Plantain Cafe - Columbus, OH - Restaurant Review

Plaintain Cafe is constantly referred to as Columbus' only true, authentic Cuban restaurant. Almost every reviewer mentions how authentic it is. How do people know? Cuba has been off-limits to Americans for the past 50 years.

Plaintain Cafe is known for several signature dishes, especially their Cubano sandwich, their ropa viejo (shredded flank steak with wine, tomatoes, green peppers), their fried chicken, and of course their plantains - they come with everything.

I was there for lunch so I opted for the Cubano, traditional dish made from home cooked pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and then panini'd to flatten and warm the whole thing up. This was a very creditable version, not the best I've ever had, but really good. Of course it came with fried plantains, sort of like a banana, sliced very thin, fried, and covered with a garlicky sauce that almost tasted like really strong Italian dressing. I was reminded that I am not a plantain guy.

The restaurant is very quaint and homey. There are several tables outdoors, but they go fast on a nice day. The server staff could not have been nicer or more attentive, and my food came promptly. Some other reviewers complain about the noise but it wasn't that crwded when i was there for lunch.

I have to go back and try some of these other goodies I have read about. I don't know how authentic this Cuban is, but it sure tastes good. Great location, warm and comfortable, friendly helpful staff, good food, moderate prices - nice!