Habana Mariel cuban bakery — Restaurant in Fruit Cove

Disappointed by the Cuban Sandwich – Not Quite Authentic

I was really looking forward to trying the Cuban sandwich here. And I have to say — the bread was exceptional. Fresh, perfectly toasted, and with that satisfying crunch you crave in a proper Cuban. The portion size was also generous — easily enough for two so well worth the price.

Unfortunately, that’s where the excitement ended. 😒

The sandwich came with bread and butter pickles instead of traditional dill pickles, which was a letdown. Sweet pickles like these should be avoided in a Cuban sandwich — they completely alter the flavor profile and take away from the authenticity. The pernil (slow-roasted pork shoulder) also missed the mark — lacking that garlicky, savory seasoning that defines a good Cuban. It tasted under-seasoned and felt like an afterthought. 👎👎

We also asked for a Flan and they brought us a Flancocho, which is a mix of flan and chocolate cake. The flan layer was okay, which was a small portion, but the chocolate cake was dry and didn’t pair well. I wish they offered a more traditional flan option for those looking for something classic.👎👎

In short, this place has potential — the bread proves they care about quality in some areas — but the Cuban sandwich needs serious reworking to live up to the name. With more attention to authentic ingredients and flavors, it could be great. For now, it’s a miss. The homemade drinks are over priced $6.00 for 12 oz and too much sweetener, go for the soda instead. 👎👎 The cortadito coffee is bitter in flavor... Price 😐 Tables were not clean, needs...

This my first time coming to Habana Mariel bakary/ restaurant of blanding bvld Orange park, jax. Fl. I ordered "Ropa vieja", with white rice, and salad, and Tamarindo drink, she give to me with no ice and was to sweet also I ordered bread pudding, OMG... that taste "old" and was nasty I found out about it after I bought home to eat, otherwise I woulded give back to her, this was the WORST $27 meal I EVER expend, the meat was so hard like robber and dried. I ask for gravy to top it, and never got it. The services was poor. You ordered your food and paid for it. And you have to wait for a long...long... time for your food, on top of that they give to you in hurry and not in nice friendly way. I will...

Really cute and cozy café & bakery. The food and coffee was delicious, great portions. I ordered the cubano sandwich and had to split it. The cortadito was strong and tasty—normally they would put the sugar in but my party asked for it on the side. We took pastries to go and they were very yummy as well. I highly recommend the coconut tarts and coconut pastry. The staff is very kind and attentive (muy amable!) and the entire café is very clean and bright. The decor is stylish, including an Instagram-worthy photo corner and a beautiful photo collage of Cuba. I highly recommend going to this bakery for great coffee, delicious food, and...