Havana Central Times Square

Reviews

• MG

  Maggie Gregory

  2 days ago
  1.0
  First let me be very clear I am Cuban!! So I am quite used to eating all the items on the menu. I was beyond disgusted with my dish. Never imagined that someone could actually screw up a Palomilla steak. ONE OF THE MOST STAPLE ITEMS IN A CUBAN KITCHEN! I was actually embarrassed when the waitress brought me a plate with a shredded ball of meat and I told her I ordered a steak and she stayed that is your steak that's how it comes. No that was a tasteless ball of grisly filled fat meat thrown on a plate. Maybe because if your tourist location others don't know what a Palomilla steak is. BUT THIS IS NOT A PALOMILLA STEAK!!! I was approached by a bald man that asked me how I was enjoying my dish. I told him sorry I happen to be Cuban I came here hungry from work and left disgusted and unsatisfied. The man offered to discount me a beer from my tab. But I was truly hungry and so disappointed you people call that tangled fatry meat palomilla steak. YOU NEED TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE DISH CAUSE THAT IS NOT A STEAK!!! That is a tangled ball of poorly cooked strips of meat NOT A STEAK!!! THIS IS WHY PLACES LIKE RUMBA AND EVEN LA PALMA IN HOBOKEN ARE EXCEPTIONAL THEY KEEP OUR CUBAN FOOD WELL FLAVORED AND TRADITIONAL. SORRY HAVANA CENTRAL THAT MIGHT BE GOOD FOR A TOIRIST BUT NEVER FOR A LOCAL. A VERY DISAPPOINTED CUBAN LOCAL!!
• AA

  Andres Ayala

  3 days ago
  5.0
  A really cool spot for some Cuban food in Manhattan. The restaurant had some cool Cuban vibes. The pictures and art work were a nice vibe. We started out with the assortment of three empanadas (beef, chicken and cheese) my personal favorite was the chicken. For my entree I only wanted a small plate, so I ordered the masitas de cerdo which were served with tostones. It was a perfect side (appetizer size) with a side order of avocado. My girlfriend had the white rice with black beans. Both dishes were good. As we were leaving, a small band was setting up to play. The service and decor were really nice. The waiter was quick to take care of all or dining needs. I recommend you do reservations in order to get a table.
• KD

  Kassandra Dabel

  3 days ago
  3.0
  I came here for my boyfriend’s birthday after seeing the Lion King ….we didn’t care for the food or the drink I had . Had to ask them for a shot for my drink because it didnt taste like it had liquor in it . The owner or whomever didn’t charge me for the extra shot . But it didn’t make a difference cuz it still tasted like juice 😂😂😂. We made our food order and within 10 minutes food was out 🥴.. I give everything 4/10 rating . What’s crazy , I came here years ago and food was different . That’s the reason I came here , cuz I remembered how good the food and drinks were .. but I was disappointed . I would not be back here .
• PW

  P W

  Apr 30, 2026
  4.0
  There’s a certain kind of New York afternoon that calls for Havana before you even realize it—especially when it’s timed just right. A block away from The Lost Boys, Havana Central becomes the perfect pre-show ritual: lively, warm, and effortlessly indulgent. The experience begins above you. A glowing marquee “HAVANA” sign casts a nostalgic, golden light over the room, setting a tone that feels equal parts theater and escape. It’s the kind of place where lunch doesn’t feel rushed—it feels like part of the outing. The menu reads like a love letter to Cuban comfort, polished for a Manhattan crowd. Start with the empanadas—golden, crisp, and unapologetically satisfying. The shell gives way with a delicate crunch, revealing a rich, savory filling that pairs perfectly with a bright, herb-forward dipping sauce. Then comes the surprise standout: the salad. Generous chunks of avocado, briny green olives, black beans, and bursts of tomato create something far more compelling than a side dish. It’s bold, textured, and fresh—the kind of plate that resets your palate while still holding its own. The entrée leans into comfort with confidence: mango salmon resting over yellow rice, finished with a bright, slightly tangy fruit salsa. The fish is tender and buttery, the sweetness of mango balanced by citrus and herbs. Corn adds a soft sweetness, while pickled onions bring a necessary snap—it’s vibrant, layered, and quietly the star of the table. And the drink? A mojito—icy, refreshing, and alive with mint and lime. It’s clean, crisp, and exactly what you want before heading into a show, the kind of cocktail that resets the palate and disappears faster than expected. But what truly defines the experience is the service. Daniela moves through the dining room with a calm, intuitive rhythm—attentive without interruption, warm without pretense. She reads the table effortlessly, guiding the meal so it flows as smoothly as the afternoon itself. The Verdict: Havana Central isn’t just a meal—it’s the perfect prelude. One block from The Lost Boys, it delivers Cuban classics with energy, polish, and just the right sense of occasion. With Daniela at the helm, lunch becomes part of the performance.
• NN

  Natalie

  Apr 28, 2026
  2.0
  This incident happened a while back and while I try to let it go it replays in my mind constantly. I don't know why I didn't share sooner or even go to management that night. I think its more because it was my bday and My BFF was treating plus I didn't want to embarrass us. The waiter (who's name I wished I remembered or at least taken a pic) was an older Latino gentleman. Being latina myself I was pleased because that would make the night easier and fun. Not in the least. We dont know why after we were greeted warmly we were then ignored. It was just the 2 of us and he gave us menus and took care of everyone else but us. Eventually he came back to get our order after we flagged him down. He wasn't warm or friends and we felt rushed but still we thought maybe we were wrong about our perception. We order a big fish bowl type drink to share. He sat another table who he was greeting warmly but all of a sudden that whole table turned to stare at us. I dont like big loud displays so I try just sitting in the uncomfortable situation and have my dinner. Again to not embarrassed my friend or myself. The rest of our dinner went on like this and these 2 older woman who came in maybe an hour later the us was already wrapping up their dinner and paid while we were waiting for our dinner. The ladies even stated "why is he ignoring such beautiful young woman like yourself and us old ladies are done". So now I 100% knew it wasn't us because there were witnesses to the madness that ensued that night. I don't know when we rubbed the waiter the wrong way between greeting him and sitting down. We aren't indecisive and big eaters so it couldn't be upon taking our orders. Honestly I racked my brain so much I thought maybe he thought we were a couple and hate same sex couples?!? That's how perturbed I been about this interaction. To make matters worst we are great at tipping and his tip didn't suffer because of his poor service or attitude towards us. I really wished I for once shorted someone on a tip or had the nerve to make it a big deal to management. However I wanted to enjoy the grace of another year granted to me and a good friend showing me love.

Frequently Asked Questions About Havana Central Times Square