Nutley is now home to a spot for authentic Cuban cuisine. Cubita Cafe specializes in empanadas made from scratch, specialty espresso, Cuban sandwiches, and other modern takes on Cuban classics. The restaurant combines hip hop culture with Cuban culture to create a unique experience.
The 750-square foot Cubita Cafe boasts an urban and upbeat casual environment that’s clean and modern. The kitchen is behind glass, allowing patrons to watch as Chef and Owner Gustavo Gutierrez prepares the food. (This also allows Gustavo to greet guests as they come in.) The uniforms have funky colors, giving the spot a Miami vibe without being cliché. “In order to stay apart, you have to do things different,” Gustavo says. “Growing up, we were all listening to hip hop,” he says of his upbringing in North Bergen and Union City. “It was a big part of our culture.” In terms of décor, patrons will find a boom box playing music; as well as a painting of Biggie Smalls with a straw hat adorning the wall. “This place is a reflection of me,” Gustavo adds.
More from Best of NJ
What’s on the Menu
The specialty drink at Cubita Cafe is coffee from a purveyor Gustavo hand-picked himself. The spot sells coffee by the half pound or pound, and will grind it before patrons take it home. “Our beans were picked out to make sure they aren’t bitter,” he explains. “You can drink it without sugar.”
Meanwhile, their signature menu item is a unique assortment of made-from-scratch empanadas. For example, the popular Everything Bagel Empanada and Gustavo’s favorite, the Oreo empanada, are big hits. He makes the latter using Double Stuf Oreos. “Its inspiration stems from fried Oreos at carnivals,” Gustavo says. Despite the name, the Oreo empanada looks more like a flying saucer. Although it is fried, the empanada dough prevents it from being greasy, as it’s not porous enough to hold oil.
Of course, the El Cubano sandwich is a hit at Cubita Cafe. This specialty sandwich features roasted pork, locally sourced ham, Swiss, mojo, and pickles on Cuban bread. “It’s an elevated take on the Cubano,” he says.
About Chef Gustavo
Gustavo’s restaurant experience actually starts at Le Cirque in New York City. “It was cooking on a different level. It gave me a deeper understanding of cooking that I will always carry with me,” he says. In addition, he’s helped open a number of nearby restaurants; such as Newark airport’s Terminal C, Son Cubano in West New York, and La Havana 59 in Moonachie.
Cubita Cafe started because of Gustavo’s desire to try making homemade empanadas for his family. The first batch contained 13 empanadas, one to split with his wife and the rest to post on Instagram. To his surprise, they sold out instantly. The rapid success led to his search for a restaurant space. “I have a background in so many different things that make more money than this,” he says. “But I couldn’t do them because I didn’t believe in them. I believe in everything I make.”
Visit Cubita Cafe at 234 Franklin Ave in Nutley. Look for them online to learn more.
See the Latest Restaurants Open in New Jersey.
Cubita Cafe FAQs
No, they do not accept reservations.
No, they do not have gluten-free options.
Yes, Cubita Cafe offers vegetarian options.
They offer takeout, yes.
They offer delivery via GrubHub.
No, they are BYOB.
No, they do not have a kids’ menu.
All Photos: © Cubita Cafe
