Welcome to Clandestina Cocina
At Clandestina Cocina, the heart of Cuba beats vibrantly in San Leandro, California. This charming eatery, nestled within the E15th Eatery Kitchen, serves up authentic Cuban flavors crafted with love by its passionate owner. Whether savoring the classic Cubano sandwich, renowned for its perfect blend of roasted pork and Swiss cheese, or indulging in the richness of ropa vieja, each dish is a celebration of tradition. Guests rave about the loaded yuca fries and the refreshing guava limeade, making every visit a flavorful culinary journey. Clandestina Cocina is not just a restaurant; it's a warm embrace of Cuban culture, inviting all to experience its unique sazón.
- 16395 E 14th St, San Leandro, CA 94578 Hotline:
Welcome to Clandestina Cocina, a hidden gem nestled in San Leandro, California, where the vibrant flavors of Cuba come alive. Located at 16395 E 14th St, this captivating eatery is the brainchild of a passionate owner who has dedicated herself to bringing authentic Cuban cuisine to the Bay Area. From succulent lechon roasted mojo pork to crispy tostones, every dish is a celebration of the island's culinary heritage.
Stepping into Clandestina Cocina feels like embarking on a delightful journey to Cuba itself. The cozy dining area is adorned with charming decor, featuring murals that honor the community and evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Patrons are greeted with genuine hospitality, making each visit special.
Here are some highlights from the mouthwatering menu:
- Cuban Sandwich - A classic made with roasted mojo pork, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles, all nestled in a perfectly toasted Cuban bread.
- Croquetas - Generously sized croquettes served with a decadent guava habanero aioli and crispy potato sticks, an absolute must-try for those who crave rich flavors.
- Loaded Yuca Fries - A tantalizing combination of cassava fries topped with roasted mojo pork, tropical slaw, and a selection of zesty sauces that pack a flavor punch.
- Pollo - Tender chicken thighs marinated in mojo sauce, served with fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickled onions for a refreshing and satisfying bite.
Drinks like the Guava Limeade and freshly squeezed Orange Juice provide the perfect complement to the savory dishes, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience that resonates with flavor and authenticity.
Customer reviews echo the sentiments of a community that has longed for genuine Cuban fare. Chris D. exclaims, "Phenomenal Cuban food. I've been waiting years for a Cubano sandwich like this in the Bay!" Meanwhile, Allison C. shares her celebratory birthday dining experience, noting the remarkable quality and unique flavor profiles of the dishes. "Each bite was a reminder of the joys of great Cuban cuisine," she shared.
With its inventive menu items and welcoming atmosphere, Clandestina Cocina not only fills your belly but warms your heart. This one-woman operation is a testament to culinary passion and the rich flavors of the Cuban diaspora. If you're in the East Bay, make sure to pay a visit to this delightful eatery and discover for yourself why it has garnered such rave reviews. Whether you're enjoying a solo meal or celebrating with loved ones, Clandestina Cocina promises an experience worthy of every bite.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and family and come explore the comforting and vibrant essence of Cuban cuisine at Clandestina Cocina!

Phenomenal Cuban food. Been waiting years for a Cubano sandwich like this in the Bay. The owner is super nice too. Also fyi: the hours on yelp are wrong. Check their IG for proper hours. The owner explained she's been having trouble taking ownership of the yelp page.

We drove about half an hour to have lunch here for my birthday, and I am SO happy we did. This was one of the best meals I can remember. My husband and I shared a Ropa Vieja bowl and a Cuban sandwich, with a side of loaded yuca fries and a guava limeade each, and I couldn't stop talking about how good it all was after each bite. I'm already planning bringing friends and family out to eat here. The dishes each had a unique flavor profile that complimented each other so well, and the limeades tasted so fresh and not too sweet. There's nothing better than a fantastic meal to celebrate a birthday, and I am so happy we drove out to Clandestina Cocina to celebrate mine.

If I could give this 10 stars I would. My meal here today was truly one of the best meals I've had in the last few years. The combination of flavors was so exiting and delicious. The loaded yuca fries are my favorite! The Cuban sandwich is excellent and LOADED with meat. The flan is so smooth! I can't wait to go back and try the bowls. The owner was working and she is a literal angel. The dining area is cute, cozy, and super clean. It's housed in a E15th Eatery Kitchen so there are 2 other vendors in there too which is super fun.

A little piece of the island with so much heart and an unmatched "sazón". We went on a rainy day and the special was ajiaco, a soup filled with chicken, potatoes and yuca and it's the kind of soup that gives you a hug and takes you back home. We then tried the Cuban, which even though it is of American origin (look for the article on Clandestina in the SF Chronicle) and it was like no other one we've had, the pork is perfect. A few days later we saw their pop-up at Berkeley Bowl and ordered the "ropa vieja" a Cuban specialty of shredded beef that came with beans, rice and plantains. So rich and flavorful. Just perfect. The owner is so nice and community-oriented and really elevates the Cuban presence in the Bay Area. The 14th street Eatery is a lovely space, with lots of tables and huge mural honoring the community and just good vibes. Go try out their food in San Leandro and now also every other Sunday in Berkeley Bowl West. --------- Un pedacito de la isla con mucho corazón y un sazón inigualable. Sabor casero que viene directo de Cuba. Clandestina definitivamente es un restaurante cubano que debes probar en la Bahía.

This is a one woman shop that sells delicious Cuban favorites! Came in on a Saturday at 3pm and the food hall was pretty empty. The owner warmly greeted us and provided great service. The food took a little longer (20-25 min) but it was worth the wait! Everything was tasty and had great flavor. My favorite was the loaded yuca fries while my partner loved the rice & beans combo. Definitely recommend and will come back again.

Delicious food and generous portions! I ordered the Yuca fries and the cubano sandwich and everything was perfectly seasoned and cooked. Will definitely come back to try more from their menu!

Cuban girl in San Leandro here! Was SO excited when I heard Clandestina Cocina would be cooking up flavors of home right here in my backyard! And CC did not disappoint! Ordered lechon bowl, ropa vieja bowl, croquetas, and pastelitos (these are quintessential Cuban dishes). The lechon was a star - tender, garlicky, and a little tangy- just like abuelas noche beuna lechon (IYKYK). Ropa vieja was equally on point - broken down and cooked perfectly in its juices alongside delicious green and red pepper ribbons. Both served atop your typical black beans and rice, with a side of classic maduros and a delicious slaw with a minty sauce that was a pleasant surprise. Croquetas were generous in size; rich, creamy, and complex in the center with a lightly battered, perfect golden crust. Can't miss celebrating the guava and cheese pastelito! Tasty, flakey, and gooey in the center! Excited that I can get my pastelitos fresh, and won't have to have them shipped in from Porto's every time I have a craving! Thank you, Lilian, for bringing the flavors of home to the East Bay! Can't wait to try more of your menu, and to bring mi mami and mis hermanos by to celebrate the culture! And can't wait to meet you when I get to you in person (you can get delivery, folx!). Run, don't walk, to your new go-to Cuban eatery!

https://www.instagram.com/clandestina.cocina/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== This is a one amazing lady operation, where she makes super tasty cuban. The Cubano is definitely a must get. The lechon bowl breaks down that meat over rice, beans, plantains and more. Also got her amazing guava pastry, her flan and her home made guava ice cream as a topper that kicks it up a notch. Current popup is in a shared market space with two other small foodie business, so check those out too. https://maps.app.goo.gl/29XJX4wE3LBvkS3f9?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy Parking, sucks with busy street parking, but there is a community teen center 1 block south that has good amount of parking. Again, 1 person, very slow and intimate with asking chef about each item and you know it will be good. No rushing the good stuff. Yes, this is a must go back!