Cuba Restaurants

One thing that consistently shocks most first time visitors to Cuba is the quality and complexity of the cuisine here. Cuba sports some of the most amazing chefs in the region, but you don’t have to dine exclusively at four star restaurants to enjoy the food here. Even the street vendors whip up some tasty eats. The key to enjoying restaurants here is to remember that the more you experiment, the more fun you will have.

1. Café del Oriente - Oficios No 112, Habana Vieja – (no website)

A bizarre but delicious selection, the Café del Oriente serves up the best of everything: lobster, pate and all with waiters wearing top level tuxedoes. This is a dining experience you won’t soon forget.

2. El Rancho Palco - cnr Av 19 & Calle 140, Cubanacán – (no website)

A beautiful romantic getaway that looks like something out of a children’s picture book, the spices here are thick and so are the accents. You can’t go wrong with the menu here, either.

3. El Templete - Ave. del Puerto esq. Narciso López, Habana Vieja. - website

Choose between sitting outside under the stars or inside at a candlelit table, El Templete is another achingly romantic dinner spot perfect for honeymooners.

4. El Tocororo - Av. 3 and Calle 18, Havana - website

One of the best known restaurants in the city, El Tocororo is one of those places where people like to be seen. Go with the lobster as it provides the best value.

5. La Guarida - Calle Concordia 418, Havana - website

This legendary eatery in Havana is a must visit if this is your first time to the island. It is also one of the most affordable places to have a great meal again and again.

6. La Cocina de Lilliam - Calle 48 no. 1311, Havana - website

If you are trying to taste the best cuisine Cuba has to offer but you don’t want to spend big bucks, check out the relaxed outdoor atmosphere of La Cocina de Lillam.

7. Don Cangrejo - Av. 1, between Calles 16 and 18 – Havana - website

The best view in all of Havana belongs to this wonderful yet busy restaurant. Expect a wait here, even on weekdays, but if you are looking for a place to watch time slip by, it’s worth it.

8. La Floridita - Calle Obispo 557, Havana - website

If you are trying to hit all of Hemmingway’s hangouts in one trip, then you likely have this classy eatery already circled on your places to go list. If not, this spot is worth checking out, anyway.

9. La Finca - Av. 19 and Calle 140, Havana -  website

Proof you can have a celebrity chef inspired restaurant in Havana, La Finca is often busy so reservations are strongly suggested.

10. Roof Garden Restaurant - Calle Trocadero 55, Havana - website

One of the best hotel restaurants, the Roof Garden is located on the top floor of the Hotel Sevilla. This is a five star restaurant in every sense of the word.