Michelle F.

Who knew Cuban food was this delicious?!? Stopped in for a late breakfast on a Saturday morning. The place was empty but as soon as we got our food the line grew. The space is large with plenty of seating. For food we had the: Original Cuban sandwich. So good!! the bread was toasted to perfection. It's the best combination of mustard, ham, swiss, pickles and pork. A good size, totally shareable but you won't want to! Trust me. Pork Benedict. Delicious Cuban roast pork with perfect poached eggs. The perfect bite with the best seasonings. The beans served on the side were really good as were the potatoes. Unfortunately I saved all my room for the Benedicts. Beef empanada. Ordered it to go. This was my least favorite. Unlike most empanadas the dough was fried like a chimichanga- american style. All in all a great delicious dining experience at Havana Kitchen. Nice friendly staff, happy to help you narrow down your options. Although it's in a odd like pocket of La Jolla it's totally worth it the stop.

Cari A.

Great place to have a casual meal. Pros: -small, free parking lot next to the restaurant -friendly staff -they serve breakfast all day -the rice and beans were my favorite, even better the next day in my opinion -they make their own hot sauce -self serve water station is available Cons -n/a

Mark F.

Seems like this is a delicious hidden gem in Torrey Pines that been around for a little over a year now. The small parking lot for this restaurant is shared with other business so I can see that could become an issue during peak times. Our first visit was on a lazy Sunday afternoon and we parked right in front of the entrance like a VIP. They have a row of barstools with a dining counter that runs the length of the windows outside along side the street, if that's your jam. Looks perfect to dine with your pup outside. Inside, there are plenty of tables with big windows facing the street that are perfect for people watching while you enjoy your meal. The staff are friendly. The food is yummy and served hot! The house coffee blend served here is awesome! I had an Americano and dropped in a bit of sugar, which all went down smooth and complemented my meal perfectly! We really liked the Loaded Yucca Fries that come topped with melted cheese, Roast Pork, aioli, Spicy Mojo & cilantro. I would come back just for these fries and their coffee honestly! The Ropa Vieja is decent here and so was the Cubano sandwich. I want to try their empanadas next visit. Overall, this restaurant is closer to my home than other Cuban restaurants and that convenience will bring me back for more soon!

Kevin L.

Located in La Jolla, there's a large amount of indoor seating. We were greeted kindly by the employees working there. Cuban shredded beef (5/5): super flavorful. The beef was tender. The beans complimented the beef perfectly. I thoroughly enjoyed the plantains. They were a bit on the sweet side but the crispy texture was so amazing. Tap to pay is accepted. Overall, Havana Kitchen is a spectacular place. Service was great as the employees checked in with our food and table.

Sydni S.

So glad I found this spot because I'm always looking for a place that has some good plantains! I got the empanada combo and I loved this option because you get to try a few different empanada flavors but you still get the plantains, rice, and black beans as a side. There was plenty of seating and even a parking lot which feels rare for La Jolla.

Kevin T.

This place is such a hidden gem. I'm so glad I went to this place. Ever since my partner and I have eaten here, we've been back so many times. This is probably the best Cuban food I've ever had. Every dish I've tried is so good. Their empanadas are so flavorful and the meat to pastry ratio is perfect. All their sauces for dipping are so good I can't even decide on which is my favorite. If you try this place I highly recommend the ropa vieja and some chicken empanadas. The parking lot is small, but everytime I've come by, there's always been a spot to park. The workers here are so nice. They gave me some sauces on the house even though it's supposed to be charged extra.

Arnel R.

An excellent place to go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I feel like I could eat here for every meal, every day. We came for breakfast and my partner and I ended up getting the Benedict and the Empanada Combo. First, the Empanada Combo is sooo savory and comforting. I ordered beef, chicken, and the oscar. I initially wanted to try three different kinds so I could have some variety, but if I could time-travel back and do it all again I would definitely order three of the chicken. They are so so so so so good, and with the rice, beans, and plantains to go with it make it perfect. The Benedict was excellent. The egg, bread, and all the other ingredients blended together in one bite makes us happy. The poached egg with the creamy sauce was perfect! The flavors were all perfect!

T B.

Still a great spot to get breakfast or lunch while visiting San Diego. Always trying new items and they are all great!

Katherine K.

Very cute place decor wise and the staff is friendly. Their food left something to be desired, however. I tried their Loaded Yuca Fries (they don't give you much for the price, really enjoyed the first bite, but flavor went downhill with every bite), Veggie Empanada (my favorite thing I tried from here. I really enjoyed all the filling and the flavors paired very nicely together) and Chicken Cilantro Empanada (couldn't really taste the cilantro and the chicken was on the drier side. Should've been better). I wasn't a big fan of the dough they used for the empanada, but my friend enjoyed it. I'm not sure how their sammiches and other stuff are, but I probably won't be back to try out. 2.5 stars, but rounding to 3.

Danielle G.

I think after eating here every day for the past 3 weeks it warrants a review lol. Needless to say, this place is fire. The cubano, shrimp plate with mojochurri, and the roasted pork plate are my fav. The steak sandwich needed more steak. Owner/manager is super nice. Ambience is great and very clean. I love the music/vibes they've got going on!

Casey D.

Truly spectacular. This place definitely deserves more customers. Staff was friendly and helpful. Food was extremely flavorful! We got 3 empanadas ($11.75) - my favorite was the beef! We also ordered the steak sandwich, which left me wanting more even though I was already so full. Free parking lot (which is so hard to find on La Jolla). 10/10 would come here again!

Missy F.

It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't the best Cuban food I've had. In my opinion it just wasn't authentic. I ordered a potato ball that I found under seasoned and honestly the potato texture was weird, thin and mushy. Just a suggestion ... get rid of that sauce you serve it with, it tastes ketchup based and a good potato ball doesn't need a sauce. I also ordered the Ropa Vieja. The serving size was good for the price. I loved the plantains and the blacks beans, but again the ropa vieja just was underwhelming and bland. Customer service was also a thumbs down for me. When I arrived the girl taking orders was on her phone. I got a hi and that was it, I felt rushed. I asked for water and she just pointed to where it was. It's decorated very nice with of course all Cuban pictures artifacts etc, very low salsa music playing, I don't if it's the location or what it was but it didn't do it for me. No fault of theirs but there was a very loud table in the back what appeared to be college kids, the sound just echoed throughout which did not make my dining experience pleasurable as well.

Grace T.

I came here with some coworkers on a Thursday for lunch. It was my first time trying Cuban food, and it definitely will not be my last! Free and plentiful parking in the lot. Small restaurant with a few tables inside. You order and pay at the register before taking a seat. I ordered a steak saute, medium rare, with cilantro sauce ($19) per Sarah's recommendation. The dish was seasoned perfectly and was so flavorful. I truly have nothing bad to say about it; everything from the sides (beans, plantains, rice) to the steak tasted delicious. Everyone in my party agreed that this place was a hit. Service was wonderful. Sarah and Alejandro were so hard working and kind. Definitely an unassuming, hidden gem that you should check out if you're in the mood for some Cuban food!!