Eating & Drinking in Havana
Havana has experienced a gastronomic revolution in recent years. Where once dreary state restaurants with identical menus stood, there are now hundreds of Paladares (private restaurants) serving creative Cuban cuisine.
Top Paladares
- La Guarida (Centro Habana) — Cuba's most famous restaurant, in a crumbling colonial palace over three floors. The film "Fresa y Chocolate" was shot here. Reservation is a must, prices 20–40 €/person. The rooftop terrace is magical.
- El del Frente (Habana Vieja) — From the same owner as the O'Reilly 304 Bar. Ceviche, tacos, cocktails on the rooftop terrace with a view over the old town. 15–25 €.
- Doña Eutimia (Plaza de la Catedral) — Excellent traditional Cuban cuisine: Ropa Vieja, beans, plantains. Unbeatable location. 10–20 €. Often a queue, but worth it.
- San Cristóbal (Centro Habana) — Barack Obama dined here during his historic Cuba visit in 2016. Creative Cuban cuisine in a room stuffed with memorabilia. 15–30 €.
Eating on a budget
- Casa-Particular cuisine: The best value for money. Dinner 8–15 € with starter, main course (often lobster!), dessert, and drink
- Street stalls: Pizza cubana (20–50 CUP), sandwich (30–50 CUP), fresh fruit juice (10–20 CUP)
- Agropecuarios: Farmers' markets for fresh fruit (mango, papaya, guava) and vegetables
💡 Tipp
Reserve La Guarida and San Cristóbal at least 2 days in advance — through the Casa Particular or directly by phone. Walk-ins are almost impossible, especially in high season.
