Habana Cuba Restaurant Introduce
For California residents seeking an authentic and vibrant taste of the Caribbean, look no further than Habana Cuba Restaurant. Nestled in the heart of the Golden State’s Silicon Valley, this establishment offers a genuine culinary journey to the streets of Havana. Celebrating Cuban and broader Caribbean flavors, Habana Cuba has built a reputation over two decades for its generous portions, commitment to traditional recipes, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. It stands as a vibrant cultural and gastronomic beacon, being a Latinx and women-owned business that proudly serves the San Jose community and its visitors.
The restaurant provides a casual, cozy, and trendy environment, making it a popular spot for locals, groups, and tourists alike for both lunch and dinner. The menu is a delightful exploration of Cuban classics, prepared with a focus on fresh ingredients and authentic techniques. Staples include the slow-roasted pork Lechon A La Cubana, the hearty shredded beef dish Ropa Vieja, and the quintessential Sandwich Cubano, all of which draw rave reviews from California diners for their true-to-form flavor profiles.
The diverse menu expertly accommodates various dietary preferences, with a significant number of items marked as Gluten-Free (GF), as well as dedicated Vegan and Vegetarian options like the Tamal Vegetariano or the Veggie Platter. Appetizers, or Small Plates, are highly recommended to start your experience, with options such as the Cubano Sampler, Ceviche, and the fried plantains, Tostones or Yuca Frita Con Mojo De Ajo (served with their signature garlic sauce). Daily and weekend specials provide even more exciting options, like the Arroz con Pollo on Wednesdays or the impressive Seafood Paella on weekends.
Habana Cuba Restaurant is strategically located in the bustling Downtown San Jose area, making it an accessible dining destination for anyone in the greater California region. It is situated inside the SoFA Market, a popular urban eatery and community dining space, which adds to its casual and trendy vibe. This location is conveniently close to the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, making it an excellent choice for convention attendees and business travelers, as well as local San Jose residents looking for a delicious, quick bite or a satisfying dinner.
The address places it directly on a primary thoroughfare:
- Address: 387 S 1st St Suite 109, San Jose, CA 95113, USA
Accessibility is a key priority for the restaurant, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons. The facility is equipped with a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, making it comfortable and convenient. Parking options in the vicinity include paid parking garages, paid parking lots, and paid street parking, which is typical for a vibrant Downtown California location. For pet owners, the restaurant offers dog-friendly options, allowing dogs in the outside seating area.
The services at Habana Cuba Restaurant go beyond just dine-in, providing various convenient options to meet the needs of the dynamic California lifestyle, whether for a quick meal or a large event.
- Dine-in and Seating: Enjoy the casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere with full seating options, including outdoor seating for a comfortable open-air experience.
- Takeout and Quick Bites: Perfect for professionals and busy individuals in Silicon Valley needing a quick, quality meal.
- Delivery and No-Contact Delivery: Convenient services are available for those who prefer to enjoy their authentic Cuban meal at home or the office.
- Catering Food and Drink Supplier: As an official catering supplier, Habana Cuba is an excellent choice for corporate events, family celebrations, and large gatherings in the San Jose area, offering specialties like the Cuban Sandwiches and hearty plates to groups.
- Counter Service: Offers an efficient ordering process, particularly during busy lunch and dinner times.
- Private Dining Room: An option for those planning more intimate or group gatherings.
Habana Cuba is more than just a restaurant; it’s an immersive experience, blending food, culture, and community. Several key features make it a standout choice for Californian diners:
- Authentic Cuban & Caribbean Cuisine: Specializes in authentic dishes like Ropa Vieja, Lechon A La Cubana, and the popular Sandwich Cubano, with many entrees being naturally gluten-free.
- Great Coffee: The restaurant is known for its excellent coffee, including the classic Cuban espresso, a necessary highlight for a true Cuban culinary experience.
- Live Music: Adding a dynamic cultural flair, the venue features live music, enhancing the festive and authentic Cuban vibe, perfect for an engaging night out.
- Local Specialty & Organic Dishes: A commitment to quality is shown through the offering of local specialties and organic dish options.
- Diverse Offerings: Provides comfort food, quick bites, small plates, vegan options, and a full bar onsite, ensuring something for every taste and occasion.
- Atmosphere and Crowd: The casual, cozy, and trendy environment appeals to a wide audience, including groups, locals, and tourists, making it a social hub in Downtown San Jose.
Whether you are planning a visit for dinner or looking to arrange catering for an event in California, the team at Habana Cuba Restaurant is easily reachable.
- Address: 387 S 1st St Suite 109, San Jose, CA 95113, USA
- Phone: (408) 998-2822
- Mobile Phone: +1 408-998-2822
In a culinary landscape as vast as California’s, Habana Cuba Restaurant distinguishes itself by offering genuine, hearty Cuban and Caribbean food with exceptional dedication to tradition and quality. It’s worth choosing for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its long-standing presence and status as a Latinx and women-owned business rooted in family tradition for over 20 years ensures authenticity in every dish. Customers frequently praise the authenticity and generous portions, often highlighting the Ropa Vieja, Lechon, and the highly-rated garlic sauce that accompanies many dishes.
Secondly, the restaurant's location in the vibrant SoFA Market in Downtown San Jose, combined with amenities like the on-site bar, Wi-Fi, and live music, makes it an ideal spot for a complete evening out. The atmosphere is energetic and welcoming, catering to a diverse crowd looking for a great dining experience that goes beyond the food. It's a place where you can relax, feel cozy, and still enjoy a trendy, lively setting.
Finally, the extensive and accommodating menu ensures that virtually every diner, from meat-lovers to those seeking vegan or gluten-free options, will find a delicious and satisfying meal. The wide array of appetizers and sides, like the perfect Sweet Plantains and Moros y Cristianos (Cuban Rice), allow for a truly customized Cuban feast. For those in California, Habana Cuba Restaurant is an essential stop for a vibrant, flavorful, and culturally rich dining experience.
Habana Cuba Restaurant Vibe
SPECIALS
Daily and weekend specials!
- Monday Special- Pechuga Empanizada Sandwich $14.00
breaded chicken marinated in garlic/olive oil and fried to perfection! served with sweet plantains. **only available on MONDAYS. While supplies last.
- Wednesday Special- Arroz con Pollo $15.00
chicken stewed in an herbal tomato saffron rice with green olives and raisins. Served with sweet plantains. Available ONLY on Wednesdays while supplies last.
- Thursday Special- Vaca Frita Sandwich $14.00
shredded beef sautéed in a garlic/olive oil and fried. served with sweet plantains. ***available ONLY on Thursdays. While supplies last
- Weekend Special- Fricase de Puerco $15.00
pork stewed in an herbal tomato base with potatoes and green olives. served with sweet plantains, white rice and black beans. ** available ONLY on Fridays-Sunday. While supplies last
- Weekend Special- Seafood Paella $40.00
AVAILABLE ONLY FRIDAY AFTER 5PM-SUNDAY 6PM. DO NOT ORDER OUT OF THIS TIME FRAME. WE WILL NOT SERVE. Saffron rice cooked in a tomato base with Chilean sea bass, shrimp, clams and lobster. Served with sweet plantains. No substitutions.
- Surtido $25.00
A combination of your favorites! Choose 3 entrees- Lechon, Ropa Vieja, Fricase de Pollo, Pechuga de Pollo or Vaca Frita.
SMALL PLATES/APPETIZERS
- Ceviche- GF $14.00
prawns marinated in our cucumber and mango salsa. served with tostones.
- Camarones Al Ajillo -Market Only GF $14.00
prawns sauteed in a white wine garlic sauce with green olives and parsley.
- Masitas De Puerco- GF $9.00
marinated chunks of pork.
- Papas Rellenas $9.00
Fred picadillo stuffed potato balls.
- Tamal Cubano- GF $10.00
cuban corn tamale topped with your choice of ropa vieja, lechon or sofrito (GF-VEGAN- VEGETARIAN). ** we know have fricase de pollo (chicken stew)
- Tostones- GF $8.00
fried crispy green plantains served with garlic dipping sauce.
- Yuca Frita Con Mojo De Ajo-GF $8.00
fried yucca served with garlic dipping sauce.
- Bocaditos $9.00
cuban sandwich cut into fours-slow roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on french bread.
- Cubano Sampler- GF $18.00
Combination of papas rellenas, yuca frita, masitas, and tostones. Served with our fresh garlic dipping sauce.
- Beef Empanadas $8.00
Picadillo with raisins, peppers and olives.
SALAD AND SOUP
SEASONAL
- Ensalada de Pollo $14.00
Mixed greens with cucumber, carrots, green olives topped with grilled marinated chicken. Served with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Mixed Salad-GF $3.00
spring mix with tomatoes and carrots. served with vinaigrette.
SANDWICHES
served with your choice of one: sweet plantains, black beans, white rice, garden salad w/vinaigrette(+2), tostones(+2), yuca frita(+2), gandules(+2), or moros (+2) *** NOT GLUTEN-FREE****
- Sandwich Cubano $14.00
our traditional roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese, mustard and pickles grilled and pressed.
- Sandwich De Pollo $14.00
grilled boneless chicken breast marintated in garlic and topped with grilled onions.
- Pan Con Lechon $14.00
marinated slow roasted pork.
- The "Alice" Cubano $16.00
0ur classic cubano topped with grilled chicken- jersey style!
ENTREES - CARNES / MEAT
served with your choice of 3: sweet plantains, black beans, white rice, garden salad w/vinaigrette(+2), tostones(+2), yuca frita(+2), gandules(+2), or moros (+2) All items are GLUTEN-FREE
- Lechon A La Cubana-GF $15.00
our traditional cuban dish! slow roasted pork marinated in cuban herbs and citrus juices.
- Tamal Cubano Con Puerco- GF $16.00
cuban corn tamale topped with roasted pork.
- Ropa Vieja-GF $15.00
shredded beef stewed in a tomato sauce with green bell peppers, onions and cuban herbs.
- Masitas De Puerco- GF $15.00
marinated morsels of pork.
- Tamal Cubano Con Carne-GF $17.00
cuban corn tamale topped with shredded beef.
- Oxtail-GF $18.00
braised in a garlic, tomato base with a hint of red wine and pepper.
- Vaca Frita-GF $15.00
Shredded beef soaked in garlic, olive oil and lemon and fried on the grill. Topped with grilled onions.
- Carne con Papas-GF $16.00
Chunks of beef sautéed in our herbal tomato base with olives and potatoes.
- Surtido- GF $25.00
A combination of your favorites! Choose 3 entrees- Lechon, Ropa Vieja, Pechuga de Pollo, Fricase de Pollo, Tamal Sofrito and Vaca Frita (+2).
ENTREES - POLLO / CHICKEN
served with your choice of 3: sweet plantains, black beans, white rice, garden salad w/vinaigrette(+2), tostones(+2), yuca frita(+2), gandules(+2), or moros (+2) All items are GLUTEN-FREE
- Pechuga De Pollo A La Plancha- GF $15.00
grilled boneless chicken breast marinated in fresh garlic and olive oil. topped with grilled onions.
- Pechuga Emapanizada $17.00
breaded chicken breast marinated in fresh garlic/olive oil and fried to perfection! NOT gluten-free.
- Tamal con Fricase- GF $17.00
cuban corn tamal topped with fricase de pollo (chicken stew)
- Fricase de Pollo-GF $16.00
Chicken stewed in an herbal tomato base with olives and potatoes.
ENTREES - MARISCOS / SEAFOOD-(MARKET ONLY)
served with your choice of 3: sweet plantains, black beans, white rice, garden salad w/vinaigrette(+2), tostones(+2), yuca frita(+2), gandules(+2), or moros (+2) . All items are GLUTEN-FREE
- Camarones Al Ajillo- Market only- GF $17.00
prawns sautéed in a garlic white wine sauce with green olives.
- Enchilado De Camarones- Market only- GF $17.00
prawns sautéed in a light tomato sauce with green bell peppers, onions and green olives.
- Cuban Seafood Paella- GF $40.00
AVAILABLE ONLY FRIDAY AFTER 5PM-SUNDAY 6PM. DO NOT ORDER OUT OF THIS TIME FRAME. WE WILL NOT SERVE. LIMITED TIME Saffron rice cooked in a tomato base with Chilean sea bass, shrimp, clams and lobster. Served with sweet plantains. No substitutions.
ENTREES - VEGETARIANO / VEGETARIAN
served with your choice of 3: sweet plantains, black beans, white rice, garden salad w/vinaigrette(+2), tostones(+2), yuca frita(+2), gandules(+2), or moros (+2) . All items are GLUTEN-FREE
- Tamal Vegetariano- GF $16.00
cuban corn tamal topped with sofrito
- Veggie Platter- GF $14.00
served with sofrito-saute of onions, green bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic and cuban herbs.
- Omelet Español- GF $15.00
egg omelet fried with plantains. served with tomatoes.
ACOMPAÑAMIETOS / SIDES
- Arroz Blanco- GF
white rice.
- Platanos Maduros- GF
sweet plantains.
- Frijoles Negros- GF
black beans.
- Moros- Cuban Rice- GF
Black beans and rice
- Gandules- GF
Green pigeon peas with saffron rice
BEBIDAS IMPORTADAS / IMPORTED SOFT DRINKS
*not always available. Call ahead.
- Iron Beer, Cuba $3.00
- Jupiña, South America $3.00
- Malta, Cuba $4.00
- Manzana- Colombia $3.00
- Coke $3.00
- Sparkling Water $4.00
- Diet Coke $3.00
- Bottled Water $2.00
- Materva $4.00
- Guarana- Brazil $4.00
- Colombiana $3.00
- Inca $3.00
JUGOS / JUICES
- SEASONAL $4.00
Mango, guava, blackberry, guanoabana, and passion fruit. Please call for availability.
DESSERTS
limited quantity
- Flan $5.00
traditional cuban custard
- Arroz con Leche $5.00
cuban rice pudding
APPETIZERS / SIDES
- Masitas- GF
gluten-free, dairy free
- Sweet Plantains-GF
vegetarian, vegan, organic, gluten-free, dairy free
- Tostones- GF
vegetarian, vegan, organic, gluten-free, dairy free *** not recommended unless eating right away. Tends to get soggy after time.
- Yuca Frita- GF
vegetarian, vegan, organic, gluten-free, dairy free
- Beef Empanadas
*** need a minimum of 72 hours to order this.
- Ceviche- GF
gluten-free, dairy free shrimp ceviche. Does not include tostones.
- Papas Rellenas
** need at least 72 hours to place this order.
- Mixed Salad- GF
vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, organic spring mix, tomato, cucumber and carrots. served with balsamic vinaigrette
- Avocado Salad- GF
vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy free, organic spring mix, tomato, cucumber, shredded carrots and avocado served with balsamic vinaigrette
- Tropical Salad- GF
vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy free, organic spring mix, , tomato, cucumber, shredded carrots, . mango, avocado, and pineapple. served with balsamic vinaigrette
RICE- GF
gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, dairy free
- White Rice
vegetarian, vegan
- Gandules
saffron rice with pigeon peas
- Moros y Cristianos
Cuban rice
BEANS- GF
- Black beans
vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy free
TAMALES-GF
- Lechon - Pork
gluten-free
- Ropa vieja - Beef
gluten-free
- Fricase de pollo
gluten-free
- Sofrito- Veggie
gluten-free, vegetarian
MEATS-GF
- Lechon a la cubana
gluten-free, dairy free
- Ropa vieja
gluten-free, dairy free
- Vaca frita
gluten-free, dairy free
- Carne con Papas
gluten-free, dairy free
CHICKEN- GF
- Pechuga de pollo- GF
gluten-fre, dairy free
- Fricase de Pollo
gluten-free, dairy free
- Arroz con Pollo
gluten-free, dairy free
Desserts
- Flan
gluten-free
- Arroz con Leche
gluten-free
Salsas
- Ajo
fresh garlic, lemon and olive oil. Perfect for dipping! gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian
- House salsa
gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian
- Habanero Ranch
gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian
- Pico de Gallo
Vegan/Vegetarian, nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free
Habana Cuba Restaurant Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Locals
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed outside
Habana Cuba Restaurant Photos










Habana Cuba Restaurant Location
Habana Cuba Restaurant
387 S 1st St Suite 109, San Jose, CA 95113, USA
Habana Cuba Restaurant Reviews
lechonfood courtoxtailblack beansappetizerparkingsangriacevichesofasampler
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Easy way to order your food, tasty and made to order. It was terrific 👏 I barely finished the Alice... only thing might need improvement in my opinion is the espresso cubano... it just tastes like regular Nescafe...is not strong and sweet like the real deal. Other than that I'm coming back to try more plates!!
September 23 · Sophie CantonTidy little place serving delicious food. We had a sampler appetizer platter. All will well prepared and delicious. The garlic sauce is the bomb. The shrimp in garlic was generous portion. The tostones were perfectly caramelized not burnt. Thoroughly enjoyed a delicious meal. It's a food court area so different tastes can be explored. And there's a bar a few steps away should you wish for a beer with your meal. Good enough to go back and explore more.
October 16 · Debbie CusicSo many choices in this food hall but we chose to have some Cuban food. I ordered the Alice sandwich which was a Cubano sandwich topped with chicken (roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese mustard and pickles grilled and pressed). It was pretty good, I really liked the signature pressed sandwich taste of a Cubano. We also got the chicken with black beans, rice and plantains. For a drink we ordered yerba mate which was a nice taste. Cannot go wrong here!
March 12 · Josh BaltazarThis was my first time trying a Cuban sandwich, and unfortunately, it was a letdown. The sandwich was slightly burned, extremely dry, and so overly salty that I could only eat half. The small side of unevenly cut plantains did little to offset the flavors. If this reflects the quality when ordering through DoorDash, I can only imagine what the in-person experience might be like.
June 08 · My DurkopThis food establishment is located in the SoFA Market food court. We came here on a Sat afternoon, there were plenty of seats both inside and out. I was really looking forward on trying this restaurant being that I am a fan of cuban cuisine. We tried several dishes spending about $60. We ordered the tamal cubano with lechon, sandwich cubano, ropa vieja, rabo encendido and flan. The ropa vieja and rabo encendido came with white rice, black beans and platano maduro. The flavors of both dishes were okay, though the oxtail was soft and tender. Sauces were thinner and more on the blander side. The tamal cubano wasn't my favorite, I felt the lechon lacked flavor. I did enjoy their cubano, the flavors were good except that the bread (although it looked toasted) was soft at first bite. I was definitely missing the crunch factor. Sad to say that their flan was the absolute worst flan I've ever had. If I knew what insant flan tasted like, I would assume that it would taste just like that. The flan was more gelatin vs tasting like it was made out of eggs and milk. It was bland and the sauce tasted like it was watered down caramel. Never would I ever suggest their flan to anyone. It was quite disappointing. All in all, I don't think I'll be eating at Habana Cuba in the future, a very big disappointment for me.
October 07 · E. M.
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