Hudson County's Maricel Presilla and Clara Chaumont opened this cozy Cuban restaurant in 2000. Diners feel like they are visiting a Cuban home, with bright, colorful tablecloths, vibrant oil-paintings covering the walls and a happy buzz filling the air as friends catch up over delicious meals. The paintings were done specially for Zafra by Ismael Espinosa, Presilla's father, and the menu is Latin American, with dishes from countries throughout the region. Presilla is the chef and a culinary author and the menu features dishes such as empanadillas con pebre, ropa vieja and camarones coloraditos. Zafra is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, with brunch service on the weekends. The restaurant is currently B.Y.O., but the staff can concoct delicious cocktails right at your table. Rated "excellent" by the New York Times, this small spot fills up early and remain that way well into the night.