Best Restaurants in Havana
Exploring Cuban cuisine in Havana is a journey for your taste buds that you won't want to miss. The vibrant and diverse flavors of Havana's food scene reflect the rich cultural tapestry of the city. From succulent roast pork and mouth watering Ropa Vieja to the iconic Moros y Cristianos (black beans and rice) and the refreshing mojitos, every bite and sip tells a story. Havana's paladares, family-run restaurants, offer a unique dining experience with warm hospitality, and the lively street food stalls add a dash of authenticity to your culinary adventure. So, if you're a food lover, Havana is the perfect place to savor the delicious fusion of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, and discover the soul of Cuba through its cuisine. Below are various paladar recommendations to try in Havana.
Breakfast and Lunch:
Betty Boom:
Serving up authentic Cuban cuisine, Betty Boom offers a comfortable, laid back atmosphere that travelers and tourists alike will enjoy. On the menu you’ll dine dishes from fish ceviche, roasted beef and fajitas, to burgers and pizza. This is a safe option to dine at if you have a big family with many different palettes. Betty Boom has something for everyone on their menu. Open from 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM daily.
Paco's Mar
Paco’s Mar is a charming restaurant right off the harbor and a nearby craft market. The restaurant has plenty of room with AC for those looking to cool off on a hot day. The service is known to be exceptional here with the majority of the staff speaking numerous languages to accommodate travelers from all over the world. Paco’s Mar has tacos, seafood, excellent cocktails and more traditional Cuban meals in a welcome setting. Excellent quality for the price. Open from 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM daily.
Bahia Rooftop
Bahia Rooftop is a fabulous rooftop gastropub restaurant and bar in the heart of old town Havana. Here you can find unique and inventive cocktails, great views of the water and the bustling old town below. Bahia Rooftop is at the top of Loft Havana; a 10 room small boutique hotel with an additional art gallery. You can grab a bite on the roof whether you are staying at the loft or not. The menu consists of traditional Caribbean dishes with a flair. Enjoy delicious flavors with one of the best views in Havana! The rooftop is open from 8:00 AM - 11:30 PM everyday so you can enjoy everything from breakfast to dinner.
Antojos
Restaurante Antojos serves classic Caribbean dishes with plenty of options for vegetarians and those who are gluten free. Antojos showcases the best blend of flavors from the Caribbean and the rest of Latin America. They are open daily from 11:30 AM - 12:00 AM for lunch, dinner, and late night bites. There is indoor and outdoor seating available here, but the charmingly decorated interior may inspire you to eat inside. Antojos is a fan favorite by many visitors thanks to its friendly staff with excellent service.
Bitacora
Enjoy lunch on the waterfront at Bitacora. This restaurant is known for their legendary Cubano sandwich that travelers near and far stop to try. The restaurant has a nice and simple ambience with delicious food and fair prices. With a full bar, you can enjoy a classic Cuban cocktail here with your waterfront view lunch. They also have a wide selection of local Cuban beer.
Dona Eutimia
Dona Eutimia is a wonderful locally owned paladar. They serve up healthy Latin and Caribbean cuisine with plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options, in addition to a few vegan dishes. Dona Eutimia is a total hole-in-the-wall that any local will recommend to you. It can be hard to find for some, but your patience in searching for the restaurant will be rewarding. The food here is carefully curated and prepared with presentation in mind. The service is excellent and the staff is happy to explain the menu to any travelers in addition to recommending drinks to pair with your meal. Even for lunch it may be worth getting a reservation here.
El Cafe
El Cafe is a go to for brunch in Havana. El Cafe offers American and European eats. El Cafe has excellent coffee, daily fresh squeezed juice, and breakfasts similar to those you may eat at home, fried eggs, potatoes, bacon, smoothies, and more. If you find yourself in a mid day slump while exploring Havana, be sure to stop by El Cafe for a properly strong Cuban espresso. The staff here is accommodating with many of the servers speaking english.
Dinner:
Yarini
Yarini is an open rooftop restaurant not to be missed. Serving classic Caribbean dishes with a mix of traditional and modern, there is something to satisfy every adventurous palette. The restaurant has a unique style with interesting cocktails and memorable presentations. Yarini has a fabulous terrace coated with live plants and dim lights that create an excellent ambience to enjoy dinner.
La Guarida
In 2002 the New York Times rated La Guardia as one of the most famous paladars in all of Havana. It was so good they almost withheld the address from the public. La Guardia serves local Cuban cuisine in a classic Cuban flare atmosphere. Here you can find multi course meals freshly prepared as you order, live music, outdoor seating, and english speaking staff. The restaurant is inside of an old mansion with much history to learn about as you eat your meal. La Guardia is a must stop if you are in Havana.
El Atelier
El Atelier is a cozy and romantic restaurant serving Latin American cuisine with an emphasis on their seafood offerings. Just two blocks from the malecon, you can enjoy a meal here by a highly rated chef with international experience. The menus here are handwritten and change almost daily, if not weekly. The head chef enjoys experimenting with flavors and applies her daily inspiration in the kitchen. You can expect to find things on the menu from eggplant caviar to grilled snapper. El Atelier offers a culinary experience unlike anywhere else in Havana.
Habana Mia 7
HM7 is a restaurant on the main malecon. With great views of the old town Havana square and surrounding city, you can enjoy a spectacular dinner here. The restaurant has an elegant, comfortable, and clean ambiance with an extensive international menu that blends flavors from around the world. The food and drinks here are intentionally and thoughtfully crafted. The menu has plenty of fresh fish and vegetables if you are looking for something simple and light.
Casa Mia
Just down the street from the Grand Aston that many of our tours launch from, is Casa Mia. This is an eclectic paladar offering Caribbean, international, and Cuban flavors. They have a seafood mixed grill for those that love seafood and shellfish. The dishes here are well flavored, creative, and well balanced. The inside is simply and cleanly decorated with plenty of AC to cool you down on hot nights. If you want to sit outside along the Malecon for dinner, be sure to make a reservation in advance as outdoor setting fills quickly thanks to Casa Mia’s stellar location in Havana.
5 Sentidos
5 Sentidos is known for their remarkable and memorable dining experience. Voted one of Trip Advisors top traveler choices, 5 Sentidos is not to be missed. This is a small intimate restaurant, so making reservations is highly recommended. 5 Sentidos serves flavorful, fresh and delicious seafood and unique appetizers like salads with a tropical fruit dressing. Another notable meu item is the lamb confit. No matter your palette, there is something on the menu for everyone.
El Del Frente
El Del Frente is a great stop for an easy and casual dinner with excellent food. You can find lobster tacos, ceviches, burgers, and plenty of great tapas to share on the menu here. This is another rooftop restaurant in Havana allowing those who dine here time to watch the sunset while sipping a cocktail. The restaurant has a full bar and offers unique cocktails that are worth a try if you desire.
De Otramanera
With indoor seating and an outdoor bar, there are dining options for whatever you might be feeling. De Otramanera is a Spanish European fusion restaurant plating beautiful dishes that you’ll want to savor. The staff here consists of friendly locals that love sharing about Cuban culture and cuisine. The flavor pairings are sophisticated and elegant. This restaurant also have one of the longest wine lists of any restaurant in Havana. If you love wine, this may be the dinner place for you.
Additional Dinner Recommendations:
- Fangio
- Malecon 663
- Habana 5
- El Bleco
- Ivan Justo
- Toca Madera
- El cocinero
- Tierra
Bars:
Malecon 663
Malecon 663 is a small boutique hotel just minutes from some of Havanas biggest attractions. Whether you are a guest at the hotel or not, you can stop by for a drink anytime the bar is open. The drinks here are flavorful, tropical, and change with the seasons. The bar is on the rooftop overlooking the stunning Caribbean waters below.
Azucar Lounge
Azucar lounge is a Cuban classic. The bar lies in the heart of the square with a terrace overlooking the hustle and bustle of the square below. You can find thoughtfully curated cocktails with elaborate presentations here. Whether you are looking for a classic pina colada or a bartender's special, Azucar has it all.
El del Frente
Translating to “the one in front,” El del Frente is an authentic restaurant and bar with an enchanting terrace. You’ll find classic cocktails like daiquiris and mojitos here with a Cuban twist. If you are looking for something really special, consider trying the “Cuban special.” El del Frente also has an extensive wine list and plenty of food to choose from. This bar only accepts cash, so be sure you have accepted currency before going in for a drink.
