit is great as well. Let me know if you want more info =)
I’ve never eaten Cuban food. I don’t think there’s even a Cuban restaurant in Brisbane.
Any movie with New York or Paris in it makes me want to go there.
You had me at Pablo Neruda – my favourite poet! I would, however, trade in my Neruda books for both of those desserts. So many flavours I love: chocolate, dulce de leche, cinnamon, PEANUTS…
Have you been to Cuba? I have – and the food is some of the worst I have eaten anywhere in the world. This food looks delicious and is nothing like the inedible, expensive horror we were served in Havana.
Susie and Debra I was born in and lived in Cuba for a long time and you sound like typical hard to please tourists. Cuban food has highlights like every cuisine. You Judge too quickly.
I love Cuban food — so hearty and homey. When I lived in Florida for four years, I couldn’t get enough of it. Fortunately, in the Bay Area, there’s a great family-owned Cuban restaurant near me where I can get my fix.
Oh, My! “Dexter”
Another thing we have in common.
Did you watch the 4th season yet?
I went crazy watching all the episodes one weekend while munching on snacks & red wine! But.. the 4th season –WOW….Trinity scared the hell out of me!
ANd about the Cuban food. loooove it. love it love it. xx
Everything looks amazing! i love having Cuban food as well.. now i need to get the hubs to make reservation soon:) thank you for sharing this.
There is a Bodeguita del Medio in Milan too, but have never been there in all the years I have seen it. I do however love a good mojito.
Yes to the Croquetas, the steak, those desserts and the Mojito in a glass bowl.
I would go to Hawaii as I’m a huge fan of Hawaii Five-O and the Australian lead actor Alex O’Loughlin! ;-0
Mmmm, I just had dinner and now I want to eat again!
ive never really tried cuban food besides the 1st date i went with my bf vivid.. they had a small cuban stand .. aww the memories.
the steak looks delicious!
I’ve never had Cuban food, but I’d like to
I had a reaction of ‘oooh’ at the lamb neck, but then OMG that steak! What a glorious hunk of meat! Looks fantastic. And ‘mocha dome’ – yes please
THIS PLACE LOOKS EXOTIC!
wish I’m in sydney.
What an impressive feast! I’ve never had Cuban food before, but it looks so delicious. I especially love the mojito granita. Mmmmmm!!!
I made dulce de leche on Sunday night! So does that mean I am all Cuban now?
I am totally feeling all exotic and stuff.
Stunning Cuban food there, though it was a pity about the rabbit empanadas and the batter-fried plantains. We rarely have Cuban food in these parts, though we’re all mad about tostones (flattened, deep-fried plantains topped with all sorts of savory things) at our house.
Incidentally, a marathon viewing of Tampopo and The Ramen Girl got me craving for a trip to Sapporo to try REAL butter ramen. :p
I don’t think I’ve ever eaten Cuban cuisine, it looks amazing. Boy, I sure love your birthday week, you’ve got to go to some great places.
Interesting place…but like you I’d be wanting more “real” Cuban food. I’ve always wanted to try plantain tho…
I did find a pasta shop in Northmead on the weekend that sells empanadas – pretty tasty too (and $5 for 2 = bargain).
Everytime I watch Man v Food I want to go to whichever city he is in! Some of the burgers, bbq, etc look amazing!!
I just think that steak is amazing, the price is terrific too. I’d like to get an atlas, and mark each country off,one by one, as I eat my way across the globe! Hmmm…. maybe a great challenge for myself now!
I think I wanted to go to Thailand after tasting real Thai food. I probably would have gone anyway, but … I was hooked.
And now I want a Cuban sandwich!
I have not had cuban food forever – it is time that I revisit it. Love it! Looks like an awesome evening with friends.
Wow! My first experience with Cuban food was a half roasted chicken with a sloppy pile of red beans and rice on a paper plate in a tiny hole-in-the-wall in Brooklyn and it was heavenly! My husband dreams of visiting Cuba and I would love to eat there but as an American it isn’t clear whether or not I can visit. But the food you had here is extraordinary and so refined! Wow it all looks so good!
Sounds like Cuban food here is much more delicious than it actually tastes in Cuba – lots of beans and rice!
The cuban sandwiches are enough to want to make me move to Miami too, lol! This place looks great — that rib eye steak sounds like it was fantastic!
Oh I love dexter too and CSI Miami, they both work at the same police station too, I wonder if they ever run into each other…
My first Cuban cuisine was in NYC – amazing – esp fried yucca. BUT my fav is Chino Latino cuisine est 60yrs ago by Chinese and Cuban immigrants – this fusion is old skool! NYC has a handful of these restaurants and the meals are authentic, homely and humble.
I like watching Amazing Race esp the eating food challenge. And anything Bourdain.
I had a bad experience here last night. While I can say the drinks and entrees were good they forgot our mains. We waited 1.5 hours and finally I raised my hand to order another drink and they just gave me the bill…WTF? Having said this I would go back just to at least try the mains. We just left and paid for what we had.
Look sooo nice.. hmm now I really need a holiday! Keep posting
I love this place. Awesome atmosphere. Great food and drinks. Live band is just amazing. Will be there soon again.
I’m just about to head there in the next hour. Will share my experience.
You’d probably have better Cuban food in LA and Florida than in Cuba. We are going to this place tomorrow, I hope I won’t be disappointed…Cuban food in LA is delicious!
The food looks nice – but this is NOT cuban food. I was born in Cuba and grew up in Puerto Rico since I was 7 (now in Sydney)….and this looks nothing like Cuban food – with the exception of the plantains (if they are indeed plantains)
Went here yesterday for lunch with a colleague, agree the food was very good but it ends there. Service was not proffessional in any way. Most irritating is taking plates from the table before we were both finished.
Wow, the B Del M looks different, only a few months later! I go there once a month for Rum Club tastings in the basement, and it’s a much more festive atmosphere. As for the cocktails, I find the non-mojito drinks is where they really shine. Go figure.
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