El Rincon Criollo
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El Rincon Criollo (A CUBAN RESTAURANT) www.BESTCUBANFOOD.COM El Rincon Criollo brings Cuban flavor to Los Angeles.
It doesn't stop at a wonderful menu built upon always fresh - always homemade ingredients; not only is El Rincon Criollo's food delicious and sumptuous - but the surroundings make one feel as if they have walked off Sepulveda and are setting down for a feast off a beach. The walls are covered with paintings imported from Cuba and done by Cuban artists. There may be other Cuban restaurants in Los Angeles, but none catch the true flavor of the native land known as the 'pearl of the Antillas', Cuba was the place to go for food, fun, music and gambling. Politics might have gotten in the way a few years ago, but the food and style the emigres brought was fantastic - A cultural mix of Spain, South America, France and the Caribbean. El Rincon Criollo in Spanish means "the creole corner," and this little corner (actually - 2 doors in from the corner) on Sepulveda is the place to enjoy lunch or dinner anytime. The value is obvious and the portions are generous. Known for roast chicken dishes and the leanest firmest lechon (pork) dishes are also served with rice, black beans, plantains and lots of wonderfully seasoned onions. Eleven seafood dishes including a fresh variety of sautéed fish and shrimp in a tasty Cuban sauce are wonderful. Imported sodas, fresh home-made Sangria and fresh lemonade are all on hand with an extensive b**r and w**e list (including various mixed "cocktails"). Fresh coconuts and fruit juices round-out the beverages.
09/26/2026
Our empanadas are one of our best sellers, and we completely understand why.
Golden and crispy on the outside, warm and savory on the inside. They're good as a quick bite, a starter for the table, or whenever you're too hungry to think straight.
Which reminds us of something Krista Hollingsworth always says:
"You can't plan on an empty stomach."
We agree.
Stop by El Rincón Criollo and grab a few for the table.
📍 8501 Pershing Dr., Playa del Rey
09/24/2026
Hispanic Heritage Month is a good time to celebrate the food and traditions that have been part of our family for generations.
And if you want a taste of Cuba, our Cuban Bowl is a pretty good place to start.
Rice, black beans, plantains, your choice of protein, and all those Cuban flavors together in one bowl. Add a couple of empanadas on the side and you’ve got some of our favorites all in one meal.
Come hungry and celebrate with us at El Rincón Criollo.
09/19/2026
Due to popular demand, we're bringing back our w**e tasting, but we're doing things a little differently this time!
Instead of our usual sit-down w**e dinner, we're hosting a relaxed afternoon of Italian w**es and Cuban-inspired appetizers.
Taste four Italian w**es and enjoy some of Chef Jason's appetizers, including mini-empanadas, ceviche, steak crostini, and his mom's special meatballs.
Peter Kerr from Gourmet W**e Getaways will be joining us again to talk about the w**es, answer your questions, and share a few pairing tips.
📅 Saturday, October 3 | 2–4 PM
🍷 $60 per person, plus tax and gratuity
Bring your friends or come on your own. We'd love to have you!
Space is limited, and prepaid reservations are required. Call us at (310) 391-4478 to save your spot.
**eTasting
Fresh never looked so decadent.
Here's a little behind the scenes at El Rincón Criollo. Jason stopped by the local market to pick up fresh produce for the restaurant, from tomatoes and herbs to vegetables and berries.
It’s a part of running the restaurant you don’t always get to see, but good food starts with good ingredients.
From the market to our kitchen, we can’t wait to put these to good use.
Come see what we’re cooking up. We’ll see you at El Rincón!
09/07/2026
Happy Labor Day from all of us at El Rincón Criollo!
To our friends and customers: We hope you enjoythe long weekend with family, friends, and of course, have something good to eat.
To our team: Thank you for everything you do to keep the restaurant running and thriving.
To our colleagues: We know you're working this weekend, so we hope you're busy and smiling.
Happy Labor Day, everyone!
09/03/2026
Meet Nelson, the man behind all those delicious Cuban-inspired flavors. 👨🍳
From classic favorites to plates packed with flavor, Nelson knows how to make every meal worth looking forward to.
He’s part of the family behind El Rincon Criollo and one of the reasons there’s always something good cooking in our kitchen.
Next time you stop by, come hungry. Nelson’s got you covered!
A little sweet, a little tangy, and seriously refreshing. 🥭
Our Mango Margarita is the kind of drink that makes you want to stay for another round and maybe order a few Cuban favorites while you’re at it.
Stop by El Rincon Criollo and treat yourself to a sip!
Keep that vacation feeling going a little longer.
Fresh, flavorful, and perfect for a warm summer day, our camarón cocktail brings a little taste of the coast right to your table.
Stop by El Rincon Criollo, settle in, and enjoy a meal that makes an ordinary day feel a little more like vacation.
08/14/2026
You voted, and our Cubano came out on top!
We’re excited to share that our Cubano was named Best Sandwich in the 2026 Best of HTN, and El Rincon Criollo was also recognized as a Favorite Quick Bite Restaurant!
We’re so grateful to everyone who voted and continues to support us. To celebrate, we’re treating you to something extra.
Enjoy a FREE soft drink with any Cubano sandwich, available until August 28th!
Come celebrate with us and enjoy the sandwich that earned your vote. ❤️
Gracias for all the love!
08/13/2026
We're Honored to Be Recognized by Our Community!
We're thrilled to share that El Rincon Criollo has been recognized in the HomeTown News Best Of Readers' Poll 2026!
Thanks to your incredible support, we've been honored in two categories:
🥪 Best Sandwich (Cubano)
🍽️ Favorite Quick Bite Restaurant
The HomeTown News Best Of Readers' Poll celebrates the businesses, restaurants, and organizations that make Westchester, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, and Marina del Rey such wonderful communities. Each year, local readers cast their votes for the places they love most, and we're truly grateful to be among this year's honorees.
To everyone who voted for us, dined with us, and continues to support our family-owned restaurant, thank you. Your support allows us to keep sharing authentic Cuban flavors, warm hospitality, and memorable experiences with our community.
We look forward to serving you for many more years to come! Westchester/Playa del Rey HomeTown News
08/12/2026
Can you really say you've been to El Rincon if you didn't order the empanadas?
Golden, flaky, and stuffed with our traditional picadillo made with seasoned beef, olives, green peppers, and tomatoes, they're the perfect way to start your meal.
It's no surprise they're one of our best sellers and a favorite our guests come back for time and time again.
Come visit us or order online today.
08/05/2026
What an incredible evening!
We're sharing a few snapshots from our recent W**e Dinner with Fallendown Tree Vineyards, where great w**es, thoughtfully crafted dishes, and wonderful company came together for a truly memorable experience.
Guests enjoyed a specially curated menu featuring favorites like Peach & Burrata Salad, Roasted & Stuffed Portobello Mushroom, Squid Ink Risotto, Braised Oxtail with Fresh Summer Corn, and a sweet ending, each paired with exceptional w**es from Fallendown Tree Vineyards.
If you missed this one, don't worry. More special events are on the horizon!
Message us to be added to our waitlist and be among the first to hear about our next W**e Dinner.
**eDinner
07/29/2026
Some dishes stay with you because they feel warm, familiar, and made with care.
Our best-selling Ropa Vieja brings that comfort to the table with tender, twice-braised shredded beef cooked in our rich tomato-based sauce, served with sweet plantains and your choice of white rice or Moros rice.
Every bite is a taste of authentic Cuban comfort food, and it’s easy to see why so many guests keep coming back for this classic.
Come visit us or order online today.
07/18/2026
World Cup finals weekend is here, and we’re ready to celebrate!
In honor of Sunday’s big game, we’re offering a special on our empanadas, perfect for watching with family and friends.
Enjoy empanadas + a drink for $14, or order a tray of empanadas and get 10% off.
We’ll be cheering for Spain this Sunday. 🇪🇸
Call us to place your order or stop by this weekend.
07/17/2026
Good w**e is meant to be shared, especially over a memorable meal.
Join us at El Rincon Criollo on July 30 for an intimate W**e Tasting Dinner presented with Gourmet W**e Getaways and featuring Fallendown Tree Vineyards of Monterey County.
Enjoy an evening of carefully selected w**es, beautifully paired courses, and the chance to hear directly from w**ery owners Jeanne and Mark Burmeister, alongside host Peter Kerr.
This is a limited-seating event created for guests who appreciate great w**e, memorable food, and a relaxed evening shared around the table.
Reservations are prepaid and seats are limited.
Call 310-391-4478 to reserve your place.
**eTastingDinner **eGetaways
Have you tried our Cubano yet?
Roasted pork, ham, melted cheese, mustard, pickles, and mayo, all pressed into perfectly toasted Cuban bread.
It's simple, packed with flavor, and one of those sandwiches people come back for again and again.
Take a look at the menu and see what all the fuss is about.
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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Address
8501 Pershing Drive Unit 3
Playa Del Rey, CA
90293
Opening Hours
| Monday | 11am - 8pm |
| Tuesday | 11am - 8pm |
| Wednesday | 11am - 8pm |
| Thursday | 11am - 8pm |
| Friday | 11am - 8pm |
| Saturday | 11am - 8pm |
| Sunday | 11am - 8pm |