Quick answers — eating in Havana
- Best restaurant overall
- La Guarida
- Best value
- Doña Eutimia (25-50 USD)
- Strongest cuisines
- Modern European, Mediterranean, Seafood, French
- Dishes to try
- Ropa Vieja, Picadillo, Arroz con Pollo, Langosta Enchilada
- Booking window
- Book at least 2-3 days in advance for popular paladares like La Guarida or San Cristóbal, especially for weekend dinner reservations. Many restaurants accept reservations via email or phone call.
Booking is highly recommended, especially for dinner, and can often be done via phone or directly through restaurant websites/social media. Dress code is generally smart casual, with some establishments appreciating a more elegant attire. Tipping is customary, typically 10-15% of the bill. Dinner hours usually start around 7:00 PM and extend to 10:00 PM or later.
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Havana
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
La Guarida
Acclaimed local fine diningContemporary Cuban · Centro Habana · 50-100 USD
Housed in a crumbling yet majestic paladar made famous by the film 'Fresa y Chocolate', La Guarida offers a refined take on Cuban classics with international flair. The multi-story setting, from the opulent dining rooms to the rooftop bar, provides an unforgettable atmosphere complementing its inventive gastronomy and impeccable service.
Order: Ravioli with Smoked Marlin, Lamb in Wine Sauce
El Cocinero
Acclaimed local fine diningContemporary International · Vedado · 30-60 USD
Housed in a converted cooking oil factory alongside the Fábrica de Arte Cubano, El Cocinero is known for its industrial-chic aesthetic and lively atmosphere. It serves a contemporary international menu with Cuban influences, ideal for pre- or post-art gallery visits. The rooftop terrace is particularly sought after for drinks and dinner.
Order: Pork Ribs with Mango Chutney, Grilled Octopus
Ivan Chef Justo
Acclaimed local fine diningCreative Cuban · Habana Vieja · 40-75 USD
Ivan Rodriguez Justo
Located in a historic building in Old Havana, Ivan Chef Justo offers a vibrant atmosphere and a menu that pushes the boundaries of traditional Cuban cuisine. Chef Justo's creations are known for their inventiveness and use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, resulting in dishes that are both familiar and surprisingly new.
Order: Spicy Shrimp with Coconut Sauce, Tuna Tataki with Avocado
Mediterranean
Best Mediterranean restaurants in Havana
Mediterranean menus borrow freely across the sea — olive oil, fish, vegetables, citrus — and tend to be the easiest choice for a mixed table.
Paladar Los Mercaderes
Acclaimed local fine diningCuban-Mediterranean · Habana Vieja · 35-70 USD
Nestled in a beautifully restored colonial building in Old Havana, Los Mercaderes offers a romantic ambiance with its high ceilings and elegant decor. The menu skillfully blends traditional Cuban ingredients with Mediterranean influences, resulting in fresh, flavorful dishes that appeal to a discerning palate in a historic setting.
Order: Shrimp Scampi, Filet Mignon with Roquefort Sauce
Seafood
Best seafood restaurants in Havana
Seafood restaurants live or die on the day's catch — the shortest menus are usually the best sign, because the kitchen is cooking what actually came in.
Rio Mar
Acclaimed local fine diningSeafood · Miramar · 35-70 USD
Perched on a terrace overlooking the Almendares River's mouth, Rio Mar offers stunning waterside views and specializes in fresh seafood. The open-air setting is elegant and tranquil, perfect for enjoying expertly prepared fish, lobster, and shrimp dishes, reflecting the bounty of the Cuban waters with simple, flavorful preparations.
Order: Grilled Lobster, Catch of the Day
French
Best French restaurants in Havana
French cooking is still the backbone of fine dining almost everywhere — expect sauce work, butter, precise service and set lunch menus that cost a fraction of dinner.
Cafe Laurent
Acclaimed local fine diningCuban-French · Vedado · 30-60 USD
Situated on a rooftop in Vedado, Cafe Laurent offers panoramic city views from its stylish, modernist setting. The menu combines Cuban staples with French culinary techniques, presenting dishes that are both familiar and refined. It's a popular choice for both the food and the exceptional, breezy ambiance.
Order: Duck Confit, Salmon with Tropical Fruit Sauce
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Havana
El Chanchullero
A lively and casual spot in Old Havana known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious, inexpensive Cuban fare like 'ropa vieja' and mojitos. Expect to pay around 10-15 USD per person for a full meal and drinks.
304 O'Reilly
A small, bustling restaurant near Parque Central, famous for its creative seafood dishes, particularly ceviche and tacos, at very reasonable prices. It's popular for quick, tasty lunches or dinners, with meals typically costing 15-25 USD.
Pizza Nova
A local favorite offering delicious, thin-crust pizzas with a variety of toppings in a no-frills setting. Perfect for a quick, satisfying and budget-friendly meal. A large pizza usually costs around 8-12 USD.
Habana 61
A modern, stylish spot in Old Havana serving excellent Cuban seafood and criollo dishes. While a step up from street food, it remains highly affordable for the quality. Expect to spend 20-35 USD per person for a good meal.
Street Food Stalls (Paladares Calle)
Numerous street vendors throughout Havana offer authentic and incredibly cheap snacks like 'frituras' (fritters), 'pan con lechón' (pork sandwich), and fresh fruit juices. Prices are typically 1-5 USD per item.
Local dishes
What to eat in Havana
Ropa Vieja
This shredded beef dish, literally meaning 'old clothes,' is slow-cooked with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices until tender. It's a quintessential Cuban comfort food. Find excellent versions at traditional paladares like Doña Eutimia, often served with rice and black beans.
Picadillo
A flavorful ground beef dish simmered with tomatoes, olives, capers, and often raisins. It's a staple in Cuban homes and restaurants, offering a sweet and savory profile. Many paladares offer delicious picadillo, including La Guarida, providing a sophisticated take on this classic.
Arroz con Pollo
A fragrant, one-pot dish of rice cooked with chicken pieces, saffron or annatto for color, and a sofrito of vegetables. It’s hearty and deeply satisfying. Seek out authentic home-style versions at local eateries or family-run paladares like Paladar La Familia for a truly comforting meal.
Langosta Enchilada
Despite the name, it's not spicy like Mexican enchiladas but refers to lobster cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with peppers, onions, and garlic. It's a luxurious Cuban delicacy. Restaurants along the coast, such as Santy Pescador in Cojímar, are renowned for their fresh seafood preparations.
Tostones
These are twice-fried green plantain slices, flattened and then fried again until crispy and golden. They are a common side dish, often served with a savory mojo dipping sauce made from garlic, oil, and citrus. Look for them at local food stalls and most Cuban restaurants.
Mojito
Cuba's iconic cocktail, a refreshing blend of white rum, fresh mint, lime juice, sugar, and soda water. Essential for cooling down on a warm Havana day. La Bodeguita del Medio is famously associated with Hemingway and claims its invention, offering an atmospheric spot for a classic mojito.
Churros
Crispy fried dough pastries, often dusted with sugar. While not exclusively Cuban, they are a popular street food snack, especially in the evenings. Look for street vendors with small carts, particularly in bustling areas of Old Havana and Central Havana, for a quick, sweet treat.
Coppelia Ice Cream
A beloved Cuban institution, this state-run ice cream parlor offers a unique social experience and a taste of local life. Expect long queues, but the inexpensive, surprisingly varied flavors and the atmosphere are worth it for a genuine cultural insight.
How to book a table in Havana
- · Book at least 2-3 days in advance for popular paladares like La Guarida or San Cristóbal, especially for weekend dinner reservations. Many restaurants accept reservations via email or phone call.
- · Deposits are generally not required, but some higher-end establishments might ask for confirmation closer to the date. Always reconfirm your booking a day prior to ensure your table is held.
- · Consider dining during lunch hours, as some fine dining restaurants offer slightly more accessible menus or less crowded atmospheres. This can be a great way to experience the cuisine without the evening rush.
- · Cancellation policies are typically lenient due to the nature of local operations. However, it is courteous and recommended to inform the restaurant if you need to cancel, even last minute.
FAQ
Havana restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Havana?
La Guarida in Centro Habana is the benchmark table — Contemporary Cuban, acclaimed local fine dining, around 50-100 USD per person. Order the Ravioli with Smoked Marlin, Lamb in Wine Sauce
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Havana?
La Guarida in Centro Habana is the modern European table to book in Havana (50-100 USD per person). Other strong options: El Cocinero, Ivan Chef Justo.
Where is the best Mediterranean restaurant in Havana?
Paladar Los Mercaderes in Habana Vieja is the Mediterranean table to book in Havana (35-70 USD per person).
Where is the best seafood restaurant in Havana?
Rio Mar in Miramar is the seafood table to book in Havana (35-70 USD per person).
Where is the best French restaurant in Havana?
Cafe Laurent in Vedado is the French table to book in Havana (30-60 USD per person).
Where can I eat well in Havana without spending a fortune?
Doña Eutimia is the best-value table on this list at roughly 25-50 USD per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to El Chanchullero, 304 O'Reilly, Pizza Nova.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Havana?
Book at least 2-3 days in advance for popular paladares like La Guarida or San Cristóbal, especially for weekend dinner reservations. Many restaurants accept reservations via email or phone call. Deposits are generally not required, but some higher-end establishments might ask for confirmation closer to the date. Always reconfirm your booking a day prior to ensure your table is held.
What food is Havana famous for?
Ropa Vieja, Picadillo, Arroz con Pollo, Langosta Enchilada, Tostones — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. This shredded beef dish, literally meaning 'old clothes,' is slow-cooked with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices until tender. It's a quintessential Cuban comfort food. Find excellent versions at traditional paladares like Doña Eutimia, often served with rice and black beans.
Planning the rest of Havana?
The full Havana guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the Havana travel guide