San Jose

‘Just Like Home Cooking:' San Jose's Only Cuban Restaurant Recreates the Magic of Havana

If you're wondering where San Jose's only Cuban restaurant went - fret no more. 

Habana Cuba went on a brief hiatus but is now back at a new location in downtown San Jose. 

The beloved Cuban favorite made its grand re-opening on Friday at SoFA Market on South First Street. The once sit-down restaurant is revamping its style and is now a counter-style urban eatery. 

“We’ve gone from a full-service dining market to a Cuban Urban Eatery because I still want to show that the love is still there in the food but in a market type style,” said the owner of Habana Cuba, Jane Echeverri. “Things are changing all around San Jose and I just feel like we're in the right place - the SoFA District is known for the music, the art and there’s a lot of street festivals and a lot of salsa dancing.” 

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Jennifer Gonzalez / NBC Bay Area

The restaurant, which has been a San Jose local favorite since 1994 made the decision to close the doors of their Race Street location in late March. Unlike their sit-down restaurant, the revamped Habana Cuba will have a limited menu but will still offer many of the community favorites. 

Local fans of Habana Cuba can expect to see Cuban sandwiches, Ropa Vieja, tostones, yucca fries and more.

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Jennifer Gonzalez / NBC Bay Area
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