Cucharamama

Nice place. Good food. My rating is based on the service we received. When we arrived, the host was not welcoming at all. Once we were seated, we got a prefixe menu. I then requested if we could view the full menu, but was told it was not available. Few minutes later, others arrived to be seated and were provided with a full menu. Actually, everyone had it except us. To make matters worse, everyone else who came after us got their meals first. It was like they completely forgot about us, despite the fact that we were there with a small child. Made us feel uncomfortable and out of place. Good food is not enough if the attention to the customer is lacking. Would NOT RETURN!

I made reservations for 4 to celebrate Father’s Day and was looking forward to trying the place out. But when we got there we were told the oven was under maintenance and a variety of their better dishes were unavailable or could only be served fried. The website didn’t have any info about this and I was never informed over the phone when I called twice that day. Food was just OK for the price. We’re South American and didn’t really find it authentic. Portion size was small and the tamale size was laughable. No sangria pitchers. And good luck trying to get water refills. It wasn’t a busy night then either. Tables were very small and ambiance lacking. I didn’t hear any music, just a lot of loud chatter. The only reason I give this place more than 1 star is that the dulce de Leche ice cream is good and they threw one (of 2) on the house because we were so displeased. It ended up being about $ 40 pp with just a beer. Needless to say, I will not be going back.

Used to LOVE but will never return again.
Came here for my birthday dinner — was INCREDIBLY excited only to walk-​in and be informed that the wood burning oven is down. In case you’re wondering, nearly 40% of the menu comes from the wood burning oven. The empanadas, yuca fries, corn crust potpie, and canelones that we came here for were not being offered. Despite having reservations in advance, we were not contacted before coming here about the wood oven being down.
My boyfriend had a fly in his drink. He spit my duck out when he tried it.
:(Going to do a birthday take two in a few weeks.

This is one of Hoboken’s few really great dining experiences. The mojitos and beers are awesome and the menu is fantastic. Nice place for a little romance, although it gets sometimes a little loud in here. The noise, usually patrons enjoying their drinks and dinner, has never bothered me. The food more than makes up for it. A great place to celebrate or treat yourself and your significant other. Pricey, but really, really worth it. Make reservation. Don’ be upset if you walk in with 4 other people without a reservation on a Saturday night and cannot get a table for a couple of hours. I’ve seen this happen quite few times with some of the new generation of Hoboken’s entitled residence. Excellent.
Keep the kids and strollers home.

Amazing! Came here on a Friday for my birthday and everything was perfect. Definitely need a reservation on a weekend night. We asked the waiter for recommendations and he was very helpful and made excellent recommendations. Highly suggest checking it out.

The place is cozy, a bit crowded on the weekends which is understandable. The food is delicious, their empanadas are super good. They are a little
Pricey for the small portions they serve so be prepared.

I been here several times this time I went the wood burning stove wasn’t working and when I made a reservation the hostess didn’t tell me. So basically 70% of the menu I couldn’t order from. I ended up getting the chicken croquettes which were good and the spinach and cheese empanadas which were amazing! Entrees I was very disappointed with the skirt steak was tough and overcooked don’t get this! It came with rice and beans which were delicious and I had the side dish of plantains which were also very good. Also ordered the assorted seafood and fish in coconut milk it was SO good! They do have a variety of great authentic dishes most are very good. The skirt steak just isn’t one of them. The desserts are amazing here! The chocolate flan is delicious and the apple crêpe with dolce de leche ice cream was outrageous! Overall I like this place it has some Argentinian dishes you won’t find anywhere else so it keeps me coming back.

The wood fire grill was not working the day I was there, I’ll set that aside. The drinks were good, and the food was fantastic. I had the prime rib that was perfect as well as the yucca with the crispy cheese on top. I would go back for that mashed yucca alone. I also had the duck, which was very tasty. My only issue was the duck wasn’t very warm. It seems like the duck was finished before the steak and sat. Our waiter was very attentive and knowledgeable in explaining the food and the drinks. I would definitely go back because the flavors and combinations of sweet and savory were perfect. Hopefully I will be able to try something from the wood fire grill.

Nice concept, but a few things. The space is extremely limited and it’s had to sit comfortably. Also, the food menu is almost entirely in Spanish, making it hard to understand what you’re getting. Other than that, it’s a cute spot and the food was good.

I’ve lived in Hoboken for a couple of years now and this is one of the first restaurants I ever ate at!
First visit — I went I sat at the bar and waited for take out. It was a pretty fancy place, I’d like to enjoy it with company. While I waited the bartender gave me a complimentary mojito. It was delicious! I’ve fell in love with the place already!
Second visit — Again I was waiting for take out — On the phone with my boyfriend when some guy kept trying to talk to me. It seemed he knew everyone working so I figured he was just a regular being rude. Again. Still talking on the phone, he’s trying to ask me questions: «So where are you from?» — I ignored him. I ordered a tamale while I waited. As soon as my food came, I hung up. I literally just took my first bite when he asked another question. «So how is it?» «Do you like it?»
I politely asked him to allow me to eat and to leave me alone.
Third visit — I went with my boyfriend — food was absolutely delicious. I love the ambiance of this place. The staff is on point.
Fourth visit — I decided to sit at the bar (I was eating alone again) I spotted a friend of mine at the opposite end, so I joined her. This guy shows up AGAIN.
This time he reeked of booze and he was clearly drunk. My girlfriend and I ordered a drink & some appetizers. As I’m trying to keep my back to him, he stumbles over and starts trying to making conversation. «So where you from?» There were more questions in between. the one I remember distinctly was «SO Do you go both ways or.?» My jaw dropped.
EXTREMELY disrespectful. It made us so uncomfortable. She was married — It was clear… she had a ring on her finger. & he obviously didn’t remember me from months earlier. He tried shmoozing us with wine and dessert demanding it from the bartender.
We got out of there as fast as we could.
Turns out he was the OWNERS SON.
I haven’t seen him since.
I go there from time to time but I’ll probably never sit at the bar again.
Although what happened with the owners son twice, with the amazing food, great atmosphere, and tentative staff, it hasn’t deterred me from still visiting and bringing my business. 5 stars for you guys. You deserve it.
If you see this guy. and he’s hanging at the end of the bar or by the POS systems,
DO NOT ENGAGE!

the food was very good. highly recommend the broccoli rabe — it was the best I have ever eaten. my mojito was also delicious!
service was slow, but very accommodating. our waiter was very nice, but they put us at a very small table for five people so it wasn’t the most comfortable meal I have ever had.

The only good thing about this place was the hot chocolate. I felt very rushed. Will not be going back. Save your money.

This place was packed tonight. Great atmosphere but wished all the food was great.
We had
Argentina skirt steak– it was bland and hard to cut. It was disappointing since a few months ago the dish was excellent.
Spicy Peruvian shrimp dish– it was excellent! Loved it. I rate this dish a 4.
Also had the arpeas and empanadas– both very good.
The service was good.

Ok. So i could’ve sworn i reviewed Cucharamama a few years ago after first going. Initially, i wasn’t too impressed with the food. Being that it’s about 3+ years ago, i can’t remember what i ate, but left feeling like i wasn’t gonna go back. BUT, i am a forgiving man that believes in second chances! After several people telling me i was nuts for not liking their food, i had to go back. And i’m certainly glad i am. So i’ve been back twice in the last 6 – 8 months, and they have redeemed themselves a hundred times over. The food is certainly on point. Spinach & manchego cheese empanadas are certainly one of my favorites. The platano asado, duck tamal, and pizzas from their oven were all delicious. The one downside was the arepa the chocolo. The salmon roe is unnecessary, and for $ 11 it is ridiculously overpriced. The menu says arepaS, so i was expecting at least 2 of them. I asked my waiter and he said it is just one. The menu is a little misleading with this one, so be careful. With that being said, i am certain i will be back for more delicious food. And so should YOU. ENJOY!!!

Nice experience at this busy pan-​Latin tapas joint in Hoboken. Menu spans Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, and other South American nations.
We tried several small plates and they were all successful recos from our server. The ones I recall:
–Argentinean Sausage
–Ecuadorian tamales
–Shrimp in Panca Pepper Sauce
The kitchen is definitely fond of fusion and experimentation. A little bit for everyone: from pizzas and empanadas to tamales and whole suckling pig (upon advance notice).

A unique restaurant that specializes in Southern American food that will leave your tastebuds happy and your inner self smiling. They have a variety of options on their menu that allows you to choose your own adventure whether it be a plethora of small plates or a family style main dish. It is a little on the pricier side so this place may be best saved for a special night out, but you know that it will be worth it.
I gave 4 stars as I had to deduct one as not every single meal was amazing. So close though. The service was on point and the décor is great. Bonus points for the amazing smell of the wood burning oven wafting through the air. Lots of outside seating is a plus for the summer.
Do yourself a favor and give this James Beard award winning restaurant a try!

I’ve been dying to go to Cucharamama since it won a James Beard Award and dinner did not disappoint. Went with a friend and we started with white sangrias, perfectly sweet while packing a punch.
For appetizers we had the shrimp ceviche and spinach empanadas. The ceviche was different with whole shrimp and a ton of heat but was delicious, wish the shrimp was chopped finer to scoop onto the delicious chips. The empanadas were delectably doughy and oozed with flavor.
For our main we split the skirt steak with chimichurri, this is one of my new favorite restaurant meals. The steak was PERFECT in cook, tenderness and flavor. The side of potatoes in a tomato and cheese sauce was an incredible added bonus.
Not to mention the bread that cooked in the stone oven is to die for with a semi sweet butter. I keep raving about the restaurant to everyone, can’t wait to go back!

The duck tamale is a must. The chorizo is only okay and the flank steak is good but not any different than another place. I like the ambiance but it’s a bit cramped.
It’s nice to have in Hoboken but I don’t know if a 27 zagat food rating is warranted

I’ve been there a few times since I used to live a couple blocks away from them. They have huge plates with lots of varietal small sides that I enjoy.

I’m completely shocked on how this restaurant’s chef is a Michelin award winner? You got to be kidding me. The food was not that good, not even close, which completely explains why the Unilocal ratings don’t match the Michelin award status.
Strangely enough, the restaurant does not show anything about the Michelin award, so makes me wonder if the award had ANYTHING to do with FOOD?
Of the dishes we had, only 1 was pretty good. The rest of the food was average at best. We were so disappointed and quite frankly, Michelin should STRONGLY consider taking this award away b/​c it just makes them lose all credibility.
Seriously, Michelin wants me to put this restaurant as the same level as 11 Madison or Per Se? It doesn’t even come close to either of those.
The last Michelin listed restaurant I went to was Café Juanita in Washington. Holly Smith was the chef who was mentioned in the Michelin review, she beat Cat Cora on Iron Chef. The food was unbelievable. Can’t even imagine how you would compare the food with this restaurant.
The service, especially the HOSTESS, has to get her attitude checked, maybe her default angry face as well. How many times do I have to ask for water before getting water? 3 times?

Sorprendentes los sabores, texturas y combinaciones de su menú latinoamericano, repetible.