Nuestra Historia
Our Story
Havana Rumba is a celebration of the culinary genius of the island of Cuba brought to life by a team of passionate people. Owner, Marcos Lorenzo immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba in 2000 hoping to realize the American Dream. His humble beginnings included plenty of hard work and determination as he learned the U.S. restaurant business. A civil engineer by training he applies a technical approach to the daily operations of the restaurants. However, cooking is his new found passion!
In 2004, the first Havana Rumba was born in the heart of St. Matthews. In 2007 a new concept came to life: Mojito Tapas Restaurant. In 2010, the second Havana Rumba was opened in the heart of Middletown. The Havana Rumba & Tapas Bar opened in 2015, the original St. Matthews restaurant then moved to Shelbyville Road in 2019 and became Mojito in Havana Restaurant & Bar.
Today, Marcos Lorenzo’s four Cuban restaurants in Louisville represent the gold standard of Cuban cuisine in the Midwest. Come join us and experience the culinary delights that Marcos and his chefs bring to life. ¡Mi casa es su casa!
Visítanos!
Locations
Nuestra Cocina
Cuban Cuisine
Cuban cuisine isn’t just about what you eat. It’s about the experience of making and enjoying the food. Our restaurants give you the opportunity to visit Cuba without stepping on a plane.
Great Cuban food starts with capturing the amazing family recipes that have been passed down through generations and preparing them with the freshest ingredients. So, if you want the recipes, you’ll have to join our family!
We make that part very easy — when you visit any of our locations, you may start as a guest but you’re soon part of our family.
Since Cuba was colonized by Spain, Spanish cuisine has had a profound influence on Cuban food. Other culinary influences include various parts of Africa and France.
Two other important influences on the cuisine are the abundance of fish surrounding the island and the tropical climate, which produces fruits and root vegetables used in many Cuban dishes.
Of course, we have our typical meals, with steamed rice, black beans soup and sweet plantains. And you must try our famous roasted pork dish, Lechon Asado, our Cuban-style shredded beef, “Ropa Vieja, “ and “Fricase de Pollo,” our chicken stew. You also can’t forget the Cuban sandwich — a variation on your typical ham and cheese sandwich — but this time also with roasted pork, pickles and mustard — that’s sure to please. Save room for one of our tropical desserts and finish the dinner our way with a “Cuban Coffee.”
It’s important to know that Cuban cuisine is a fusion of many different types of foods and flavors. Our dishes aren’t spicy, but we have the perfect touch for those spice lovers with a homemade hot sauce that your server will bring to you upon request.
We serve classic drinks like mojitos and daiquiris, and our margaritas are award-winning in Louisville! Plus, being located in Kentucky allows us to have a great selection of Kentucky bourbons available.
Live music fills the room every night of the week, and our goal is to make you feel like you’ve been transported to Cuba. Yes, it is not your standard eatery — our restaurants are full of life and with a happy atmosphere that is contagious!
But the most important part of our meals can’t be found on the plate. For us it is about who is around the table. Cuban cuisine is best when shared with friends and family. And that’s something you’ll always find on our menu, with a full page of appetizers that we call “tapas,” salads, sandwiches, soups, seafood, beef, chicken and plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. There is something for everybody on our menu!
Generous portions, outstanding service and great prices are also important parts of the Havana Rumba dining experience. When you dine at Havana Rumba you are among friends … ¡Mi casa es su casa!
