Havana is Cuba's vibrant capital city, a place where 1950s American cars cruise past crumbling colonial architecture and revolutionary murals. The city's unique blend of Spanish colonial heritage, Art Deco buildings, and Caribbean culture creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
La Guarida
Havana's most celebrated restaurant occupies a crumbling mansion made famous by the Cuban film 'Fresa y Chocolate.' Frequented by celebrities including Beyonce, Rihanna, and Mick Jagger. The creative Cuban-European fusion menu changes seasonally.
Concordia 418, Centro Habana
El Del Frente
A hip rooftop bar and restaurant with two levels of open-air terrace seating offering some of the best views in Old Havana. Known for creative cocktails and informal Cuban food in a relaxed setting.
O'Reilly 303, Old Havana
San Cristobal Paladar
A landmark paladar in a house overflowing with antiques, religious icons, and vintage memorabilia. Barack Obama ate here during his historic 2016 Cuba visit. Serves outstanding traditional Cuban cuisine in an extraordinary setting.
Calle San Rafael 469, Centro Habana
La Bodeguita del Medio
The legendary birthplace of the mojito, open since 1942. More of an experience than a restaurant, with walls covered in celebrity signatures. The food is good traditional Cuban but you come primarily for the atmosphere and cocktails.
Empedrado 207, Old Havana
El Floridita
Hemingway's favorite bar since 1817, the self-proclaimed cradle of the daiquiri. The seafood restaurant section serves excellent fresh fish and lobster alongside the world-famous frozen daiquiris. A bronze Hemingway guards his corner of the bar.
Obispo 557, Old Havana
Los Nardos
Beloved institution opposite El Capitolio, famous for enormous portions at very reasonable prices. The Spanish-Cuban menu includes excellent paella, ropa vieja, and fried whole lobster. Often has a queue but moves quickly.
Paseo del Prado 563, Centro Habana
Paladar Dona Eutimia
A tiny gem hidden in a lane off Plaza de la Catedral, serving some of the most authentic traditional Cuban food in Havana. The ropa vieja here is considered by many to be the best in the city.
Callejon del Chorro 60C, Plaza de la Catedral
Cafe Madrigal
An atmospheric bar-restaurant in a 1950s Vedado house, with walls covered in vintage movie posters and packed with local artists and intellectuals. Excellent cocktails, good food, and a genuine neighborhood vibe far from tourist crowds.
Calle 2 #1206, Vedado
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Cuban
El Del Frente
San Cristobal Paladar
La Bodeguita del Medio
Cafe Madrigal
Paladar La Fontana
La Casa de la Pena
Bar-Restaurante El Patio
Cuban International
El Cocinero
Cafe Laurent
Roof Garden Restaurant (Hotel Sevilla)
Waoo! Restaurant
Restaurant Tourquino (Habana Libre Hotel)
Seafood
El Floridita
Cinco Sentidos
La Terraza de Cojimar
Paladar Vista Mar
El Templete
Fusion
La Guarida
O'Reilly 304
Topoly
La Bodega (La Reserva Hotel)
Italian
Divinus Restaurant
La Dominica
Traditional Cuban
Paladar Dona Eutimia
El Aljibe
Cocktails Cuban Tapas
La Guarida Bar
Cocktails Snacks
El Rum Rum de la Habana
Cuban Bar Food
Bar Monserrate
Cuban Coffee
La Guarida Coffee
Cuban Coffee And Snacks
Cafe O'Reilly
Cuban Creative
Ivan Justo Chef
Cuban Garden
Paladar La Cocina de Lilliam
Cuban Nouvelle
Atelier
Cuban Street Food
La Guardia
Cuban Traditional
Paladar Los Mercaderes
French
Le Chansonnier
Ice Cream
Coppelia Ice Cream
Japanese
Jama
Organic Cuban
Otramanera
Soviet Cuban
Nazdarovie
Spanish
Los Nardos
Various Cuban
Mercado de San Jose
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |