Discover the Top Must-Try Dishes at Our Cuban Restaurant

Visiting Key West and wondering what to order? Here are the must-try Cuban dishes at El Mesón de Pepe, our authentic Cuban restaurant at Mallory Square. These are the plates that define Cuban cuisine in Key West — the dishes our founder, Pepe Díaz, brought from Cuba and has been serving since 1986.

The Essential Cuban Dishes

Ropa Vieja

The national dish of Cuba. Slow-braised, shredded flank steak in a savory tomato-pepper sauce, served with white rice and black beans. The name means "old clothes" — a reference to the shredded texture of the beef. It is the dish most people think of when they imagine Cuban food.

Lechón Asado

Mojo-marinated pork, slow-roasted until tender with crispy edges. The mojo — sour orange, garlic, and oregano — is the defining flavor. This is a centerpiece of Cuban celebrations and one of the most ordered plates at Mallory Square.

Arroz con Pollo

Chicken and yellow rice, cooked together with sofrito, peas, and pimientos. It is comfort food at its best — the kind of dish that tastes like home. Read more about traditional Cuban cuisine.

The Cuban Sandwich

Ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, pressed on Cuban bread. Our signature Cayo Hueso Cuban Mix adds a Key West twist. The perfect quick lunch, especially if you are visiting from the cruise port.

Tostones and Maduros

Green plantains fried crisp (tostones) and sweet ripe plantains caramelized soft (maduros). Both are essential side dishes that complete a Cuban meal.

How to Order Like a Local

The smart move is to order a few dishes to share, family-style, along with a round of mojitos from our rum and cocktails selection. Start with tostones or empanadas, move to ropa vieja or lechón asado, and finish with flan or Key lime pie. Read our guide to the best tapas in Key West for sharing strategies.

Plan Your Meal at Mallory Square

Browse our full menu to plan your order, and time your visit with the Sunset Celebration on our patio for the full experience — Cuban food, mojitos, live salsa music, and the sunset, all in one place. Learn more about our Cuban restaurant in Key West and plan your visit to Old Town Key West.