Santiago's Cuban Cuisine

This was perhaps one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a long time. We were told they had only been open for 6 months, but you would have never known it. The food was excellent, the place was busy and the atmosphere lively, and the service was experienced. Our server was very friendly and involved in the dining experience but also knew when to “give us space”. Being a Cuban cuisine, I had high hopes for the food, and it did not disappoint. The drinks were made well, the apps and entrees were very yummy, and they served some of the best tres leches cake I’ve had in a long time. I have a good feeling this place will become a staple in Burlington for a long time to come.

My husband and I went to Santiago’s several years ago when they were in the NNE. When we went for a Valentine’s Day dinner at their new space, we were blown away. From the moment you walk in you are greeted with smiles and enthusiasm. We had a lovely dinner, fabulous drinks and tasty dessert. I recently decided to bring a friend to Santiago’s for lunch and she loved it too! I will forever keep this place in mind for all special occasions, birthdays, and just to have some good authentic Cuban cuisine. I absolutely love their decor and and so happy to have some ethnic food in the area!

Fantastic Cuban food and it is such a unique dining experience for a place like Burlington. We made a reservation and it was a fairly busy Thursday night. The wait staff were knowledgeable and kind. It was a fairly large menu with lots of options. The water glasses were tiny. I would guess somewhere between 4 and 6 fluid ounces. We ordered the three chips app to start. Could tell it was house made and it was fresh and delicious but it was very small little pieces that made it harder to enjoy. We ordered the Creole shrimp with Maduros and tostones with yellow rice. The savory plantains and the sweet plantains are one of my favorite dishes and such a rare occasion allows for me to have them. These plantains did not disappoint and were cooked to perfection. The sauce on the shrimp was incredible and the rice, shrimp and sauce combo was a flavor paradise. We also got the vegan Cubano which was a little disappointing. Still we are very glad to see vegan options at all but it wasn't anything special. The menu said vegan Cubano sandwich but the default bread was not vegan (at least according to our waitress). To make it vegan you needed to ask for this other bread that they had that was also gluten free. So it was an extra 2 dollars to make the "vegan" sandwich actually vegan. Nonetheless the dinner experience was great as was the food and atomosphere. We will definitely return although it may be some time as the prices are on the higher end. If you enjoy Cuban food it is a place you should certainly try.

It's Burlington, so it's a a very decent place for the location. The bartender who served us was amazing. He made the experience 5 starts.

The sampler plate was great, the steak was alright, next time I'll try the Cubano.

The location was good.

Transport yourself to a vibrant slice of Cuba nestled right here in Vermont, where every moment feels like a mini vacation! 🌴 Experience the lively rhythms, the zestful flavors, and the colorful vibes that whisk you away to a tropical paradise, all while basking in the beauty of Vermont's scenic landscapes (Lake Champlain). It's a fusion of great good, friendship and relaxation. A getaway without ever leaving home! 🌺✨

The ceviche was fresh and bursting with flavor, truly a highlight of the menu. Vibrant colorful atmosphere with lively music. I can't wait to return to Santiago's for another taste of Cuba in Vermont.

Lovely atmosphere and great staff. Amazing drinks. Would work more on food presentation and selection , for same prices you can get better quality in other restaurants of course not cuban. Shrimps were delicious.

We LOVED our date night at Santiago’s. Having lived in big cities my whole life, I have high standards for international food and Santiago’s went above and beyond my expectations. The vegetarian options were phenomenal - we loved the beans and maduros. Our cocktails were fantastic. I got the Paloma and my partner got the Painkiller, both of which were phenomenal. The only reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 is because the tres leches dessert was way too cloyingly sweet. The vibes in the restaurant were fantastic, and we loved being able to watch the sunset over the lake from the dining room. Will definitely be back!

Everything about our first visit to Santiago's was amazing. The food, drinks, service and the owners. Luis, a fellow Miamian, was a delight to talk with. I felt an immediate rush of emotion that only a real taste of home can provide. We'll be back many times to come. Thanks Luis and Oscar for bringing this little piece of heaven to BTV.

A gem and authentic. Really enoyed the drinks and food. Get the chicharronones and the mojito. We forgot to take a pic of the expreso martini but a good option. Overall explore options

This experience was incredible. I grew up eating Cuban food cooked by my Abuela or in restaurants in Miami. This was indescribably delicious and authentic. The drinks were unreal, the food was absolutely mouth watering. I’m going to have to force myself to not go out to eat there every day. I’d give it 100000000 stars if it was an option!!! One of the owners came to our table and introduced himself to us, and he was so delightful to interact with, as was the rest of the team. Go go go! You won’t regret it.

The wait staff is delightful as well the food delicious - both fresh and authentic. Having visited Cuba I am familiar with the cuisine and flare of the culture. The restaurant is a must.

Every time, Santiago's delivers above and beyond. The food is cooked with so much love, you feel you are eating at home among family. The atmosphere is a vibe. And the staff treat you like family. I cannot say enough outstanding things about Santiago's. ❤🙏❤

We have been looking forward to the opening of Santiago’s after their Green plantain, Boniato and Malanga chips brief residency in the New North End a couple years ago. We got a reservation for 5pm on Saturday and appreciated having a leisurely 3-course meal as the restaurant steadily filled indoors and other diners sat in their patio area outside. It is not advisable to walk-in and reserving this experience feels like a vacation to a warm, friendly and tropical destination. Set the intention to eat and enjoy the company of friends and family. Co-owners Oscar Arencibia and Luis Calderin will make friendly rounds with patrons to see how they are enjoying their experience for the evening.

We started with the Tres chicharitas (three chips) which included green plantain, Boniato and Malanga chips with black bean and a Caribbean salsa. Perfectly crispy and not greasy which went well with both dip and salsa as a sharable starter. Our daughter enjoyed the piña con nada (non-alcoholic) and I had the piña colada while my husband got the Iron Beer, a tropical root beer. The pina colada was like no other, served in a pineapple glass with a pineapple wedge and a flower for garnish. The Bacardi dark rum sits on top of cocktail, mix and enjoy a smooth beverage with notes of caramel and vanilla from the rum.

We got two mains and French fries with pink sauce to share with our daughter. I had the bistec de palomilla (grilled sirloin steak butterflied) with tostones and black beans on the side, heavily spiced and balanced with the starches from the white rice and tostone. My husband loved the ropa vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce with the yuca con mojo and maduros. He needed a scoop of my rice to eat up the rest of the flavorful beef and sauce.

We left room for dessert and to balance the effects of the cocktail, I got a café con leche. Perfect for the cooling evening and for our shared desserts: Nancy’s flan and the rum mango and apple crumble. The flan was a classic dish with right portions of custard to caramel sauce, smooth and each bite a delight. The crumble was served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and best to remember to put your spoon in to get a bite of ice cream, crumble and the warm spiced mango and apple. Perfect fall flavor and comforting dessert.

We can’t wait to return and already booked our next dining experience at Santiago’s.

Absolutely the best Cuban food I have ever had. Everything from the mojitos to the mouth watering Cuban sandwich and insanely delicious tres leches cake, just mind blowingly tasty. I mean WOW.

It was crazy busy so we opted to sit at the bar. Still delicious food and a prideful, courteous and attentive waitstaff. Best Cubano you'll ever have.

This place has great energy and a good vibe. Lots of classic Cuban meat entrees. Some seafood as red snapper ceviche and shrimp. Plenty of vegetarian sides. Delicious Tres Leches dessert.

Amazing. Yes! Go here and enjoy. The steak with the chimichurri was so good and a pretty huge portion too. Beautifully designed restaurant right on the waterfront and the waiters are well trained and know the menu and can explain anything.

The food was delicious from app to dessert! We had the ceviche and garlic shrimp for apps, we had a large party, so I think we ordered almost one of every entree and no one was disappointed. The Flan was the best I have ever had, the crisp was Vermont with a Cuban flair. We watched the sunset over the lake from our table. The meal was enjoyed by all!! They also have a hip, comfortable outdoor patio with a Cuban beat playing in the background. We hope to check that out on our next visit.

A must try and great addition to the restaurant scene in Burlington! Stopped in while visiting the area and so glad we did. Ambiance is lovely: beautiful decor, lush plants, nice music, gorgeous view of the lake. Great drink menu with classic cocktails and local brews. The food is absolutely delicious! Loved the ropa vieja. Make sure to leave room for dessert and coffee. Staff was super attentive and pleasant. Owner Luis stopped by our table to introduce himself and made us feel very welcome. For sure coming back to try the cubano next time I’m in VT!