Oh my gosh, am I in Latino dream? Went by with one of my vendors and was originally taken back by a long-ish line. But then, I realize that the truth is that people wait for good food. Want to get in right away, go where the food is bad. Want good food? Stand in line for three minutes and talk to the people you are eating with. And when you get there, make any choice you want because it is all good. I mean Derrick Zoolander really really good food. For the special of the day we had Basa, delightful Basa. Rarely do you see it in the menu, but it is a light and fluffy fish often served in Thai restaurants. The Basa came with yellow rice, black beans and plantains. There were other choices besides Basa and they all looked and smelled delicious. read more

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Absolutely perfect SERVICE AND FOOD! After driving for 18 hrs stopping and numerous restaurants it was the best food I had on my entire trip. my daughter is extremely picky and she ate everything!!! BURSTING WITH FLAVOR!! read more

Cafe Havana - Omg this fresh chicken empanada HAS SO MUCH FLAVOR!!!! - Cuban Near Me - Ocala, Florida

This is one of my FAVORITE lunch places. I love everything about this place except that they aren't open on weekends!! The cafe con leche is incredible. The Cuban sandwich is excellent. The dish of the day has never disappointed me. There is enough food for two meals. The owners and workers are so very friendly. Great place to go for lunch! read more

Excellent food if you want to meal, but prepare just the way it was meant to be by a family... And this is your place.

Great locally owned restaurant with great staff. More of a DR feel instead of Cuban. But still amazing. read more

The most authentic Latin food in Florida. The Perni is to die for.A must if you are in the area.

A beautiful cafe, with great service. We had a Cuban sandwich, it was delicious. Not a traditional Cuban as it doesn't have pickle or salami. However it was on authentic Cuban bread and the pulled pork was flavorful. Their shakes are a deal, only $4.00 for a great shake. I would definitely visit them again. read more

The food, service, & the people are great. You will not be disappointed. I would recommend if you are going here for lunch get there a little bit earlier so you can enjoy a cappuccino shot and have time to enjoy your food. read more

Stopped here for lunch while passing through Ocala. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was clean and inviting, and the staff were super friendly. If I lived here I'd definitely be a regular. My husband and I ordered a lunch plate with pulled pork, plantains, black beans and rice, and a Cuban sandwich with fries. Everything was fresh, hot, and super yummy. read more

Cafe Havana - Pulled pork plate - Cuban Near Me - Ocala, Florida

As a native Miamian, this food is so authentic. I always enjoy going there - people are friendly and it has a really pleasant atmosphere. I highly recommend Cafe Havana - great experience. read more

This place is such a gem! Not only the food is tasty the staffs are very very friendly, too! I never had Cuban food so they offered me to try every types of rice and meat, really appreciate their consideration :) Oh and while we are eating they brought out complimentary coffee shots to the customers! All in all, amazing place, great food, great service and unbeatable price read more

Cafe Havana - Cuban Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Best in class. Price+portion+quality. Expect to wait 10-15 in line. Try everything and be nice

Was a bit disappointed that they had already sold out of roast pork, but got the ham and Swiss sandwich and it was great! The entire staff/family was just so friendly.... gave us samples of coffee, rice and beans, plantains.... all of which were very good. Definitely a "must try" place! read more

Love every thing we have gotten here! The sandwiches and dinners are amazing! We usually split a sandwich and an order of black beans and rice. For dinner I love the picadillo or the roasted pork. We have never been disappointed! read more

Small and out of the way there's the best authentic Cuban food. Magnolia street has many hidden treasures and this is one of them. Best sandwiches in town a must for locals and travelers alike. read more

ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! Thank you fellow Yelpers for recommending this gem! We are in town visiting family in Ocala & wanted to try something new we couldn't get back home. Cuban food was a no brainer and Cafe Havana was our pick! We stopped by during lunch hour and they had a selection of beans/rice to choose along with your choice of protein. The staff here is so welcoming and friendly! I was unsure of what to get as it was my first time and they gave me a small sample of the pork and beef. I got a beef plate with half rice and beans and half yellow rice along with sweet plantains. HOLY COW, everything was absolutely decadent. The sweet plantains had a little bit a caramelization which added some texture to the sweetness. The star of the show was definitely the slow cooked shredded beef and the yellow rice. I thought both rices were delicious but I loved the veggies in the yellow rice! My husband ordered a cubano sandwich and an empanada as his meal as well. His cubano was freshly made as was the beef empanada. I recommend going earlier in the day as we got the last beef empanada available at 1:00! My husband said that the cubano he ordered was the best cubano he's ever had. He said that the quality of the meat was phenomenal. The cubano came with fries which were freshly made and perfectly cooked. I stole a couple of bites and too agree that the cubano just hit the spot on flavor & was filled generously with pulled pork and ham. The empanada came out right out of the fryer and was filled with ground beef and veggies- the flavor was ON POINT! The portion sizes were huge and for the price everything was well worth it! I was so stuffed but couldn't help picking up the fork as everything was worth every bite! As we finished our meal, a sweet woman made "cafe con leche" and passed out small samples. The brew strength reminded me of a Vietnamese coffee but much smoother and with a perfect hint of sweetness. We of course ordered one before we left for our ride home. Our order total for a lunch plate, a cubano, an empanada, and a coke came to $24.98 including their small charge for all debit/credit cards. Our coffee came out to $3 and change which we paid for with cash. I can honestly say that I walked out a lot happier & fuller. We are hoping to sneak back before we go home. If your visiting Ocala- this is a must! read more

I had a friend visiting from out of state and she wanted something she could not get at home. We decided to check Cafe Havana out and we were so glad we did. The authentic Cuban cuisine was delicious. The staff are very helpful and want to make sure you have a wonderful experience. I will definitely visit again. read more

This pop was probably one of the best Cuban restaurants we have been too. Staff is extremely friendly and very knowledgeable, the food was fresh and the service was quick. The portions are very generous and extremely flavorful. I had the pulled pork dish and it was oh so tasty and moist and tender. If you're in the neighborhood you gotta stop by and give this place a try. Got there just before lunch so my time it was really good cuz this place was starting to pack them in at lunch time. read more

Cafe Havana - Piccadillo - Cuban Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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Simply amazing service! The staff are super inviting and sweet. Explained the whole menu to me and even gave me a cortadito to try! The food is delicious and just makes the entire experience wonderful read more

Great food in a busy Cuban restaurant! Friendly employees and fair prices. Good parking.

The moment I enter the premises I'm greeted with the warm aroma of fresh roasted Cuban coffee with tones of Latin spices and background sounds of salsa beats create the vibe of downtown historic Latin America known for its small quaint cafes which adorn the landscape Be prepared to escape for the moment from your busy hectic demands of life and enjoy yourself in the peaceful groove and incredible fresh food where, much to my astonishment, every fry in my generous served portion in this brown basket are super crispy outside yet soft tender and tasty cake like velvety inside. The breakfast sandwhich I chose was ham egg cheese with my request American vs Swiss. By far the cheesiest and gooiest well melted and therefore the tastiest melt attainable! The precise pinnacle of perfection crafted into this masterpiece of a sandwhich that is worthy of being named EPIC in its class. Fresh ham and egg well juxtapose the palate on crunchy toasted artisan Cuban bread. Finally, I quenched my meal with slowly savoring the authentic cafe con leche made special as to strength by the host at his kind insistence. Cafe Havana will be added now as a new "regular get away cafe/lunch bistro" on my list. read more

hole in the wall usually have the best food! And this did not disappoint. The grilled plantains are my favorite. read more

This place never lets me down. The staff is so welcoming and the food is delicious. Love it!

The most amazing food ever! I go here at least once every other week and always order the same thing because it's just SO DANG GOOD! The staff are so sweet and FAST! The food is always fresh, hot and flavorful! I I swear you'll be addicted to this place too! read more

I'm was not a huge of Cuba sandwiches but the day I tasted this one I feel in love and the black beans and rice is everything

Friendly staff and delicious food! The prices are a bit high or I'd give 5 stars. I would love to find a coupon for this place. Their entrees are so good that it's hard to decide what to choose. The Cuban coffee is delicious. I don't want to comment on their guava pastries bc they already run out early...don't buy the last one...save it for me! read more

We first found this place 8 years ago. It continues to be our favorite spot to go for lunch in Ocala. Delicious lunch, fantastic Cuban sandwiches, and coffee! The family that owns and runs the restaurant are wonderful people. read more

This place is fantastic! Very charming place with authentic Spanish atmosphere. I eat here all the time and it is has become quite the favorite for Cuban food around town. You go there once, you'll be there twice! THE place that the locals know about and frequent. The owners, Laura and Luis are very nice people and always make you feel like you have just made a new friend when you come and eat at their place. -Cuban Sandwiches are Fantastic. Also, the daily lunch changes from day to day and is always very good and true to traditional Cuban food. After all that food, check out the delicious Tres Leches Cake which is the BEST in town! Hand made by Laura right there and not shipped in like most places. Need I say that the espresso and cafe con leche (coffee with milk for you Americans) is a great way to wrap up your meal here. Enjoy and leave full! read more

Cafe Havana - The Outside - Cuban Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Cuban samich, really all you need to know. The shop is tucked into a small box in tiny strip mall. Quaint, and homely, however, the flavor is grand. The staff is personal, which only adds the perfectness of the visit. Seating includes 2-4-6 tops, limited, but worth it. Don't be afraid to order a to-go meal. It will be wrapped with love and a small treat. I hope you enjoy, as much as I have. read more

Cafe Havana - View from the front door. - Cuban Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Hidden in a small strip mall in a light industrial area, you can find this wonderful eating establishment. Cafe Havana is exactly why I take the time to seek out the small, privately owned businesses. My fish sandwich was fresh and tasted every bit of its $9.50 price. The fries were perfect, and the servers accommodating. I suggest you give Cuban Cafe your business. read more

Authentic Cuban food just like you'll get at the great Miami cafes. This is probably my favorite lunch spot near downtown Ocala. Cafe Havana is in a small, new strip mall on the SE corner of Magnolia and NE 10th Street (a few blocks north of The Square). It has a small, indoor dining area of about half a dozen tables with very comfortable chairs. You can tell by the personal service, good cooking, & cleanliness that this husband & wife team really care. Small menu of platters, sandwiches & sides, yet large enough to give you enough choice to make you happy. I especially like the ropa vieja special or empanadas. Great coffees, roast pork, beef, chicken, fish, empanadas & flan. Sandwiches & platters are very reasonably priced for the quality (about $7-8, plus your drink). You will be pleased you ate there or ordered something as takeout. Open 7 am - 4 pm, M-F. Saturday 8 am - 3 pm. read more

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Good food at good prices. Staff is friendly. I will definitely be back here. Totally worth the stop.

All I can say is wow. Some of the best Cuban food in the area. And the service is awesome. My colleagues rave about the chicken marsala. read more

Cafe Havana - Absolutely incredible flavor!!!!! Who puts carrots, potatoes and raisins in picadillo!!!! Amazing amazing amazing - Cuban Near Me - Ocala, Florida

First time here in The restaurant didn't think there was a Cuban restaurant in Ocalla everybody was very nice I will be coming back regular... keep up the good work read more

Cafe Havana - Front of the restaurant - Cuban Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Welcome back to Havana in the middle of the week for lunch. And I am from New York City when I was down this way. We had just done some family business and decided to get something for lunch. We did our research and found the Cafe Havana. It was empty when we went in and started to ask some questions. An excellent idea. The gentleman there was glad to help out as we talked everything. We spent about 10 minutes asking questions, and he supplied answers. I started first with a lunch of Ropa Vieja (beef Cuban style) that was served with brown rice, black beans and a side of sweet plantains. My wife orders the sweet plantains and a beef Tempanada sandwich. Freshly made from the kitchen. I picked up my order and moved to a table to use. My wife waited for the cook to bring over the freshly made Tempanada when it was finished to perfection. Everything was wonderful. So fresh and tasty. And so much to eat as well. It tasted like being in Cuba it was so perfect. As we were eating the owner came over to the table and brought us two orders of Cafe Con Leche. This was heaven as in Cuba. It was a wonderful way to finish our meal. And for free. It was the best meal to have in a small place. He was great. And the funny thing was when we asked him what it was like to come from Havana. He said he was not there but instead from the DR. We said it was great, but funny. My wife and I had traveled to Havana back a few years ago. And the meal we just had was wonderful like being there too. It was a nice place to be. By the time we were leaving 10 other people walked in for lunch to have inside. Next time we are in the area we shall pay a visit to here. Thanks. read more

Love this place. Fancy and great food. Makes me wish I could go to Havana for real. Cool atmosphere

best Cuban food ive ever had! the food is so flavorful and you get large portions. The staff there are all super friendly and helpful and they even give out coffee samples which taste incredible! read more

This cafe is amazing. It made me feel at home. I loved the food and the hospitality. VIVA CUBA

Nice lunch spot, good Cuban food & coffee. It has a home feel atmosphere it's only about a mile from the downtown Square right off Magnolia

Well worth the stop from I75. Don't be put off by the surroundings. Get a Cuban sandwich and cortadito-excellent! read more