The Absolute Best Cuban Restaurant in San Diego [Updated 2024]

I've visited over 7 different cuban restaurants here in San Diego and have had some great experiences. From the traditional Cuban dishes to creative fusions, each restaurant brings something unique to the table.

The mission to find the best one was no small feat, but I'm confident that I've found it. Read on to discover which of these 7 restaurants made it to the top of my list!

Havana 1920

The atmosphere is amazing with a beautiful Cuban decor that transports you directly to Cuba. The service is excellent and the staff are super friendly and attentive to every need.

The food was incredible. Even after trying so many Cuban restaurants, this one stands out above the rest with some of the most flavorful dishes I've ever had. From the classic Ropa Vieja and Arroz Con Pollo, to fresh omelettes and simple Cuban sandwiches, I could easily find something to satisfy my taste buds.

To top it off, they offer a great selection of Cuban cocktails that are expertly crafted by their mixologist. Overall, there's no doubt in my mind that Havana 1920 is the best cuban restaurant in San Diego!

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Havana Grill

The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff are extremely welcoming. The food is amazing - everything I've tried so far has been delicious. The lechón asado and ropa vieja were especially incredible – flavorful, tender, and cooked to perfection.

For drinks, I would highly recommend the Cuban mojitos – they're made with freshly squeezed limes which makes them so refreshing. And their desserts are great too! All in all, Havana Grill is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for some of the best cuban food in San Diego . Highly recommended!

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Tropical Star Restaurant & Specialty Market

The service and hospitality exceeded all my expectations. From the start, the staff were polite and very attentive to our needs and preferences. We were seated quickly as soon as we arrived and served our drinks promptly.

The food was incredible - it was authentic Cuban cuisine that could not be duplicated anywhere else. The portions were large, but not too overwhelming. All dishes had a perfect balance of flavors that complemented each other nicely in every bite.

The presentation of all the dishes was also topnotch - they looked almost too pretty to eat! Every plate was garnished with fresh herbs and spices to give it a great aroma.

The atmosphere of the restaurant is relaxed yet vibrant, making it a great place for dinner parties or large groups. We even had live music playing while we ate which added to the experience.

All-in-all, Tropical Star Restaurant & Specialty Market is definitely one of the best cuban restaurants in San Diego that I have ever visited!

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Empanada Kitchen

The menu is exquisite and has something for everyone, like traditional empanadas, classic Cuban sandwiches, and hearty soups. The portions are generous, the flavors spot-on, and the presentation of every dish is delightful.

What really stands out is their ropa vieja! The name literally translates to "old clothes" and it's a classic cuban dish made with shredded beef. Empanada Kitchen does it justice; the texture of the beef was perfect and the flavor packed a punch - it was definitely one of my favorite dishes!

The service is also great; staff are patient, accommodating, and attentive. You can also order online if you don't want to wait in line – I've never had any issues with this setup!

In conclusion: Empanada Kitchen has earned its title as the best cuban restaurant in San Diego. If you're looking for an authentic cuban experience with delicious food that won't break your wallet, then this is definitely the place for you.

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The Congress Cafe

For starters, the atmosphere is very cozy and inviting. The waitstaff are knowledgeable and always willing to explain different dishes on the menu and make sure all my questions were answered. The food was outstanding! I especially loved their Cuban sandwich; it was moist, flavorful, and had just the right amount of saltiness.

The real highlight for me was the mojitos - they were absolutely delicious! It seems like they have been perfecting this recipe for years: I could taste just the right balance of sweetness with a hint of lime and mint flavor - it was perfection in a glass!

Overall, my experience at The Congress Cafe was top-notch! I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an amazing Cuban restaurant in San Diego . For those that appreciate delicious food with excellent customer service, The Congress Cafe should definitely be your go-to spot.

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El Chingon

This restaurant has it all, from the cozy atmosphere to the flavorful dishes that really give a taste of Cuba. The service was beyond friendly and attentive - they really make sure you get your order right.

The food itself is nothing less than amazing. From starters such as their Carne Frita to their main courses such as Ropa Vieja, you'll be sure to be full and satisfied with El Chingon's offerings. And don't forget about dessert - their Tres Leches is something I will definitely be ordering again soon!

All in all, I would highly recommend El Chingon for anyone looking for the best cuban restaurant in San Diego . The food is delicious and the atmosphere is perfect for a night out or even just a relaxed dinner with friends!

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Pete’s Seafood and Sandwich

Everything from the exquisite menu to the friendly staff makes this an exceptional experience. The food is top-notch, with dishes like their Cuban-style sandwiches and their fried plantains perfectly seasoned and prepared.

The atmosphere of Pete’s Seafood and Sandwich is also incredible; you can't help but be taken away by its bright, tropical decor. It's the kind of place that immediately makes you feel right at home!

Most importantly though, I found that the prices here at Pete’s are very reasonable, especially considering how good the food is. This really makes it one of the best Cuban restaurants in San Diego!

I highly recommend Pete's Seafood and Sandwich to anyone looking for a delicious meal at an affordable price.

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