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    Havana Grill

    4.1 (736 reviews)
    ModerateCuban, Bakeries, Desserts
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    HAVANA GRILL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Classy

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    Recommended Reviews - Havana Grill

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    Reviews With Photos

    Caramel Flan
    Melanie P.

    This actually pains me since this was one of my favorite restaurants. I came here with a few friends. Food came out remarkably fast, especially the paella, since it had a disclaimer that it may take 15 mins to prepare. First off, I got the Chicken Pollo. This was dry :(. I also ordered my favorite, Yuca Fries, which were noticeably smaller than before, about half the size! Although they tasted the same, the amount was definitely less than before. My friends shared the paella and it was dry as well. One of friends asked the waiter, "How is the food prepared? Is it all premade and stored in a warmer?" To finish off, we got the Cuban Coffee Tres Leches cake, which super soft and moist. My friends loved this dessert. I still love the ambiance of this place as it reminds me of being on vacation. Sadly, this place misses the mark and it wasn't the way it was when I last visited.

    Visit July 2026: Vaca Frita
    Jeff R.

    Visit July 2026: Came here with some family at their recommendation. It was still World Cup time so quite a crowd. Despite that, service was pretty quick and friendly. Typical restaurant/bar. Not that I've been to Havana but I didn't feel like I was transported anywhere exotic in terms of decor. Our family ordered a plate of empanadas to start. Great crust! I forget the exact combo but one of them was cubano and thst was my fave. Ropa Vieja. Interestingly the only time I had this dish was at Flama Llama. While Havana Grill's take had juicy braised beef, I felt there good have been more seasoning. It came white rice and black beans. I liked the beans. One daughter got the same dish and felt the same. Probably says something that we both didn't finish the beef. I kept picking at the empanadas. (Our mains came out surprisingly quick right after the empanadas). I was dissappointed that the plantains that came with it were a bit small. Vaca Frita was chosen by my other daughter. Crispy flank steak. She liked it. Didn't take a bite of hers so can't comment on taste. Arroz con pollo for my wife. Tried her chicken which was cooked well. Juicy. Nice seasoning and the golden rice did bring that exotic island taste. The amount of food for the price you pay was a bit underwhelming.

    Guava pastry
    Faye L.

    I stopped by mall today to get coffee and Cava. So decided to try the online ordering again and take the chance that the items would be ready when confirmed. Maybe it was a lucky day or they hear customers but today was a totally different experience. The hostess was so helpful and she was the one who went behind the counter to find my order which was already bagged and ready! I couldn't believe it and thanked her so much for her help. The order was packaged very well and the pastries were still warm from being freshly made. The guava puff pastry was flatter today but tasted exceptionally good especially with an afternoon coffee. So impressed by the positive pick up order !

    Jerry H.

    We came here for lunch in a great, welcoming and bright restaurant. There is plenty of close parking which is convenient. We love their awesome empanadas and their entrees like the citrus chicken. Empanadas with a side of garlic sauce is irresistible. The chicken breast was perfectly cooked and juicy. It came with sautéed onions, flavorful black beans, rice and plantains. Yum! The service here is outstanding. Emma and Paige took exceptional care of us and were very helpful. The coffee and pastries here are also amazing. WE LOVE IT HERE! We will be back again n again.

    Vaca Frita
    Eugene C.

    Ever since I heard about their original clairemont location closing, I suddenly remembered about this restaurant and wanted to try it again as I had always remembered it being delicious. Although I haven't been in a long time, the quality of the food seems to remain the same from when I initially tried it years ago. We ended up trying yuca fries, their arroz con pollo and the vaca frita which were all items I don't remember ordering from my first time coming. Yuca fries: crunchy on the outside and fairly starchy on the inside which is to be expected. It was seasoned well and the mojo sauce it comes with is good but I'm not really sure if it's worth the price (it was worth a try though) Vaca Frita: I wasn't expecting this but parts of the beef were thin, charred and crispy which was a pleasant surprise. Super enjoyable and the plantains and congris it comes with are good as well (about what you expect from caramelized plantains and rice/beans). Arroz Con Pollo: this was also a surprising banger simply because I didn't expect the golden rice to be so tasty but you can definitely tell it has been stewing in all of the spices,chicken and peas/raisins imparting a delicious flavor. The chicken pieces were also moist and not dry at all. Food came out quick and service was good, no problems there. Price wise it is a little up there but for the quality of food and portion size (besides I'd say the yuca fries) I would definitely give Havana Grill a visit if you're looking for good Cuban food in San Diego!

    Josiah W.

    I haven't reviewed this place after being here multiple times because I came when it first opened and met the owner and wanted to make sure I got my review right. Very nice decor, looks like you're in a cabana and the street lamp. The food is tasty and the line on the weekends is a bit long. Came here with lots of friends from out of state and they all loved it. My favorite is the fricase de pollo though others love the cubano. Thank you Sandra!

    Carmen V.

    I went recently to get some coffee and pastries after watching a World Cup game at the nearby Novo Brazil. Very nice decor, ample space, easy parking, all pretty...yet the Cubano coffee was too sugary, overly sweet. I understand it is sweet but in my opinion was too much and the pastry was kind of hard. I did not feel welcome to the restaurant, to be a supposedly Cuban there was no warmth and felt it was run by teenagers. Also, I didnt like to be charged extra with the excuse to pay the workers for the medical insurance. That should be at the cost of the employer not the customers who are already paying tips. I will give it another try for pastries another day when they are fresher.

    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.

    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.

    Trinity H.

    This review is for anyone who went to their Clairemont Mesa Blvd. location before it closed. If you come to the mission valley location you might be disappointed. Though the atmosphere and building are nice the food has gone down in quality. It look like the yuca fries are mass produced in a factory and everything is in Togo containers. All the desserts that used to be served on a plate are now in plastic. I also got a bowl of soup and if I'm remembering correctly, the cost was significantly higher at the new location. It used to be quality and feel authentic, now it just seems like mall food.

    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!

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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 - Road trip with the girls. Gorgeous stuff here.

    Extraordinary Desserts

    4.0(9.3k reviews)
    3.6 miLittle Italy
    $$$

    This place is properly named extraordinary dessert for a reason. They are known for their desserts…read moreboth in taste and in aesthetics. Desserts: 5/5 We got a blood orange scone and a strawberry danish. The scone was warm and delicious. The orange essence was well infused. The danish was crispy and creamy. Everything was so picturesque. Food: 3/5 Unfortunately, the food was not the best. We got the smoked salmon sandwich which was not very flavorful. The salmon was also slimy. The pesto spread was good though. It was creamy and the artisan bread it was served had great variety. Ambiance: 5/5 This place is such super cute. When you walk in, the desserts all look super appetizing. The seating areas are super cute and the floral decor are stunning. Service: 5/5 It is an order then sit down establishment. There is great attention to their dessert. I saw them heat up a knife just to cleanly cut the cake. The food service however did take some time to come out.

    We stopped by here after being downtown for Comicon…read more Things must have changed over the years since I felt the establishment has changed a bit. We used to come visit here when we come to San Diego. On this summer day - the restaurant doesn't bave any AC on so it made it a bit uncomfortable to enjoy our desert when it is a bit cooler to sit outside. The other thing that got to me was that the men's restroom was out of service so they did not announce it or anything but the women's bathroom was to be used by both genders but it was crowded so a bit uncomfortable. Service wise we got our deserts and the deserts are still very delicious. We were a larger party and they were able to accommodate and get all of our orders correctly. Noise level was normal and gave us time to sit down and relax our feet. Over all - food was good but things were a bit worn down from a building perspective

    Photos
    Extraordinary Desserts - Spinach dip and chips and tomato and basil soup

    Spinach dip and chips and tomato and basil soup

    Extraordinary Desserts - One of our 'go to' dessert places in San Diego.

    One of our 'go to' dessert places in San Diego.

    Extraordinary Desserts - Chocolate lemon bon bon

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    Chocolate lemon bon bon

    Pappalecco

    Pappalecco

    4.3(3.1k reviews)
    3.5 miLittle Italy
    $

    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
    Pappalecco - Inside

    Inside

    Pappalecco - Soup Tomato.

    Soup Tomato.

    Pappalecco - Gelato alla menta con gocce di cioccolato, Gelato al cocco con gocce di cioccolato

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    Gelato alla menta con gocce di cioccolato, Gelato al cocco con gocce di cioccolato

    Solunto Ristorante & Bakery

    Solunto Ristorante & Bakery

    4.0(1.2k reviews)
    3.5 miLittle Italy
    $$

    This review is for their Bakery part. After dining nearby my wife and I decided to make a quick…read morevisit here in Solunto Bakery. My wife chose a Carrot cake and I had the Canoli. The Canoli was pretty good but my wife didn't like the Carrot cake , i tasted it and all I could taste was the icing and the Carrot part I could barely taste it. They have Plenty of selection for pastries and dessert, but a very small seating area for their Bakery, so this is mostly like good for a grab-and-go. The other half of this place is their actual Italian restaurant, with half indoor seating and outdoor seating . This spot is always a good spot to get Pastries, Ice cream and more desserts.

    Positive: food was great. For me, portions of the protein are small so that sucks but can't argue…read morewith the quality. We both liked our dishes a lot. The outdoor seating was nice. It was a warm day but we got there at 5:15pm and the sun was starting to go behind the downtown buildings. Negative: service. It seems if you are a regular, like the two tables near us, they chat it up and talk about how things are. If you aren't a regular, they just quickly come by and say "anything else?" the two times they came by. Im a huge water drinker so the carafe they brought only refilled our cups once. Never got another one until we were done and they came by asking about dessert. They weren't busy by any stretch on a Tuesday evening but apparently the frequent customers either tip really well or they prefer familiar faces. I assume the latter. So, I mean the food itself was great but service was not good. I mean we went when it was slow too and the host was talking it up with a frequent customer also asking about the changes recently to parking in their area nearby.... So, it puts this review as a 3/5.

    Photos
    Solunto Ristorante & Bakery - Cute restaurant in little Italy

    Cute restaurant in little Italy

    Solunto Ristorante & Bakery - Fusilli Genovese

    Fusilli Genovese

    Solunto Ristorante & Bakery

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    Nonna + Zucchero - Fusilli Boscaiola

    Nonna + Zucchero

    4.1(579 reviews)
    3.4 miLittle Italy
    $$

    Our family dinner at Nonna's was great! Was trying to decide which place to go in Little Italy on a…read moreSaturday night with kids and no reservations without feeling under dressed. So we decided on Nonna's for their variety of pastas and pizza. The evening was packed with people up and down the streets. However, when we arrived at Nonna's we only had to wait no more than a couple of minutes before being seated. We thought most italian places would provide some sort of complimentary bread, but this place did not. We ended up ordering the Carbonara, Fusilli Alla Vodka, Pappardelle, and Salsiccia pizza. Each were fantastic, but the family really enjoyed the Fusilli and the Pappardelle the most! The short rib meat was extremely tender and flavorful. Portions were a little smaller than expected, but it was enough to feed each of us with a couple slices of pizza to spare. Ambiance was nice and the staff was great. A drink we ordered was forgotten, but it's understandable since it was quite busy. Overall, great experience and glad we ended up at Nonna's even though it wasn't part of the batch of recommendations provided online. (Sorry forgot to take photos as we were so hungry and didn't realize it until after we ate!)

    Food: - fungi pasta: 7.5/10, strong mushroom flavor…read more - carbonara: 5.7/10, too much sauce and noodles were overcooked - lemon meringue cheesecake + Sicilian cannoli: super authentic cannoli, cheesecake was good but nothing special Service: - hostess was not friendly - they ran out of white peach Italian soda but instead of asking what other flavor we would prefer, they just brought out a vanilla Italian soda - ordering took forever but once our food was in, it came out in less than 10 min Ambiance: - outdoor seating Skip Barbusa (sister restaurant) and come here instead, at least there is better dessert

    Photos
    Nonna + Zucchero
    Nonna + Zucchero - Beef carpaccio

    Beef carpaccio

    Nonna + Zucchero - Tortellini Funghi

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    Tortellini Funghi

    Nibble Chocolate

    Nibble Chocolate

    4.6(74 reviews)
    3.6 miLittle Italy
    $

    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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    Havana Grill - cuban - Updated September 2026

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