Havana is not only explored on foot, but also discovered with the palate. If you are planning your trip and wondering where to eat in Havana, this is the place to be. In the Cuban capital, there are endless options for all tastes. From small family-run establishments serving Creole recipes to modern restaurants offering signature dishes.
With this guide, we want to help you find the best restaurants in Havana Cuba. We have followed the recommendations of locals and travellers who have enjoyed the island bite by bite. Let’s savour Cuba as it deserves to be savoured!
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Five delicious characteristics of Cuban food
Before telling you where to eat in Havana, we want you to discover what makes its cuisine so special. Cuban food is the result of centuries of fusion between African, Spanish, indigenous and Caribbean cultures. Here, the dishes are not spicy, but they are full of flavour:
- Rice and beans. The star side dish. Moros y cristianos, with black beans, or congri, with red beans, are on almost every menu.
- Stewed meats and roast pork. Dishes such as ropa vieja, lechón criollo or picadillo a la habanera are also classics that you must try.
- Tropical tubers. Yuca con mojo, sweet potato and fried plantain are absolutely essential.
- Seasonal fruits. Mango, papaya and guava are commonly used in juices, desserts and even savoury dishes.
- Seasoning is very simple. Dishes contain very few spices, but are prepared with a lot of personality. Garlic, onion, cumin and bay leaves are the basis of almost everything.
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Top 10 restaurants in Havana Cuba
Are you ready to discover the best places to eat in Havana? Here is our selection of the 10 most recommended places. We also include approximate price ranges, signature dishes you should order and other practical tips. At each of these restaurants, you can try some of the 10 typical Cuban dishes.
Paladar de Doña Eutimia
- Callejón del Chorro, Old Havana
- Average price: 8–15 USD
Located on Callejón del Chorro, in Old Havana, and just a few steps from the Cathedral, it is one of the essential places to eat in the city. A very family-run establishment offering one of the most authentic experiences in the capital. The approximate price per person is around 8–15 dollars.
Here you can try one of the best ropas viejas in Cuba, as well as black beans, rice and fried ripe plantains. The croquettes and yuca with mojo sauce are also very popular. The restaurant is small, cosy and decorated in a traditional style. The service is very friendly, although sometimes a little slow. If you are looking for restaurants in Havana with soul, this is the place for you. We recommend booking in advance, even during the week.
El Café
- Amargura 358, Old Havana
- Average price: 6–12 USD
El Café is a very quiet and charming place to eat in Havana at lunchtime. A somewhat hidden gem (located at 358 Amargura Street in Old Havana) in the heart of the old town, but away from the hustle and bustle. You can try brunch, avocado toast, scrambled eggs, the best Cuban coffee and fresh juices.
There are also some very interesting vegan and vegetarian options, which is not very common among restaurants in Havana. The atmosphere is very relaxed at any time of day, making it ideal for a short break while strolling through the city centre. The outdoor tables, although very popular, are very pleasant during the early hours of the day.
Do you already know when to go to Cuba? Here’s a guide to the best time to travel to Cuba: tips and dates.
La Guarida
- Concordia 418, Centro Habana
- Average price: £20–£35
This is probably one of the most famous restaurants in Havana Cuba, both for its food and its rich history. In fact, the film Fresa y Chocolate was shot here, and since then it has been visited by people from all over the world. You can find it at 418 Concordia Street, right in the city centre, and prices range from £20 to £35 per person.
On the menu, you’ll find an exquisite combination of gourmet dishes and local products. Seared tuna, lamb in wine sauce and lobster are some of their specialities. Don’t forget to visit the terrace, which offers beautiful views of the city. So, if you’re wondering where to eat in Havana for a special occasion, this is the place, although you’ll need to book several days in advance.
El del Frente
- O’Reilly 303, Old Havana
- Average price: 12–20 USD
I like this restaurant in the Cuban capital for its modern and creative character. It also has a spectacular terrace, a great atmosphere and excellent cocktails for after your meal. If you want to check it out, head to Calle O’Reilly 303, in the heart of Old Havana, an ideal location for after shopping in the city. To guide you, there’s nothing better than learning about the typical things about Cuba: 20 must-have gifts to take home.
The menu blends Cuban and international cuisine. The ceviche dishes, fish tacos and tostones with shrimp are a must. Once you’ve eaten, there’s nothing better than a mojito or a signature daiquiri. El Frente is one of the restaurants in Havana that young travellers who enjoy good food and want to take beautiful photos seek out.
El Viki
- Infanta 412, Centro Habana
- Average price: 10–18 USD
If you prefer a restaurant with a more international, spacious and modern feel, Viki (at 412 Infanta Street) is a sure bet. Its menu is extensive, offering pizzas, pasta, meat, seafood and delicious desserts. It also has a bakery and café.
A very family-friendly restaurant with a wide variety of dishes and a very elegant atmosphere. The service is quite fast for Havana, making it a safe bet for any tourist. If you prefer, you can stop by for breakfast to try it out before making a reservation for lunch or dinner.
Sibarita Habana
- Habana 611, Old Havana
- Average price: 10–20 USD
Gourmet lovers looking for great value for money will find Sibarita Habana a very interesting option. Located at 611 Habana Street, the restaurant is small and has a very tasteful décor. The service is very friendly, to the point that the waiters often make a wide variety of recommendations.
Here you can try their rum shrimp risotto, mango chicken or grilled tuna. All accompanied by a magnificent wine list and an extensive menu of homemade desserts. All this makes it one of the most recommended restaurants in Havana for those seeking a more relaxed and sophisticated experience.
El Shamuskiao
- San Juan de Dios 56, Old Havana
- Average price: 8–15 USD
Looking for an original and alternative place to eat in Havana? El Shamuskiao has to be your first choice. A place with a very artistic and urban atmosphere and a very creative menu. Here, there’s nothing better than ordering their homemade burgers, tapas or infused cocktails. These creations have made it one of the hottest spots among young locals and tourists alike.
Although not as well known as other restaurants in Havana, its casual style, great atmosphere and good music make it unique. An ideal restaurant for enjoying a casual night out on the town. You can get here by taxi or in your own vehicle. Check out this guide on car hire in Cuba: tips and where to hire a car.
El Chanchullero
- Teniente Rey 457, Old Havana
- Average price: 7–12 USD
El Chanchullero is one of the most popular places among backpackers and travellers on a tighter budget. So, if you’re wondering where to eat in Havana on a budget but still want something tasty, make a note of this place.
Its walls are covered in graffiti. The restaurant has small tables and offers a wide variety of Creole dishes. Pork with pineapple, stuffed tostones and giant cocktails are among the most popular dishes. It is so popular that there is usually a queue to get in, especially at weekends, but it’s safe to say that the wait is worth it. Don’t hesitate to visit Calle Teniente Rey 457, in Old Havana, to discover this place and enjoy it.
La Flor de Loto
- Infanta 71, Centro Habana
- Average price: 6–10 USD
We have arrived at one of the great classics of Chinese-Cuban cuisine in Havana. This restaurant is completely different from what you would normally find in this city. Its menu is very varied and usually offers inexpensive, generous and tasty dishes.
The most interesting dishes here are the fried rice, sweet and sour ribs, soups and stir-fried vegetables. The portions are so generous that most customers share dishes. It may not be one of the most touristy restaurants in Havana, but it is one of the most popular with locals. The best option if you are tired of eating only rice and pork.
El Cocinero
- Calle 26, Vedado (next to the Cuban Art Factory)
- Average price: 15–25 USD
Finally, we’ll end with El Cocinero, a restaurant in Havana that’s ideal for eating before or after visiting the Cuban Art Factory (it’s right next door). It also has one of the most beautiful terraces in the city, so you’ll enjoy it twice as much.
The cuisine is contemporary and incorporates many local ingredients. Seared tuna, handmade pasta and grilled meats are the specialities. The menu can be accompanied by an excellent wine list. This is undoubtedly one of the restaurants in Havana with the best combination of atmosphere, flavour and visual experience. Highly recommended for a romantic evening.
Bonus: Jesús María y Malecón 663
Two relatively new and highly rated options for eating out in Havana. Especially if you’re looking for a place with modern design and more creative cuisine.
Jesús María 20 offers signature cuisine with fresh produce and beautifully presented dishes. Malecón 663, meanwhile, combines a bar, restaurant and a beautiful gallery with sea views. Both are perfect for enjoying a complete dining experience and a great atmosphere.
As you can see, if you’re wondering where to eat in Havana, there are many answers for all tastes. The most interesting thing is that all the options are very tasty and tempting, whether it’s a place tucked away in a colonial alley or a restaurant with more creative and original dishes.
The key is to try, let yourself be carried away by the smell of home cooking or be surprised in a place you didn’t expect. Now that you know the best restaurants in Havana, all you have to do is make a little space in your itinerary and enjoy. Don’t forget to check out our guide on what to bring in your luggage to Cuba? to make sure you have everything you need.
Frequently asked questions about the 10 best restaurants to eat in Havana Cuba
Without a doubt, local restaurants offer a more intimate and authentic experience of the city. They tend to have a wide variety of dishes, fresh produce and friendly, family service. If you’re wondering where to eat in Havana for a more authentic flavour, go for this type of establishment. Many of them are in private homes and offer traditional, charming dishes at excellent prices.
It depends on the type of restaurant, but in general you can eat well for between 8 and 25 USD per person. In the simplest places, the average price is around 10 USD, while in more modern places (La Guardia or El Cocinero), the cost can exceed 20-30 USD. El Chanchullero or El Café are the best options from a budget point of view.
Yes, although they are more limited. Some restaurants in the city (El Café, Sibarita Habana or El Shamuskiao) offer vegetarian and vegan options on their menus. However, we recommend asking in advance, as most traditional dishes include meat or animal broth. You can also find fresh juices, rice with vegetables and fresh salads on almost all menus.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book at popular restaurants such as La Guarida, El Cocinero or Doña Eutimia. You should do so, especially if you plan to go out for dinner. You can make your reservation by phone, WhatsApp, email or even social media. On the other hand, there are more informal places (El Chanchullero or El Shamuskiao) where it is more common to arrive and wait for a table if it is full.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat in Havana to try authentic food, make a note of these dishes: ropa vieja, roast suckling pig, arroz congrí, tostones and yuca con mojo. We also highly recommend trying the seafood (grilled lobster) and desserts such as flan de leche or dulce de guayaba con queso. Each restaurant has a different speciality, so don’t hesitate to ask the waiters.
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