El Cubano

3896 Hongmei Rd.

Shanghai , China

86-21-6242-3349

A refreshing alternative to the city’s ubiquitous Chinese restaurants, this small café serves traditional Cuban fare in the Changning district. The interior is simple and inviting, with walls covered in mostly Spanish graffiti. Both born in Cuba, owner Pedro and chef Jesus import Havana rum from their homeland to make authentic mojitos, which complement a variety of island specialties. Menu options include plátanos maduros (fried sweet plantains), and picadillo a la Habanera (ground beef cooked with onion, red pepper, garlic, tomato sauce, olives, and diced potatoes).