Mambo's — Review by Food Network
Glendale, United States — Cuban
Guy Fieri visits Mambo's in Glendale, California, a 21-year-old family Cuban restaurant run by Raul Gonzalez and his wife Mima. The standout dish is their slow-roasted pork cooked for 8 hours with no seasoning, served with homemade mojo sauce, rice, beans, and plantains. The reviewer praises the authentic Cuban flavors and family recipes brought from Cuba, calling it an exceptional representation of traditional Cuban home cooking.
What was great: Tender and juicy pork, authentic Cuban flavors, roasted pork prepared without seasoning relying on natural fat and bone for flavor, homemade mojo sauce, fresh rice and beans, plantains, authentic preparation methods
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The centerpiece of Mambo's menu is their signature roasted pork, a massive 25-pound cut that cooks untouched for 8 hours at 350 degrees. The magic lies in the meat's natural richness - the fat and bone create incredible flavor without any added seasoning. The pork is served three ways: as a simple sandwich, a traditional Cuban sandwich with ham, Swiss, mustard, and pickles, or as a full dinner plate. The accompanying mojo sauce is a revelation - a thin, pungent blend of garlic, salt, pepper, lemon, and wine that complements the sweet, buttery pork perfectly. The complete plate includes perfectly fluffy white rice, crispy fried plantains, and slow-cooked black beans that are made fresh daily. Guy notes these sides are exceptional and deserve equal billing with the star ingredient.
The Experience
Mambo's carries the warm, homestyle atmosphere of an authentic Cuban family restaurant. The 21-year history in Glendale speaks to its staying power in the community. The kitchen setup is straightforward and focused on traditional preparation methods. The restaurant feels like visiting a Cuban grandmother's house, complete with recipes passed down through generations. Raul Gonzalez and his wife Mima established this place with the sole purpose of sharing the authentic Cuban cooking they learned growing up in Cuba.
Value and Pricing
While specific prices are not mentioned in the transcript, the generous portions and high-quality ingredients suggest good value for authentic Cuban home cooking. The roasted pork dinner with all the accompaniments appears to be substantial and satisfying.
Notable Moments
When I was sitting out there at the traffic light, that's what I smelled - referring to the aroma of roasting pork that first drew Guy to the restaurant.
The pork was really good. It's excellent. It's really delicious. And if you want it spicy, you throw your own hot sauce on it. Otherwise, you're good to go.
This is like coming to my grandmother's house.
The Verdict
Mambo's is an essential destination for anyone seeking genuine, authentic Cuban cuisine. This is not trendy fusion or modernized interpretations - this is traditional family cooking executed with respect and skill. The roasted pork alone justifies a visit, but the complete experience of sides, sauces, and atmosphere makes it a pilgrimage-worthy restaurant. Perfect for anyone craving real Cuban home cooking with genuine family recipes and 21 years of neighborhood trust.