Havana Mania — Restaurant in Redondo Beach

The Rabo Encendido at this restaraunt has to be the poorest excuse for so called "authentic Cuban food I have ever come across. For $30 dollars each my friend and I each got 3 bones of something that comes out of a dog. They were in a bland, greasy, disgusting sauce that i was forced to choke down to not be too ignorant. The oxtail pieces should have been trimmed of excess fat using a spoon and rested before serving. Problem is all that was on the bones was fat so they coulnt do that. We recieved the dish in 5 minutes which means they just pulled it out of some oily mess of a saucepan and threw it on a plate. There was not a single carrot, onion, pepper, nor any vegetable for that matter. The dish is made with vegetables and specific ones for the flavor. The chunks looking like piles needing to be picked up from a back yard were served with dry crusty mounds of overcooked almost burned rice and some horrid undercooked and underseasoned black beans. The drinks were way overpriced my co conspiritor and i each had one double drink for the bargain price of almost $50. The margarita was watered down and not made properly. The server acted nice but you could tell all he wanted to do was be condascending to a person he thought was just a tired guy who never ate this dish before so he smiled as he served us piles of pu pu platters on our plates. I spent over $140 with a tip because I will not let them post an angry rebuttle that i cant afford to be there or something. He went so far as to speak cryptically at us once he reaized we had a problem with the food. He then proceeded to remove drinks and plates from our table we were not done with yet and we had to stop him. I wasnt going to eat or drink anymore of that trash but thats my choice i paid a ridiculous amount of money for what cost them maybe $15 or $20. We thanked them and asked a question while leaving and were met with an attitude and a snippy answer from this blond lady with an angry scowl on her face. I was completely blow away by the audacity of the employees, mgrs, and owners on duty in this place. It looked nice and had newer decor sort of but it was thrown together on a whim. This was probably all around the worst experience I have ever had at a restaraunt in my entire life. I have had real Cuban food many times and Miami is the best place to get it but Cubans are all across the US. These wanna be imposters need to close the doors before they poison someone. They are on the way out. Dont bother giving them a chance they probably never knew hpw to properly cook these dishes or they simply gave up and are running this place with no concern for the customer. Id rate them a 0 if it...

Havanna Manna offers an exceptional dining experience that captivates both the senses and the spirit. One of the highlights of their menu is the whole chicken served alongside plantains and rice—a dish that perfectly balances flavors and textures. The chicken is expertly marinated and grilled, resulting in a succulent texture that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the caramelized plantains and the comforting, fluffy rice. This dish not only provides nourishment but also embodies the warmth and soulfulness that Caribbean cuisine is renowned for. It’s the kind of meal that wraps around you like a warm embrace, leaving you both comforted and satisfied.

However, the true standout of my meal was undoubtedly the oxtails. These succulent morsels were incredibly delicious and so tender that they practically melted in the mouth, a testament to the chef's careful preparation and unwavering attention to detail. Rich in flavor, each bite was a delightful explosion of savory spices and deep, meaty goodness, evoking the age-old culinary traditions of the Caribbean. It's the kind of dish that can transport you to another place, making every forkful a cherished moment on your culinary journey. The oxtails encapsulate why Havanna Manna has cultivated such a loyal following; they are a perfect marriage of authentic taste and artistry.

Whether you are already a fan of traditional Caribbean dishes or simply seeking a new culinary adventure, Havanna Manna proves to be an essential destination. With its welcoming atmosphere and a menu that celebrates the vibrancy and richness of Caribbean flavors, the restaurant promises to delight your taste buds and satiate your cravings. Each meal is more than just food; it's an experience that invites you to explore the depth of Caribbean culture through its cuisine, making every visit memorable...

The Baseline: For a Cuban restaurant, the four traditional staples (beans, rice, plantains) must be represented along with the three traditional meats (chicken, beef, and especially pork), the preparation must accentuate the flavors (including garlic) with Spanish/African/Caribbean influences to represent the Cuban cuisine.

Food: The best dish was the pork (Lechon Asado) with classic sides and ask for their garlic sauce. You need the sauce. Also I had the Ox Tail (Rambo Encendido) which is a popular dish but it is market rate ($32 the day I was there). So it was tasty but I think my personal preference would be the Lechon Asado ($19). The Camarones al Ajilo (Shrimp) were also good, but still wanting the pork over the shrimp. The rice, beans, and plantains were really good traditional sides to the meals. The Mojito was very refreshing as an alcoholic beverage and worth it for the meal. Also the fries were good, reminding me of the fries I get at a beach food stand (which is a good thing). Overall the food is good here.

Service: Good solid service on the night we came and I always had water refills.

Ambiance: The inside makes me feel like I am sitting in a Cuban restaurant in Florida. Great music in the background and the lighting was nice and low for the evening broken by the neon “Mojitos” sign near the bar. Also...