Seemor
Cubana - Bar-RestaurantBWorth Trying
48 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7AB
· Restaurant, Bar
· 4.5/5 Google (7721 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively Cuban-leaning spot near Waterloo with fun cocktails, solid slow-cooked standards, and frequent service delays; good value on happy hour, mixed value on steaks.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Cubana delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong slow-cooked Cuban staples and appealing location near Waterloo with street-level charm, but quality variation on sides and drinks alongside uneven service during busy shifts keeps it from reaching higher territory. The lively pre-theatre scene and happy-hour value make it worth visiting, though expect occasional friction on execution.
Restaurant Summary
Steps from Waterloo, Cubana buzzes with lively music and color, drawing pre-theatre crowds, locals, and visitors for mojitos and tapas. Guests describe servers by name when it clicks—"our server kept checking in and made it easy"—but others recount slow drinks and delayed bills, especially at busy times. Expect a fun scene that can tilt rowdy late, with the terrace and graffiti-tunnel vibe adding street charm. The cooking leans elevated traditional Cuban: slow-cooked pork, ropa vieja, and pollo criollo win the most praise, while pricey grills divide opinion. Tapas are approachable with plantain and yuca sides, and cocktails are central to the experience—happy hour can be the best value. Think comforting stews and bright salsas rather than culinary theatrics; you are here for flavor, rhythm, and good times. Families are reasonably well served thanks to a kids meal with chicken bites or vegan falafel, fruit smoothies, and mild sides like plantain and rice. Space can feel tight, so earlier seatings are calmer. If your child is selective, stick to the kids menu and simple sides and avoid the pricier steaks, which draw mixed feedback.
At a Glance
- Slow-cooked Cuban staples are flavorful and satisfying
- Happy hour 2-for-1 cocktails offer strong value
- Slow drink service and delayed billing during peak times
- Occasional item outages and cold sides reported
- Steaks and mixed grill can feel overpriced for quality
What Sets It Apart
- happy_hour_2for1_cocktails
- slow_cooked_cuban_classics
- private_events_space
- near_waterloo_and_graffiti_tunnel
What People Love
- Warm vibe with music and color
- Tender ropa vieja and citrusy pollo criollo
- Friendly named servers when on form
- Happy hour cocktails that stretch the budget
Points of Concern
- Service delays for drinks and payment are common at busy times
- Quality variance on sides (yuca/plantain temperature and rice seasoning)
- Some diners felt steaks and mixed grill were poor value
- Review patterns show signs of light solicitation (staff name repetition, templated responses) which may not reflect every visit
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£34-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose a slow-cooked main (£18.50) plus one tapas (£7-8) and dessert (£6) for a balanced £34-40 meal before service.
- Families: the £10 kids meal is a safe bet; add plantain for sharing.
- Value hunters: lean into happy hour cocktails and share several tapas.
Perfect For
- Pre-theatre cocktails and tapas near Waterloo
- Casual group celebrations with lively music
- Comforting stews and plantain lovers
- Sunny terrace drinks during happy hour
Location Insights
Area: Central, lively and practical for commuters and visitors around Waterloo with a casual nightlife vibe.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked transport hub zone; busy evenings with bar crowds.
Nearby: Near Waterloo station, Leake Street graffiti tunnel, theaters and South Bank attractions; mix of office workers and tourists.
LambethA dynamic urban neighborhood with a mix of historic and modern architecture, featuring a bustling street market, diverse dining options, and close proximity to major London attractions.
Lower MarshA historic street with a thriving weekly market, independent shops, and a bohemian urban character that attracts a diverse and eclectic crowd.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–00:00
Tuesday12:00–00:00
Wednesday12:00–01:00
Thursday12:00–01:00
Friday12:00–03:00
Saturday12:00–03:00
Sunday13:00–00:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →