OUR STORY

Manuela Matos arrived in New York City in the late 1980’s with a dream to open a restaurant in her new home. A restaurateur back home in Lima, Peru, Manuela was soon inspired during a dinner at a local Cuban restaurant and the vision that would become Sophie’s was born. Manuela began selling Peruvian food from carts at the soccer fields of Queens, NY to earn the money to make her dream a reality.

Manuela knew that the most important part of a Cuban restaurant is authentic Cuban flavors and dishes so she placed an open-call for chefs in NYC. In walked Cuban chef Eduardo Morgado, who responded to the call with sandwich press in-hand and has been making magic happen in Sophie's kitchen ever since.

The hard work paid off and the first Sophie’s Cuban opened on Greenwich Street in June of 1997, blocks from the World Trade Center. Their business philosophy was simple - serve fresh, tasty food in good portions in a warm and inviting atmosphere. New Yorkers responded and have now been enjoying this taste of Cuba for almost three decades!

Sophie's Cuban has grown to 10 locations with NINE in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn and Manuela's three daughters - Sofia, Patricia and Mila Luna - now run the business. With no plans to stop now, our delicious Cuban cuisine may be coming soon to a neighborhood near you!

FAMILY FOUNDED. WOMAN LED.

SOFIA LUNA - CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

“My family and I truly appreciate each and every time you visit! Order online or stop by any of our locations. You'll be happy you did! Oh, and don't forget the Green Sauce!”
PATRICIA LUNA - CO-FOUNDER & PARTNER

“We now have 8 locations conveniently located throught the city with plans for expansion now underway. Look out for a Sophie's Cuban near you!”
MILA LUNA - VICE PRESIDENT

“It is fantastic to be a local favorite of so many NYers. We work closely to ensure our guests continue to enjoy all aspects of our service! Be sure to say hello if you see me at any of our locations and thank you for choosing Sophie's Cuban Cuisine.”
MANUELA MATOS - CO-FOUNDER

“We are honored to have been serving our lovely guests since 1997. We created Sophie's to offer real food that taste like home so please feel at home when you visit us.”
CHEF EDUARADO MORGADO - DIRECTOR OF BACK OF HOUSE OPERATIONS

“With the addition of our commissary in Williamsburg, Brooklyn Sophie's Cuban remains dedicated to serving up the Taste of Cuba for the next generation of NYers.”
MICHAEL MENDOZA

“Overseeing Sophie's supply chain strategy is a task I take pride in. I ensure our cooks have fresh quality ingredients to cook with daily.“
GEORGE J. CESTERO - IT and Digital Marketing Director

"Leadership, passion, dedication, and the endless pursuit of exceeding our beloved customers expectations. I am always happy to hear your feedback, offer support, or answer any questions you may have!”