Space Coast Restaurant Review: Cuban Island Restaurant in Indialantic

I have loved Cuban food ever since my college days in South Florida. The taste and style from this large island...that is only 90 miles from the Florida coast has a personality all its own. We have, because of our close proximity I assume, a decent number of Cuban offerings here in Central Florida.

Cuban Island Restaurant is the latest Cuban restaurant in the Melbourne, FL area to take a stab at the island's unique cuisine. The restaurant is located in Indialantic, FL. It is just south of Eau Gallie Blvd and about 3 miles north of Rt192 directly on the west side of Hwy A1A...and across the street from the Indialantic Hilton.

I went on the second day the restaurant was open. Whenever I go to a new place, I go in with an open mind. I assume the service will be less than stellar and the restaurant itself will likely be slow in getting the food out. My first impression of Cuban Island Restaurant was that it was pretty inside (though with very little island feel)...very clean and well done. I think some Island pictures would help decorate the very bare walls and black chairs and tables.

The food was fair. I tried both the Cuban Sandwich (if you are operating a Cuban restaurant making this well with great bread is a must) which is part of the $7 lunch special (it includes thin cut and tasty fries) as well as Cuban chicken with black beans. The Cuban sandwich was acceptable and I assume will get even better with some time. The chicken special was also fine and would do nothing to stop me from giving the place another try.

The price was OK and the service was very good. Cuban Island Restaurant offers a bar that serves both beer and wine, a great beachside location and a pleasant place to eat your lunch or dinner. The parking is a bit of an issue with limited spaces (I saw quite a few people park in the grass along the north side of the building...perfectly acceptable). They will need to tweak the menu, work on the spices in the food and cut the time from the kitchen to ultimately be successful.