Aroma Cafe

Not impressed. I found this place on Unilocal and decided to give it a try since it had 4+ stars. How the heck is that possible?!? My rice and beans were super salty… My plantains were greasy… And my empanadas had hardly any filling in them!. So much for getting about being excited for Cuban food tonight.

Came highly recommended. And they were right! Cuban sandwich was very flavorful and the bread was great. Red beans and rice were a good side. The empanadas were delicious. Had chicken and beef. Pastry was flaky and light. Topped off with an apple empanada. YUM!

Cuban food!
This little hole in the wall was exactly what was were looking for. All together we had the papa rellanos, the steak Cuban, the pulled pork plate, red beans and rice and the jerk chicken sandwich.
The papa rellanos was good but really, how can you mess up fired mashed potatoes? Lol
The red beans and rice weren’t particularly good for my taste but my boys liked them. I didn’t try my guys jerk chicken sandwich because he ate it so quickly but the steak sandwich was good enough. It comes with a lot of mayo so beware if you’re not a huge mayo fan. Also, I would have liked a bit more steak.
The best was probably the pulled pork plate. Super lean and flavorful. That’s what I would get if I went back.
Also, try one of the Cuban sodas. We tried the Ironbeer. The boy went back for seconds. I can’t really describe the taste but it was good!
The staff is friendly and there’s indoor seating. I would go back if that where everyone else wanted to go but I think I’d prefer to try another place instead.

Second time eating at this great little place. So delicious and authentic flavors. Picadillo with beans and rice with Madueros, yum. Café de leche to finish things off.

Oh my gosh… Cuban sandwich with black beans and rice… Amazing! Worth the trip to this little hole in the wall in Maryville!

Great authentic Cuban sandwiches and fair. Really love the Cuban with black beans and rice. The name Aroma is fitting. The smell of the place, while delicious, sticks with you for a while. Recommend a large sandwich, but only expect to need half to be full.

I was visiting family in the area and had to go to the airport. We decided to stop in here and get a sandwich (pictured). This place doesn’t have much going on in the curb appeal. In fact, you probably would just drive right on by if you saw it. That would be a big mistake. Food is great and the place has a good atmosphere inside. Definitely recommend this spot.

I go here at least once a week best meal everytime I go!!!

Went there on a recommendation from the owners of an antique shop down the road a ways. The parking lot looks rough, its in an older part of the town, but the food was up there with the best of Knox/​Maryville area. This is going on my list of «places to take out-​of-​towners to». Seriously impressive cooking, generous portions, and friendly staff!

I actually can’t believe it has taken me this long to review this place! I’ve been coming here for years and maybe just wanted to be selfish to keep it all for mself! As many people have already said the cuban sandwich is so good that you are seriously doing an injustice to yourself by not eating it right now. Everything I’ve had here has been amazing and always consistent. If you can get the flan I would highly recommend it. You usually have to be there early for it because it sells so fast.

I don’t often say this but the food was off the charts. Anyone who has ever seen the John Favreau Movie Chef, knows how we were drooling when he was making this Cubanos. As a foodie and one who loves to cook, I was imagining the favors in my head.
Today, that thought became reality. My wife and I shared a Cubano with Papa Rellenos and Tostones. I had died and gone to Havana heaven! The Cubano flavor were perfectly balanced with nothing over bearing. The Tostones were perfect and not oily. And the Papa Rellenos (stuffed mashed potato balls) were out of this world. Everything was in perfect harmony with no particular spice overpowering another.
Great service too. The young ladies tending the shop were just awesome, you gotta eat here.

In town for a family wedding from Los Angeles, CA and my cousin recommended this place. This place was SO yummy! I am not a food snob or claim to be a foodie but I do believe my palate has become attuned to whats good and whats not because we have SO MANY amazing choices in Los Angeles… this was such an awesome find! The red beans and rice… IF I COULD have that shipped to me overnight, I would in a heart beat! Enjoy!!!

Excellent food. Cuban sandwich is a must try. Owners are super nice. Staff are very friendly. If you don’t try this place, you are missing out.

Passed by this evening as they were closing. They were able to accommodate this late diner. A bit difficult to find, use your GPS. Very good rice, black beans and roast pork.

Never had Cuban food before and we were passing through Maryville and thought we would give it a shot. The pineapple soda was unique and flavorful drink, apparently a Cuban favorite. Get the sandwich with the beans and rice. Blew us all away! Large and filling. The hot plate was also good however rather bland. Go with the sandwich!
Don’t be deterred by the outward appearance or the part of town. Worth the drive!

Yes Cuban sandwiches. Aroma café is small spot that definitely feels authentic. The first time I went to Aroma, I couldn’t believe the size and amount of food. The medium sandwich is what I suggest if you plan to get a side. That size is still pretty large and packed with chop pork on top of ham with pickles. The red beans and rice are insanely flavorful and the perfect side for first-​time visitors. The «tostones» are plantains that are smashed and then fried, and perfect if you want something heavier. They also are fun to dip in the beans. I don’t live in Maryville, so the drive is a bit too far for frequent visits. That said, I can’t think of eating Cuban anywhere else in the area.

Although the menu is limited, the food they have is amazing! The Cuban and black beans are to die for and are full of flavor!
Don’t let the outside appearance fool you, because this place is a must eat joint.

Wow!!! Who knew that you could find authentic Cuban sandwiches and
beans and rice in Marysville, TN right by Knoxville airport???
The family moved from Miami and makes a mean Cuban. I’m not even a beans and rice lover and their side hit it out of the park for me. Kudos for bringing such delicious recipes from Miami to a small town in Tennessee!!!

It isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an extension of your Cuban friend’s kitchen where mamá cooks with love and generations of tradition.
The food is classic Cuban fare. We were here for dinner so we ordered beef picadillo and a pulled pork platters. Both were served with rice and beans (choice of red or black, we tried both). The picadillo was deep in layers of flavor and olive brine, the pork was classic and the rice and beans were tender and comforting. Dessert was guava + cheese empanadas sprinkled with sugar.
It isn’t fancy and there are only 10 tables. You order at the counter, the food is delivered to you and you bring your baskets and trays to the trash container. Our total bill was about $ 18.
If you’re a fan of Cuban food, visitar y deleitarse aquí (visit and feast here)!

Get the Cuban in medium with the plantains. I was in town for a dockdog event and stopped here for lunch as soon as I walk in I was greeted buy a younger girl I was looking over the menu, she could tell I have never been here before she pointed me in the right directions and said try the Cuban so that’s what I did. The Cuban is a great sandwich ask for a side on the mojo sauce. This is a nice little whole in the wall. If you are from out of town and don’t know the area the pictures from the outside might look like it’s in a bad area but it’s not.