Victor's Cafe Cuban Restaurant

236 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019, United States
+1 212-586-7714
$$$ Cuban restaurant
(2404 Reviews)
Price Range $50–100

Welcome to Victor's Cafe, a gem of Cuban cuisine nestled in the heart of Manhattan at 236 W 52nd St, New York, NY. For those in search of an authentic taste of Cuba, this restaurant embodies warmth, flavor, and the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean.

The moment you step through the doors of Victor's Cafe, you are greeted by an inviting ambiance that sets the stage for a delightful culinary adventure. With its chic decor complemented by well-chosen music that transports you straight to Havana, dining here feels more like a cultural experience than just a meal. The atmosphere is both relaxed and energetic, making it a perfect spot whether you’re looking for a serious dinner, a cheerful brunch, or a pre-theater treat.

Let’s talk about the star of the show: the food. The menu at Victor's Cafe is a celebration of traditional Cuban flavors. Start your culinary journey with their irresistible toasted croquetas or decadent bacalaitos, setting the bar for what’s to come. The ropa vieja (shredded beef) is a must-try, renowned for being cooked to perfection with a depth of flavor that showcases the spice of the Caribbean tradition. Pair it with the lechón asado (roasted pork) for a smokey, savory experience that’s simply unforgettable.

For something lighter yet equally delightful, don’t miss out on the salmon ceviche, beautifully presented and perfectly seasoned. And when it comes to drinks, indulge in a creatively crafted Hemingway Daiquiri or the Cuba Lounge Cocktails, such as the enticing Havana Spice with Bacardi Oakheart Rum, which adds a delicious twist to your dining experience.

Victor's Cafe does not just excel in cuisine but also in impeccable service. Guests consistently rave about the attentive and friendly staff, with several patrons specifically recommending to ask for Armando or Victor himself for a personable touch that adds to the dining experience. The positive energy from the team complements the heartfelt Cuban cuisine, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere.

As you wrap up your meal, indulge in the famed flan, hailed as the best by guests from diverse backgrounds. It’s the cherry on top of a meal that undoubtedly transcends your expectations. With glowing reviews that speak volumes—like “Everything was delicious” and “The food and hospitality at Victor’s Cafe is unmatched”—it’s clear that this establishment holds a special place in the hearts of many. Whether you're a local or just passing through, make Victor's Cafe a stop on your culinary journey through New York City.

So, gather your loved ones or bring that special someone for a romantic evening—you’ll not only enjoy mouthwatering dishes but also create lasting memories, making Victor's Cafe a treasured end point for Cuban cuisine enthusiasts.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
From the business
Identifies as Latino-owned
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Has live music
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves late-night food
Serves organic dishes
Has private dining room
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Paid street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

4:45 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

12:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

12:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

4:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Saturday

12:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday

12:00 AM - 9:00 PM

2404 Reviews
Ma R

22 Sep 2025

Went here for pre-theater dinner with not much of high expectations and we were blown away. Service, food quality and attention to detail were noticeably everywhere. I joked that our server was the owner in disguise since his name was also Victor and he wasn’t above and beyond with his service and recommendations as well. I’m Brazilian and you guys have the best flan I’ve ever had in my life! Also the fried cod fish was to died for! Thank you!

Michael Burke

21 Sep 2025

Love this restaurant! Ropa Vieja for me and my wife had Paella, both as good as it gets! We also enjoyed 2 appetizers, Croquetas and Bacalaitos. It just doesn't get an better if your in NYC and want Cuban Cuisine! FYI, ask for Armando as your server, he's fabulous!! They also gave me Guava puffed pastries with a wonderful cream dipping sauce!!

Olga Hehl

16 Sep 2025

My husband and I have been going to Victor's for about thirty years and would go more often if we lived closer. It never disappoints. Last night we went for an early dinner and ordered our usual: Hemingway daiquiris to start, lechón asado for my husband and my all-time favorite Cuban dish, vaca frita. Everything was delicious. We ended our meals with wonderful desserts and Cuban style coffee. Gabriel, our server, was very efficient and friendly. The host (I didn't get his name) was very welcoming. This is a truly sophisticated, elegant restaurant that is not pretentious. It has a very pleasant atmosphere. I look forward to our next visit.

Jaime H. Rodriguez

30 Aug 2025

I am biased because I’ve known Victor’s Cafe for decades. My late Mother loved the restaurant. And we all love Cuban food. The menu has changed over the years but it’s still delicious, based on what my wife and I had this last time. We both enjoyed the palmito salad. She had the salmon ceviche (which was presented more like a tartar), and I had the Pargo en Camisa de Plátano. And delicious café cubano. Excellent service from our server Armando. We also enjoyed the live music.

Raquel Reyes

04 Aug 2025

First time here. The place is very nice the atmosphere is pretty chill. I came during restaurant week and their prefix menu is very limited so keep that in mind. Also be prepared to pay more since you are dining in downtown area. The restaurant is conveniently located near the E-C subway station and also the orange lines on 6th avenue.

Tyler Benitez

20 Jun 2025

The food and hospitality at Victor’s Cafe is unmatched! I went with friends to celebrate a birthday and I cannot rave enough. The staff is so incredibly nice, the food is phenomenal and their drinks were amazing. We had such an amazing start to my friend’s birthday as we went for brunch. I came here about a year and a half ago, as I live out of town, and could not wait to come back as I am obsessed with their Cuban eggs Benedict. I cannot say enough good things about this establishment!

Emma Krzycki

19 Jun 2025

I always love to stop in at victors cafe when in NYC. Centrally located and close to Times Square. I love the menu, you can’t go wrong with anything. The vibe is also amazing in the restaurant. Nice music, polite staff, and beautiful decor. Make sure to do a reservation, they can get very busy. Perfect place for a celebration, I went for my recent birthday and received a card from my waiter, Gabriel. He was amazing and very kind.

Diedrich-Marisa G-R

09 Jun 2025

Cuban food is comfort food to me and Victor’s Cafe did not disappoint. In fact, it was so good that I couldn’t wait to take pictures of the entrees! All the appetizers looked great, but we went with the tostones con masitas de puerco. The sangria was excellent with wonderful fresh fruit. I ordered the ropa vieja and my friend ordered the lechón asado. Both were excellent. The meat was flavorful and tender. The rice was perfect and the beans were delicious (if maybe a tad salty but still great). The portion sizes were perfect and the food arrived hot. There was a mix up with our drink order so it took awhile to get the correct drink and the appetizer. That meant from the time we sat down until we both had our drinks 30 minutes had passed. We had been served water but that’s a long time to wait before you get your cocktail. The interior here is very nice, which each room having a different mood. It definitely feels like more upscale dining but the prices are not that much different than other restaurants that are not as nice. I would definitely go back!

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