There’s simply no denying that Havana, Cuba is one of the most exotic and beautiful cities in the world. It is a place with a fascinating and diverse culinary landscape, from traditional local recipes to the latest cool trends.
Are you planning a trip to Havana? Be prepared for the experience of a lifetime. The restaurants in Havana, Cuba will create unforgettable memories, inspired by decades of rich and colorful cultural influences.
Let’s take a look at some of the amazing restaurants you’ll not want to miss as you explore this historical city.
8 Best Restaurants in Havana, Cuba
There are so many great restaurants in Havana, Cuba, how do you pick where to eat? Read on to learn about the best restaurants in Havana.
1. La Guarida
This is one of the coolest dining experiences in the world, not just in Havana. La Guardia Restaurant is located on the third floor or a broken down building in Centro Habana, and can only be reached by climbing a winding staircase.
The food is modern and classy, with less of a focus on traditional Cuban food than many of the restaurants in Havana. This is a dining experience you’ll remember long after your Cuban adventure has come to an end.
2. Casa Miglis
Casa Miglis has forged a reputation as being a leader among artsy, youthful restaurants that have injected a touch of rebellion into the traditional Cuban culinary scene in recent years.
The owner is Michel Miglis, a Swedish-Cuban who has created a fabulous rendezvous point in Havana for creative people from around the world, featuring a menu that is the masterpiece of Swedish cook Jonas Anderson.
Casa Miglis has quickly become known for electric dishes rich with fresh avocado and its impressive selection of local fish.
3. San Cristobal Paladar
To experience an authentic taste of colonial Cuba, look no further than San Cristobal Paladar.
From the decor of nostalgic black and white photos, antiques, and stacks of old books, to the dishes served on 19th-century China, owner Carlos Cristobal Marquez Valdes has created a dining experience that is second-to-none.
The unforgettable entrees include shrimp and malanga dishes, as well as their house specialties of lobster and lamb.
And don’t leave without indulging in the pudding San Cristobal, your choice of liquor, and of course a local Cuban cigar.
4. Cafe Laurent
Located on the fourth floor of a converted historic hotel, Cafe Laurent is stylish yet minimalist, with a cool 1950’s twist.
Cuban chef Dayron Aviles Alfonso has created something really special, offering dozens of Spanish-influenced fusion dishes that include the house specialty of red snapper in green sauce.
The balcony at Cafe Laurent is not to be missed, offering breathtaking views of scenic Vedado
5. Doña Eutemia
Doña Eutemia is the place to go for a true taste of Cuban street life. Tucked away from the main tourist path in an Old Havana alley, this restaurant is a staple of traditional Creole cuisine.
The owner, Laetitia, cooks rope Vieja and malanga fritters accompanied by salad and rice, black beans, and a wide variety of exotic fruits and fresh seafood.
While the portions are big, the prices are reasonable, making this a popular spot in one of the most amazing parts of the city.
6. BellaHabana
It’s hard to overstate the architectural and cultural beauty of the upscale Miramar district of Havana. This is where you’ll find the chic mansion that serves as home to the remarkable BellaHabana. Entering BellaHabana is like stepping into a Cuban cuisine paradise.
The menu is international, focusing primarily on fish. Some of these fabulous fish dishes include smoked salmon, red snapper with cream, mushroom and vodka, octopus ceviche, and Tres Lindas Cubanas, featuring three types of fish that are each cooked differently.
Most of these amazing dishes come in generous portions, providing the customer the enviable opportunity to experience some of the finest dining in the world without breaking the bank.
BellaHabana is the perfect example of a genuine Cuban dinner that is rich in historical surroundings and decorations and is best enjoyed with top-notch mojitos or glass of French wine.
7. Atelier
When attempting to describe the experience of dining at Atelier, words truly do fall short. Located in Vedado, this Spanish-style mansion has two rooftop terraces featuring sweeping views of Havana.
While the terraces are furnished with a generous number of decadent cushions for lounging, the main floor of this picturesque restaurant is decorated with colonial furniture.
The handwritten menus display the mouthwatering creations of chef Enrique Edreida.
Everything is so good it’s not easy to decide where to start. Popular menu selections include several lamb entrees, the rabbit in wine, fresh lobster and duck, fajitas, falafels, followed up by flan and tarts.
Atelier is among the most sophisticated dining experiences in all of Havana, with one of the more unpredictable lists of dishes to be found anywhere.
8. El Cocinero
Dinner at El Cocinero is the kind of stuff that dreams are made of.
This loft-style lounge has a rooftop terrace that is instantly reminiscent of New York. The restaurant sits in a converted cooking oil factory, featuring a towering chimney that evokes the building’s colorful past.
The food and atmosphere convey a tone of modern sophistication, with duck confit and blinis, as well as seafood options that are melt-in-the-mouth amazing.
Dinner at El Cocinero is followed by cocktails on the terrace with breathtaking views of the city and the intoxicating aromas of Cuba. Drink in the lights of Havana that sprawl out before you like a blanket of stars.
There’s really nothing on earth quite like it.
Treat Yourself To A Food Lover’s Paradise
There’s really nothing finer than an evening spent at a Havana restaurant.
In fact, the dining options at restaurants in Havana, Cuba will leave you spellbound and dreaming of your culinary adventures for years to come.
Cuba is a place of mystery and romance, like stepping back in time to another era. The people are friendly, the old cars and architecture are stunning, and the food will make you wish you could stay forever.
Click here to see the top 7 things to do in Varadero, Cuba.