Take a trip to Cuba, it’s closer than you think- well the food is anyway.

Enter Havana Grill in Mission Valley and be transported to the tropical island of Cuba, a land of warm breezes, Latin rhythms, and Caribbean flavors. The setting is a courtyard surrounded by brick buildings with windows, large plantation shutters, and tropical plants.

As for those Caribbean flavors, the Havana Grill prides itself on organic greens, hormone-free meats, and non-GMO cooking oils. Their goal is to “create authentic Cuban cuisine that is organic and locally sourced whenever possible.” Comfort food with a conscience.

The menu is extensive with classic dishes such as Ropa Vieja, shredded beef with organic tomato sauce, olives, and capers. The El Cubano Sandwich is layered with sliced roasted pork, smoked ham, cheese, mustard, and pickles.

Want to get crazy? Try the Crazy Cuban sandwich just add pork cracklings to the El Cubano. Another classic is the Picadillo, which is a beef dish seasoned with onions, peppers, garlic, olives, and raisins.

The light flavor of Mango Citrus Salmon includes a wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon fillet with fresh mango salsa. The seafood paella is highly regarded by guests. The dish is filled with clams, mussels, calamari, cod, and chicken as well as roasted red peppers, peas, and lemon.

Vegetarians? There’s plenty for you to enjoy here also. 

The Vegetarian plate includes roasted vegetables, yuca fries, rice, black beans, sweet plantains, and Tostone mojo (the traditional sauce of Cuban cuisine).

Something for fun is a Giant Papa Rellena, stuffed mashed potato ball filled with picadillo (seasoned beef).

Try a baked empanada. They offer many varieties including Chicken Fricasé, Cubano with Ham and Cheese, Lechon (roasted pork) and Yuca, or Braised Beef.

Save room for desserts. 

There is the classic flan, and the Arroz con Leche, a creamy rice pudding with cinnamon and raisins. Guava cheesecake is unique as is the Cuban Coffee Tres Leches cake soaked with coffee, and vanilla and topped with coffee whipped cream.

There are signature cocktails, if you feel like a Caribbean spirit, try the Cuban Espresso Martini or a Passionfruit Mimosa. 

When in season, try the Dragonberry Smash with Bourbon, lemon, agave, mint, and a pink dragonberry. The Hotel National features Havana Rum, apricot, lime juice, organic agave, pineapple, and fresh gooseberry.

Havana Grill is located in the Mission Valley Shopping Center at 1652 Camino Del Rio North. The phone number is (619) 915-5699. 

Peruse the menu at https://www.havanagrillrestaurants.com/.