Located off of Semoran Boulevard, this little neighborhood Cuban cafe is a bit hidden and definitely a hole-in-the-wall, though one with a lot of sabor. Some people have problems with hole in the wall places, often with unwarranted fears of the unknown. But it’s often these very small places, still untouched and unique in their own ways, that often serve the best food. Because their food is made with heart and you can tell.

The first things you’ll notice are the trays of quesitos, pastries filled with cream cheese and honey glaze, and pasteles de queso and guava (cheese and guava pastries). These pastries are all quite delectable and delightful, baked fresh on the premises each day. They are crunchy, flaky, and perfect.

Assortment of pastries: quesitos, pasteles de guava, queso

Breakfast at Yaya’s includes 2 eggs, bacon, sausage, or ham on Cuban toast, and a small cafe con leche to jump-start your day.

The menu includes the customary array of Cuban sandwiches filled with ham, roast pork, mojo chicken, and more.

With any respectable Cuban establishment are the customary frijoles negros (black bean soup over rice) and Cuban sandwiches, pressed and filled with roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese, mustard, mayo, and pickles. The beef frita (vaca frita) is my favorite entree here, an ample portion of stewed beef seared to a crispy outer finish with onions and spices.

The proprietor of YaYa’s, Sr. Ruben, has a rather interesting presence on Youtube, teaching all the basics of Cuban cuisine to all who would hear. Like how to make a nice cup of Cuban coffee or a medianoche sandwich.

Roast Pork with yellow rice

Ropa Vieja – Beef Stew

Vaca Frita – literally fried beef…my favorite platter at YaYa’s

They recently opened a revamped, new shop for YaYa’s on Curry Ford Road, so make sure to check that one out as well!