Summary
I was eager to draft this article nearly immediately following our return from the dining establishment! If it hadn’t been for my culinary euphoria and subsequent indulgence in South African red wine, I would have been commending this place almost as soon as we returned to the Singa Lodge.
How We Discovered the Restaurant
This was entirely based on a local’s endorsement.
During our travels, we met an individual who has lived in Port Elizabeth all his life, and he highly recommended this establishment. I’m particularly fond of local suggestions, so we decided to give it a try. Subsequently, Lloyd conducted an online search, merely to see additional recommendations, and indeed, this venue was highlighted once again—thus, we noted to visit it after barely ‘escaping’ from the Safari Park post closure. 😉
Atmosphere and Ambiance
What stands out to me are two primary aspects.
Firstly, the ambiance is highly organic, relaxed, and unmistakably African. It brings to mind eateries in Lagos, Nigeria, where the primary goal is to satisfy your hunger. There are no extravagant distractions or overly attentive servers— for example, you choose your beverage from the fridge, bring your own alcohol (with no surcharge), and you receive ice and ice buckets to keep your drinks cool; after finishing your meal, you proceed to the counter to settle your bill… I could elaborate further.
Secondly, the cuisine is exceptional! The ribs and prawns have been praised extensively, thus we knew we must sample them; however, once we noticed the spicy chicken wings on the menu, we decided to challenge ourselves by ordering three dishes for two individuals. (And let’s not overlook the fries that accompanied them). I don’t possess many images of the food (nor do I have any particularly ‘aesthetic’ shots of the dishes), yet that’s not the essence of this place—it’s entirely about the flavor. (*Alright, I admit, I was too famished to spend time photographing the food—I merely wanted to consume it as soon as it arrived!)
This establishment stands as a genuine South African treasure and has been operating for many years. You are likely to meet the owner, who appears to know everyone by name!
Location Information
It is situated firmly within a residential neighborhood. I initially thought we had the address incorrect when we attempted to find it and was almost convinced we had taken a wrong turn. Fortunately, we utilized a SatNav, and there it was upon our arrival at the recommended location—Cubata! (We inadvertently missed lunch that day, exhilarated from sandboarding and going on Safari, so we arrived PREPARED for dinner).
Address: 16b Arthur Street | Sydenham, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Phone number: 837542768
Website: They do not possess a website.
Reservation Information
Simply arrive! There are no advanced reservations required. We arrived quite late in the evening, and although it was bustling upon our arrival, we managed to secure a seat. Within approximately 30 minutes of our arrival, the crowd began to disperse, further demonstrating that to ensure availability, it is advisable to come later in the day. Had we arrived earlier, it is likely we would have had to wait for a bit. 🙂 Even after your arrival, you just select a spot at one of the long rows of benches. If there is sufficient space for you to sit, then that becomes your seat for the evening—basic and straightforward. 🙂
