I was in the Encinitas area again and was hungry. I actually came to this area for a different restaurant for breakfast but saw this Cuban restaurant, El Cubano, and I rarely turn down Cuban food. There was ample parking due to this area being a strip mall type of establishment. I headed to the food court area and stumbled on El Cubano. I decided to choose a go-to item, the Ropa Vieja and I got it with white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. A salad also came with the plate. Everything had a nice flavor to it. I really enjoyed the ropa vieja. I just wished there was a bigger portion because I'm a growing boy lol. I will for sure return to try some of their other items. read more

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El Cubano is one of the restaurants located at The Island. Just keep in mind, there's only outdoor seating. It offers a good variety of fresssh authentic Cuban dishes which are yummy. I've tried Cuban food before and looove it. For transparency, I did experience a dish that had a lot of salt; but because the welcoming staff provided excellent service, it made up for it. I still highly recommend this place to check out. read more

El Cubano - Cuban Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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El Cubano is a no nonsense Cuban sandwich shop that will meet your expectations for a delicious Cuban sandwich. I ordered the basic Cubano and I was blown away by the quality, and amazing flavors. The small staff is incredibly friendly and you can tell they really care about your experience. They are located in the Island Food Court with plenty of shady outdoor seating options. read more

El Cubano - Cubano Sandwich - Cuban Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Called in a pick up order during lunch time. There was no wait when I arrived and the staff was very friendly. I ordered the Sloppy Cubano with a side of the croquetas. The meat was delicious and the bread was super fluffy, my only complaint is that it was a bit too buttery for my liking. The croquetas were flavorful, the sauces it came with really stole the show! read more

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**editing to add my husband and I shared all of this and had leftovers, decent portions*** Plenty parking, courtyard with plenty of seating outdoors. No indoor seating. It's SoCal, enjoy the weather. This restaurant has great workers! From my understanding the owners are the workers. They respect the Cuban cuisine. Friendly and welcoming and they live up to their 5 star Yelp ratings. Oh and complimentary water available at counter or cans/bottles of various drinks for purchase. Ropa Vieja Plate is perfection! Added avocado and extra fried Maduros Sweet Plantains. Totally getting this again next time. See photos for more info. Do yourself a solid and visit this place. You'll wanna try everything on the menu. read more

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Phenomenal food, tastes like it was made with a lot of love!! My grilled chicken plate was a ton of food and the plantains were my favorite. Will definitely be back very soon!! read more

El Cubano - Grilled Chicken Plate - Cuban Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Good yelp find. Damn fine Cuban sandwich. Just a counter to order from and outside seating. Made fresh and hot. Delicious. read more

El Cubano - Cubano Supreme Sandwich Combo - Cuban Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Second time here this time I got the Cuban sandwich. In a word...delicious. Hand sliced pork roast and ham really make this sandwich. Needs more mustard though but no big deal. Thank you! read more

El Cubano - Cuban Sandwich - Cuban Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Probably the best Cuban food in California, and I'm a Cuban American from Miami, been living in California for 9 years. So I have complete authority to give a fully valuable cinco estrellas. Ay mi amor!!!! The garlic sauce omaigaa, goes so well with the tostones. The ropa vieja hit exactly how it's supposed to be. White rice, black beans (separate. I didn't try the congri; it's not for me) . Maduros yumm. Perfect! The croquetas tasted like they came straight out of miami. Don't skip this place. It is great. No pics bc I got takeout. My only regret is not ordering more food bc idk when I'll be back. read more

The best cubano sandwiches! I want to try more but that keeps me coming back!! The bread is so crisp.

I ordered the chicken breast and shrimp bowl which says it typically comes served over a bed of seasoned rice with red & green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and topped with a light dressing. I asked for no butter or cheese because I'm deathly allergic. Maybe they sauté the veggies in butter? Maybe the seasoned rice along with the dressing contains milk? If it did they didn't tell me. My order contained chicken, shrimp, black beans, and white rice. It felt healthy and filling which I appreciated, but also wasn't what I was expecting. Big thing is I didn't get sick while eating which is a huge win. read more

El Cubano - Chicken Breast and Shrimp Bowl - Cuban Near Me - Carlsbad, California

A caveat - this review is for service and the Cuban sandwich. My wife and I recently hosted a block party - and decided to do something different for food. For a few specific reasons, we went with Cuban - and after researching on Yelp, we visited El Cubano to taste test their sandwich. Wow - we were simply blown away. I've spent quite a bit of time in both Cuba and south Florida, and this was as good or better than any Cuban Sandwich I've ever had. They are also HUGE. After talking with Dayron (the owner), we agreed to go with Cuban Sandwiches and Plantain Chips (also GREAT, although I added salt to mine to bring out the flavor), to be picked up before the party began. The day of the event, my wife went to get this food - all were incredibly packed in foil containers - very professional! Once we let our guests know that lunch was available, the flood gates opened - every person agreed that this was simply the best Cuban Sandwich they've ever had - that is a pretty strong endorsement. So go and enjoy a great sandwich. You'll be glad you did. read more

Love the authenticity of the food here, great customer service and it is conveniently located next to my favorite barbershop, Steez Fine Barbering read more

El Cubano - Leaving the barbershop to get food - Cuban Near Me - Carlsbad, California

We liked this place, but the portions really went down, hardly any meat in El ropa Vieja

We drove over from Escondido when I found out there was authentic Cuban food just a short drive away. I grew up in Miami, and my grandparents lived in Little Havana so I loved Cuban dishes. Living in San Diego, it is very difficult to find excellent places for Cuban dishes. The owners/staff are so friendly and nice. The food is even better! Every bite of my Ropa Vieja had me closing my eyes to savor the flavors. And the maduros....OMG Yum! My husband said his was the perfect Cuban sandwich-no skimping on the meat or overstuffing. He doesn't usually like a lot of dough or breading, and he thought the empanada was perfect! I agree-done just right, not overcooked in one single spot. We would recommend this a hundred times over and we will be back to try other dishes. But that's going to be hard because I really love my Ropa Vieja... read more

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Don't trust the pics! You don't get the same items if you order through Door Dash! When I called they blamed Door Dash! Too bad as food is just ok anyway but am from Miami so was an ok option but will not order from there again! read more

Daaaaaang! This cubano hit so good! Highly recommend this spot. I'll be back to try the other items because the menu looked stacked! But dang I'll be getting that cubano again! Mmmmm! read more

The food was so delicious and tasted exactly like my husband's aunt from Cuba who makes Cuban food. The food was wonderful. The people working there were so nice. We can't wait to go back. It's a must!!! read more

Pretty good lunch place. Food is good. Chicken sandwich is good and the potato ball is great. read more

Hard to find a new sandwich spot that isn't Subway or a chain. This hit the spot. Big parking lot and easy service with a really different and big meaty sandwich with a sauce that makes it. read more

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We arrived 15 minutes before they started closing and they were kind enough to take our order, and they didn't rush us. We just wanted something light and we ordered the Empanada and Maduros Sweet Plantains. The Maduros Sweet Plantains come in two pieces, tender and ripe. The Empanada was not dry, savory, crispy, and hit the spot. I enjoyed both items we ordered and I like that they are served fresh and came out fast. They are a takeaway/food court, they have service water available and the place looks clean and new. and it is our first time here. I would definitely love to come back and try their entrees. read more

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I just got back from Miami and was spoiled with yummy Cuban food. Found El Cubano on Yelp and just had to try it. Called them spoke to Darren and he said they had oxtail. What a great surprise. Ordered the braised oxtail with rice and beans with fried plantains. Oxtail was fall.off the bone tender. We also ordered the Cubano sandwich which was just as good. Definitely a need to go back resto. Yummy read more

El Cubano - Braised oxtail, El Cubano, Papa rellena - Cuban Near Me - Carlsbad, California

El Cubano has some surprisingly good Cuban food! Its location in a food court in the middle of a business park in Carlsbad doesn't really made me wonder, but the reviews were great, so we had to try it. I'm so glad we did! We had the Cubano (sandwich), an empanada and maduros. All were great. The Cubano is quite possibly the best I've had anywhere, the empanada was excellent and so were the maduros. There's a lot on the menu, and we can't wait to come back and try their versions of some of our other favorite Cuban dishes! read more

First timer. The Tri tip plate was delicious and well seasoned. The meat was tender, and cooked just right. The congri rice & beans were so flavorful. Will definitely go back. 10/10 read more

El Cubano - Cuban Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Wow wow wow wow. This place was so stinkin good! I wanted something different for lunch and I couldn't have been more happy with the ease of ordering, the service at pick up and the freshness of the food. The store is small but mighty and the they're just very kind and calm as a collective. Not pictured but the papa relleno, croquetas and tostones were also delicious. But hey yo, those maduros? Wooooo so yummy. Best lunch I've had in a while. The shrimp and tri tip are delicious but I'm eager to come back for that Cubano. read more

El Cubano - Shrimp and Tri-Tip bowl - Cuban Near Me - Carlsbad, California

The food is some of the best Caribbean food I have enjoyed. Very authentic and worth the drive from anywhere. I made it a point to stop by when I'm in the area. read more

Coming from Miami I'm always on the hunt for good Cuban food! And this place delivered!!! We came right before closing but the worker was really nice and helpful! Once we placed our order we sat outside for 10 minutes until it was done! Let me tell you.. the food was great! And very authentic. I wish we got a little bit more food but that's because it was so good. I definitely messed up not getting the papa rellenas and will be getting those for sure next time! Definitely a hidden gem. I can't wait to come back to try one of the sandwiches! read more

It was weird to place the order over the phone, they couldn't understand when I said flan?? And the chef in the back seemed on edge when I showed up as if I wasn't going to show up. Anyway, especially for the cost, still not the best Cuban I have had in San Diego. The ham quality for the Cuban sandwich is boiled cheap ham, tasted rubbery. They don't have Vaca Frita and the option with the meat was ok two pieces of steak on rice. read more

El Cubano - Hear is a clear menu since what is on the site is hard to see. - Cuban Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Being from South Florida, I've been missing Cuban food ever since moving here. I am so glad we finally got to try this place and did not disappoint!! We got here early before the lunch crowd and ordered a Bistec de Palomilla with Congri and Maduros and it tasted just like home! We also ordered a Cuban Sandwich which was made to perfection. Wish these places was around the corner from me, but it is well worth the 20 minute drive. My husband finished his and said "now I want this for dinner!" Excited I get to make sure my daughter is raised with Cuban food. Can't wait to come back and try a cafecito and pastelitos! read more

El Cubano - Bistec de Palomilla with Congri and Maduros - Cuban Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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We love this place! We love the empanadas, the papa rellena, ropa vieja, fricase de pollo, the plantains and the tri tip. All amazing! Still need to try the famous Cuban sandwich. read more

This is located directly from my work, but I often work remotely these days, so I won't be that close to it, but still in Carlsbad. I was craving Cubano food, like in my Miami days and even when I was visiting Cuba. I looked it up and found this place, so I had to go try it out. I wanted the cubano sandwich, of course, but I also love the Lechon plata, which was good but was hoping the pork was shredded. The plantains were to die for and the beans were cooked perfectly to go so well with the rice. My cubano did not disappoint, especially with the chipotle dipping sauce. It was fantastic. We got the potato ball to start and it was very filling for just one ball for an appetizer. The sauce that went with it was really good. These are things I normally order from Porto's when I'm in LA, but the lechon plata from Porto's is shredded pork. The Papa Rellena (potato balls) from Porto's doesn't have a dipping sauce, it's smaller, and costs a bit less, but again, this place has larger potato balls. And cubano here is much better than the cubano sandwich at Porto's, since it has more of a complex and balance of seasoning and was more generous with the pickles. I'll be coming here more often now that I know this place is here. It's only about 4 miles from my house. read more

El Cubano - My cubano sandwich - Cuban Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Their fricase de pollo is soooo good! I will definitely be back again soon There isn't any indoor seating read more

Loved this since it was a food truck. I recommend the lechón and tri-tip. The bread they use is amazing. Super friendly staff as well. read more

A welcomed addition at the carlsbad island plaza. Love seeing the diversity of food cultures in this plaza. I got the cubano sandwich and was not disappointed. They also give you a creamy spicy sauce that perfectly compliments the sandwich. read more

El Cubano - cubano sandwich: swiss cheese, smoked ham, pork slices, pickles and mustard! - Cuban Near Me - Carlsbad, California

It's hard to find other Latino food here in San Diego. I ordered the Ropa Vieja and it was delicious! Being from NYC, there is a ton of different food choices. This was refreshing to order from this place. read more

El Cubano - Ropa Vieja. It did come with a small side salad that I had already eaten. - Cuban Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I haven't written a review in a long time. Going here wasn't my idea but my coworker wanted Cuban and I just thought no way will we find decent Cuban food in this area. Boy was I wrong. Walking in, I got hit with that smell I can only describe as the smell of something being slow roasted. Absolutely mind blowing. Service was welcoming, nice, asked about recommendations and the girl taking our order was informative and helpful. I had the potato balls, HUGE and PACKED with flavor, perrrrrfeclty lightly fried and fluffy. 10/10 Then an order of the croquettes....I can't tell you how good they were 10/10 Finally the Ropa Vieja, slow roasted and just perfectly marinated....on a bed of perfectly done rice which i smothered with the most authentic and delicious portion of Cuban beans I've ever had. What sucks is....well I'll have to eat here until I've eaten everything off the menu... Highly recommend if you like traditional authentic delicious Cuban food. read more

So I'll preface this review with the fact that I was born and raised in Miami and now preside in North County. Now with that out of the way I just have to say, this is such an authentic Cuban spot. Everything on the menu is extremely delicious. Portions are hearty and prices are extremely reasonable. It's one of my go to lunch spots and it's highly recommended. All the staff is always so courteous and nice, and the cook/owner knows what he's doing. I'm so glad El Cubano is here, anytime I'm feeling a little homesick, I grab some food from here and leave full and happy! read more

El Cubano - Pollo Empanizado - Cuban Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Living in southern California, it's difficult to find authentic delicious Cuban food. Luckily, this spot is only a 20 minute drive from my home making it easily accessible! Tucked away is El Cubano similar to a walk up service. There is plenty of parking and outdoor seating. I had a tri-tip plate with a side of maduros. Absolutely delicious and VERY filling! I ended up sharing this with my mom. I also ended up ordering el cubano for my dad who's from Miami. A sandwich difficult to come across and he's always disappointed when he finds it here. Thankfully, the sandwich hit his standards and he's was WOW'd by how delicious it was. I'm definitely looking forward to eating here in the future when I'm needing a Cuban dish. read more

Cuban-American who has spent much of her life in Miami. This is some of the best Cuban food I've ever had (outside of my Abuela's cocina). The croquetas are just like hers and the congri is chef's kiss. The other plates were delicious. Beyond that, the owners are friendly and it is locally-owned. read more

I will give them a second try because my experience may have been different because I had it delivered but the bread on the my Cuban sandwich combo was not good and there was only one small pickle on it. The filling in the empanada was good but it was only half full. read more