Made in Havana

Visiting LA from Monterey and stumbled upon this incredible Cuban restaurant—what a find! The moment we walked in, the place felt warm and welcoming. Natalie and Noel give amazing customer service. They are friendly and appreciative. The food was outstanding. The ropa vieja was tender and full of flavor, the plantains were perfectly caramelized. The Mojo chicken bowl was amazing! Finished it off with a Cortadito.. perfection! If you’re in LA and craving authentic Cuban cuisine—or just amazing food in general—don’t miss this spot. Wish we had something this good back in Monterey! Highly recommend. 🌴🍽️✨

The selection and quality here is fantastic. Top-tier Cuban sandwiches (with a lot of variations and black bean with every order.) and the bowls are hearty and flavorful. This is a go-to lunch spot for me and their coffee always hits the spot. Tostones and yucca fries, are solid here too.

Made in Havana has a “concept of a Cuban meal!” lol! Ok, seriously, it is “concept Cuban” food! They sandwichize Cuban classics. I wouldn’t call all of the food authentic. However, most of the food is truly incredible and I love the concept! The young lady that took our order was beyond sweet and cool! I had the croqueta sandwich. It’s a perfectly executed Cuban style sandwich. It’s a media noche style sando with croquetas inside! For the uninitiated, “croqueta” is Spanish for croquette which is a famous Cuban side dish. Usually made of ham. I loved them passionately as a child! My best friend’s mom included them with dinner often. The croquetas here are exceptionally well made and delicious. The sandwich is a cool creation! I’m not Cuban so I’m not sure if it’s authentic but who cares it’s awesome! To be sure I never ran into a croqueta sandwich before, in my life, but as in Mexican cuisine, some things we eat aren’t in restaurants. Like homemade tacos. We eat them with “guisado” inside. Guisado is a type of stew or meat in a chile sauce. Street tacos aren’t homemade tacos. Maybe the croqueta sandwich is authentic in Cuban homes! Ask a Cuban! Anyway, the croquetas here are authentic through and through! The beans are tangy and tasty but unique to this restaurant. The mojo sauce is also unique. I didn’t like it. The yuca fries were tasty and authentic with a dash of unique garnishing. I eyed the Nutella cheesecake and will someday eat one! The restaurant is clean, modern and cute! Outside tables line the sidewalk in front of the store and the people watching is great! They play fun Cuban music! For a different kind of salsa come here!!!! Meter parking and also free parking by the school!

Great little spot and the sandwich was great. The woman who took my order and the man that came out from the back were both super nice! Will return.

Got delivery from here. The food was packed very well. The Cubano sandwich was outstanding. However the Ham Croquettes were gross. The inside of the croquettes tasted like minced meat and I didn't see any ham. The black beans that come with the sandwich was tasty

Warm, welcoming spot with a super friendly owner. The sandwich was fresh, hot, and full of rich Cuban flavor—simple, comforting, and delicious. Get the Mojo Chicken sandwich with garlic cilantro sauce !

Stumbled upon this nice new gem on Melrose and it didnt let me down. I've had many many "Cuban" bites and cafes and this place was up there with one of the best!! Loved the coffee too. Owners are warm, friendly and genuine..and Cubano!! My only only only issue..wish they opened at 11am to make it my go to coffee place..12pm is a bit late to wait for my morning jolt. Great place, treat yourself and enjoy!!

I love jackfruit and was pleasantly surprised to find that they serve it here. Will definitely come back!

This is such a cute little place. I went here to try the vegan Cuban. So grateful that a vegan option exists, but even more grateful it was delicious! This is such a great area to get good vegan food and have option like this. The service was great, both employees were friendly and helpful. Highly recommended- my traditional eaters enjoyed their food as well!

Great Cuban spot in the heart of Melrose. I had a taste for a Cuban sandwich and saw Made In Havana on Yelp, so my son and I decided to give it a try. We walked in and saw it's a small cafe with a few seats that we've walked past many times. Didn't realize it was there! My son ordered a Cuban Sandwich with a side of fries and a coke and I got the Cuban Philly with a side of Plantains and a coke. They also threw in a side of black beans. Total for the 2 meals was $65.79 after tax and the CC processing fee. Everything was really good. I did think the sandwiches were small for $18.50, but that's the only negative. Plantains were pretty good. They weren't as sweet as I like, but I finished them. The fries were so crispy and delicious! Overall I think it's a solid spot with good food. I think they need to increase portion size or reduce cost some. But I'd return if I was in the area and craving a Cuban.

When the craving for true Cuban flavors hits, Made in Havana feels like a hidden gem eagerly waiting to welcome friends old and new. The moment of stepping through the cozy doors on Melrose--just off La Brea--always brings a smile, with the inviting aroma of Cuban coffee in the air and both indoor and patio seating ready for a relaxed catch-up. It was a good friend who first let the secret slip--and after the first sip of Cuban coffee paired with a dreamy slice of chocolate cake, it honestly felt impossible not to come back the next day. That second visit brought the Cuban sandwich (just as delicious as promised), sumptuous black beans, and, yes, another helping of that cake. There's a certain warmth here, where meals taste like someone's sharing a piece of their home and every little detail, from the vibrant ambience to the exceptional kindness of the lady behind the counter, makes returning a delight. Made in Havana has quickly become a cherished go-to spot--for rich coffee, soul-satisfying food, and the kind of genuine, friendly service that makes each visit feel special. If the heart longs for delicious Cuban food in a place that welcomes you like family, this is the spot you'll want to come back to, again and again[tre +1].

Located in melrose, so no parking lot but there are plenty of street and residental parking. This place is kind of like a cafe, so you do pay up at the front counter. They make the sandwiches once you order them, so it does take a bit but I don't mind. I got their Cuban sandwich, #1 along with their chocolate cake. The chocolate cake is more on the dense side, so I would just stick to the sandwiches. I love how they are cute.

Solid little sandwich here. Fresh taste and all. Usually not a fan of cheese but this place did not overwhelm with it. Meat was excellent. Tender. Good taste. Bread was fresh. My favorite was the little cup of black beans. One of the best I've had. Service was good. Ordered online though. Nice clean shop. Space to sit in and out

Will definitely be back for the Cuban and croquetas! The cafe con leche was so delicious too. Grateful to be met with such warm energy. You can definitely taste it in the food!

Work catered lunch for us again and this time it was from Made in Havana. My coworker and I chose the Mojo Chicken Bowl. It comes with chicken, plantains + rice and black beans. It was delicious and very filling.

Food was good. But service was trash. I had initially hastily ordered a vegan cubano from Uber Eats without looking at the full menu and when I picked up my order, I asked the server (who was on her phone the entire time sitting in the corner at a table) if there were utensils and she rudely nodded. I looked at the menu again and realized that I wanted to make another order because I hadn't looked at the full menu when I ordered on Uber Eats. So I make another order for tostones, rice and beans. As I'm waiting I decide to try my cubano and there's NO utensils. I then asked for some utensils again and she hands me an ALREADY OPENED pack of utensils (it was missing the spoon lol). Overall, lame energy. Also why are the prices for the food not up on the menu in the restaurant? Kinda crazy how I spent over $25 for some sides.

Great wife and husband owned shop! Support small biz! Sauces were bomb. Great location, not many Cuban spots in LA.

Mother's Day my work ordered us food it was so delicious my childhood favorite we had some empanadas and the yuca fries as well as chicken bowls and plantains definitely will order again..

Solid Cuban. Tried their ropa vieja bowl. Try it if you want a quick lunch. Got it with one of their sauces

The Cubano was lovely! I stopped here after a work meeting for a late lunch and it did not disappoint. Would def' eat here again.

In a sea of mediocrity Made in Havana is a clear winner in the neighborhood! Loved the mojo chicken bowl!

My Taste buds EXPLODED !! Wowzamama's! Pan Seared plantains were Just FIRE , slaying my stomach so hard had to flex to gym after...NO CAP

My father and I bought two cubano sandwiches for $50 (prices weren't listed on the menu) and the restaurant was blasting pop music to the point we couldn't sit inside anymore and had to leave. The lady who was the cashier and server also somewhat had an attitude since she didn't act very welcoming and was on her computer the whole time we were there apart from taking our order.

This spot was super tasty! The sandwich alone deserves 5 stars. It was truly delish!! However I did dock a star due to price point. I got a sandwich and chips, and my total with tip was over $26 *YAYs* Cuban Philly: YAY!! I don't eat pork, so I went with the brisket Cuban, and it did NOT disappoint. The brisket was tender as hell, and it was perfectly complimented with the cheese and sweet sautéed onions. The bread was also beautiful and pristinely toasted. It came with a small side of beans to dip in and it was soooo good *NAYs* Plantain chips: Nay. Def didn't need. If you're looking for a nice salty chip to balance the richness of the Cuban, it ain't these. But I did love their authenticity and packaging. !!!Things to note!!!! - CHECKIN on Yelp for 20% off your order! I dumbly missed this, and the price was a bit steep - There is no indoor seating - patio space is limited and along the sidewalk - food took a little longer to come out, but was worth it. It seems like they crank out a lot of take out orders. - next time I'm skipping the chips and going straight to the baked goods! They look yummmmm

The Cuban sandwich is very good! The black beans are excellent. It came with a free side of fries which I gave away to someone at the office however that's because I tried one and would've eaten them all. Definitely ordering again.

Very overpriced for what you're getting. I ordered a side of plantains - over $7 and I received a measly 5 pieces that covered a 1/3 of the container. I emailed them to ask if this was standard and they said it was. That's over $1 per slice. Ridiculous honestly. Service is nice and generally fast. I just can't believe that given the opportunity to address, they just said this is it. I've gotten a bowl and a Cubano before this encounter and it's just not worth the cost. Head to Versailles on Lacienega for quality and better price for portion size! UPDATE: in response to this review, the owners have rudely reached out to me. I have not said anything to them exception my initial email and this review. make your own judgements!

Extraordinary authentic Cuban sandwiches here on again-hip Melrose Ave ... but the real Cubanos in guayabera shirts who love the place order the terrific bowls with mojo chicken, rice, savory black beans and sweet plantains. Owner born in Havana and son of a fabled Cuban baseball hero. Around the corner and down a block from the long lines at Pink's and just up Melrose from the celebrated Groundlings school of comedy that has graduated any number of America's top standup comics. Good place to celebrity watch (new picture of visiting actor Andy Garcia -- also born in Havana as Andrés Arturo García Menéndez !! -- and his daughter, just up on the restaurant wall). Bueno acere, vámonos!

Food is great!! Went with the Cuban bowl which was everything you could want for a quick lunch (pork, rice, beans, plantains). After living in miami for some time and eating Cuban food a lot, this is the real deal. Super nice staff as well. I'll be back!

We shared the Philly which was delicious! And dipped in the beans is next level...the crispy fries were the best we've ever had. First time we both felt the fries needed no condiments. But the aioli they give you on the side is also delicious. They have a subtle garlic butter flavor that is just heaven and the crisp on every single fry was perfection. Definitely check it out. We'll be back to try more

Loved the café con leche and the empanadas!! I tried the spinach and cheese with the garlic dipping sauce. Super crispy and the perfect amount of spinach to cheese ratio. I'll definitely come back! Loved sitting outside with my dog.

Food is amazing and service was top tier! Ordered the Cuban bowl and Cuban sandwich, both were delicious. Will definitely be back

I really wanted to love this place. Especially since El Cochinito closed in silverlake. I've ordered twice and something just tastes off for some reason. Had to throw my food away... The ham croquettes in particular have a funky flavor. The spices don't seem authentic. So bummed that there isn't a proper Cuban lunch spot in the area.

i've been dreaming of a vegan cubano for the longest and i had the opportunity to try it here and their vegan cubano goes CRAZY like omfg! and their black beans are also seasoned and flavorful, i dipped my sandwich in it lol my only thing though is that it's mad expensive like pretty much $20+ with tax and tip for the sandwich alone.. maybe $20 if it included some fries/chips n drink then that would make sense..but regardless, it was still SO good even the day after and warming it up

Yummy, friendly service and very very clean. The cubano sandwich, the beef empanadas and the ropa vieja are so good. Definitely adding this spot to my rotation

I was part of a large group order when I was introduced to this restaurant. The yucca fries (not pictured) were absolutely phenomenal. The outer crisp was so satisfying with such a unique flavor. My croquette de jamón sandwich? Absolutely spectacular. It was hearty but did not have too much grease and left me very satisfied. I've never had a spinach empanada before, well worth trying! I had little bites of everything, and I think whatever you choose to eat from here, you'll be happy with your choice!

Great food! Poor service and high pricing. No transparency in prices. Petty additional fees (sauce for Yucca fries and a mysterious unexplained 7% "service fee"). Restaurant says they don't have napkins (????!!!!) Not recommended.

Nicely executed Cuban cuisine. The sandwiches and fried sides are the standouts. Get the Cuban sandwich, the empanadas, the fried yucca, and the croquettes. The bowls give you a taste of Cuban cuisine in a small, overpriced combo. Skip those and just stick to the sandwiches. 12/06/22 update: I returned to Made in Havana with a vegan friend and had the vegan sandwich and Cuban Pizza. Both worth getting. Aunt Olga's black beans are excellent. I'll get a large order to go whenever I return. The yucca fries are an interesting taste. I'm used to just the fried yucca from the root plant. This place is preparing the fries, probably by mashing or blending them, then forming fries when they fry them. It produces more consistent yucca fries and the flavor is indistinguishable, but it's not what you're used to getting at Cuban or Brazilian restaurants when you order fried yucca. Not bad. Worth trying.

Loved everything we have ordered from here! We had the ham croquetas, tostones, fried yucca, rice & beans, chicken empanadas and Cuban sandwiches. Safe to say we were really needing some great Cuban food! My girlfriend and I are from Miami and this was a godsend for a taste of home. She had the vegan Cuban sandwich and was delighted. Service was quick and the restaurant inside has a nice cafe vibe perfect for a cortadito on the go! Definitely coming back

I watched Chef the previous night and woke up with a hankering for a Cuban sandwich. The problem is that I'm not a fan of ham. I searched for a vegan option and found this spot in West Hollywood. The Cuban coffee was great and I'm hapoy for the oat milk option. They had my drink ready for me to enjoy before my food came out. The yukka fries are crunchy and soft at the same time with the right amount of seasoning. I had it with the spicy aioli sauce. The vegan Cuban was great. Jack fruit tastes just like pork to me. The salami was seasoned just right with the peppercorn and the pickles and mustard melted perfectly with the vegan cheese. I ordered a second sandwich to go with real cheese and it's just as great. Cute sitting area outside that would be great with warmer weather. I watch Chef often and now I know that as soon as I see the scene where he makes that perfect Cuban sandwich I know exactly where to go.

I just received my order via Uber Eats and discovered someone hawked a loogie in my food. What the f?!

Amazing food. Cute location. Will definitely come back. Great service. I liked their bowls.

Pretty good Cuban Sandwiches on Melrose. I had the Vegan Farmer Cuban Sandwich, and my partner had the Sweet Vegan Sandwich. The Sweet sandwich was the better of the two options, pretty good but the sour notes didn't seem to compliment the sweet flavor the best. I liked the Farmer Sandwich, but the mustard was a little heavy on the cilantro. We also had the vegan farmer bowl, which was a bit too sour for our taste. I was a little disappointed that everything was served in takeout containers despite us dining in.

Hands down the best Cuban sandwich I've had outside if Miami. Lovely new place on Melrose(they moved from Beverly), great place to grab lunch or takeout. I can't recommend them enough.

It's a cute little space with tons of authentic food and goodies from Cuba. We have ordered food several places and happy to day is one of the few and best Cuban food places in this city. The sandwiches are great. I have had their medianoche and it was great. We have also had their Cuban Philly, my husband loved that. We have also ordered the bowls. The roast pork is super good; we'll seasoned and crispy. The plantains , chicken bowl, ham croquettes and fried yucca. If you want your Cuban food fix, this is a good place.

We've driven by this place dozens of times without giving it much thought. But the other day, my wife's stylist recommended it as a great sandwich spot, so we gave it a try! The day we went, it was pouring rain, so after sprinting from the car to the front door, we were burst in to find one of the world's smallest sandwich shops. The area for customers is barely big enough for 3 people who know each other well, but we weren't there to enjoy an amazing dining experience, we were there for the sandies. After perusing the small menu (a few sandwiches, a few bowls, and a few sides), we decided to share the Cubano sandwich and an order of Cuban yucca fries. And yes, of course we paid a buck each for all four dipping sauce options because how could we not!? Cut to 10 minutes later, my wife and I are parked somewhere on Beverly, windows steamed, pouring rain and we're hunched over our half sandwich and fries, loving every minute of it. The sandwich was simple and awesome. Shredded pork, ham, Swiss, mustard and dill pickles on a perfectly crusty, yet fluffy pressed roll. The yucca fries were perfectly crispy on the outside while maintaining a light, fluffy inside. Each of the dipping sauces was great (curried mustard, cilantro aioli, chipotle aioli, and a garlic sauce of some kind). The people were friendly, the food was delicious, and the wait was non-existent on a rainy Saturday. Our one complaint was that they serve Pepsi, rather than coke. If this is our biggest complaint, well... We'll definitely be going back!

I got dinner for my team delivered from this restaurant, so I can't speak on service or ambiance. I ordered the chicken bowl with beans, rice, and plantains. I also got a side of pork croquettas. The food was pretty good. The sauce on the chicken meshed well with the flavor of the beans. And the croquettas were hot and delicious. I'm excited to try more of the menu.

My first Made in Havana experience was via Uber Eats. While I am a big fan of the classic Cubano sandwich I was in the mood for something different. This led me to the Grilled Mojo Chicken Sandwich ($13.50). The Mojo Chicken Sandwich was reminiscent of a Cubano with the bread and texture but filled with chicken, provolone cheese, sautéd onions, and curried mustard. The curried mustard and onions really came through with a bit of sweetness on the backend. The chicken gave it substance and when is provolone not a good idea. It traveled well, and even though it arrived cold it was still tasty. All in all this is a good option if you are looking to try something a bit different. I truly enjoy a good empanada so obviously I also tried the spinach and cheese (2 for $6.50) empanadas. These also traveled well, and while cold when they arrived, they were still melty in the middle and crispy on the outside.

Pricey but good. I've had the vegan cuban sandwhich and the jackfruit bowl - I liked the bowl better. It was a filling portion and the rice and beans and jackfruit were all cooked very well. So we're the plantains also in the bowl. The restaurant is small - good for takeout. I only wish they had some kind of good homemade hot sauce because both dishes needed a good kick and the only hot sauce they have is sriracha. I also had their cuban latte and it's pretty good, too. I will def order again sometime!

For these prices that food had better been Made "and flown in from" Havana. The sandwich was good, the bowl was not so good. The biggest issue I have here is you do not put prices on the menu and it honestly gave me sticker shock. If you are going to come on the higher end, be more upfront and transparent to your potential customers.

Cute, cozy place. We did takeout and food was good! There was a wait although it was nearly empty but worth it!

Came today with my sister and order the vegan bowl, yucca fries and cheese and spinach empanadas and they were delicious. I recommend this place and want to go back to try the sandwich. Also the service was 10 out 10 friendly staff.

This place is awesome! Another great sandwich from an awesome shop. Great, attentive, and courteous customer service too! Becoming my new favorite place for a Cubano! You guys made my niece and mine afternoon. We appreciate you!

Cuban bowl 5/5 (the meat and plantains were so good, even the beans, and I don't even like beans usually) Yucca fries 5/5 (not sure how to describe it but those fries were delicious and the texture was amazing) Cuban Philly sandwich 5/5 (messy but tasty! Loved that curry mustard) Parking 4/5 (went there on a Wednesday at 6pm and got lucky with street parking but I'm sure this area gets busy) Customer service 5/5 (outstanding customer service, the owner was so nice and friendly, made some great recommendations, offered to try spicy ketchup and sweet bbq sauce with the yucca fries, checked in on us a couple times and asked how the food was and if we needed anything. He was working alone at the time so the food actually took a little while BUT that did not affect our experience at all). Unfortunately, they were out of the mojo pollo a la plancha bowl (chicken) which was one of the dishes we wanted to try initially but I guess that just means we'll have to come back :) I would definitely recommend this place 100%! PS: he's hiring!

Found "Made In Havanan" on Yelp. It was easy to find and we were able to park very easily. We saw people eating just outside the door and the sandwiches looked amazing. As we entered the shop we were greeted by Natalie, one of the owners. Natalie was very welcoming and happy to see us. Being our first time there she helped us with the menu. Everything was very inviting. I ordered the Cuban sandwich and my husband ordered the Cuban Philly sandwich. We also order the waffle fries. The food was amazing. The seasonings were so good and the way they toasted them made them perfect. This is now our #1 favorite place for lunch. Your missing out if you don't come here for lunch. Yum

Coming from Tampa, Florida (home of the Cuban sandwich) I know a good Cuban... and between my time in Portland and LA and along the west coast it's rare a find a good and authentic tasting one. Well, look no further than Made in Havana. Easily one of the best damn cuban sandwiches I've had in a reallllly long time. The flavor, the bread, the crunch. All of it was perfect. The sandwich comes with a side of beans too in true cuban sandwich style. If you're looking for a solid cuban in LA, this is the spot.

After wanting to eat here for the past few months my family and I finally came in yesterday for an early dinner. Right away liked and appreciated the hospitality from the owner, allowing us to dine in his outdoor patio even though he was having work done at the restaurant. My family and I per usual ordered a few different menu items to try a little of everything. Food came out fairly quick and everything was delicious. Really good and friendly service from their cook Set who served us as well. From growing up eating Cuban food back home in New York here and there and going to Miami last week and eating Cuban food there of course, this place definitely held it's own. I look forward to returning and highly recommend them if you're in the area and are hungry. Their plates are big so make sure to have plenty of room. You won't be disappointed.

We ordered the following to-go 4 Philly bowl & 4 chicken bowl for work. Their chicken was salty that we couldn't even finish the food. The empanadas were ok as well. The croquets were good. The chocolate chip cookies were prob the best out of everything we ordered today.