I'm used to Miami Cuban cuisine. My go to quick stop type of meal. I was expecting a lot more from other reviews. Bland for Cuban. Sandwich bread is missing something that I can't place. Empanadas were just hamburger. I was expecting some more ingredients and filling. The coffee was spot on. Earned a star for that alone. The green salsa looking garnish was great too. Beans and rice were passable. I won't go out of my way to get back here. Really hoping that this place would be better.

It’s a good idea to call ahead and place an order. The location is smaller and family run, so it can get busy at peak hours. Worth the wait if they are a little busy because the food here is absolutely heavenly! Oddly enough, the best Philly cheesesteak I’ve ever had in Tennessee. The papa rellena along with the maduros here are a treat I can’t pass up any time I stop by. My boyfriend and I have been coming here for almost 3 years now, and I’ve never been disappointed. An experience you need to have! Authentic food, amazing service, and good prices for the amount of food you’ll receive.

5☆ for flavor. A true Maryville hidden jem. Best Papa Rellena I have ever had. And the price. For what I got and paid less than $30, I would have paid over $40 at the other Cuban restaurants I have eaten at. The food: The cuban and sloppy Jose were full of flavor, crispy, and delicious. The Papa as I said is the best I have ever had. The fries, I put them right there with McDonald's. I know right. LOL. The guava and cream cheese empanada ... get the empanada. The ambiance: ok this is where they fall short. If they would spruce up the inside they would be 5☆s all day long. I mean it's clean and the AC is cool. It is just not very inviting or cozy. But who eats ambiance. It's the food that matters. Pros: Delicious food, tons of food for the price, locally owned, plenty of seating, cold AC, good selection, food is made to order Cons: tight ordering area, interior is cluttered

A good change of pace.... I found this place by accident, but it turned out well. The building is not much to look at, but don't let that dissuade you. The staff is really kind and helpful. The restaurants decor is interesting yet unique (very Cuban if that is a thing). The food was delicious - we had the chicken with rice and beans and tried the empanadas. This place is unique and worth a visit.

Go to Aroma Cafe right now and get the Cuban sandwich! It's the best I've ever had. Seriously, it rivals anything I've tried in South Florida. I also had the empanadas and the red beans and rice. I highly recommend all of it. The food is absolutely amazing and so is the service!

SO GOOD. The food is fresh and amazing and the staff is friendly. My only complaint is parking is extremely limited but that will not stop me from returning. I recommend the empanadas and the plantains. The cuban sandwich is great too. I love the window appliques that make you feel like you are "en la playa", very fun!

I have lived in alot of different states around America, and have lived 8n states where there was alot heavier Cuban populations then there is here, and this was by far #1 cuban restaurant I have had. Everything tasted as you would imagine! Who would have thought great Cuban food right here in our hometown Maryville!?!!

Fantastic food. Would have given a 5 star, but they really need to put a little more effort to the inside dining area. Fortunately, it was a nice day so we sat outside.

I LOVE a Cuban sandwich. This is the best I've found. SOOOO GOOOOD!

I have been meaning to try this place for years but just didn't get around to doing it...( I typically go to the Cuban restaurant in pigeon forge when I want my Cuban stuff)... I moved here from Miami ( live there for over 25 years so I've had more than my fill of local cuisine) and I don't know how anyone that has done so can recommend this place. So I'm giving it four stars because I'm going to assume I got them on a really bad day... Plus the sweet plantains were perfection along with the Mojo. ( The ripeness and the way they cook them actually is the way that we cook them in Nica..LOVED them)... However that was the worst Cuban sandwich ( medianoche.. He had no idea what I was asking for and suggested their famous Cuban) I've ever eaten in my life... The pulled pork was not good it was old and dry and pasty and had no flavor. The piece of ham that I got was literally the thinnest slice of lunch meat that you would buy in a cheap sectional Walmart... I would say that I actually got a serving of pork at least unfortunately it was unedible...I asked for a pan con bistak and the guy had no idea what I was asking for... ( The steak sandwich with my salty crispy little potato sticks is actually my favorite Cuban sandwich.. But I didn't get it because he said he didn't have it).. He recommended a Philly cheese steak.. ummm that was a grilled cheese sandwich with a couple of pieces of onion and a couple pieces of beef.. If he would have told me it was a grilled cheese It would have been a better description. That definitely was not Philly cheese... There's no way there was a serving of beef or a serving of onions on there... $23 was my bill and I was very disappointed and not going back for either of those entries... I never never write bad reviews. And I'm not a picky eater, If I can't eat it... it must be pretty bad... And I could not eat my Cuban sandwich. However I'm still being kind by giving four stars as to not drop the ratings for this place just in case it was that one day in their whole lifetime of the restaurant that I got the worst meal...lol...🤔

Wow! Delicious food at a good price. Kinda of a hole in the wall Cuban sandwich shop. Don't let the small parking lot or exterior fool you, it's worth the trip. Order at the counter and wait in the dining room for pager to buzz. We ordered 3 sandwiches: Cuban (no mustard) Philly Cheese Steak & Grilled BBQ Chicken. All delicious with Cuban being the best. Can turn any sandwich into combo for drink and side order.

I have been here a couple of times. The food is good. However, it seems if you ask any type of question or ask for any type of substitution the guy running the counter acts shocked or confused. It’s not uncommon to ask for a vegetable to not be in the dish or ask questions about the menu or ask why an order took 35+ minutes. For the trouble of parking there I am not sure it is worth anymore trips, but definitely worth giving it at least one try yourself.

My chicken sandwich was good but my family’s sandwiches were not so good (Philly steak). The fries were too crisps and potato filling was really not in them. Negative on the fries. I liked the dipping sauce! Overall, good spot just was not pleasing for all family members experience.

My partner and I tried this place for the first time, and WOW - it definitely won’t be the only time! We are already planning for our next trip out to Maryville to include stopping for lunch again. The Cuban sandwich and Sloppy Jose sandwich were both delicious as well as the empanada and tostones! I wish I knew what was in that dipping sauce - yum! Just wish we would have tried the Cuban sodas and tres leches cake. Next time 😉

They have the best Cuban sandwiches! I could probably eat here for every meal if I lived closer! They also have a good selection of drinks to choose from to go with your meal and delicious beans and rice!

The food was great and I liked the way they tried to create ambience in their space.

Heard this place was Legit, WOW, no joke!! Cuban sandwiches were amazing along with the black beans and rice. Also got the Empanada with Ground beef. Best ever. Plantains were cooked perfectly. Can’t believe I have been missing out. Awesome!! Oh, staff was amazing also.

A must if in the Knoxville, TN area and want genuine Cuban cuisine. It’s not a major restaurant, but its humble and friendly staff and with it’s delicious meals that will have you asking for more. My wife and me where going through Knoxville on a trip where this little hole in the wall called our attention. Worth the detour. Thank you!! Hialeah!!

Very good food, my Cuban sandwich was not greasy like so many often will be. Good service and friendly staff. Four stars not five because they did not have coffee (Cafe Cubano) available and this was part of the reason for stopping. Even so I would still recommend Aroma Cafe if you like Cuban food.

THIS PLACE IS AN 100/10!!! The food is super duper good, the service is unique and stellar! (They use pagers when your order is ready). And the hot sauce they have in the big squirt bottles need to be bottled and sold because it's so tasty!! Will be going here again!! And I'll remind you it's. 100/10 for me!!!

Wow! Just wow! After reading the Google reviews, we decided to give it a shot and we're so glad we did! After retiring here from S. Florida, we know a thing or two about Cuban food and I can guarantee you that you've never tasted better! Don't let the facade and limited parking discourage you. We parked across the street and walked there for a take out order and it was worth the wait! Prices are very reasonable and there are tables inside if you want to dine in. Give it a shot and you'll be glad you did!

Had a grilled cheese and fries with a side of rice and beans. The bread and cheese for the grilled cheese was unique and delicious! The black beans and rice are vegetarian but the red beans and rice are not. The black beans had a tasty slow cooked flavor.

We got the cuban & sloppy sandwich, black beans & rice, papa rellena, & sweet plantains and it was all delicious! Moving to Knoxville from South Florida, we really missed authentic Cuban food & this hit the spot! We will definitely be regular customers.