I have heard people say that Cuban food in Havana leaves much to be desired. To those people, I would say you ate at the wrong places! During my month long stay there, I dined at many amazing little restaurants with delicious food. Check out my list of some of the best restaurants & bars in Havana!
304 O'Reilly
This restaurant was probably one of my favorites. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful and the food delicious. They have small plates to share as well as entrees available. Their drinks are also some of the best in the city. I recommend the canchanchara (pictured below) which only cost 4.50 CUC; it is a classic cuban cocktail that is not served at every restaurant (unlike its cousin, the mojito which you can find absolutely everywhere). At the end of the meal, they give everyone a fresh flower to take for the road.
304, 304 O'Reilly street
El del Frente
I loved this little rooftop so much. They basically have the same menu as 304 (it is owned by the same person) and is located right across the street. It is a great spot to come with friends as they serve small plates that are perfect for sharing. They also have amazing entrees. The vibe is relaxed and chill, and the cool breezes from the rooftop are divine. A reservation is highly recommend, unless you head there early in the evening. If the rooftop is full, they also have a second floor level with a balcony.
El del Frente, 303 O'Reilly street
Read More: 7 Best Rooftop Bars in Havana, Cuba
Crepe Sayu
If you want to eat the cheapest meal of your stay in Havana, then you need to check out Crepe Sayu. This little Japanese spot is run by a sweet family. It is just one room with a shared table in the middle and some stool seating along the edges. They feature Japanese bowls with rice and your choice of protein (fish, pork, shrimp), but they also serve sushi and fried rice. Everything is delicious and ridiculously cheap (a total meal of food and drinks can cost less than 5 CUC). The little ladies there are the absolute cutest, and if the namesake of the restaurant is around (the daughter, Sayu), you are in for a good time – she's one of a kind.
Crepe Sayu, corner of Aquacate street and Obrapía (it doesn't pop up on Google Maps)
Sandwichería La Bien Paga
Another super cheap spot, this place specializes in fast food, mainly sandwiches. They also have pizza and pasta and something I had never heard of before: Pizzaghetti. This strange dish is a pizza with a hole cut in the middle where they put a big portion of spaghetti. Might sound weird, but don't knock it til you try it! Locals also claim this is some of the best lemonade in the city, but I found it a bit sweet. They can do carry out, but they also have spots in the back if you prefer to sit down. Worth checking out if you are on a budget.
Sandwichería La Bien Paga, Aguacate street (between Obrapía and Obispo)
D'Next
The decor of this restaurant is reminiscent of an American diner. Visitors have the option of sitting at booths along the edge or metal chairs at the tables. They serve up huge cocktails and their menu is quite varied. They have everything from pizza, to pasta, sandwiches and burgers. Service is fast and the prices are reasonable.
D'Next, 512 Teniente Rey street
Venami
If you find yourself craving Italian food while in Havana, this little restaurant is sure to satisfy you. I ate here a few times and it never disappointed. With fresh pesto and bread to dip as a complimentary appetizer, awesome pizza (they have tons of choices) and delicious pasta, you really can't go wrong. Everything is made fresh and the servers are the nicest people ever. Did I mention it's cheap? It was one of my fave spots!
Venami, Avenida Bélgica (between Teniente Rey and Lamparilla)
San Cristobal
When I read that Jay Z and Beyonce had eaten at a restaurant in Habana Centro, I knew before I even got there that I had to go. And so, I dragged my boyfriend here for our anniversary dinner which turned out to be a delight. While it was the most expensive meal we had while in Cuba, by USA standards it was cheap: We had wine, an appetizer, entrees and dessert for less than 70 CUC. And there's an added bonus – all guests get complementary rum at the end of the meal and a cigar for the road. Reservation highly recommended.
San Cristobal, San Rafael street (between Campanario and Lealtad)
Los Nardos
You will not leave Los Nardos hungry. The portions at this restaurant are huge! Los Nardos is located in the same building as three other restaurants directly across from the capitol building. There sometimes is a line for one of the restaurants, so be sure to ask the men at the door before needlessly waiting. Los Nardos is located on the second floor. They serve a large variety of food, though when I visited there was a shortage in the country on certain items, so I was limited on what I could order. I can say the fried chicken was amazing, and the sangria was a perfect compliment to the meal. A definite highlight of my dining experiences in Havana.
Los Nardos, Paseo de Martí across from the Capitolio
Sloppy Joe's Bar
If you are looking to check out an old school style bar that has been around for ages, you should go to Sloppy Joe's. It was once considered one of the most famous bars in the world, and many American celebrities visited during the 1940s and 50s. You can still visit to this day and try some of their signature cocktails. While it is called Sloppy Joe's, I found the signature dish a bit lackluster. Definitely go for the atmosphere and drinks and not for the food. Make sure to take a look at all of the pictures of famous people who have visited.
Sloppy Joe's Bar, Corner of Agramonte and Animas streets
Ernest Hemingway Haunts
In Havana, there are several places that claim Ernest Hemingway was a frequent customer. The two most famous are the place where he drank mojitos and the place where he drank daiquiris.
La Floridita
For a chance to try the daiquiri that Ernest Hemingway made famous, check out this corner bar. They claim to be the birthplace of the daiquiri, and it is usually quite busy. If there are not open tables when you stop by, fear not: turn around is usually pretty fast, but you have to be a hawk and swoop in as soon as you spot any movement from sitting patrons. A daiquiri cost 6 CUC and comes with free chips to munch on. They also serve food, though I did not try any. Sometimes they have a live band performing, which spices things up!
La Floridita, Corner of Avenida Bélgica and Obispo street
La Bodeguita del Medio
This is the spot where Ernest Hemingway allegedly came to drink his mojitos. The place is always poppin' but it won't take more than a few minutes to grab a drink. Simply order at the bar (the mojitos cost 5 CUC) and then take your glass out into the street and join the fray. The drinks are pricey (compared to other places) but tasty. Along the walls (both inside and outside) customers have signed their names or written messages. Add yours for a chance to join history.
La Bodeguita del Medio, E,pedrado Street (between Cuba and San Ignacio streets)
Callejon del Chorro
Callejon del Chorro is the name of the dead end street in Plaza de la Cathedral where visitors can find a plethora of family run restaurants serving up delicious cuban style food. All of the restaurants in this little corner honestly have similar menus, so it doesn't really matter where you go. One of the more well known is Dona Eutemia, which is all the way at the end on the right. If it happens to be full, grab a seat at any other place for a similar meal. I recommend the lobster dinner, which is served with rice, salad, and a drink for one price. All of the restaurants in the area also offer free wifi, so it is a useful place to stop if you need to check your emails or scroll through social media =).
Callejon del Chorro, Plaza de la Catedral
Lamparilla Tapas Y Cervezas
If you are in the mood for tapas and small plates, you should definitely head to 361 Lamparilla. With a stylish interior, creative wall art, and beautiful cocktails, it is no wonder this place is so popular. The tapas are affordable and range from 2-12 CUC. They also have entrees available if you want something larger. All of the food I ate was very tasty and perfect for sharing. Make sure to order a cocktail (or two or three), and take lots of pictures because they really are a treat for the eyes.
Lamparilla Tapas Y Cervezas, 361 Lamparilla street
Bring on the beer!
Beer lovers, rejoice! Aside from the National beers (Bucanero and Cristal), Havana is home to two local breweries. While I can't claim it is the best beer I have ever tasted, it was a welcome change to the rum cocktails that are everywhere.
Factoria Plaza Vieja
In Plaza Vieja, you can visit the oldest brewery in Havana. They serve three kinds of beers (light, medium, and darker beer) for a good price. They also serve beer towers which are a good way to save money if visiting with friends. It also makes a great people watching spot since it is located right at the corner of the plaza.
Cerveceria Plaza Vieja, Corner of San Ignacio and Muralla street
Ceverceria Antiguo
If drinking beer at the oldest brewery isn't enough, check out the beer at the second oldest brewery! This one sits along the Malecón with views of the bay and boats and makes for a relaxing stop in any afternoon stroll. It is located not far from the largest souvenir market, and makes a good place to have a drink after shopping.
Ceverceria Antiguo, El Malecón next to the Mercado Artesanal
El Chanchullero
Honestly, this might be one of the best restaurants in Havana, and the line outside every single night proves it. They do not take reservations, so if you want to avoid waiting, you have to get here early. The menu changes frequently, so it comes printed on a piece of paper. I recommend trying the ropa vieja with a side of rice and beans, if they have it. The pineapple chicken and fresh fruit juices are also delicious and worth getting.
El Chanchullero, Teniente Rey (between Bernaza and Cristo streets)
Hanoi
If you arrive at El Chanchullero only to discover the line is more than an hour wait, head to Hanoi just up the street for an excellent meal. The food is very reasonably priced and their menu has enough variety that everyone can fid something they enjoy. Most evenings, a local band will come and play live music to the patrons. I found the servers here very welcoming and friendly, and I left fully satisfied.
Hanoi, Corner of Teniente Rey and Bernaza street
El Dandy
This bar is a hidden gem in Havana. Located on one corner of Plaza del Cristo, not only does it have amazing cocktails but it also serves delicious food. Their sweet potato fries and tacos were very, very good, but everything on their menu sounded enticing. Make sure to check what specials they have; I tried one (slow roasted BBQ pork ribs) that was absolutely amazing. The vibe here is laid back and cool; you could easily end up spending every night here.
El Dandy, Corner of Teniente Rey and Villegas street
El Shamuskia'o
If you are a vegetarian visiting Havana, then you have to eat at this restaurant. It is tiny with just a few tables and can get busy. The menu has tons of delicious options for vegetarians and vegans, but they also have another menu for those who want meat. Everything is very tasty and the servers are incredibly nice. If you eat here once, you will be back again. And bonus: they offer an amazing happy hour with select cocktails for just 1 CUC.
El Shamauskia'o, Muralla Street (between Habana and Compostela)
Creperie Oasis Nelva
Just next door to El Shamuskia'o is the Creperie. This little spot serves (you guessed it) crepes. They have savory and sweet varieties, including the option to add scoops of ice cream! In addition, they offer special crepes that are not on the menu (when I visited they had one with octopus that the server recommended). Their daily happy hour offers diners 2 CUC off cocktails. Ingredients were fresh and organic, and the food was delicious. The atmosphere is relaxing and the decor is all super cute. Another hidden gem!
Creperie Oasis Nelva, Muralla Street (between Habana and Compostela)
La Vitrola
If you are wandering the old plazas in Havana Vieja and get hungry, La Vitrola is a good place to stop. Located at one corner of Plaza Vieja, this restaurant serves up American and Cuban food. Service is fast, and everything is reasonable priced. Their musicians are very lively, making the atmosphere perfect. I also enjoyed the cocktails that I had here. Try to get a table outside if you can for some excellent people-watching.
La Vitrola, Corner of San Ignacio and Muralla street
El Rum Rum de la Habana
This restaurant came highly recommended in Lonely Planet, so I came to check it out for myself. I visited right after the lunch rush, so it was easy to get a table. The food was fresh and the cocktails delicious (I had the daiquiri). I also got to enjoy some live music, which made everything taste just a little bit better. I would recommend making a reservation for peak dining times, since it is one of the more well known restaurants in the city.
El Rum Rum de la Habana, Empedrado street (between Aguiar and Cuba)
Cafe Suiza
If you're like me and you need dessert after dinner, Cafe Suiza is the perfect place for that. They serve food for lunch and dinner, but I would really recommend their sweets. Try the chocolate cake, muffins, or the brownie! The desserts are popular (especially the brownie), so they often sell out. They also have ice cream, which you can order from the street if you don't want to come in and sit down. They also have a decent happy hour (buy one, get one free) if you you're in the mood for cocktails with your sweet treat.
Cafe Suiza, Obispo Street (between Villegas and Aguacate)
Helad'oro
If you want good ice cream, look no further than Helad'oro. Shown to me by a local, I came back to this ice cream shop again and again. They have so many different flavors to choose from, but it's so cheap you will end up wanting to try everything. I recommend getting some of the house creations (like the Mojito Sorbet) instead of the classic flavors, but everything is seriously delicious. Orders come in a cone or a cup, with the option of adding your own drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
Helad'oro, Aguiar Street (between Empedrado and Tejadillo)
Heladería Coppelia
Those looking for a uniquely Cuban dining experience should head to Vedado where the famous Coppelia ice cream parlor is located. This establishment, which only serves ice cream, has been open since 1966 and is well worth a visit. Inside, guests can choose from a variety of flavors which come in a bowl of 5 scoops for the ridiculously low price of 25 cents (even less if you have CUP). The lines are generally long (welcome to Cuba) but the experience is worth it, in my opinion.
Coppelia, 2111 Calle L, Vedado
Fresh Churros
There is nothing better in this world than fresh, hot churros sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar and drizzled with chocolate sauce. For the best ones, head to San Ignacio street where you can line up with lots of others for the ones served from a small cart. While you wait, you can salivate by watching the process of how to make them. They only cost between 50-75 cents depending on what topping you would like.
Churritos Cart, San Ignacio street (between Amargura and Teniente Rey)
Rooftop Bars
There are plenty more bars to explore in the city, the best ones being rooftops that allow you to enjoy the view with your drink! Check out the list of my favorite rooftop bars in Havana!
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Did you visit Havana? What were your favorite restaurants? Share in the comments below!