Named after a treasured family nickname meaning “my moon,” Mi Luna Cuban Cafe blends rich heritage with joyful hospitality in the heart of Olympia.
Established by the family trio of Rich and Kirsten Root, and their son Josiah, the café is a reflection of their shared vision: a warm welcoming space inspired by Cuba’s rustic elegance and European charm–just like its dishes–thoughtfully layered, deeply rooted in tradition, and crafted with love.
The cuisine, while centered on Cuban classics also draws culinary influences from Spanish and Caribbean flavors with shared ingredients like beans, rice, herbs, and slow-cooked meats—all under the direction of executive chef Miriam Preston.
Stop by for a casual lunch or a full-service dinner and Cuban favorites like Ropa Vieja (known as the national dish) featuring tender shredded steak in flavorful tomato and white wine sauce, peppers, garlic, capers, olives, accompanied by rice, and beans.
At Mi Luna, family isn’t just in the kitchen—it’s in the food, the walls, the stories, and the service. Co-owner Rich Root, formerly in real estate and now following his passion for cooking alongside the kitchen crew, describes it as a business culture built on joyful hospitality, a growth mindset, genuine care, collaboration, and a deep sense of community.
“We want every person to feel like they have a community here. That they love coming to work, and see the contribution and gift they’re offering to every person that comes in here. That’s our heart as far as the culture of the business,” he says. “You can feel it as soon as you come in. You can feel that everyone shares that heart, everybody’s on the same team.
Honestly, that means the world, because that’s what it’s all about.”
Plans are already underway for special community nights—art classes, dance events, and chef collaborations.
For Additional Information
Mi Luna Cuban Cafe
milunacuban.co
BY EMILY MOLINA