Lazaro's Cuban Cuisine Heats Up Roswell's Historic District

You could drive around looking for a place to eat until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Occasionally, Roswell Patch will pick a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out in our Taste of Roswell series.

Here's this week's choice:

Lazaro's Cuban Cuisine

The facts

Lazaro's opened during the last week of February 2012, first for lunch only and then dinner, as well. Just in case the name doesn't give it away, the restaurant serves Cuban-style food. They are located at 25 Woodstock Road, Roswell. The hours are Tuesday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.; and Sunday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact them at 678-277-9661 or by e-mailing info@lazaroscuisine.com.

The food

Famous for its Spanish and African influences, Cuban cuisine is highly regarded around the world for its robust flavors.

At Lazaro's, the dishes are representative of the culture and offer recognizable menu selections you would expect from any Cuban restaurant.

Take the empanadas**, for example. Stuffed with either pulled chicken or ground beef, they are deep-fried to perfection and served with a special mustard-like dipping sauce that further enhances all the juicy flavors locked up inside the pocketed pastry.

As you might expect, diners will find all things Cuban on the menus, which differ slightly from lunch to dinner. Several pork dishes, churrasco steak and fried yucca are available.

Each entree is served with moros y cristianos (a black beans and rice combo, though you may request them separated), grilled plantains and sauteed onions.

Warm and buttery, grilled Cuban bread is served to each table, upon request.

The features

Located in an old house, turned salon and now restaurant, Lazaro's is ideally situated near the intersection of Woodstock Road and Canton Street in Roswell's historic district.

Details like the interior window shutters, golden framed paintings depicting scenes from Cuba and folksy knick-knacks add to the feeling of authenticity inside the restaurant.

But it's Lazaro's front patio that really serves as its jewel.

Sheltered beneath the shade of a large magnolia tree - which is dotted with hanging basket encased lights - a fenced-in pea gravel dining area welcomes patrons to sit at wrought iron tables. As dusk settles in and the lights cast a warm glow, it's enough to make you feel almost as if you've been transported to Havana for the evening.

**Recommended by Roswell Patch Editor Christine Foster.