Aura Cocina: a hidden Cuban-Asian fusion gem in East Williamsburg
the INTRO
Introducing Aura Cocina, a unique Cuban-Asian fusion restaurant located in the industrial area of East Williamsburg. With its unconventional location and blend of cuisines, it piques the curiosity of any food enthusiast. Steven Almonte, the mastermind behind Aura Cocina, has successfully combined Cuban and Asian flavors to create a menu that transcends cultural boundaries.
Though primarily Cuban and Asian fusion, Aura Cocina is not limited to traditional Latin cuisine. It prides itself on improvising, innovating, and daring to do something new. Gabriel had made reservations, and despite my skepticism as an Asian with high standards for Asian food, I was definitely surprised by the quality of the fusion cuisine at Aura Cocina!
the ATMOSPHERE
As we walked through the entrance door to enter Aura Cocina, the overall vibe of the restaurant was AMAZING! ✨ I absolutely loved the interior. The interior was spacious and decorated with a lively plants and colors. At the time we arrived, there were only a few other groups of people, but I imagine that it gets busier on warmer nights. One standout feature was the living wall of plants near the bar, which added to the unique and fun atmosphere of the restaurant.
There is apparently a dress code too that we weren’t aware of. Thankfully all of us we dress somewhat well on a normal basis, but their dress code is to wear business casual — so no hoodies, beanies, tank tops, work out clothing or gym clothing, etc. everyone!
the MENU
The menu was presented on iPads, which was a unique touch. The cocktails were a must-try, with a range of unique options that were beautifully presented. My favorite cocktail was the El Coco. For the mains, I highly recommend the Miso Salmon, which was cooked to perfection and tasted amazing. The Red Curry Fried Calamari was another standout dish that was cooked perfectly, with a crispy exterior and chewy interior.
the PRESENTATION
The presentation of food and drinks at Aura Cocina was truly exceptional. Every dish was carefully arranged on the table in an artistic manner, which was both surprising and delightful. The portions were fairly generous and not to mention, the dishes were beautifully plated, showcasing the chef's attention to detail and culinary artistry.
What's more, the cocktails were presented in a captivating and creative way, so make sure you bring out your phones 📱 and start taking pictures of videos of this beautiful photo opportunity! The bartenders at Aura Cocina went above and beyond to deliver a memorable experience, adding smoke or fire to the drinks for an added element of excitement. Not only did the presentation of the drinks impress us, but the flavors were outstanding as well. It was evident that the mixologists at Aura Cocina are both skilled and innovative. We highly recommend trying out their unique and creative cocktails.
the SERVICE
Customer service is so important. The quality of service we received at Aura Cocina was outstanding. The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating, and their sense of humor added to the overall vibe of the restaurant. The service was speedy, and the staff was attentive to our needs throughout our meal. We felt very welcomed and comfortable throughout our whole dining experience.
the PRICE
The price of the meal and cocktails at Aura Cocina was well-priced, and we felt it was a great value for the portion sizes we received. The large portion sizes of each dish were surprising and impressive, since the pictures displayed in the iPads seemed small, we ended up ordering more than we initially intended. The prices were also reasonable compared to other restaurants in the area. However, we should note that there is a 4% processing fee if paying with a credit card, so paying in cash may save you some money.
the OVERALL
Aura Cocina exceeded our expectations with its flavorful Cuban-Asian fusion cuisine, spectacular cocktail presentation, and friendly and attentive service, leaving a memorable impression for me. The portions were generous and well-priced, making it a great value for the quality of food and drinks. We highly recommend Aura Cocina to anyone looking for a fun and delicious dining experience in East Williamsburg. Don't hesitate to visit this gem of a restaurant and enjoy its innovative dishes and creative cocktails!
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