Havana Grill

12/23/25 We visited the day before they were to close for a week so they were out of the chicken vegetable soup, guava dessert, and the different kind of fries that comes with the entres. That was ok, because there was plenty of other things to try. The server up front was so helpful to give suggestions and explain what each thing was. She gave us a paper menu near the register to help us. We tried the Cuban sandwich with fries. The fries were thin, long, crispy, and great! The sandwich was cut in half and warm. The steak dish I got had rice and beans, plantains, carrots, a sauce, and pulled apart meat that was crisped up, garnished with herbs, and delicious. I took half home. The iced tea was good, water was flavored with cucumber, and the mojito was lovely. They have plenty of free parking, two unisex bathrooms, and a walk up to order set up. Upon entering, go to the right then toward the bright menu at the front, look up on their menu, then walk to the left to order at the register. Then you take your number to the table. This is not clear when you enter, so some folks just walked directly to these register. The seating was arranged a bit oddly or maybe the tables are too big for the space. The drink station was to the left of the register. I always tip cash. There was a container for cash tips. On the credit card tipping, there were high percentages to chose from. I thought those percentages were for full table service, but perhaps things are different after COVID. They closed at 7 pm. I think because some folks are unfamiliar to this food, they want to consider having menus with bigger print, and a knowledgeable person nearby who can answer questions.

- Elka -

Absolutely delicious Cuban food and a wonderful atmosphere! Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The grilled meats were juicy and perfectly seasoned, and the sides—especially the plantains and black beans—were authentic and full of taste. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made the experience feel warm and welcoming. Great drinks, vibrant decor, and lively music add to the charm. Whether dining in or getting takeout, Havana Grill never disappoints—highly recommended for anyone craving genuine Cuban flavors!

- Ruta P. -

Omg y’all, this Cuban place was the bomb!!! Food was cooked to hit every taste bud in your mouth ( talk about perfection). Talk about authentic!!! We tried the crazy Cuban, Cuban sandwich, Picadillo empanada, guava with cheese pastry and the brownie cookie ( no judging lol). All was a 10 out of 10 ! Service was amazing!!! Super friendly gentlemen, made sure we had everything we needed and checked up on us several times. Ambiance was super chill and lax… highly recommend

- Jennie Medeles -

Got the Cuban hot sandwich, Bavarian cream cake & an iron beer. Everything was delicious, the sandwich was rich with lots of meat & flavor, crispy bread & the garlic butter/oil was yummy. The Bavarian cream cake was delicious, not too sweet (there was an odd flavor in the round thin piece but otherwise everything tasted great. Washed it all down with an iron beer. The place is ridiculously cute! It's an outdoor feel, inside & the staff is all dressed in uniform with cute hats. They were all very pleasant & friendly. Prices are fair for the qualityIt's Located in a giant Plaza with plenty of parking

- Anna “Krimzin Art” -

Nice restaurant with impeccable food and service. Even though we arrived an hour before closing, everything was fresh and the service was fast. We’ll definitely be back!

- Y B -

If you're craving authentic Cuban cuisine with bold flavors and generous portions, Havana Grill is a must-visit. I stopped by recently and tried the classic Cuban sandwich and the sampler platter, both were delicious and satisfying. The sandwich was perfectly pressed, with that savory combo of roasted pork, ham, pickles, and mustard that hits all the right notes. The sampler was a fun way to explore multiple dishes, and trust me, the portions won’t leave you hungry. The staff were friendly and welcoming. You’ll hear upbeat Cuban music in the background and catch whiffs of garlic and mojo as you walk in, instant mood booster. One small wish: I’d love to see this place evolve into more of a sit-down experience with table service. Ordering at the counter works fine, but the food and ambiance deserve a more traditional dining setup. Great food, great people, and a taste of Cuba right in San Diego. I’ll definitely be back for more empanadas and maybe a flan next time!

- Jordi Fabrega -