Perfect cubano sandwich. Toasted bread is on point. Roasted meat is superb. Casual dining in patio area super relaxed. No real way to avoid rain the 10 days we have it a year the only real or lack of negative.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brandon Stringham
I really loved the setting of the restaurant. The food was very good too. We had a Cuban sandwich and the Tri tip plate. Both we very good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Yashira Velez
The food here is so so good. I would’ve taken a picture but I was too busy enjoying the food! I got el cubano sandwhich with maduros and my wife got el lechón plate with tostones. Both were excellent. Bonus points for having mayo-ketchup.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kristen Colon
The BEST congri (rice and beans)!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
William David Argueta
Great food and great service! Highly recommend the ox tail! Thanks for the suggestion!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
John Rancic
This place has good rice and black beans and chicken. The pork is sliced like a cold cut and I didn't like it. The ham they use in the Cuban sandwich is too sweet. I think it might be Canadian ham which I don't like. I grew up in Jersey near great cuban restaurants so my search continues here in San Diego.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Frankie Viz
I’ve been to a lot of Cuban restaurants over the years, but El Cubano in Carlsbad easily stands out as one of the very best. The food was absolutely amazing — fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. Every bite tasted authentic and full of soul.
What really made the experience even better was the excellent customer service. The staff was warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, which made me feel right at home.
If you’re looking for a place that delivers both outstanding Cuban cuisine and top-notch hospitality, this is it. Highly recommend — I’ll definitely be coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
SD Vava
All outstanding flavors. The area is beautiful with a fountain and plenty of seating outside. The rope vida and grilled chicken was amazing. The beans are the best I've had. It was clean and the service was great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Black Beans, Grilled Chicken
Brian
Excellent food!
$2.50 fee to order online feels like a lot, would probably come 2-3x as often if I could order without calling
I ordered the Fricase de Pollo, and it did not disappoint. The chicken was juicy, tender, and full of flavor. The rice, served with black bean soup, was equally satisfying—the beans were rich, creamy, and well-seasoned. The maduros (Cuban fried plantains) were an unexpected highlight, sweet and caramelized, and they reminded me of Filipino-style Banana Cue. Overall, I really enjoyed the lunch and will definitely be coming back to try more dishes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
J Frank (JF1973)
El Cubano offers an authentic taste of Cuba right in the heart of town. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere that transports you straight to Havana. The highlight of the menu is undoubtedly their signature Cuban Sandwich, which truly lives up to its reputation. The sandwich features tender, roasted pork, flavorful ham, melted Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all nestled between freshly baked Cuban bread. The bread is perfectly toasted, providing a crisp exterior while maintaining a soft, hearty interior. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and smoky flavors, making it a satisfying experience.
Aside from the sandwich, El Cubano impresses with its authentic decor and friendly staff who are passionate about sharing Cuban culture through their cuisine. Their attention to detail, from sourcing quality ingredients to preparing everything fresh, makes a significant difference. The portion size is generous, offering great value for the price. Whether you're craving a quick lunch or a relaxed meal, El Cubano’s Cuban Sandwich is a must-try and undoubtedly one of the best in town. It’s a flavorful journey worth taking!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eric Huezo
I have been going to El Cubano since it's humble beginnings as a food truck and a dream. Delron owner of El Cubano always had a line on the sidewalk forming and for good reason. This is the best Cuban you will find around, all the wonderful blends of sweet and savory, crispy and crunchy in all the right ways will make every visit a treat. Making the trip is worth the drive, walk, run, whatever. Don't miss a chance to try, their menu is the best way to get a taste of Havana in Carlsbad
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kyle
Really good! I had the supreme cubano, I believe it was a special, not sure if it is an every day item. I am only giving 4 stars just due to portion size for the price. The food came out quick for how busy it was and it was hot/fresh. I only ordered the sandwich so I did not get to try their chips. Would recommend. Nice seating area here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Karina Martinez
Comfort food at its finest, chefs kiss! Closest thing to a home cooked meal. Everything tastes fresh and always served HOT!
Perfect cubano sandwich. Toasted bread is on point. Roasted meat is superb. Casual dining in patio area super relaxed. No real way to avoid rain the 10 days we have it a year the only real or lack of negative.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I really loved the setting of the restaurant. The food was very good too. We had a Cuban sandwich and the Tri tip plate. Both we very good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food here is so so good. I would’ve taken a picture but I was too busy enjoying the food!
I got el cubano sandwhich with maduros and my wife got el lechón plate with tostones. Both were excellent. Bonus points for having mayo-ketchup.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The BEST congri (rice and beans)!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food and great service! Highly recommend the ox tail! Thanks for the suggestion!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place has good rice and black beans and chicken. The pork is sliced like a cold cut and I didn't like it. The ham they use in
the Cuban sandwich is too sweet. I think it might be Canadian ham which I don't like. I grew up in Jersey near great cuban restaurants so my search continues here in San Diego.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
I’ve been to a lot of Cuban restaurants over the years, but El Cubano in Carlsbad easily stands out as one of the very best. The food was absolutely amazing — fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. Every bite tasted authentic and full of soul.
What really made the experience even better was the excellent customer service. The staff was warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, which made me feel right at home.
If you’re looking for a place that delivers both outstanding Cuban cuisine and top-notch hospitality, this is it. Highly recommend — I’ll definitely be coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
All outstanding flavors. The area is beautiful with a fountain and plenty of seating outside. The rope vida and grilled chicken was amazing. The beans are the best I've had. It was clean and the service was great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Black Beans, Grilled Chicken
Excellent food!
$2.50 fee to order online feels like a lot, would probably come 2-3x as often if I could order without calling
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We left feeling light and happy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I ordered the Fricase de Pollo, and it did not disappoint. The chicken was juicy, tender, and full of flavor. The rice, served with black bean soup, was equally satisfying—the beans were rich, creamy, and well-seasoned. The maduros (Cuban fried plantains) were an unexpected highlight, sweet and caramelized, and they reminded me of Filipino-style Banana Cue. Overall, I really enjoyed the lunch and will definitely be coming back to try more dishes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
El Cubano offers an authentic taste of Cuba right in the heart of town. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere that transports you straight to Havana. The highlight of the menu is undoubtedly their signature Cuban Sandwich, which truly lives up to its reputation. The sandwich features tender, roasted pork, flavorful ham, melted Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all nestled between freshly baked Cuban bread. The bread is perfectly toasted, providing a crisp exterior while maintaining a soft, hearty interior. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and smoky flavors, making it a satisfying experience.
Aside from the sandwich, El Cubano impresses with its authentic decor and friendly staff who are passionate about sharing Cuban culture through their cuisine. Their attention to detail, from sourcing quality ingredients to preparing everything fresh, makes a significant difference. The portion size is generous, offering great value for the price. Whether you're craving a quick lunch or a relaxed meal, El Cubano’s Cuban Sandwich is a must-try and undoubtedly one of the best in town. It’s a flavorful journey worth taking!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have been going to El Cubano since it's humble beginnings as a food truck and a dream. Delron owner of El Cubano always had a line on the sidewalk forming and for good reason. This is the best Cuban you will find around, all the wonderful blends of sweet and savory, crispy and crunchy in all the right ways will make every visit a treat.
Making the trip is worth the drive, walk, run, whatever.
Don't miss a chance to try, their menu is the best way to get a taste of Havana in Carlsbad
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really good! I had the supreme cubano, I believe it was a special, not sure if it is an every day item. I am only giving 4 stars just due to portion size for the price. The food came out quick for how busy it was and it was hot/fresh. I only ordered the sandwich so I did not get to try their chips. Would recommend. Nice seating area here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Comfort food at its finest, chefs kiss! Closest thing to a home cooked meal. Everything tastes fresh and always served HOT!
Food: 5
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