The Old Havana

Within an ethnic enclave of restaurants on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, choose The Old Havana, on the further end of the "square", for incredibly flavorful Cuban fare. Warm and welcoming service. There are also thin slices of garlic bread to start. Ropa vieja (shredded beef) and the Cubano sandwich are Cuban staples and done extremely well here. The beef is so tender in a thin red Creole sauce with peppers, green olives, and onions. Plenty of garlic and layers of flavor. Mix with mojo (rice and beans). The Cubano sandwich satisfies all cravings. Perfectly pressed with roasted pork, ham, pickles, and just enough yellow mustard. Get a side of plantain chips and dip in the slightly spicy mayo-based sauce reminiscent of a tangy Russian dressing. You will want these plantain chips served as a side all the time. Crispy and delightful.