Havana Grill — Restaurant in San Diego

So I had seen this on Instagram and it looked pretty cool and being Cuban of course we’re gonna try this place out so we jumped in the car. Spent about 20 minutes traveling to this restaurant. Not knowing what to expect, we walked in and realized that you have to go around the tables and look at the food. Look at the menu in order at the register and then they’ll bring your food out to you. However, you are able to see a lot of the desserts and some of the food coming out of the kitchen, so we made some guesses and decided what we were gonna get. First was me I got the Havana Sirloin Steak (7oz) Grilled naturally-raised, grass-fed Sirloin Steak, house rub, FuFu (mashed green plantains and pork cracklings). I also got a side of tostones and some croquetas which were round. I’ve been Cuban for a long time. Never saw round croquetas. My son got the Arroz con Pollo, and the Mrs. Got the Fricasé de Pollo Naturally raised, hormone-free chicken. Braised in a light wine and organic tomato sauce, onions, peppers, olives, capers, red potatoes.

First of my meal, Havana Sirloin Steak (7oz) Grilled naturally-raised, grass-fed Sirloin Steak, house rub, FuFu (mashed green plantains and pork cracklings). Served medium , and it was really delicious. Came with a side of fufu which was meh, and con gris which was good.

My sons Arroz con pollo was excellent. The rice was ok but the chicken was amazing. My wife loved her chicken, but the side of rice and beans were meh. The beans were Pepe, which is weird because we don’t really normally put pepper in our black beans, but whatever.

For dessert, we ordered the arroz con leche and some guava pastelitos. The arroz con leche was gringo style….it had raisins in it. Cmon bro! . The guava one was delicious and used real guava paste.

So what would I say to you if you told me should I go there or should I stay away? I would tell you that their Cuban food while I didn’t sample everything on the menu is very good. I can’t think of a reason I would never go back. I would I should go back next week and try something else on the menu to see how they did the atmosphere is very good, staff is super attentive and super amazing. They checked on us twice which I thought was really nice. The food overall delicious check it out although warning it is a bit pricey for my wife myself and my son and all I ordered aside from mains and apps was a soda and he had a juice came out to over 100 bucks.

But as I drove home with a full belly of pretty much the best Cuban food I’ve had in California I would say...

I came here with my husband and MIL for dinner- firstly I was impressed by the decor, but I was also surprised at the ordering format. It would make sense to have a Chipotle-style walk-up line at restaurant with a limited menu, but we were given no time to be able to browse before being ushered into the end of the line to make our choices. Because we had no time to read the menu, the gentleman with yellow tinted glasses behind the counter asks us what we would like for our sides but we are not sure what the sides are. My MIL asks because she is elderly and cannot read the menu, and the employee pointed to the menu behind him and said “you can read them behind me on the screen” in a rather dismissive way. So my husband and I then look to the menu and try to help her. The attendant then asked if we wanted any drinks and very briefly described that they had some happy hour options and named a handful of drinks. I asked him what the actual special was, but he gave me a baffled look and said “it was everything I just mentioned” and moved on. Obviously I’ll have to sit down and figure this out myself. So after we choose a spot to sit at, I tried to visit their website to look at the happy hour section. This at least provided the information I was looking for- $4 off certain cocktails- including a “Havana margarita”. My husband tries to find a waitress to order a drink, and when he asks her (mistakenly calling it a Cuban margarita), she tells him they don’t serve margaritas there. She says she can make a mojito because it’s the other “M” drink. So we end up with a mojito, which was well made, but certainly lessened by the condescending attitude we received. The food overall was good, but as a first time customer walking into a business, I was shocked at the indifference with which we were treated and was maybe just hoping for a little bit of empathy for someone who doesn’t know the protocol there. They were not busy and only had a few patrons inside, otherwise we would’ve more-so understood wanting to rush us through the process without properly explaining anything. It just immediately put a huge damper on what was supposed to be a enjoyable experience celebrating my MIL. None of us appreciated being spoken to as if we were stupid and inconsiderate, we simply needed help from people who’s job it is supposed to be to help us. For that reason I will be unlikely to return. This place would be much more user-friendly with a traditional waitstaff, and preferably one that treats their customers with respect and...

Absolutely, here's a review for Havana Grill, a Cuban food restaurant in San Diego:

Havana Grill is a culinary oasis that transports you to the vibrant streets of Cuba right in the heart of San Diego. My recent dining experience at this charming restaurant left me thoroughly impressed, from the warm ambiance to the tantalizing flavors of authentic Cuban cuisine.

Let's start with the food, which was nothing short of exceptional. The menu boasts a delightful array of Cuban specialties, and each dish is a celebration of bold flavors and traditional cooking techniques. The Ropa Vieja, a classic Cuban shredded beef stew, was a standout dish with its tender meat and savory sauce that had me scraping the plate for every last bit. The Cubano sandwich was another highlight, perfectly pressed with layers of ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.

The atmosphere at Havana Grill is cozy and inviting, with colorful decor and lively music that sets the mood for a memorable dining experience. Whether you're seated indoors or at their charming outdoor patio, you're sure to feel the warmth and hospitality that defines Cuban culture.

I also appreciated the excellent service provided by the staff. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and offered great recommendations, making our dining experience even more enjoyable. The attention to detail and genuine friendliness of the staff added to the overall positive impression of Havana Grill.

For vegetarians, Havana Grill offers a fantastic selection of meat-free options that don't compromise on flavor. From hearty black bean soups to flavorful plantain dishes and delicious vegetable empanadas, there's something to satisfy every vegetarian palate.

In conclusion, Havana Grill is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Cuban cuisine in San Diego. With its delicious food, inviting atmosphere, and excellent service, it's a gem that captures the essence of Cuba's culinary heritage. I can't wait to return and indulge in more of their...