Embargo Grill opened last year, specializing in Caribbean flavors. The small restaurant has gained a lot of popularity since it opened, even making Yelp’s “Top 100 Restaurants to Eat in the U.S. for 2015.”
I met with CC for lunch there this past weekend and was excited to explore the menu. We grabbed a table outside and I was pleased that the staff was still attentive and checked in on us often.
Yuca Frita
Fried yuca is similar to French fries, though yuca is starchier with a little more texture. When prepared correctly, I think these are even better than French fries. I was first introduced to this dish during a visit to Antojitos Colombianos with Kirk of mmm-yoso. I’ve been obsessed with them ever since and order them whenever I get a chance. Unfortunately, most of the versions in San Diego to have been a big disappointment.
I found these to be a pleasant surprise. While not as crisp and light as the version at Antojitos Colombianos, they were crispy and the mojo criollo, a garlic sauce, was a nice addition.
Cubano Sandwich
I’ve never had a cubano sandwich before, so I don’t have much of a comparison point. I really loved the crispness of the bread. I found the pulled pork, ham and cheese filling a bit salty and a little underwhelming.
Tostones with Garlic Aioli
Unripe green plantains are twice fried. These were like thick, starchy chips and I really enjoy snacking on these.
Café Cubano
CC also ordered this cuban coffee, basically a shot of espresso sweetened with raw sugar. I loved the little espresso cup and saucer it came in.
Overall, we had a pleasant time here. I’ll need to come back and explore more of the sandwich and entree menu, but I did enjoy the tostones and yuca frita.
You can read mmm-yoso’s visit here.
Menu:
Embargo Grill
3960 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110
https://www.embargogrill.com/
Cuban coffee! I just got really excited! I must go now. I loved the cuban coffee I tried in Miami last year, it was so wonderful. The cubano looks different from the ones I tried, which had pork slices instead of pulled pork. I also like the sweeter medianoche bread.
haha! I actually didn’t try the cuban coffee, but now I’m curious
Hi Kirbie – I tihnk it’s the Medianoche bread you like……that’s the main difference between a Cubano and what Embargo serves
thanks Kirk. Hmm, so maybe I don’t like cubanos. I’ll have to try a few more versions and see.
Those tostones were so good as well as the yucca frita (plus that garlic sauce). Porto’s also makes a great Cubano sandwich. Lunch with you was great, as always. 🙂
Ive never had the sandwiches at Porto’s. will have to try next time!
The last time we went there the cubano wasn’t as good as we remembered it from before. The first few times we loved them. For a less salty version, Big Front Door has a Cali Cubano that comes with avocado. The Whole Hog and Azucar have good ones too. I guess we’re kind of obsessed with cubanos…
wow, thanks for the recs! I need to do my research on cubanos now.