It’s one of those places you either know about or you don’t—a restaurant just off the beaten path that still has a buzz around it. It’s a foodie destination, and for good reason.

To put it plainly, Cuba Café makes the best Cuban food I’ve tried in this city.

Order the medianoche ($7.95), a Cuban sandwich that translates to “midnight,” made more popular this summer by its drool-inducing appearance in the film Chef. Flavorful roasted pork, ham and Swiss cheese fill the insides of pressed egg bread, with pickles and mustard adding crunch and tang. It’s simplicity that ties the whole thing together.

The Tasting Plate ($14.95) is full of deliciousness. Ropa vieja, which means “old clothes,” is a home-style delight, simmered shredded beef redolent of peppers and onions. Lechon asado is roasted pork leg that wallops you with taste courtesy of a mojo sauce featuring olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin and citrus. If that doesn’t fill you up, the plate also comes with pollo tequila, rice and beans and perfect plantains.

Make sure to get a refreshing batido, a Cuban-style milkshake. Guanabana, or soursop, is tropical and velvety, almost like a smoothie. This is definitely one of those places I’m glad I know about.

Cuba Café 2055 E. Tropicana Ave. #1, 702-795-7070. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.