The 10 Best Restaurants in Havana

BEST CUBAN RESTAURANTS by KIKE CALVO

This post is the latest in the series Places, Experiences and Objects to Dream About, which profiles marvelous locations, unique life experiences and objects of interest to modern explorers that Kike discovers during my travels.

If you are planning a visit to Cuba sometime soon, these are some of my suggestions to enjoy a unique culinary experience in Havana. As I described on Cuba: Memories Intertwined, Remember, Cuba is a jewel, as much for its architecture, its music and its culture, as for its people, its folklore and its history. There is a story behind every smile and wrinkle you will find.  Dig in and the most novelesque misfortunes may arise. Dig-in and contagious sheer happiness may arise. And I will add, Dig in, and you will find unique small restaurants called Paladares. They are family run, and many of them happen to be within unique real state jewels.

Before heading to your trip, I would recommend reading a couple of books on Cuban Food such as The Cuban Table: A Celebration of Food, Flavors, and HistoryA Taste of Old Cuba: More Than 150 Recipes for Delicious, Authentic, and Traditional Dishes or some of the other books I included below. They will provide you with a better understanding of the Cuban kitchen, enhancing your visit and experience.

1. La Guarida
Address: Concordia #418 e/ Gervasio y Escobar.
Phone: 866-9047

2. Doña Eutimia
Address: Callejón de Chorro #60-C, Plaza de la Catedral.
Phone: 861-1332

A3. Atelier
Address: Calle 5 # 511
Phone: 836-2025

4. Le Chansonnier
Address: Calle J #257, e/ 15 y Linea.
Phone: 832-1576

Dona Eutemia
Doña Eutemia Paladar in Old Havana. Photo © KIKE CALVO

5. La Cocina de Lilliam Restaurant
Address: Calle 48 No. 1311,  e/ 13 y 15 (Miramar.)
Phone: 53 7 209-6514

6. Café Laurent
Address: Calle M #257, e/ 19 y 21.
Phone: 831-2090

7. Vista al Mar
Address: Ave. 1ra #2206, e/ 22 y 24, Miramar

8. Los Nardos
Address: Paseo del Prado 563, e/Dragones y Teniente Rey (La Habana Vieja.)
Phone: 7/863-2985

CUBA by KIKE CALVO
A aerial view of Vedado neighborhood. Photo © KIKE CALVO

9. Tocororo
Address: Calle 18 y Calle 3, Miramar, Havana
Phone: 7/204-2209

10. La Paella
Address: Calle de los Oficios 53, esquina de Calle Obrapía (La Habana Vieja)
Phone: 7/867-1037

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Learn more about Cuban Food:
The Cuban Table: A Celebration of Food, Flavors, and History
A Taste of Old Cuba: More Than 150 Recipes for Delicious, Authentic, and Traditional Dishes
Sabor!: A Passion for Cuban Cuisine
Memories of a Cuban Kitchen
Three Guys from Miami Cook Cuban
Eating Cuban: 120 Authentic Recipes from the Streets of Havana to American Shores
The Cuban Kitchen

Learn more about Cuba:
Lonely Planet Cuba (Travel Guide)
Cuba for the Misinformed: Facts from the Forbidden Island
Cuba: What Everyone Needs to Know®, Second Edition
Lonely Planet Cuba (Travel Guide)
Cuba for the Misinformed: Facts from the Forbidden Island