Tucked along Gulfport Boulevard in the charming coastal town of Gulfport, Florida, Habana Café has been serving up soul-warming Cuban food for years. This beloved spot has earned a loyal following thanks to its authentic recipes, friendly staff, and an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped right into Havana.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, the star of the menu — the Lechon Asado — is reason enough to make the trip. Get ready to discover everything that makes this legendary Cuban restaurant one of the most talked-about dining destinations in the Sunshine State.
The Legendary Lechon Asado That Started It All
Some dishes are so good they become the reason people drive across the state — and Habana Café’s Lechon Asado is exactly that kind of dish. Slow-roasted and seasoned with fresh garlic, oregano, white wine, and laurel leaves, this Oriente Region-style pork is a masterpiece of Cuban culinary tradition.
The meat comes out incredibly tender, pulling apart with ease while holding every ounce of its deep, savory flavor. Reviewers have called it “perfect pork” and “wonderfully seasoned,” and it’s easy to see why they keep coming back.
Served alongside fried plantains, black beans, and rice, this is a complete Cuban meal in every sense. Even guests who’ve eaten Cuban food all their lives say this version stands out.
If you only order one thing at Habana Café, make it this iconic roasted pork.
An Atmosphere That Feels Like Old Havana
Walking into Habana Café feels like stepping into another world entirely. The warm, inviting interior is filled with Cuban-inspired decor, vibrant colors, and even a unique upstairs art gallery that doubles as a dining space — a combination you won’t find anywhere else in the area.
Guests consistently rave about the “Cuba feel” of the place, noting that the vibe is relaxed yet special enough to make any meal feel like an occasion. One reviewer described celebrating a date night on a Wednesday simply because the atmosphere made it feel worthy of one.
From the painted walls to the whimsical puffy clouds on the ceiling, every corner of this restaurant tells a story. It’s the kind of place where you linger long after the plates are cleared, soaking up the warmth and character that only a true neighborhood gem can offer.
Cream Cheese Flan That Deserves Its Own Fan Club
Imagine if cheesecake and traditional Cuban flan had a baby — that’s exactly how one enthusiastic reviewer described Habana Café’s cream cheese flan, and honestly, that description is hard to beat. This dessert has become so famous that some guests stop in just to pick up a couple to go.
Rich, silky, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, the cream cheese flan has its own devoted following among regulars. Multiple reviewers called it “to die for” and “absolute perfection,” making it clear this isn’t just an afterthought on the menu.
The classic flan is equally beloved, and a café con leche alongside either version makes for the ultimate Cuban dessert experience. Whatever you do, don’t skip dessert at Habana Café — the flan alone is worth the visit and will have you planning your return trip before you even finish the last bite.
Plantain-Crusted Fish That Breaks All the Rules
Not everything at Habana Café follows a traditional script, and the plantain-crusted fish is proof of that creative spirit. One glowing reviewer called it “a gluten-free wet dream,” which might be the most enthusiastic food compliment you’ll ever read — and it tells you everything you need to know about how memorable this dish is.
Using ripe plantains as a crust gives the fish a subtly sweet, crispy coating that perfectly complements the savory, flaky interior. It’s the kind of dish that surprises you on the first bite and has you scraping the plate clean by the end.
For guests with dietary restrictions, finding something this flavorful and thoughtfully prepared is a genuine treat. Habana Café proves that Cuban cuisine can be both deeply traditional and refreshingly inventive at the same time, making every menu item worth exploring with an open mind.
Camarones Borrachos — Drunken Shrimp Done Right
“Drunken shrimp” sounds like a party, and at Habana Café, that’s exactly what it delivers. The Camarones Borrachos — shrimp cooked in a rich, boozy sauce — was singled out by one first-time visitor as one of the best dishes they had ever tasted, right alongside the legendary Lechon Asado.
The shrimp are plump, perfectly cooked, and soaked in a sauce that carries layers of flavor with every bite. Paired with the restaurant’s classic sides of black beans and rice, this dish rounds out into a deeply satisfying Cuban seafood experience that feels both indulgent and comforting.
Seafood lovers who might hesitate to order at a pork-heavy Cuban spot should absolutely give this dish a chance. Habana Café handles its seafood with the same care and seasoning mastery it applies to every plate, and the Camarones Borrachos is living proof of that commitment to quality.
Cuban Bread So Good You’ll Ask for Seconds
There’s a reason Cuban bread has its own legendary status in Florida — and Habana Café’s version lives up to every bit of that reputation. Hot, buttery, lightly crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, it arrives at your table just before the main course and sets the tone for everything that follows.
Multiple reviewers have called it the best Cuban bread they’ve ever had, with one guest noting they asked for seconds without hesitation. That kind of response doesn’t happen by accident — it comes from decades of practice and a genuine respect for the craft of baking.
Whether you’re using it to scoop up black bean soup or simply enjoying it on its own with butter, the bread at Habana Café is a small but mighty part of what makes a meal here feel complete. Never underestimate the power of great bread.
Black Bean Soup That Warms You From the Inside Out
Ask any Cuban food lover what separates a great restaurant from a truly special one, and many will point straight to the black beans. At Habana Café, the black bean soup has earned a reputation as some of the best in the entire Tampa Bay area — high praise in a region packed with Cuban eateries.
One reviewer whose husband is Cuban declared it the best black beans in Tampa Bay, which is about as strong an endorsement as you can get. Rich, deeply seasoned, and slow-cooked to a velvety consistency, this soup carries the kind of depth that only comes from using the right spices and taking the time to do it properly.
Ordering it as a starter alongside your Cuban bread is practically a rite of passage at Habana Café. It’s humble food done with extraordinary care, and it reminds you why the simplest dishes are often the most unforgettable ones on any great menu.
The Classic Cubano Sandwich Worth the Hype
Few sandwiches carry as much cultural weight as a properly made Cubano, and Habana Café takes this responsibility seriously. Layered with pork, ham, cheese, pickles, and mustard, then pressed to golden perfection, the Cubano here has been a menu staple that keeps regulars coming back visit after visit.
One guest described stopping in specifically for the Cuban sandwich and leaving thoroughly satisfied, while another recalled sharing a traditional Cubano with family and finding the plantains alongside it equally excellent. The sandwich strikes that ideal balance between crispy exterior and warm, melty interior that every great Cubano demands.
For anyone visiting the Tampa Bay area for the first time, this sandwich is a must-order introduction to Florida’s Cuban food scene. Habana Café’s version won’t disappoint those who appreciate the real thing — made with care, quality ingredients, and the kind of technique that only years of practice can produce.
Fried Plantains That Steal the Show as a Side Dish
Fried plantains might technically be a side dish, but at Habana Café, they have a way of becoming the most talked-about part of the meal. Sweet, caramelized, and charred just enough at the edges, these plantains hit every note that great comfort food should — soft, rich, and deeply satisfying.
Reviewer after reviewer mentions them unprompted, with descriptions ranging from “to die for” to “excellent if you like yours yummy and caramelized.” That kind of spontaneous enthusiasm says a lot about how well this humble side dish is executed at this Gulfport favorite.
Plantains appear in several forms across the menu — from classic maduros to tostones — giving guests plenty of ways to enjoy this Caribbean staple. Whether you’re a lifelong plantain fan or trying them for the first time, Habana Café’s version is the kind of bite that converts skeptics into true believers on the spot.
Live Music Nights That Elevate Every Dinner
Good food tastes even better with great music playing in the background, and Habana Café clearly understands that truth. On select evenings, live musicians take the stage inside the restaurant, adding an extra layer of energy and authenticity to an already vibrant dining experience.
One reviewer mentioned a singer named Victor with “a great voice” who helped turn a family dinner into a genuinely memorable event. Another guest raved about making a Wednesday night feel like a special date night, all thanks to the combination of delicious food and live entertainment.
If you’re planning a visit and want the full Habana Café experience, checking ahead for live music nights is a smart move. The restaurant’s Facebook page is the best place to find out when performers are scheduled.
Pairing a plate of Lechon Asado with live Cuban music is, quite simply, one of the best ways to spend an evening in Gulfport.
Generous Portions That Give You Real Value
In a world where restaurant portion sizes seem to be shrinking while prices climb, Habana Café stands out as a place that genuinely respects its customers’ appetites. Reviewers consistently note that the portions here are large and satisfying, with one guest mentioning that a single kids’ order of pork, rice, and beans was enough to split between two adults.
Another diner described finishing a sample platter packed with shrimp piccata, MOJO pork, roasted chicken, black beans, rice, salad, Cuban bread, plantains, and flan — and being completely full. That’s a remarkable amount of food for the price, especially at a restaurant rated just two dollar signs on the affordability scale.
For families, couples, or solo travelers watching their budget without wanting to sacrifice quality, Habana Café delivers outstanding value. Great food, warm service, and generous helpings make every dollar feel well spent at this beloved Gulfport institution.
Friendly Staff That Make Every Guest Feel Like Family
A restaurant can have the best food in the world, but if the service falls flat, the whole experience suffers. At Habana Café, the staff have become just as legendary as the Lechon Asado itself, with reviewers mentioning them by name and describing interactions that feel genuinely personal rather than scripted.
One large party of nine Cubans arrived without a reservation and was quickly accommodated by a server named Alisha, who was described as patient, funny, and attentive throughout the meal. Another first-time visitor was guided through the menu by a staffer named Mary, who introduced them to a sample platter that turned into a highlight of their trip.
That human warmth is something you can’t fake and can’t manufacture — it comes from a team that actually cares about the people they serve. At Habana Café, the hospitality is as authentic as the food, and that combination keeps people coming back year after year.
A Gulfport Institution With Over a Decade of Loyal Fans
Some restaurants open and close within a year. Others quietly become part of the fabric of a community, earning a place in the hearts of locals and travelers alike over many years.
Habana Café is firmly in that second category, with guests who have been making the trip to Gulfport Boulevard for over a decade specifically because of this one restaurant.
“Cabana Cafe has been in Gulfport for years — for a reason,” wrote one loyal reviewer, summing up what so many regulars feel. The consistency of the food, the warmth of the staff, and the authenticity of the Cuban-Creole seasoning have made this spot a true institution in Pinellas County.
Open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM, Habana Café is easy to visit and impossible to forget. Located at 5402 Gulfport Blvd S, it’s a place that rewards every first-time visitor with the kind of meal that turns them into a regular for life.
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