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    Havana Grill

    4.1 (714 reviews)
    ModerateCuban, Bakeries, Desserts
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 1 week ago

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    HAVANA GRILL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Classy
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Havana Grill

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    V W.

    Attractive restaurant located in the Mission Valley mall. We stopped in for a quick lunch, trying 3 different empanadas and a beer. It took a while to be served the empanadas at the 'bakery' counter and right before we paid, the server went to serve someone at the outside walk-up window. Uh, hello...?! We sat at at the bar where the service as well as the empanadas were luke warm. The bar tender was wearing one earphone and obviously taking a phone call while 'working'. It was difficult to get her attention between her prepping limes, her phone call and her disappearing every so often. We could have easily walked out and not paid for our drink, but we were honest. She didn't get a tip. She also needs to learn to cut limes more efficiently. We wouldn't rush back.

    Vegetarian Plate
    Laurel C.

    We gambled on a Friday night with no reservations, but managed to get a table for 2 no issue. Cute lively interior, definitely a little loud but atmosphere is fun. Very happy with the vegetarian plate, really enjoyed the charred veggies and sweet plantains.

    Classic
    Arnold T.

    It's been a few months since we've been here and from our last visit things have changed. Entree portion seems smaller. The side yuca fries were cut smaller and with fewer pieces. Sandwiches are gone from the dinner menu but you can still order them. Dinner is full service. Customer service went downhill. We came at 8pm and they couldnt sit us inside the main dining area even though there are open tables. They were reserving it for a larger group of people in case there is a rush of people 1 hour before closing time. They sat us near the entrance. Then While we're still eating about 30 before closing they are already cleaning ane lifting the chairs around us. Almost signaling us to hurry up with our dinner. I still like my Ropa Vieja but after this experience I don't think we'll come back anytime soon.

    Guava cheese cake
    Curt T.

    The food is just as good as always but their new model in service is not that great. So now you don't order at the counter and take a seat. Now you wait to be seated and they do full service. It takes a bit for them to bring you your check etc etc. Plus they don't have the sangria by the pitcher and need to do glass by glass. We wanted to sit in the main dining area but they wouldn't seat at at a table that was for more than 4 because there was only 3 of us and they were saving it for a larger group but was less than an hour before closing. Plus the lunch and dinner prices are different. And they don't have the sandwiches listed on the dinner menu and so you need to ask for them if you want one for dinner. It just seems more inconvenient and more of a hassle with the new menu and pricing etc etc. and I get the impression that ordering by the glass, Waiting to be seated waiting for the check is an excuse to charge more than they did before by attempting to making it more fancy. Idk. Could be wrong but that's the impression I got. The service was ok but I guess I just preferred the old way where you order at the counter pay and they bring the food to you and so I'm when you're done you don't have to wait and look around for a server to get your check. I'll still be back but just not as frequently especially for dinner. I'd be more apt to come during lunch now.

    Jerry H.

    We came here for their exquisite coffee bar and to relax in their comfortable, relaxing patio. The latte I had was expertly hand made with great strong flavor. The waitress was extremely helpful and nice. Everyone was so nice here. It's a very cute restaurant with a great fun atmosphere. I loved it here!

    Vaca Frita
    Allison P.

    It's alwaysss a fun time at Havana Grill! If you're ever in the mood for some Cuban food, Havana Grill is the place to be. On the particular night we stopped by, they had a live band and dancing! It was such an upbeat crowd just enjoying the food, music, and each other's company. The Vaca Frita is my go-to! It features braised flank steak seared with onions, Spanish rice, fried plantains, and a small salad. Every element on this plate is SO GOOD! It feels really like someones mom made it for you. Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of their plates! They're well-rounded, homey, and super flavorful.

    Ropa Vieja
    Stephanie B.

    I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of my lunch at Havana Grill. The restaurant is located in the outskirts of the mission valley mall and has plenty of parking and is easy to find. It is super cute, and has a fun, airy, bright feel. Service: Our server, Sydney, was great and explained a number of food items to us without even being asked. She was helpful in making good recommendations as well. Food came out fast and we were checked on often. Food: We ordered three empanadas: picadillo, yucca, Cubano with buttery mojo sauce. These empanadas were excellent! The crust was flakey and buttery and had a lot of filling. They are a pretty decent size. The pork and yucca and picadillo were my favorites that we tried. For my entree, I ordered the Ropa Vieja, which was delicious. It came with brown rice, black beans and two sweet plantains - all super tasty. We don't get dessert, but they looked amazing in the cabinet. I will definitely return here to try more things or just get a few empanadas and dessert to go!

    Tanya K.

    My husband was craving baked chicken & mashed potatoes & we found it on the menu here. It was still happy hour so got a great deal on margarita & painkiller cocktails as well as empanada - we tried pork/ yuca one and it was delicious! Our server, Nikki was wonderful! We had roasted chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and chicken with rice. I am not a fan of rice but thoroughly enjoyed it - it was super flavorful. Chicken was excellent & flavorful too! We had coffee cortada - nice & strong! The food portions were big so couldn't try any desserts but they have some good looking pastries & cookies.

    Nancy T.

    From the moment you walk in to be seated, the restaurant is very inviting and gives immediate Havana vibes. There is a takeout/pick up bakery/cafe counter that you can order from if you are not dining in, a bar, and inside and outside dining. The food we ordered was amazing. We did an empanada trio, Havana skirt steak, and cubano. Pistachio coffee is a must try. They have a full specialty cocktail menu to order from and full bar. We came during lunch rush, and despite being understaffed, the food and experience was will nice.

    Crazy Cuban
    Lauren C.

    It's so great to have a good Cuban sit-down restaurant in San Diego! Their Cuban sandwiches are as good as the ones we get in Miami. The Crazy Cuban is my favorite. Their tostones are great. And I love that they have live music! Tonight my brother-in-law accidentally ordered the wrong sandwich, and they couldn't have been more gracious about bringing him the sandwich he meant to order. Lovely people and wonderful food.

    Partial view of indoor seating
    Mei T.

    I had lunch here with some friends. It was my first time at Havana Grill. I ordered the Citrus Grilled Chicken Breast that came with sweet plantains, brown rice, and signature black beans. I thought it was just ok, the chicken was a bit on the dry side. My favorite part of the dish were the sweet plantains. I had a taste of my friend's Arroz con Pollo. This dish was more flavorful than mine. They used dark meat for this dish and the way it was cooked left the chicken very tender and full of flavor. We also tried the Cubana empanadas--not recommended. The Yuka fries were good. Overall, I enjoyed the food but felt the service was a bit off. Food was delivered to our table within a good turnaround time; however, I had to wait quite a bit for my utensils. The server miscounted and didn't have enough at the table. Service was ok, not the best. The restaurant wasn't busy when we visited, but we had to flag down other servers since ours wasn't available. She was sweet, just not very attentive. The restaurant is very clean and nicely decorated. When you walk in, there's a beautiful display of baked goods. It took some serious willpower to walk away from the sweets, but I managed to succeed.

    Havana Chicken Sandwich
    Stephen C.

    "I've been wanting to try Havana Grill for ages, so I finally made it there yesterday--and wow, it delivered one of the best meals I've ever had! I started with the Vaca Frita, their signature crispy fried flank steak. It's braised flank steak seared super crispy with sautéed onions and mojo sauce, served with rice, sweet plantains, and I added a side of beans that paired perfectly. The meat had this amazing texture--like burnt ends but even better--mixed with garlic butter (or that garlicky mojo vibe), so flavorful and crispy in every bite. Then I sampled the Havana Chicken Sandwich: a crispy bun loaded with chicken breast, caramelized onions, cilantro, and garlic aioli--basically a lighter, chicken twist on the classic Cuban sandwich, and it was spot-on. I also tried the Havana Royale Burger (or whatever that tasty burger is called on the menu), which came with this incredible house-made sauce I couldn't quite place--maybe that signature guava aioli?--but it was so addictive I couldn't stop eating it. Finally, the Arroz con Pollo was a standout classic: tender hormone-free chicken with rice, peas, red peppers, and spices in a rich, saucy broth that made it way more flavorful than your average chicken-and-rice dish at other Latin spots. I really wanted to squeeze in the empanadas and that guava cheese pastry for dessert, but I was already stuffed from sampling everything. No regrets--it's the perfect excuse to go back soon! Havana Grill totally lived up to the hype. If you're in San Diego, hit up the Havana Grill in Mission Valley! And our waitress was hilarious! A lot of fun a lot of energy! " hello Sydney!"

    Shakira M.

    Cute restaurant that makes you feel like you are in the heart of Cuba! Loved the music, the ambiance and the service. I ordered the Havana Mojito which was delicious. For starters, we ordered some of the empanadas. I ordered the Chicken Fricase empanada which was full of flavor. For my main entree, I ordered the Fricase de Pollo with congris which came with sweet plantains. The portion size was absolutely perfect.the chicken was so tender, it fell off the bone and was full of flavor. My entire family enjoyed their meals and drinks.

    Interior faux patio dining area

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    Havana Grill Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Havana Grill

    Are they open on sunday?

    Yes they are open Sundays, close at 8:00 pm.

    Is the restaurant dog friendly?

    No, I definitely wouldn't recommend it. You'd basically be sitting with your dog on the hot sidewalk. Way more dog friendly specific restaurants in the SD area. This just isn't one of them.

    Do you have a happy hour?

    Not at this time. Hopefully they have one in the future

    I walked around the mission valley mall and couldn't find this place what is it next to?

    This is on the Nordstrom side, walk pass Cava facing the Main Street. Hope this helps.

    Do you have a high chair or booster seat?

    Hi. Didn't see any - but I'm sure they have it in the back just in case

    Do they take reservations?

    Unfortunately No. You order your food at the register then find a table.

    Do they have a happy hour?

    This restaurant just had a soft opening. I was told they should have a Happy Hour in a few weeks. Just call to see if they do at that time.

    What time does Havana Grill in Mission Valley open, is there a website or phone # for this location? And do they take reservations? Thanks in advance.

    M-S 11am-9pm, Sunday 11am-8pm. havanagrillrestaurants.com. +1 (619) 915-5699. Regarding reservations, unsure! They're not on Open Table.

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    Extraordinary Desserts

    Extraordinary Desserts

    4.0
    (9.2k reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$$

    Memorial Day 2026 commenced with the most amazing dessert I'd never imagine ordering. Before the…read moredessert, the gentleman that rang me up, and the lady packing the desserts (apologies for not getting names) provided exceptional service. My name was spelled properly, a short conversation reassured my dessert choice, and as I walked up to retrieve my dessert, the lady met me halfway with a smile (thank you for wrapping so it didn't fall over). The smallest of gestures and niceties are what make leaving the house worth it. GIANDUIA. This cake is nothing you can be prepared for, yet everything you need without setting expectations. The boysenberry was the perfect separation for the waves of chocolate and the subtle crunch of the hazelnut toffee type of layer on the very top. The chocolate mousse was the exact mouth feel needed to separate the rich layers of chocolate cake. I saw, I conquered, and I was yet again impressed by what Extraordinary Desserts so purposefully and gracefully offered. Thank you for healing a bit of my soul I didn't realize was waiting to be healed.

    We sat at the bar while we waited for our orders. Served fast and it was so nice that it wasn't…read morecrowded but of course due to it being a weeknight. The parking was a bit tough, but luckily I found a spot not that far away. Overall, you get wonderful customer service here! Thank you Extraordinary Desserts for making our visit enjoyable!!

    Photos
    Spinach dip and chips and tomato and basil soup
    Spinach dip and chips and tomato and basil soup
    One of our 'go to' dessert places in San Diego.
    One of our 'go to' dessert places in San Diego.
    Chocolate lemon bon bon

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    Chocolate lemon bon bon
    Salt & Straw

    Salt & Straw

    4.6
    (2.2k reviews)
    3.5 mi
    $$

    Salt & Straw rolled out their June 2026 Chef Series which sold out quick; Fortunately two were…read morebrought back for last chance scoops: 4.5/5 CHOCOLATE CARAMEL SMOKED BUDINO By Alex Meyer and Luciana Giangrandi - BOlA DE & WALRUS RODEO, Miami Chocolate olive oil custard, caramel candied hazelnuts, sea salt caramel swirl (like a turtle dove - very sweet - I'd prefer less sugar) 4.5/5 STARLING SWEET POTATO BUCKWHEAT CRUMBLE By Dan Barber - ROW 7, New York Starling sweet potato ice cream, sweet potato miso swirl, sprouted buckwheat Florentine crumble (novel color and flavor) SERVICE With the help of staff over the phone, I was able to snag a pint of the Hong Kong milk tea. AMBIANCE Colorful indoors with outdoor street-side seating

    Very good ice cream! And, free sample tastes from about 20 flavors to choose from…read more S&S offers some more unusual flavors, like Honey & Lavender and Pear & Blue Cheese, but I opted for the more predictable Chocolate Gooey Brownie. It did not disappoint. I ordered a double scoop, tho' the scoops were so generous that one scoop would have been plenty for me. Filled with chunky brownie bits, it was truly delicious, tho', perhaps, a little overpriced. The shop that I visited is in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood, which has a 30 minute free parking zone right in front of the store front! They have a loyalty program to entice you to return again and again. Limited seating.

    Photos
    Cinnamon snickerdoodle
    Cinnamon snickerdoodle
    Cinnamon Snickerdoodle
    Cinnamon Snickerdoodle
    Outside of salt & straw

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    Outside of salt & straw
    Pappalecco

    Pappalecco

    4.3
    (3.1k reviews)
    3.5 mi
    $

    A cute authentic Italian neighborhood cafe in Little Italy serving coffee, treats, gelato, and…read morepaninis. My friends and I were just looking to get a coffee in Little Italy, but when we walked in and saw all the delicious treats we had to try something else as well. I ordered a latte and neglected to tell them it was for here so I was given a paper cup, but they give real cups if you ask. The latte was good, and my friend bought a kitchen sink type cookie with chocolate, coconut, and macadamia nuts. It was warm and gooey good! Another friend tried the gelato and said it was very good. There are a few tables inside and tables out in front outside. We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful San Diego weather. The decor and tables definitely gives you an old school Italian neighborhood vibe with Italian markets right next door. If I am in the neighborhood again, I would definitely come back here to try the gelato and/or a piece of an excellent looking lemon pie bar I spotted.

    If there is better gelato in San Diego, I have not tried it…read more They have more than gelato here but gelato is all we tried. It was later in the day so they were out of or running low on some flavors. Nevertheless, the two flavors we tried were incredibly rich and flavorful. A little goes a very long way. Parking is incredibly tough in Little Italy but it is worth it for gelato this good.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Soup Tomato.
    Soup Tomato.
    A pathetic attempt at a $10 cannoli

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    A pathetic attempt at a $10 cannoli
    Solunto Ristorante & Bakery

    Solunto Ristorante & Bakery

    4.0
    (1.2k reviews)
    3.5 mi
    $$

    Went on Memorial weekend and was surprised how quickly we got seated. Waitress was nice and warned…read moreus the kitchen was backed up but honestly we didn't wait long. We ordered a calamari (10/10), lasagna (10/10), Penne Quattro Formaggi (7/10) and Fusilli Genovese (11/10). The Formaggi was a little too rich for me... but my son loved it. We will definitely be back!!

    Came here for lunch on a Saturday mainly because my husband just really wanted some gelato…read moreafterwards Lunch-- 3 stars Gelato - 0 stars Service - 3 stars Price - 4 stars my husband got some sort of fettuccine alfredo with shrimp, I got a Italian sandwich, and my best friend got a woodfired margarita pizza. Pizza was good, but soggy in the middle. The pasta was good, no complaints there. The sandwich was very lacking in the meat department... It was basically a bread and arugula sandwich. Had very low expectations for the gelato to begin with seeing as the colors were extremely unnatural and the way it was heaped was a clear indication to me that it is not legitimate gelato and unfortunately, I was proven very right. I got the strawberry so that my toddler could have a few few bites and it was so unnatural and weird tasting that she didn't even want any... And if that doesn't say something! My husband got the coffee flavor and he literally took three bites and threw it away as well. I will say, though, on the food front, the prices are reasonable here all things considered, but maybe stick with pasta... based on everything As a whole though, you can likely get a much more legitimate Italian meal somewhere else in the area, but it will probably cost you more.

    Photos
    Cute restaurant in little Italy
    Cute restaurant in little Italy
    Fusilli Genovese
    Fusilli Genovese
    Solunto Ristorante & Bakery

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    Nibble Chocolate

    Nibble Chocolate

    4.6
    (74 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $

    Stumbled upon Nibble Chocolate and I'm so glad I did. Ambience is sweet and cozy. It's a cute…read morelittle shop that feels like a hidden gem, especially if you're someone who appreciates good quality chocolate. They have a great variety to choose from, whether you're into milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even non dairy options. I also love that they offer chocolate drinks and coffee, so it's easy to turn a quick stop into a little treat moment. I tried the peanut butter dates and they were so good. Smooth, rich, and just the right size when you want something sweet without going overboard. I also had a dark chocolate truffle and that one was just as good. You can really taste the quality. Customer service was a highlight. The guy helping me was super personable, gave great suggestions for drinks, and was genuinely kind, which always makes the experience better. Honestly, I'm just happy I found a chocolate spot within walking distance. Definitely worth stopping by if you're craving something sweet but still want it to feel a little elevated.

    I don't usually seek out vegan products, but Nibble chocolate is a Bean to bar chocolate shop in…read morelittle Italy in San Diego with single origin chocolates. I sampled chocolate from Peru, Madagascar, and Kenya, and they all had unique fruity characteristics. Because they're vegan, so they use oat milk for their chocolate instead of dairy. My wife and I also wanted some drinks while we were here. I had a hot chocolate. My wife had hers with espresso shots. Good espresso in pure chocolate will never not be good. They are family owned and they only add chocolate, sugar, and oat milk to make their bars. Overall, this was a fun place to check out at Little Italy, and they also had a stall at the Farmer's Market.

    Photos
    Nibble Chocolate
    Nibble Chocolate
    Nibble Chocolate

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    Hinar Dessert Bar & Cafe

    Hinar Dessert Bar & Cafe

    4.5
    (807 reviews)
    4.2 mi
    $$

    Went to Hinar to catch up with a friend! The line was long as usual, but it moved really fast…read more Shout out to Roseanne for being the sweetest and kindest worker! We ordered the Earl Grey matcha and Biscoff matcha, and both were super delicious. The service was great, and even though it was busy, there were still plenty of tables available. Great location, and I'll definitely be back!

    I had an incredibly rough day and was looking forward to treating myself to my favorite dessert…read morefrom Hinar--the Biscoff cheesecake. Before driving over, I even called the store to make sure they had it. To my surprise, someone actually answered, confirmed they had one slice left, and even offered to hold it for me. My mood instantly changed. After the day I'd had, I was genuinely excited and headed there immediately. I arrived less than 10 minutes later, only to be told they didn't have it after all. To make matters worse, they claimed they don't even hold desserts for customers. It wasn't just disappointing--it was incredibly frustrating. If they couldn't hold it, I would have understood. But giving me false hope and having me rush over for nothing completely ruined the experience. What was supposed to be a small bright spot in my day turned into an even bigger disappointment. Unfortunately, this experience has left such a bad impression that I won't be returning. There are plenty of other bakeries in the area, and I'll be looking forward to trying those instead.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    White Chocolate Raspberry Cake
    White Chocolate Raspberry Cake
    White Chocolate Raspberry Cake

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    White Chocolate Raspberry Cake

    Havana Grill - cuban - Updated July 2026

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