After almost three decades of flavorful tradition, El Oriental de Cuba, a distinguished restaurant in Jamaica Plain is closing its doors permanently. The memorable locale was known for its award-winning Cuban cuisine, which earned much acclaim among Bostonians, according to NBC Boston.
Born in 1994, El Oriental de Cuba, overseen by the late Nobel García, had deeply embedded roots in the Latino community. Throughout the years, the restaurant earned several awards, not only for its flavor but also for its business prowess.
Nobel García had established El Oriental de Cuba as a family-operated establishment, run by his daughters, Yvonne and Lissette after his passing in November 2021. But brought with their full-time jobs and the persistent difficulties of the Covid-19 pandemic affecting the restaurant industry, the sisters concluded to close despite their wish to continue their father's legacy mentioned in El Mundo Boston.
The response to the closure by the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with customers expressing their appreciation for the years of service and unforgettable times provided by the restaurant. In their goodbye message shared in the same article in El Mundo Boston, the García family extended thanks to their staff, their patrons, and the community.
While the closure of El Oriental de Cuba definitely represents a monumental change in Boston's Cuban culinary scene, the lot it vacates has been up for grabs. Abuela's Table, a new, authentic Mexican restaurant, will move into the space at 416 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain. The romising culinary hotspot will be helmed by Adolfo Alvarado, the maestro behind the award-winning Tu y Yo Mexican Restaurant in Somerville.
