Sol Cubano, located in North Highlands, enjoys a unique niche in the restaurant scene, as it's the ONLY Cuban restaurant in the greater Sacramento area. There are a few restaurants which serve Caribbean cuisine, which is similar, but only Sol Cubano serves authentic Cuban cuisine... As you enter, you're greeted with a small desert case, which offers a variety of Cuban deserts for in-store dining, or take-out, along with a small pastry case. The restaurant is very informal, as you seat yourself at any open table. When we first arrived, the restaurant was empty, but by the time we were finished, the restaurant was nearly full. I guess fans of Cuban cuisine prefer a late lunch... Before today, I had never enjoyed Cuban cuisine, so I was a complete novice, but I wanted to enjoy the "quintessential" dish in Cuban cuisine. Cedric, or server, recommenced "Lechon Asado." I posed the question to Cedric, "If you were visiting the United States for the first time, and you asked me what would be the most "typical" American lunch, what would you want me to recommend to you?" My answer: "Hamburger and fries, steak and baked potatoes or fried chicken." I reversed the question to him, and he recommended #12 on the "Lunch and Dinner" menu, which is "Lechon Asado." That's what I ordered... "Lechon Asado" is Cuban style roasted pork, marinated in garlic mojo criollo sauce, and then roasted, and topped with onion slices. It's served with Cuban rice, which is dark brown rice with black beans and a side salad, which seemed to be dressed in vinegar and oil. Definitely a new experience for me, in the culinary department! The entire lunch was cooked to perfection, and the meat was juicy, savory and not at all spicy, as I had envisioned. I was truly dazzled and amazed to find black beans in my rice but it was a pleasant surprise. "Lechon Asado" proved to be a very interesting Caribbean dining experience. My friend chose the "Sampler Plate," as like me, she's never experienced Cuban cuisine before. I was definitely tempted to choose a sampler as well, but we figured we could just pick off each other's plates so it all worked out. The "Sampler Plate" includes choice of one meat - Linda chose Ropa Vieja, which is shredded beef in tomato sauce, croquettes, Papa Rellena - mashed potato ball stuffed with ground beef - Tostones, which are thick pieces of plantain, flattened and fried, served with fried yucca, Cuban toast, and a green salad. There were a couple of sauces on the side for dipping or for salad dressing. Naturally, the dish includes a quintessential side of Cuban rice. We sort of "mixed and matched" our food, so we both got a pretty good idea of what Cuban cuisine is all about. We loved it! Now I can add another variety of exotic cuisine to my "I Done It" restaurant list. The food is definitely "Cuban" and delicious, the staff is friendly, and the dining is a lot of fun. When you're looking to take a trip to Cuba, via delicious cuisine and you don't want to leave the greater Sacramento area, Sol Cubano is your Cuban restaurant. read more

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Food is delicious but owner is condesending. I couldn't even enjoy lunch. Won't be returning.

Sol cubano my closest resemblance in food, of the bodegas i used to frequent as a teenager back east. The cuban food is close to the Puerto Rican food with just minor difference, but still gave us what we wanted for flavor and food items from what my memories tell me. I have been dreaming of the food i had once many years ago. And a my yelp friend illyanna told me of this place, and reading her review and description of the pappas rellanas (potato ball) and the platanos maduros fritos (sweet fried bananas ) and those were exactly what we have been craving. The pappas rellanas($1 ea) are a potato mashed and fluffy ball surrounding around some ground meat in seasonings and a crunchy shell. Some did have more filling then others and seeing the pics on yelp was hard to tell. But they were good either way. They are close to what i had many years ago but with a crunchy outer shell (which reminds me of rice ball but made with potato instead). The platanos maduros fritos are a sweet fried banana. With a fried taste on the outside and soon as your teeth sink inside you have the sweetend banana flavor. Another favorite we were happy to have eaten! Since we were there they also had the pasteles cubano (.75 ea), pastry with gauva, guava & cream cheese, and coconut. We tried the gauva & cream cheese and coconut and both were a really good treat and cheap too. The lady who helped us was very friendly and helpful. It is a little restaurant with a few seat available. It is in a small strip mall setting with some parking available in the front and in the back. We will go back for the food when we can, cause no one else exists close enough for us. And we might try some other dishes as well. read more

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This is one of my favorite places to go. The food has lots of flavor and they are so nice. Great customer service and great food.

I love everything about this place. The food is amazing!!!!! Please check this place out! If you love Cuban food - this is a little gem of a spot!!! read more

We shared several of the dishes among the four of us...too many to mention. EVERYTHING was delicious! This is an order-at-the-counter place. I am hoping they do bring in someone to wait tables down the road as there is, in fact, a very nice little dining area with nice tables and chairs. The place is clean and inviting. Margarita, is the 'hostess' and couldn't be nicer and more accommodating! Ask her to turn up the Cuban music and she will! Thanks, Margarita...we'll be back! read more

Update long over due. We've been coming to Sol Cubano for years, for the empanadas and papas rellenas. They are consistently excellent each time, piping hot and busting with authentic Cuban flavors. Today we also ordered plantains and I felt like I was back in NYC again. We've been looking for authentic, sweet banana in Sacramento for over ten years. Sol Cubano is only the second place we have found, and Sol Cubano makes them best. The empanadas are really the crown jewel; hot pockets of beef tucked in a hot, flaky, crust (you must use the chili sauce to dip!). We usually order a dozen at a time and enjoy them for several days (yep, they are just that good). The papas rellenas are fun, deep fried balls of creamy potatoes and seasoned ground beef (use chili paste for dipping also). The empanadas freeze well, papas rellenas not to much; both best enjoyed hot out the pan if possible. Until next time Sol Cubano...thank you once again! read more

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So happy to have these guys around!! I really hope they'll be able to expand to other locations! I just wish I had taken more pics for this review but they food is delicious! I'm definitely going to be buying more mashed potato balls in the future. I can't wait to come back to try their ox tail dish!!! Great job everyone! read more

Sol Cubano - Cuban Near Me - North Highlands, California

Ordered takeout. Order was ready timely . They are very friendly and welcoming. And the food is very good

This is such a great place with authentic cuban food. I highly recommend you try it out. Absolutely delish! I had the ox tail stew and empanadas. Just so good. The staff is very polite kind and service oriented. read more

Had the Ropa Vieja, Cubano, plantain chips & sweet plantains. All very satisfying. 10/10.

If you have never tried Cuban food , go ahead and slap yourself now . When we lived in Las Vegas , my family and I used to frequent a few places for Cuban food -at least once a month. We have grown accustomed to the menu selections and flavor profiles that the culture is known for. Needless to say , we were looking forward to trying Sol Cubano to see how it stacked up against some of our favorites from Las Vegas. Sol Cubano did not disappoint at all, and I can see myself being a regular here despite being a 30 minute drive from my house. For starters, we opted for the papa rellana and a beef empanada. All you need to know about the papa rellana is that it is the best ,99 cents you will ever spend. FYI,,,Sol Cubano has chili sauce at ever table to add to these mashed potato delights , and have recently added a cilantro based dipping sauce to accompany this delicious appetizer. The ground beef empanada was really good , but didn't leave as much of an impression on me as the papa rellana. We chose following 3 entrees for dinner : 1. Fricase de Pollo --Chicken and potatoes in an exquisite tomato sauce . In my opinion, this dish was the best of the offerings. The chicken was tender , and the sauce was subtle -yet satisfying at the same time. Not over-seasoned at all , the chicken and potatoes were melt in your mouth good. 2. Ropa Vieja (Shredded beef in a tomato sauce) -- This dish is a staple in every Cuban restaurant. Although the meat was tender, I could have used some peppers throughout the dish to give it color , and texture. However, my wife doesn't like spicy food at all so the way that this dish was served was just perfect for her. 3. Picadillo de Res -- This is the same ground beef that makes a guest appearance in the papa rellana. (** Tip-- you can order with or without olives and raisins). All dinner plates are served with a green salad, white rice , and black bean " soup". Or , you can opt for the cuban rice which is a mash-up of rice and beans mixed together. When I left the restaurant, I was uncomfortably full. However, if I had it to do all over again- I would. Sol Cubano is crankin' out authentic Cuban food at an affordable price. Believe me, everything is good! On my next visit, I will make sure to try a Cuban sandwich , and will update my review accordingly. read more

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Sooooo good!! Oxtail with cuban rice must try. Potato ball is good. Please come visit them. read more

Sol Cubano - Cuban Near Me - North Highlands, California

I passed by this place on my way home from work and decided to stop by. The gentleman at the front counter was so kind and helpful. I ordered the Pechuga, Lechon Asado, Tostones, and flan. I couldn't have been happier! Everything was so good and my partner LOVED the Cuban rice. The flavors were spot on and I went back the week after to get some more food for a friend that was visiting us. I can't wait to go back and try out more dishes. One of the best places here in Sac and I recommend that everyone try it. read more

Thank The Lord for this place!! I moved from Florida almost two years ago and this is the only place in sacramento where I can find actual Spanish food. The croquettes were yummy and it came with a spicy pink sauce (ketchup and mayo). Yum yum. I got the Cuban sandwich which was huge and I can never finish. My husband scarfed down some Ropa Vieja (pulled steak and rice) with a fries egg on top. For dessert I got the flan which is the best I've had since I left Miami. I support family owned and family run business!! The owner is super friendly and the whole family works there. If you are looking for good Spanish food then you must come here. Worth the drive and you can call in orders for pick up, read more

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I love all types of ethnic food from around the world. And as much as an international food junkie as I am, the one food I have never had the opportunity to try in my life is Cuban food. Until now. Which takes us on a trip south of Florida in the Caribbean (well actually North Highlands) to "Sol Cubano". Located on Watt Ave. in a small strip mall, "Sol Cubano" is the type of place you would pass without even noticing it. And had it not been for my GPS, I wouldn't even think twice going to this place. But once you step foot inside, you are greeted with an interior that is proud of the Cuban heritage complete with a map of the country and other neat attributes that set it apart from most Latin places in town. I come here on a Saturday afternoon with my fiancée as a morning of shopping had me my appetite wanting something a little different than the average lunch. The menu features a wide array of exclusive Cuban dishes (Papas Rellenas (fried stuffed potatoes), Cuban sandwiches, and the dish I decided on that is raved here, the "Lechon Asado". Since the praise of many Yelpers chose this entree, I decided jumping on the bandwagon and on going with the "Lechon Asado" lunch entree (priced at $8.95). This consists of Cuban-styled roasted pork marinated in unique garlic mojo criollo sauce and also included a blend of Cuban rice and black beans. It was completed with a simple green salad to add some produce to the mix. Within 5 short minutes, my meal was brought to me in a timely fashion. After one bite of the "Lechon Asado", I knew I was in for what would be an excellent lunch. The roasted pork was seasoned, tender, and cooked to perfection. The marinated sauce also complimented a zest of unique flavors that are not found at the Mexican-counterpart restaurants. And I give props to the rice and beans. Yes you heard me correctly, I loved the hybrid blend of black beans and rice which really added a unique taste that screams ethnic. However, the salad was less than desirable and definitely not one of their focal points (including the sad looking tomato). The service was good as there was only one gentleman that took our orders, brought our food, and rung us up. I've got to say, the Sacramento area needs more places like "Sol Cubano"! It's a needle in the haystack trying to find eclectic places like this when you don't want to dine at the oh-so common Mexican joints that are literally on every block. I know we're in California and not Florida but this place is truly a hidden gem. read more

Sol Cubano - "Lechon Asado" - Cuban-styled pork marinated in garlic mojo criollo sauce and served w/Cuban rice, black beans, & salad ($8.95) - Cuban Near Me - North Highlands, California

We came here for lunch after a fun day at the gun range. There are very few restos in Sac that offer Cuban cuisine, so I was looking forward to trying this place out. It's small and clean inside, and the hallway to the restroom is lined with photos of past customers enjoying their meal at Sol Cubano. Nice touch. We ordered the lechon asado and the carnes de res con papa. The lechon (pork) was marinated shredded pork, and the carnes de res con papa was a beef stew with potatoes. Both meats were good but a little under seasoned for my taste. However, they have a squeeze bottle of a chili hot sauce at every table and the sauce is amazing on everything. The dishes were served with a side salad and Cuban rice (black beans and rice). Mmmm the rice was especially good. We also ordered a side of sweet fried plantains which were my favorite thing of the meal. I would come back just for the plantains alone. I got some pastries to go (guava, guava and cream cheese, and coconut). All had the same flaky pastry, and the coconut filling was my favorite, but the pastries were very dry and could have used more filling. They tasted like they had been under the heat lamp for too long. They had other sweets like flan and bread pudding as well. I would come back to try more of the menu. And those yummy sweet plantains. read more

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I'm Puerto Rican and this restaurant's food make me feel like I'm at home ( Caribbean folks share similar dishes) Please come to the restaurant and try their food. 10 out of 10! read more

I have never tasted Cuban food and when i seen this place on Yelp i had to try it! I have only had Mexican, Puerto Rican and El Salvadorian. I was pretty excited to see that i was able to try some Cuban food. So delicious! It is pretty far down Watt but worth the drive. upon walking in is the kitchen right in the front with a little Cuban pastries case. Their guava rolls look really good, but i did not try this first time there. There were a few varieties in the case. The place it self in size is pretty small but cozy with about 8 tables no more than 10. The menu was very to the point and there are also pictures of what some of the menu items look like on the counter which helped a lot. We ordered... potato balls: .99 per ball and they were a very good size. Filled with seasoned ground beef that were very flavorfully seasoned, perfect crunch on the outside and the potatoes were very soft. Garlic yuca with fried chicharrones: the chicharones was just fried pork, don't think that it is fried pork skin. The yuca was so tasty with the perfect amount of garlic flavor on them. Very soft as well. Fried plantains: tiny babies friend just right and had the right tang to them! Fried plantains stuffed with choice of meat: it came with 6 and we were able to have 2 of each chicken, pork and beef. Each had an olive on top and all the meat were cooked to perfection, because when i ate it it was very tender with the perfect crispy friend plantain. The fried plantains are like cup cake liners holding the meat but like a chip and not mushy like mufungo in Puerto Rico. Entree, shredded pork with Cuban rice: it was a big portion of pork that was shredded and very tender with Cuban rice colored purple and red beans mixed together. I usually don't like beans but it actually tasted good with the way they made the Cuban rice. Everything came out to about $37. I will def come back to Sol Cubano to try more of their menu items!!!! read more

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I tried the cafe cubano and the Cuban sandwich (see my photos). The cuban sandwich is OK, but not worth a trip. They use real roast pork, which is a plus, but it's too dry. They use regular old French's mustard, and canned bread and butter pickles. They lightly rub the bread with butter, which is nice, but it doesn't save the sandwich. The cafe cubano is no different than a shot of espresso. read more

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Amazing ropa vieja, great rice really enjoyed the food I tried. Going to have to come back and get a cubano

I absolutely love and adore this place with a passion. Their only downfall is that it's right smack in the middle of North Highlands, so it's a bit of a drive into a sketchy area, but well worth it if you're looking for authentic Cuban food. Not to mention, they're family owned, so you know they sprinkle all of the TLC (tender loving care) into their dishes. I've already been here a few times, and it's safe to say that I am obsessed. Everything on their menu is absolutely incredible. One of my favorite items is their oxtail dish. So incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful. I usually have to stop myself from ordering it every time, because I need to try other items. If you're ever craving Cuban or are interested in trying Cuban, this is the place to go. read more

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Delicious and hearty food with great service. Love this place! Will definitely come back.

I am surprised I haven't left a review all ready. Omg the food the pork that falls apart or the fried plantains (sweet or starchy), only issue is their closed on Sundays other wise I would be going here after church! read more

My favorite spot to get a Cuban sandwich Y arroz con GRI y lechuga qué Y carne puerco rico dios mío ....

The service was good. It wasn't crowded when we were there (1pm Saturday)... loved the cuban music playing. The food was delicious! Had the sweet fried plantains, and it made me miss Puerto Rico! read more

Sol Cubano - Cuban Near Me - North Highlands, California

Excellent Cubano sandwich. Friendly staff in unassuming strip mall restaurant. Plus it's right next door to a favorite Thai restaurant for those days I want a change... read more

Oxtails are still tasty, but everything else is kinda bland. The prices are outrageous now, especially for oxtails.

Great food, I was impressed! Service was also amazing. I'll definitely come back again.

I have been having a crazy mad craving for Cuban food. It's almost non-existent in the Sacramento area except for this little hole in the wall joint in North Highlands. I could totally see this place making a killing in midtown if they ever decided to expand. Anyway, the server was very friendly. She did miss my one order of regular fried plantains but the food was good and she was nice so I didn't mind too much. We had the meat potato balls, a Cubano that was literally the most flavorful Cubano I've ever had here in Cali, a pulled pork plate with Cuban rice, fried sweet plantains and we took pastries to go. Who needs Porto's when you've got Sol Cubano?! I thought my pulled pork was a little salty on it's own but somehow still addictive?! The pork was perfect with the Cuban rice though. This place is kind of out of the way but totally worth it if you have a craving! read more

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Food was good and the staff was friendly. Very nice vibe. Probably should explore further into the menu. Got a torta cubana and it was good but wasn't what I expected. read more

Can't believe it's been so long since we've been here! I think it's even better than the last time. Food was so good and my parents loved what we brought them too. We definitely won't wait so long to come back. Food made with love read more

Love Cuban food. Found this place and I am from NY. Just recently move to North Highlands. Was craving Latino food. Goodness, the sweetest people. I loved the food, had my favorite tostones ever with mojito to die for!!!! My BF never had them and loved them. We are big fans. Thank god I have this food. I'm Puerto Rican but they make food we make as well. Five Star food read more

I've never had food poisoning in my life. This was the first time after eating this restaurant. I'm not going to sit here and talk bad about the food or the business however of course I have my opinions. All I'm going to say is this restaurant had my stomach in pain for a week +. read more

Real Cuban food done with authenticity you won't find anywhere else, super fresh and home style that takes me back to Havana

The restaurant is on the small side but the 8 of us were seated immediately on a Saturday night and the sevice was prompt. I had the Vaca Frietas and it was delicious because it was shredded bits of crusty, tasty goodness which is what my husband did not like about the dish. He really liked the Lechon, roasted pork, and had the Torte. I try to take pictures but sometimes I remember after the meal so, this restaurant was so good, I posted a picture of the empty dish. Everything I tasted was great. The fried plantains were just the right sweetness and was my dessert. One flan, with 8 spoons, was ordered and I heard it was delicious. My son-in-law loved the cuban coffee which offset the sweetness of the flan. We will definitely be here again. read more

Sol Cubano - The food was so good, it was immediately eaten. The bread on the Torte had a nice crunch and yet was very soft. - Cuban Near Me - North Highlands, California

I wanted to love this place... unfortunately the quality and flavor were very disappointing! I ordered: 2 oxtail stew Their was no real flavor good or bad, the menu says "peppery" but it was very bland! Their was almost no meat, just giant bones, and what little we got was tough and chewy! For SEVENTEEN DOLLARS per order this was a TOTAL RIPOFF!!! 2 empanadas The empanadas were made with store bought egg roll sheets... the filling was just very bland taco hamburger. 2 papas rellenas These were just more bland taco meat wrapped in bland mashed potatoes and deep fried... I cannot believe this is the food of Cuba... very disappointing! read more

This is the only Cuban restaurant in the Sacramento area, food is amazing. The sampler, ropa vieja and the lechón tho..

My co-worker wanted me to go back and try this place. We made sure we got there before (noon). There was the waitress and a little kid at the table, the kid was walking around freely at the back of the register. lol There was no other customers yet, just us...so I was thinking to myself "yes I finally get to try their food!" My friend recommended that I order the the pork and cuban rice with black beans, don't remember the name and she had the chicken and potatoes with sauce. I tried the stuffed mashed potato ball with beef...it was not bad. This is my first time ever trying cuban food, I expected it to be more flavorful with the pork, but my pork tasted bland...nothing special. The rice was seasoned. The lettuce had a sour dressing like lime or some sort. I wouldn't go back....it wasn't anything special. I had leftovers. read more

Sol Cubano - Pork with Cuban rice and blk beans - Cuban Near Me - North Highlands, California

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I am not sure what I order by I know it was delicious, I asked for whatever the person who answered the phone was favorite dish. So good.