HAVANA PATIO CAFE

Cuban energy pulses through the extensive menu here. You could make a meal just out of the Cuban tapas, whose many charms include shrimp pancakes, ham croquettes, fried plantains and salt cod fritters. But then you’d have missed main dishes like ropa vieja, shredded brisket in a winey sauce; boliche mechado, a Cuban pot roast stuffed with chorizo; and the zarzuela de mariscos, a well-stocked seafood stew. Stick around for the guava pastry and rice pudding.

Details: 6245 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. 480-991-1496, havanacafe-az.com.