As a Colombian who has been craving authentic Colombian cuisine since my last visit to New York in…read moreDecember, I can confidently say this restaurant truly satisfied those cravings. Being nearly eight months pregnant, my expectations were especially high, and it is rare to find a place that meets them so well. From the seasoning of the food to the warm and attentive service, everything about this restaurant stands out. Although I don't recall my server's name, he was incredibly kind and provided excellent service throughout. The ambiance is also worth noting--the space is large, offers plenty of seating options, and even features a large TV, making it a great spot to relax or watch sports. To start, I ordered a watered mango juice along with a beef empanada. The empanada exceeded my expectations--despite being on the smaller side, it was packed with flavor. I enjoyed it so much that I ordered five more to go, which speaks for itself. They were served with fresh ají, a traditional sauce that complemented them perfectly. For my main course, I had the carne asada plate, which included steak, rice, beans, sweet plantains, avocado, tomato slices, and a small arepa. Every component of the dish was well-executed--the beans were flavorful, the meat was well-seasoned, and the overall plate felt authentic. It is often difficult to find truly authentic Colombian food, especially in San Diego, where options are limited or not genuinely Colombian. This restaurant, however, delivers on authenticity and flavor. The portion size was generous, and I ended up taking leftovers home to enjoy later. In addition to the empanadas (two chicken and three beef), I also ordered a buñuelo and a cheese arepa to go. Unfortunately, these items did not meet the same standard. The arepa lacked flavor and was overly greasy, and the buñuelo was dry and similarly oily, even after absorbing excess grease from the bag. Overall, I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for Colombian food, especially given how rare it is to find quality options in this area. Friends of mine visited recently as well and thoroughly enjoyed their bandeja paisa, further confirming the consistency of the food. I will definitely be returning--especially for those empanadas. Como colombiana que ha estado antojándose de comida colombiana auténtica desde mi último viaje a Nueva York en diciembre, puedo decir con confianza que este restaurante realmente cumplió con mis expectativas. Además, estando casi de ocho meses de embarazo, mis expectativas eran aún más altas, y no es fácil encontrar un lugar que las cumpla tan bien. Desde el sazón de la comida hasta el servicio cálido y atento, todo en este restaurante destaca. Aunque no recuerdo el nombre del mesero, fue sumamente amable y atento. un servicio excelente en todo momento. El ambiente también merece mención: el lugar es amplio, y limpio. cuenta con muchas opciones de asientos y tiene una pantalla grande, lo que lo hace ideal para relajarse o ver deportes. Para empezar, pedí un jugo de mango (rebajado con agua) junto con una empanada de carne. La empanada superó mis expectativas; aunque es un poco pequeña, tiene muchísimo sabor. Me gustó tanto que pedí cinco más para llevar, lo cual habla por sí solo. Venían acompañadas de ají fresco, que las complementa perfectamente. Como plato fuerte, pedí la carne asada, que incluía arroz, frijoles, plátano maduro, aguacate, rodajas de tomate y una arepita. Cada componente del plato estaba muy bien logrado: los frijoles tenían un excelente sabor, la carne estaba bien sazonada y jugosa y, en general, el plato se sentía auténtico. Hoy en día es difícil encontrar comida colombiana verdaderamente auténtica, especialmente en San Diego, donde las opciones son limitadas o no lo son del todo. Sin embargo, este restaurante sí cumple con ese nivel de autenticidad y sabor. La porción fue bastante generosa, por lo que terminé llevándome lo que no pude terminar para comer más tarde. Además de las empanadas (dos de pollo y tres de carne), también pedí un buñuelo y una arepa de queso para llevar. Lamentablemente, estos no estuvieron al mismo nivel. La arepa carecía de sabor y estaba grasosa, y el buñuelo estaba seco y también muy aceitoso, incluso después de que la bolsa absorbiera parte de la grasa. En general, recomiendo este restaurante sin duda a cualquiera que esté buscando comida colombiana, especialmente considerando lo difícil que es encontrar buenas opciones en esta área. Unos amigos míos también vinieron recientemente y les encantó su bandeja paisa, lo que confirma la calidad constante del lugar. Definitivamente volveré, especialmente por esas empanadas.

BEST EMPANADAS IN ALL OF SAN DIEGO. I spent my whole day trying to find good empanadas here in san…read morediego that would remind me of new york and this was the only location that didn't disappoint. $1.99 per empanada, they are super filling and can tell are made with love. Service was amazing and quick and the atmosphere is very welcoming i love this place. LAS MEJORES EMPANADAS DE TODO SAN DIEGO. Pasé todo el día buscando buenas empanadas aquí en San Diego que me recordaran a Nueva York, y este fue el único lugar que no decepcionó. $1.99 por empanada, son muy llenadoras y se nota que están hechas con amor. El servicio fue increíble y rápido, y el ambiente es muy acogedor. Me encanta este lugar.

empanada- p good arepa- good…read moregot the sampler plate lechon- p good steak- bad sausage- ok egg and rice- normal

I had been eyeing this restaurant for some time and am kicking myself for not having visited sooner…read morebecause the food was soooo good! I ordered the mini bandeja paisa dish which is a sampler plate of the best of Cololmbian bites that included steak, crispy pork belly, juicy sausage, arepa, beans, grilled plantains, avocado, and rice topped with fried egg. Every single item was cooked to perfection which says a lot about the attention to details. And the flavors were on point - super flavorful and well seasoned. I highly recommend this place for those looking for hearty, authentic Colombian food with massive portions!!

Food: 5/5 Portions: 5/5…read moreAtmosphere: 3/5 Cleanliness: 5/5 Customer service: 5/5 Speed: 5/5 Price: $ Takeout: yes Outdoor seating: yes ADA access: yes Dogs: outside Kid Friendly: yes Vegetarian options: yes Vegan options: yes Ambiance: casual Pros: authentic Cuban food. Friendly staff. Affordable prices. Cons: the parking lot is a little sketchy so be careful where you park.

The last time I visited this business, it was still called Los Pollos Rotisserie and Cuban Bakery…read more That shows you how long it has been because House of Cuban Flavor has been the name for more than a few years now under the same ownership. It's located in one of the middle suites between an auto parts store and a supermarket in an Otay strip mall of Chula Vista. Parking was plentiful as there were way more spaces in the lot than customers even at peak hours. There were a few tables placed on the sidewalk in front of the suite, but no seating was available inside. The coffee making station was to the right when you walked in. To the left of the service counter were glass displays containing the baked goods and desserts. Four small menu boards hung behind the counter. From left to right, the category on each board was Sandwiches, Cuban Specialties, Plates & Combos, and Bowls. Several trays in the display case were empty during my afternoon visit. The cashier ensured me that nothing was sold out. Items that were not displayed still could be ordered and made fresh by the kitchen. The Cuban Specialties were broken down further into Stuffed Potato Balls, Empanadas, and Pastries. Each offering cost $2.45 regardless of its composition. That was disappointing because I have encountered similar bakeries in which there were similar choices for less than $2 apiece. My order started with one of each of the potato balls (meat, spicy chicken, jalapeno & cheese) including a variety that wasn't listed (spicy pork). These were fried and then placed inside a cardboard takeout container. Each of the four had a slightly different color and/or texture to distinguish them from each other. The size was slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The meat filling was my favorite because it had the least heat as the other three contained noticeable spiciness. I also bought a meat empanada, a guava pastry, and a mango & cheese pastry. The pastry dough was light and flaky. The portion size was less impressive for $2.45. I recall when some of these were sold for one dollar less so the value has decreased over time. The fruit flavor of the guava and mango respectively was sweet but not over the top. For this recent experience at House of Cuban Flavor, I gave a 3.5 star rating.

Awesome small bar with great service and food. We will continue to come back. Had a great time and…read morereally good music too.

Walked in about 3 pm because they advertise outside their building being a sports bar hoping to…read morewatch Sweetwater Valley little league in the Litte League World Series. No game on. No sports on period. Bartender looked at me like i was asking an insane question. First time and last I plan to go there

We found Encuentro Cafe as we were walking around Old Town San Diego. Service was amazing, very…read morefriendly, and they checked on us to make sure everything was good as we waited for our meal. The meals were very tasty and portions were just right. I can only speak about my dish as I didn't have a taste of the other meal. I had the El Vainero (sweet corn pancake with Mano cheese, shredded beef, black beans and plantains). The flavors were so amazing together. You will just have to try it. I also ordered yuca fries. The three types of "sauces" were mild, medium, and hot. All three were tasty in their own way and I enjoyed all of them with the yuca fries and towards the end of my meal, it added a little kick to my dish. As for beverages, we had water and I ordered the hot chocolate. I know, hot chocolate, but it was so good. I love an authentic cup of hot chocolate with a bit of real whip cream and some cinnamon. In all, our experience at Encuentro Cafe was great from the service to the food. It is very intimate and we ate in the covered patio. It was as it would be eating outside with tropical decor. Not crowded and noise level as it would be eating in an enclosed patio, not too noisy with the sounds of Old Town patrons walking/driving down the street. I will definitely look forward to visiting this restaurant again when I visit San Diego.

The food and atmosphere were amazing!! Unfortunately, the service left a lot to be desired…read more I normally pride myself on leaving a generous tip, but the service was extremely lacking. Our server took our drink and food order, and everything seemed great up until that point. Then we realized she had forgotten to put in our drink order. When she finally brought my drink, it was the wrong one. When our food arrived, my order was incomplete my extra bacon was missing. So I ended up watching my wife eat her meal while I waited. My food finally came out right before she finished eating. After we finished, our server eventually made her way back to the table. I asked about the military discount, and she nodded and said they offered one. When she brought the check, the discount hadn't been applied, so I had to ask again. Between the mistakes with our order and what I could see and hear happening at some of her other tables, I'm guessing she was either brand new or just having an extremely rough day. We've all been there, so I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt. That said, we're definitely excited to come back and give this place another try because it has so much to offer! Hopefully, we catch our server on a better day next time. If the service had matched the food and atmosphere, this would have been a 5 review all day long!!

I first came here two years ago with friends. I was inviting a group of five, so I decided to order…read morethe parillada. This dish is more of a grill served at our table, and it came with a variety of meats: various beef cuts as well as sausages. For dessert, I had the flan, which was slightly sweeter than I usually have them, but it was delicious. We were sat at a larger table on the second floor, which felt like being back home in my dining room. It was semi-private, which was nice. This time around, I came with the girlfriend. After driving for 30 minutes from TJ's Zona Rio, we arrived at this fine restaurant in Rosarito. Parking was along the main avenue, at the front of the building. We walked in, and we were sat on the first floor. I ordered steak, medium, as did the girlfriend. Our sides were garden salad, and cheese fondue. I ordered some coffee and lemonade on mineral water, which were both okay. Our dessert was an order of empanadas. I liked the beef empanadas the best, followed by the ones with cheese. Personally, I prefer the parillada over the individual steak plate, but both hit the spot well. This is a decent Argentinian grill in the city of Rosarito. Come check them out.

We usually go to Chamuyo in El Valle fort our traditional Argentinian asado. Decided to take a…read morechance on this place in Rosarito. Everything about this experience is going to get us to return. Impeccable customer service with every request being met. The fire pit- asador is in the clear view, watching the grill master was an added treat to the dining. The asado tradicional is meant for two but there was plenty of food that finishes cooking at table side. Our extras included a baked potato, green salad, a beef empanada and a chorioan. The pacing of the food was well calculated and the bottle of magoni, Cabernet- Malbec from one of our favorite wineries fave it a special touch. Price is worth it! We will schedule another stop in our return

What a wonderful surprise to have found a Peruvian/Colombian restaurant in the heart of Oceanside…read moreCalifornia ! My daughter and I were on our way to find some food and by our luck we saw the billboard Casera! We looked at the menu and were taking it back it was a Colombian/Peruvian restaurant it had messed up both worlds ! Lomo Saltado , Bandeja Paisa, Arepas, Alfajores, Buñuelos, Pilsen Callao, Postobon, Inka Kola! Every Peruvian in Colombian dream when it comes to food! We had a Lomo Saltado, a Peruvian staple! They knocked it out of the park! A lot of places miss the Mark but this place got it just right the flavors were great the meat was just tender with a side of rice and the fries it was just perfect! Had an Arepa con Queso because yes! Pilsen Callao to wash it down with! Also had a chat with the owner who had a similar backstory like mine half Colombian half Peruvian from New York and now resides in San Diego! So if you're in Oceanside and you want a great place to have lunch or dinner, look no further than Casera!

I enjoy a good Latin or South American dish and this place is mainly Peruvian & Colombian themed…read more I'm familiar with some Brazilian food and brands so I'm thrilled when I can come here for a Guaraná soda. I've had everything from their saltado dishes, empanadas of various kinds, an assortment of their pastries, and ready to go drinks. Everything has been good for the most part. Tho when I'm craving a dessert stop here I favor the guava pastry and the alfajores, & you have to special order the cheese Pastry/bread. I'm a huge fan of "pudim" that's how you say flan in Portuguese! Yet the flan is not my favorite here since the sugar caramelization it's usually cooked too much, causing a burnt flavor, and the consistency is too aerated rather than having a creamy and smooth consistency. I've tried it a few times and that seems to be their consistent style. We get cravings for this place and like that we're mainly serviced by the nice owners of this restaurant. The restaurant is decorated in their native culture in mind. I love that! If you're craving a good empanada or a sweet tooth treat come and give them a try!

The worst service I have ever experienced in my life. The server could not have been ruder, more…read moreill-mannered, or more unprofessional. He was restocking the fridge and actually put one of the items in his mouth so he could free up his hands to put away the rest of the products--I found that absolutely disgusting and unhygienic, and that's where it all started. Afterward, he treated us poorly--lazily, without a smile, nothing. The food was cold and flavorless... I will NEVER return to this place!

We were on the hunt for Puerto Rican pasteles. We ordered 6 hot and 4 frozen (they ran out of the…read morehot). We also purchased goya chips, goya rice, and coco rico. The pasteles were deliciously meaty. Would've preferred more olives and sofrito. Half of the space is for dining the other half is a market. Ample customer parking. Friendly service, clean, and organized.

The food was the best Salvadoren food I've had in a while. The service was great as well. My server…read morewas sweet and didn't mind my talkative side. She gave the best recommendations of food I just couldn't decide. I ended up getting 4 cheese and chicken pupusas and a side of fried plantains with condensed milk. Overall my experience was great and the food was even better. 100000/10 for me.

It's always a pleasure to come back to this amazing restaurant!!!…read more First of all, all the servers are so nice and welcoming. The food is just so amazing, comforting, delicious and just the best for when you're super hungry!! The place has nice happy music but it might be a little loud. Can't wait to go back!