If you're in search of a REAL home cooked Cuban meal, that is what you will experience at Little Havana. I am the owner of Foods of New York, Inc., a tour company in New York City that highlights "mom and pop" restaurants and specialty food shops. I met Lidia (owner of Little Havana) in 2000 and quickly included her restaurant on our tour. The employees of Foods of New York and the tour attendees that have dined at Little Havana have always been very satisfied, we receive nothing but rave reviews from everyone. Besides the delicious authentic Cuban food, the atmosphere, and the service, there is Lidia, who will always make you feel like you are a guest in her own home. If you're looking for a recommendation for a fantastic meal please take my advise and start with the shrimp ceviche salad, lentil soup with kale and ginger, ropa vieja with rice and beans, yucca on the side, and flan for dessert. You will not be disappointed! The restaurant only has 20 seats so do yourself a favor and make a reservation. Don't miss out!

It's all in the name. Wonderful food, impecable service, great warm atmosphere. A great, "where do we go for something new and different" place.

This restaurant combines classic Cuban dishes with an appreciation for organic, healthful ingredients. The result is lighter Cuban food that sacrifices none of the flavor. Ceviche is a sterling appetizer, especially when the flavor of the shrimp is activated by a splash of the hot sauce served in tiny pitchers, and lentil soup is wonderfully subtle. The menu is small, befitting the size of the restaurant, but the main courses include a couple of terrific choices. Sauteed shrimp is superbly shrimpy, and filet mignon is tender and buttery. Service is solicitous and caring.

"All foods cooked by the owner," brags the card of this terrific hole-in-the-wall Cuban spot. Given that the wait staff seems to consist of one guy - a proud, hospitable man who keeps disappearing into the kitchen - this seems to be more than a marketing confection. Whatever he's doing back there, it's good: Flavorful meat dishes, most accompanied by top - notch black beans and rice, issue forth. The ropa vieja - shreds of salty, beefy skirt steak - is particularly divine. Wash that down with a creamy Cuban beer, and follow up with a homemade flan that's dense and not too sweet. It's flantastic!

The food is so authentic and wonderful it is by far the best Cuban restaurant in the city. This is Cuban, or more likely Havana, in the 1950's, where Americans could get a filet mignon a la cubana. I suggest the "ropa vieja" which is a strip steak dish or the salmon. They have excellent wines too. Enjoy.

This may be as close as you get to Havana in the Village.