By JONATHAN WARREN
Living in Florida, Cuban restaurants are a staple to major roads and restaurant scenes. In such a competitive atmosphere, Cuban restaurants struggle to stand out, boasting signs like “best Cuban in town”.
However, Tino’s, a family owned Cuban bistro on Curry Ford Road, has risen above the rest.
The bistro is a notch above other casual Latin restaurants like Pancho’s on Michigan Avenue in its atmosphere, food quality and price points.
Officially a Cuban restaurant, Tino’s also offers American foods like fried chicken, cheeseburgers and meat loaf sandwiches to ensure customers can order whatever fits their mood. All their meals are made fresh daily.
The House Specialties consists of decidedly more authentic Cuban and include things like Boliche ($9.45), seasoned eye of round beef stuffed sausage and tomato sauce, and Ropa vieja ($9.45), which is shredded beef in Spanish sauce.
Tino’s also offers an American style breakfast that includes French toast, pancakes, egg sandwiches, as well as various omelets.
The service is friendly and timely. When asked for honey mustard, the server made some from scratch for his customer. Orders arrive quickly,
taking less than 15 minutes for fresh entrees. Drinks were refilled without having to ask.
Tino’s Cuban sandwich ($6.75), the self-proclaimed best in town, may actually live up to its title. Their Cuban was pressed and warm, competitive with any in Orlando and is served with
French fries. The soft, warm inside blended nicely with the slight crunch of the pressed bread.
Another signature item off the lunch menu is the frita (with fries, $5.25). A fried Cuban burger, it is a
Latin twist on the traditional American favorite. The warm burger has a touch of pepper and spices.
The food on the lunch menu far exceeds its price and the casual atmosphere.
Location is Tino’s biggest weakness. Located on busy Curry Ford Road, the renovated building was formerly inhabited by Maryland Fried Chicken. Its casual elegance definitely outshines the neighboring Citgo and Krystal’s.
The small bar is adorned with hanging lights and a flat screen TV. There is enough seating for 30-40 people
including seats at the bar. While most of its decorations are fairly generic, there is a Latin feel to Tino’s. The lighting is low, and salsa music plays in the background.
While Tino’s food is not perfection, and its location could be better, it is above average in every area of dining experience, especially for a casual restaurant. Tino’s atmosphere, service, price point and authentic Cuban dishes make it an excellent choice for those looking for a casual dining experience.