Pastry perfect: Besides savory Havana classics such as ropa vieja, Soul de Cuba Cafe serves empanadas filled with guava preserve and cream cheese. Adveriser library photo

Soul de Cuba Cafe   Oahu's first and only Cuban restaurant was opened in 2006 by Jesus Porto (the blood is Cuban, the birthplace Florida) to the relief of transplants who missed the cuisine. And it's been embraced by people who've never tasted a pressed Cuban sandwich (the roasted-pork classic is a big lunch draw). Simple black beans and rice or ropa vieja, the classic slow-simmered pot roast of Cuba, offer homey comfort. Try the charmingly named camarones bailando (dancing shrimp), marinated in a “Cubano-chinois sauce,” then sauteed. The guava-and-cheese-filled dessert empanadas alone are worth a visit. Inviting decor, great music and addictive sangria and mojitos complete the experience. There's a sister restaurant in New Haven, Conn.  1121 Bethel St. 545-2822. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Takeout available. Reservations for parties of six or more. AX, DS, JCB, MC, VS. No checks. $.  Web site: www.souldecuba.com