Best Restaurants by Cuisine in Havana, La Habana, Cuba
1. La Guarida
Famous paladar (private restaurant) set in a grandiose building, offering traditional Cuban cuisine with a twist.
- Unique Architecture: Located in a restored mansion, it provides a unique and atmospheric dining experience.
- Celebrity Endorsement: Steven Spielberg chose this restaurant for filming parts of the movie 'Adventures in Babysitting'.
- Live Music: Features live music performances, adding to the authentic Cuban experience.
2. San Cristobal
Traditional seafood restaurant with a charming courtyard and excellent fish dishes.
- Seafood Specialties: Specializes in fresh seafood, caught daily by local fishermen.
- Courtyard Setting: Offers a beautiful and romantic courtyard perfect for dinner.
- Affordable Prices: Provides quality food at reasonable prices, making it popular among locals and tourists alike.
3. Paladar Los Naranjos
Popular paladar offering delicious Creole cuisine with a modern twist in a colonial house.
- Colonial Atmosphere: Dining room decorated with antique furniture and Cuban art.
- Creole Cuisine: Serves dishes like ropa vieja, vaca frita, and arroz con pollo.
- Live Salsa Music: Offers live salsa music to make your dining experience more enjoyable.
4. La Terraza de San Carlos
Upscale restaurant with panoramic views of Havana, serving Mediterranean cuisine with Cuban influences.
- Panoramic Views: Situated on the rooftop of Hotel Sevilla, it offers stunning vistas of Old Havana.
- Cuban-Mediterranean Fusion: Combines the flavors and techniques of Mediterranean and Cuban cuisines.
- Elegant Atmosphere: A chic setting with fine tableware and attentive service.
5. El Ajiaco
Authentic Cuban restaurant specializing in the traditional stew 'ajiaco'.
- Cuban Specialty: Serves a hearty and flavorful Cuban chicken, yuca, and vegetables stew.
- Family-run Business: Run by the same family since 1956, it has become a local institution.
- Reasonable Prices: Offers quality food at reasonable prices, making it accessible to all visitors.
6. La Bodeguita del Medio
Legendary bar and restaurant famous for its Cuban sandwiches and iconic murals.
- Historic Significance: Frequented by Hemingway, it has a rich historical connection to the literary world.
- Cuban Sandwiches: Known for its delicious Cuban sandwiches, made with ham, roasted pork, swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.
- Live Music: Features live music performances, keeping the lively atmosphere alive.
7. San Procopio
Classic Cuban restaurant with a focus on seafood and traditional dishes.
- Seafood Selection: Offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, including shrimp, lobster, and fish.
- Historic Location: Located in a beautifully restored colonial building in Old Havana.
- Live Music: Provides live music performances, adding to the authentic Cuban experience.
8. Café Raquel
Paladar serving innovative dishes with a Mediterranean influence in a relaxed setting.
- Mediterranean Influence: Offers dishes like grilled fish, hummus, and falafel.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: A comfortable and casual dining environment with friendly service.
- Wine Selection: Features an impressive wine list to complement the Mediterranean dishes.
9. El Cocinero
Upscale restaurant in a converted tobacco factory, offering contemporary Cuban cuisine.
- Unique Setting: Located within the Atelier Building, a former tobacco factory.
- Contemporary Cuban Cuisine: Serves innovative dishes with traditional Cuban flavors and ingredients.
- Wine Cellar: Boasts a well-stocked wine cellar with a wide variety of wines to choose from.
10. La Fontana de Oro
Italian restaurant serving authentic Italian dishes in the heart of Havana.
- Authentic Italian Cuisine: Prepares dishes like pizza, pasta, and risotto with traditional Italian recipes.
- Cozy Atmosphere: A warm and inviting environment perfect for a romantic dinner.
- Live Music: Features live music performances, adding to the overall dining experience.
11. El Aljibe
Paladar serving traditional Cuban dishes in a charming colonial house.
- Colonial Atmosphere: Dining room decorated with antique furniture and Cuban art.
- Cuban Cuisine: Serves dishes like ropa vieja, vaca frita, and arroz con pollo.
- Live Music: Offers live music performances, keeping the lively atmosphere alive.
12. El Chanchullero
Restaurant and bar specializing in Creole cuisine with a modern twist.
- Creole Cuisine: Serves dishes like crocodile, ostrich, and alligator.
- Live Music: Features live music performances, adding to the authentic Cuban experience.
- Wine Selection: Offers an extensive wine list for pairing with your meal.
13. El Dandy
Modern restaurant offering fusion cuisine in a sleek and stylish setting.
- Fusion Cuisine: Serves dishes with elements from various culinary traditions.
- Sleek Atmosphere: A modern and chic dining environment with contemporary art decor.
- Wine Selection: Features an impressive wine list to complement the fusion dishes.
14. La Vitrola
Traditional Cuban restaurant with a focus on live music and dance performances.
- Live Music: Offers live salsa music and dance lessons.
- Cuban Cuisine: Serves traditional Cuban dishes like ropa vieja, vaca frita, and arroz con pollo.
- Authentic Atmosphere: A lively and authentic Cuban environment perfect for an unforgettable night out.
15. La Guarida de Alamar
Another location of La Guarida offering affordable prices and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Affordable Prices: Offers quality food at reasonable prices, making it accessible to all visitors.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: A casual and comfortable dining environment with friendly service.
- Cuban Cuisine: Serves dishes like ropa vieja, vaca frita, and arroz con pollo.