Savor Cuban flavor

Los Angeles isn’t on the same plane as Miami, but we are blessed with quite a few respectable Cuban restaurants.

Cafe Tropical

This Silver Lake hang won’t win any beauty awards. But the warm, crusty cubano and medianoche sandwiches are thoroughly satisfying. Those with a sweet tooth can find happiness in an array of freshly baked goodies, such as guava and cream cheese pie, best accompanied by a cup of cafe con leche.

* Cuban sandwich, $5. 2900 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake, (323) 661-8391.

Versailles

The original in this chain of L.A. eateries opened in 1981; four others have followed. The signature garlic chicken is justifiably beloved: roasted chicken slathered in fragrant garlic sauce topped with onions and served with plantains, rice and beans.

* Garlic chicken, $8.95. 10319 Venice Blvd., West L.A., (310) 558-3168.

Cuba Central

A Cuban restaurant in a traditionally Japanese neighborhood? How very L.A. This 2-year-old spot in Little Tokyo is nothing fancy. But it serves up a respectable mojito, as well as rich fruit batidos (milkshakes) for teetotalers. And the lechon asado (roasted pork) is generously portioned: a mountain of shredded pork plated with fried plantains, moist rice and black beans.

* Lechon asado, $9.95. 114 S. Central Ave., downtown L.A., (213) 687-3193.

Felix Continental Cafe

This casual eatery is one of the few local Cuban places that does breakfast. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, diners can try revoltillo de salchicha -- eggs scrambled with sausage, tomatoes, green onions and Swiss cheese -- or maybe tortilla de platanos, which is like a Spanish tortilla (think fritatta) tricked out with sweet, caramelized plantains.

* Revoltillo, $5.50. 36 Plaza Square, Orange, (714) 633-5842.

Porto’s

The newer Porto’s is smaller than the Glendale original, but the potato balls, which have what can only be called a cult following, are just as good: crisp golden spheres with a soft potato center and a filling of seasoned ground beef. If you’re in need of something sweet, there’s coconut strudel, chocolate croissants and a dizzying assortment of other temptations.

* Potato ball, 81 cents. 3614 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, (818) 846-9100.