The name conjures a welcoming mom-and-pop place that serves budget-priced Caribbean food. And that’s pretty much what Cuban Diner in Marietta is all about, with super friendly service, home-style cooking and an unfussy atmosphere that makes it easy to enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner.
East Marietta Cuban
Tucked into a small space in the East Marietta Shopping Center on Roswell Road, the modest diner-style setup is enlivened with Cuban artwork, photos and knickknacks. And the chipper owners, Jose and Susy Ricardo, treat regulars like family.
Starters and sandwiches
The wide-ranging menu features a variety of starters, soups and salads, including empanadas ($1.95/$4.99) filled with chicken or beef, and breaded and fried ham croquetas ($2.99). Flavorful pork tamales ($2.49) with fluffy masa dough are served open-faced in corn husks.
Of course, there’s a Cuban sandwich ($5.50/$7.50) with the classic combo of pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, mayo and pickles on pressed Cuban bread. But try the media noche (midnight sandwich) version on a pressed sweet roll that highlights the rich flavors of the pork and ham.
More sandwich choices include sirloin steak with onions and potato sticks, roast pork, chopped grilled chicken in sofrito sauce, and shredded beef brisket.
Entrees and sides
Entrees, which top out at $9.99, are a great deal, with a choice of two sides at lunch or three at dinner.
Savory lechon asado ($5.75/$8.99) marinated roasted pork is wonderfully aromatic, with plenty of garlic and oregano, and thinly sliced onions and bell peppers. Cuban-style sirloin steak, fried or roasted chicken, ropa vieja beef simmered in tomato sofrito, spicy picadillo, and lime-marinated grilled fish are among the other offerings.
There are many sides ($1.50-$2.50) but the most interesting is yuca con mojo. The boiled, potato-like root vegetable is topped with raw onion rings and a tart garlic-lime dressing. There are also fried green or ripe plantains, black beans and white rice moros, potato or yuca fries, and black bean soup. Papas rellenas, breaded and fried mashed potato balls stuffed with seasoned ground beef, do double duty as a starter or side.
Desserts and drinks
For dessert, look for creamy sweet-tart Key lime or mango pie ($3.75), tres leches cake ($3.50) and caramel flan ($3.50).
To drink, choose from tropical milkshakes ($2.50) made with mango, papaya or mamey fruit; Cuban coffee, iced tea, sodas and a small selection of beer and wine.
Dining out
Cuban Diner
Address, phone: 1484 Roswell Road, Marietta. 770-509-2576
Signature dish: Lechon asado roasted pork
Entree prices: $5.50-$9.99
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Closed Sundays. Lunch specials: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Credit cards: Yes
Online: www.mariettacubandiner.com
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