In January, the Pointe Orlando shopping and dining complex on International Drive debuted its latest culinary offering, the 20,000-square-foot Cuba Libre.
The two-story restaurant, which also has locations in Philadelphia and Atlantic City, aims to recreate the feel of an old Havana courtyard, with vibrant colors, tropical foilage, and Cuban wall murals throughout. The restaurant offers a wide array of options for events. The main dining room on the first floor seats 160 while the patio seats 80. The second-floor dining room seats 200 and the adjacent private Havana Ballroom seats 120, or can be divided into three smaller private rooms for 12, 48, and 70. Groups can also book the entire restaurant for a reception for 1,000.
Chef Guillermo Pernot's menu blends traditional Cuban cuisine with other Latin American and world influences in dishes like paella nuevo—mahi-mahi, shrimp, clams, mussels, squid, and black rice topped with chipotle aioli and a mojito salsa verde. The restaurant also stocks more than 70 varieties of rum, along with a lengthy menu of sangria, beer, wine, and cocktails made from fresh fruit and sugar cane pressed on site.
A unique roster of entertainment options can be booked for events, including a performance from professional salsa dancers, a cigar-rolling class, a rum tasting (which can be paired with dinner), or a Latin DJ. The venue can also provide event decor elements such as ice sulptures and custom florals and linens.
