Caribbean

Havana Restaurant. 1432 North Great Neck Road. 496-3333. Food-4.Service-3. Atmosphere-2. This is billed as an authentic Cuban restaurant and if you enjoy Cuban cuisine, you’ll find it here. My guess it would have been more authentic before the revolution. You also find an eclectic mixture of guests and patrons and a noise level to boot.  The menu is extensive. Six salads average $9 and ten appetizers average $8. There are seven entrees from the land including Cowboy Steak, Ropa Vieja Burrito, and Chicken Carbonara which range from $13 to $25 with an average at $17. Nine items from the sea include Gitmo Paella, Seafood Lasagna and Chicken and Shrimp Curry…prices from $16 to $32 with a $20 average.  May 05

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Isla.  1336 N. Great Neck Rd. 412-4752. Food- 5; Service-4; Atmosphere-3. 8 Appetizers, $9-$12; Soup and Salads, $7-$8;  Raw Bar, Sushi & Cevishe, $8-$11; Dinners-land and sea- $16-$26; Desserts, $8-$9. Extensive wine list and island drinks. Isla, serving island fare, is visually impressive with its curvy booths and copper mesh pendant lights.  But it was too noisy for us: hence the “A-3” rating.  While we waited too long for the wine, clearing the table after the appetizer and arranging for a special sushi order won us over.  And I don’t think we’re that easy! To nacho fans: try the “island” nachos with a choice of tuna or tenderloin.  Lunch and Dinner with reservations recommended.  Accommodations for children.  February 06

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Croc’s. 620 19th St. & Cypress Ave. 428-5444  F- 4; S- 3;  A - 3.  Appetizers average $10 with the unusual offerings of Conch Chowder and Gator Bites; soups, salads and sandwiches, $5-$10; entrees average $19 with a vegetarian dish offered; sides include roasted garlic and hot veggies at about $5; small but yummy assortment of desserts are $6.  Hot bread is served with the meal.  Also, interestingly enough, there are some Lebanese items on the menu.  Extensive wine list.  Croc’s bills itself as having upscale cuisine and a cool and casual theme, with entertainment Thur-Sat geared toward the young adult group (which we are not!).  Opens at 4 and accepts reservations.  Outdoor and enclosed patios; parking on the premises and across the street. A Smoke Free Restaurant. June 07