Latin American fare is making a comeback. Some, including food expert Luis Gonzalez at monederosmart, claim that it actually never dropped in popularity. This may be apt, considering that Santa Clarita’s culinary culture is currently undergoing a renaissance. With locally-owned establishments sprouting right, left and center, you might be forgiven for not knowing where to turn for quality fare. Here are three restaurants for those in search of a little Latin American flare.

Hidden Havana Cuban Cafe

True to its name, the Hidden Havana Cuban Cafe is tucked away at the back of a small shopping plaza. Even though the cafe has been opened since 2010, it is only popular with those in the know—owner Eric Guerrero opened the unassuming establishment “just for fun,” avoiding any marketing campaigns. It is little wonder that the cafe’s food has a home-made quality, and the establishment is staffed by Guerrero’s family members, with himself in the kitchen.

The restaurant’s affordable menu features mouth-watering Cuban dishes, all served in a casual, yet colorful, atmosphere complete with orange walls and string lights. Start your feast with an appetizer such as empanadas, ground beef in flaky pastry shells, or papa rellena, a breaded potato ball stuffed with ground beef. For main, opt for lechon asado, slow-roasted pork in garlic mojo sauce, or camarone a la mojo de ajo, shrimp sauteed in garlic butter sauce.

Lima Limon Peruvian Restaurant 

Influenced by indigenous traditions, as well European, Asian and West African fare, Peruvian cuisine is known for its variety of flavors and textures. Lima Limon’s chef not only delivers the finest mix of Peruvian specialties, but uses only the freshest, top quality ingredients, such as black angus beef, in the preparation process. Plus, the menu here is extensive, so you are bound to find something to your liking.

The restaurant’s must-try appetizers include pulpo al olivo, cooked octopus in Peruvian purple olive sauce, and choclo Peruano con queso fresco, Peruvian corn served with cheese. Alternatively, opt for a fish, shrimp or mixed seafood ceviche. The restaurant’s range of mains is divided into: soups and sandwiches, fish and seafood, meats and chicken, pasta and vegetarian dishes. If in doubt, go for a dish from the chef’s recommendations section, such as aji de gallina, shredded chicken in a spicy walnut gravy served with white rice, or risotto de aji amarillo, shrimp risotto with mushrooms and asparagus seasoned with yellow Peruvian peppers.

Ay Caramba 

Mexican fare might just be the most well-known and loved Latin American cuisines. As such, it is little wonder that Santa Clarita has its fair share of such restaurants. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Ay Caramba should definitely be on your radar—if it already isn’t. The hole-in-the-wall diner combines delicious authentic Mexican dishes with a homely setting. While it may be a little tricky to find—the establishment is located at a mall on Via Princessa across Costco—the trek is definitely worthwhile.

Ay Caramba’s menu is loaded with both familiar and not-so-familiar offerings. If you happen to be at the restaurant in the early morning, look no further than huevos rancheros, or two eggs on top of a corn tortilla with special red sauce, cheese, rice and beans. For lunch or dinner, select from the establishment’s range of Mexican favorites such as quesadillas, nachos, tacos or carnitas. The diner also offers staples such as soups, salads, sandwiches and hamburgers.

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.