From Cubano sandwich stands to upscale fusion restaurants, Florida has no shortage of Cuban eateries. If you're in the West Palm Beach area, just blocks from Delray and the impressive mansions of Boca Raton, be sure to make time for Havana, one of the most authentic, delicious eating experiences in the country. It's inviting, affordable and has an unparalleled menu of Cuban favorites.
Like so many excellent restaurants, Havana is a family affair. The story of Roberto Reyes and his family is a true American immigration epic. The short version has Reyes leaving his native Cuba just prior to the rise of Fidel Castro and settling in south Florida where he worked his way up in the retail business and eventually decided to give the restaurant game a try. His first location was an eatery in Puerto Rico, followed by a small ice cream parlor in Miami. After Reyes lost his livelihood to Hurricane Andrew, he and his family soldiered on to West Palm Beach where they opened Havana in the classic style of both an all-night food stand and a full service restaurant.
Today Havana has accumulated several much deserved awards for its top-notch cuisine and friendly service. The walk-up window is open 24 hours a day and serves anything off the restaurant's menu, but to get the complete experience you'll have to get a table in Havana's lively interior. With warm colors and an intimate loft design, the restaurant provides a jovial atmosphere that lends itself just as much to family dining as a lighthearted dating.
Though creativity is always welcome in cuisine, the true test of a restaurant is how well it does the standards. Havana's beverage menu hits all the right initial notes for a meal. The in-house sangria is mild and summery and the tropical milkshakes (mango especially) aren't cloying or syrupy. The cafe con leche is particularly good for those who have a sweet tooth.
When it comes to appetizers, Havana does simple rather well. The friend yuca is hearty and surprisingly clean-tasting. None of the fried fare at Havana is especially greasy, so the crispy outside of the yuca provides a nice contrast to the soft filling. The house plantains are also excellent. I prefer the sweet maduro variety, but the marquita chips and the green tostones are just as good. Havana's kitchen does tend to serve its salads a bit too light on the dressing for the average American palate, so those looking for a more flavorful cold plate should be sure to ask for extra dressing on the side.
Of the main dishes, Havana does beef especially well. The ropa vieja has a strong tomato undertone and it's perky without being overly spicey. It pairs well with the yellow rice and a hearty side dish like yuca or frijoles. The real standout on the menu is without a doubt the rabo encendido, a lean oxtail dish cooked in an autumnal red wine sauce. The meat is incredibly tender and very rich without feeling decadent. As with so much ethnic cuisine, the rabo encendido is humble ingredients given loving, gourmet treatment.
For dessert, the Havana kitchen recommends the caramel and coconut flan and I don't disagree with them. Those who prefer something a little heavier to go with their cafe con leche should definitely indulge in a slice of tres leches cake.
Havana Restaurant is an inviting culinary gem on the South Dixie Highway. Whether it's for a late night sandwich run or a multi-course family meal, it's one of the all-around best places to grab a bite in south Florida.