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Restaurant Reviews List > San Francisco Bay Area Restaurant Reviews > San Jose / Silicon Valley Restaurant Reviews > San Jose Restaurant Reviews > Cuban Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Reviews for Habana Cuba

Habana Cuba

238 Race Street
San Jose, CA 95126

Nominated for Best Tapas in the Bay Area by Citysearch, Habana Cuba has enchanted diners with its festive, home-style and unforgettable blends of tropical seasonings that will bring you back to Old Havana. Favorites include Paella, Tostones, sweet plantains, Vaca Frita and slow roasted pork.

***Join Habana Cuba for Wine Dinners the first Thursday of every month. Please contact the restaurant for more details.***

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Price: $30 and under
Parking: Private Lot
Cross Street: San Carlos & Park

See more Habana Cuba details

Average Diner Rating
Overall Rating		4.2 out of 5 (90 Reviews)

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

Summary of Special Features

Diners classify this restaurant as:

neighborhood gem (53)
fit for foodies (45)
good for groups (36)
special occasion (22)
great for lunch (19)
romantic (17)
kid-friendly (15)
great for outdoor dining (12)
hot spot (8)
notable wine list (7)
great for brunch (4)

+ see more special features/tags

Habana Cuba Reviews List

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"There aren't too many Cuban restaurants in the Bay Area. I'm glad this place is around and that it's so good. Ernesto and Fidel would love the food too!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/18/2010

(review submitted 03/21/2010)

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Review 2 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"We loved it!! Even the left overs were great the next day. I highly recommend the guava pastry for dessert."

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/06/2010

(review submitted 03/08/2010)

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Review 3 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Wonderful! Best Cuban food I have ever had!"

Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/05/2010

(review submitted 03/07/2010)

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Review 4 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The Cuban sandwich is particularly superb. The service is excellent."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/02/2010

(review submitted 03/04/2010)

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Review 5 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly, the tostones were perfect with our advocado & shrimp, salad was fresh, black beans were the best EVER (and we've had them in various countries!), chicken and pork were good. I think next time we will try something more adventurous for entree like the impressive mariscos offerings.
Pitcher of sangria was quite tasty. Service was friendly and prompt but never cloying. Very warm fuzzy vibe overall and we will be back."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/28/2010

(review submitted 03/02/2010)

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Review 6 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Huge portions of lechon (roast pork). Mojitos were refreshing and not too sweet (a good thing). Habana offers gluten-free and vegetarian options, too."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/26/2010

(review submitted 03/02/2010)

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Review 7 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"I was so happy that I reserved a table on line. There were quite a few people waiting for a table, but since I had a reservation, we were taken right in. The delicious smells had my mouth watering within minutes and after taking our drink and appetizer order, I was hoping we'd get at least a bread basket or something while we waited, but no such thing happened. The appetizer was great (we got the everything sampler), plus the soup and or salad. Then just as I was getting antsy because of the wait, the entrees showed up. Everything was delicious! I'm a latina and there are cubanos in my family, so I know Cuban food and this is very, very tasty! I'm going back!"

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/27/2010

(review submitted 03/02/2010)

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Review 8 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Always good, always good service."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/27/2010

(review submitted 03/02/2010)

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Review 9 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Anything pork is well done. Great service. Skip dessert."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/13/2010

(review submitted 02/23/2010)

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Review 10 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Took a while to get seated despite reservation. They should have brought 2 carafes of water for a large party. We filled 4 1/2 glasses and had to wait for another before we could serve the rest of our party. Food was great, definitely traditional and flavorful. No complaints except for dessert, the guava shells were a replacement in the sampler. Our dinner party of 7 had mixed reviews, we could have done without it."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/20/2010

(review submitted 02/23/2010)

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Review 11 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Very friendly service. I had a very tasty ropa vieja, and a slightly blanda sopa de garbanzo. Don't expect quite the same heightened flavors as Miami, Tampa or Havana.

Rhe plátanos were muy auténticos."

Special Features: neighborhood gem

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/16/2010

(review submitted 02/21/2010)

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Review 12 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Excellent Cuban food in generous quantities for a ridiculously modest price. What more could one want?"

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/17/2010

(review submitted 02/19/2010)

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Review 13 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Dinner was great and they have a good beer selection,"

Special Features: neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/16/2010

(review submitted 02/18/2010)

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Review 14 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"I absolutely love Habana Cuba... great food and awesome service!"

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/14/2010

(review submitted 02/18/2010)

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Review 15 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The area surrounding the restaurant almost made me think twice, but once I got inside all that was forgotten. The food was delicious, the service superb. Would definitely recommend this to anyone."

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/13/2010

(review submitted 02/17/2010)

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Review 16 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Good food, not overly crowded, nice service."

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/14/2010

(review submitted 02/17/2010)

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Review 17 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"The food was great, service even better. Desert was excellent Guava stuffed pastry, with vanilla ice cream was to die for! It took 10 min to prepare and it tells you that on the menu. It is freshly made right there!Try the espresso my friend said it was delicious as well, not bitter as some can be. I have lived in San Jose over 50 years and have known about Habana Cuba, but have never gotten the chance to go there til now,can't wait to go back!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/14/2010

(review submitted 02/16/2010)

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Review 18 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"One of our favorite places, always good."

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/14/2010

(review submitted 02/16/2010)

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Review 19 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Dining at Havana Cuba was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed the delicious Vaca Frita, and all that went with it. The appetizer was wonderful, salad, I will come back again. I had a great time, not to noisy and the person I was with made it all possible. We enjoyed ourselves immensely."

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/10/2010

(review submitted 02/13/2010)

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Review 20 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"I absolutely love this place. I can't get enough to the Lechon."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/09/2010

(review submitted 02/11/2010)

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Review 21 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Unasuming storefront with plenty of room and atmosphere inside. Great authentic ethnic menu. Great service."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/05/2010

(review submitted 02/07/2010)

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Review 22 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"If you've never had Cuban food, let Habana Cuba be your first introduction in the Bay Area. The food is perfectly prepared, everything I have had on the menu is amazing. If you are overwhelmed, go for the Lechon (pork). I'm a big pig fan, and this is honestly the best pork to be had anywhere. Roasted until it is falling apart, juicy, flavorful, and with a huge plate of rice, black beans, and fried sweet plaintains--well, let's just say you will never leave this place unsatisfied. Portions are large, service is always fantastic, and prices are reasonable."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/05/2010

(review submitted 02/06/2010)

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Review 23 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Every thing was great ! we consider ourselves "regulars".
Again the only complaint is asking the customer if they would like anything else, perhaps desert BEFORE closing the tab.
Also the cocktails glasses are getting smaller and drinks are weak."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/27/2010

(review submitted 02/01/2010)

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Review 24 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"As always, excellent food. Extremely fresh and my date loved it. Keep up the good work!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/30/2010

(review submitted 02/01/2010)

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Review 25 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"We have been there a few times for lunch and have always ordered the Cuban sandwich.
It's a little different than the sandwich we had in Miami's "Little Havana" where the pork is sliced but
love the pulled pork in Habana Cuba's sandwich and the plantains are delicious!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/26/2010

(review submitted 01/28/2010)

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Review 26 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Our visit at Habana Cuba was wonderful. It was a special occasion dinner for my husband and I, and our waiter really helped in making it spectacular for us. He was very polite and attentive to our needs.He did not rush us in any way; we were able to relax and enjoy all our dishes from our starters to cafe and dessert. As for the quality of the food, all of our dishes were full of flavor. Our salads were fresh and crisp. Our main course dishes were succulent. Our desserts had a perfect balance of sweet and creamy flavors. Our plates were full of color and were very pleasing to the eye. Everything was perfect. Many thanks and praises to the Habana Cuba staff, especially to our waiter and the chefs."

Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/22/2009

(review submitted 01/14/2010)

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Review 27 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"I normally like to try new things, on the chance that I might discover something really good. However, at Habana Cuba, I have stuck to the same dish (lechon a la cubana) over and over again. This is not because I think other dishes might be atrocious, but rather because I can't imagine anything is better than their lechon a la cubana. It is soooooooo gooooooooood that it has become a recurring treat in my circle of friends."

Special Features: neighborhood gem

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/08/2010

(review submitted 01/11/2010)

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Review 28 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"The food was amazing. Wonderful service and a great menu items- a lot to choose from! We ordered seafood dishes and they were fresh and full of flavor."

Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/03/2010

(review submitted 01/05/2010)

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Review 29 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Wonderful experience. Excellent food."

Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/31/2009

(review submitted 01/04/2010)

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Review 30 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Just like how I remember it.. Totally rockin carribean cuisine.."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/27/2009

(review submitted 12/29/2009)

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Review 31 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"This food is sooo delicious.. It makes me feel like I am eating from my grandmothers kitchen.."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/05/2009

(review submitted 12/13/2009)

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Review 32 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"One of my favorites. Authentic (well, at least as far as I know) Cuban food. Very friendly and accommodating staff."

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/11/2009

(review submitted 12/13/2009)

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Review 33 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"Food tasted bland and did not seem to be fresh or freshly cooked"

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/05/2009

(review submitted 12/12/2009)

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Review 34 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"I ordered the Cubana sandwich - roasted pork on a bun with plantains. The pork was delicious and so were the plantains and the black bean soup appetizer. The bun of the sandwich, however, looked & tasted like it was drowned in butter. Perhaps that was their antidote to my asking for it without the cheese -- adding back in the fat I had asked to be removed.

Service however was pleasant, efficient, and able to deal with our table's incessant conversation -- seeming to find just the right moment to slip in during a pause to take our order or remove plates. I would go again if I were in the neighborhood but not necessarily seek it out."

Special Features: great for lunch

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/08/2009

(review submitted 12/10/2009)

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Review 35 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Excellent food, pork and chicken dishes moist and delicious! A great combination of flavors and textures. Amble servings."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/08/2009

(review submitted 12/10/2009)

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Review 36 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"We had dinner here before going to the theatre. The food was great. We both had seafood dishes that were very tasty. For dessert, we ordered the flan and it was good. The service was prompt and attentive but not overbearing. The meal was very enjoyable and we will return."

Special Features: neighborhood gem

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/04/2009

(review submitted 12/07/2009)

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Review 37 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"I really love Habana Cuba. The food is great, the servers are friendly and helpful and the atmosphere is superb. I have had a number of great meals here. Even the little things like the salad before your meal (you also have the choice of soup) is really good, especially if you add the avocado and tropical fruit. I highly recommend this place!"

Special Features: romantic

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/06/2009

(review submitted 12/07/2009)

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Review 38 for Habana Cuba

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Great evening, excellent food (although new items are seldom presented)
But, once again we finished our meal and were presented with our bill
WITHOUT asking if we cared for anything else."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/03/2009

(review submitted 12/05/2009)

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Ratings-Only Reviews for Habana Cuba

Based on the average of (52) ratings-only reviews

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

Restaurant Reviews for Habana Cuba

Habana Cuba Reviews List

Review 1 for Habana Cuba

Review 2 for Habana Cuba

Review 3 for Habana Cuba

Review 4 for Habana Cuba

Review 5 for Habana Cuba

Review 6 for Habana Cuba

Review 7 for Habana Cuba

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Review 36 for Habana Cuba

Review 37 for Habana Cuba

Review 38 for Habana Cuba