Dining & Paladares in Centro Habana
Centro Habana has some of the best and most affordable Paladares in the city — away from the touristy old town, with authentic Cuban cuisine.
Cuban Classics
- Ropa Vieja: "Old Clothes" — tender, braised beef in tomato sauce with peppers and onions. Cuba's national dish and a must in every good Paladar.
- Moros y Cristianos: Black beans with rice — the basis of almost every Cuban meal. Sounds simple, tastes (when done well) incredible.
- Lechón asado: Slowly grilled pork — juicy, smoky, perfect. The Sunday meal of Cuban families.
- Tostones: Fried, flattened plantains — the Cuban fries. A side dish to almost everything.
- Frijoles negros: Black bean soup — creamy, smoky, with cilantro. Comfort food in its purest form.
Restaurant Recommendations
- San Cristóbal: One of Havana's most famous Paladares — in a cluttered living room with collectibles, religious items, and Cuban kitsch. Excellent Creole cuisine. Barack Obama once dined here. Reservation required. Main course: 10–18€.
- La Guarida: Havana's most prestigious Paladar — in a dilapidated colonial building, whose marble staircase takes you through three floors of crumbling splendor to a rooftop terrace with views over the city. The cuisine is Creole-modern and excellent. Reservation mandatory. Main course: 12–25€.
