Best Restaurants In Havana: Where To Eat & Drink In Cuba

As a native Cuban who lived on the island for more than 20 years, I often get asked questions by those planning to visit Havana, Cuba: what to do, where to go, and, most of all, how good is the food in Havana and where to find the best food in Havana, Cuba?

Truth be told, Havana generally doesn’t always have the best food reputation. Of course, as I always tell my friends, it’s all about where you go when it comes to finding the best Cuban food in Havana. Unfortunately, there are plenty of not so good restaurants and cafes. The poor quality usually stems from the lack of food products available to the locals. With that being said, if you read and do some research in advance you can definitely enjoy some amazing dishes and drinks. 

Today, I’m putting together this very complete and honest guide to the best restaurants, cafes, and bars in Havana. This way, you can enjoy your time in my hometown and taste some delicious meals without having to guess which places are good.

Pro-tip: Although many of the street food carts look delicious, I recommend avoiding those unless you are with a local guide that vouches for the place.

Best Restaurants In Havana Cuba

Restaurants with The best food in Havana Cuba

• Mojito-Mojito

Where: Muralla # 166 Entre Cuba & San Ignacio, Havana

Currently, one of the overall best restaurants in Havana is Mojito-Mojito. And, as the name says, it’s the place to go if you want to try one of the best mojitos in Havana. It’s a very fun place with plenty of food and drink options, and is located in the middle of one the most popular areas in Old Havana. If you are visiting at night, the restaurant has a traditional Cuban band most nights so you can enjoy good food, good drinks, and good music all at once!

• La Guarida

Where:  418 Concordia, Havana

This is one of the most famous paladares (private eateries run by Cuban citizens, not the government) in Havana. For years, it has been among the top go-to places for both foreigners and locals whenever they want to enjoy some good time and have some good food! 

The place has been in the spotlight (literally) for many years: some of the scenes from the Oscar-nominated Cuban movie Fresa y Chocolate were filmed here, Rihana shot there with Vanity Fair, and many international celebrities visit the restaurant every year. Rumor has it that Usher had some of his wedding celebrations on the rooftop of the restaurant! Overall, this is a great place to see and be seen in Havana.

• Buenaventura

Where: Calle 43 #10206 e/ 102 & 104 Marianao, Havana

This is one of the hidden gems in Havana. Since the restaurant is not in Old Havana or located close to any of the major touristy destinations, you won’t find the same crowds. Yet the restaurant is definitely worth the drive: the food is Excellent and the restaurant itself is very cozy. There are even free-roaming roosters and hens, making it all the more quintessentially Caribbean. The place gets extra points because the staff can also play some amazing music. Try the octopus or any of the fish dishes on the menu. All are super yummy!

• Antojos

Where: Callejón Espada between Cuarteles & Chacón, Havana

Antojos is the perfect restaurant to go enjoy a traditional Cuban dish in a very authentic and quintessential Cuban atmosphere. The restaurant is located in Old Havana on a small pedestrian street, and its outdoor space/patio is perfect for people watching while having great food and really delicious drinks. Try the Ropa Vieja (traditional Cuban dish with shredded beef), the chef knows exactly how to prepare it... delicioso!

• 5 Sentidos

Where: San Juan de Dios # 67 Entre Compostela & Habana, Havana 

You’ll find all kinds of delicious flavors in this restaurant, so its the perfect place to help make your culinary experience in Havana amazing. The restaurant is quite small, but the viewable kitchen makes it extra special. Just make sure to book it ahead of time, because Sentidos is quite popular. Try the Gazpacho or the ceviche, both are really tasty!

Best bars In Havana Cuba

• Fabrica de Arte Cubano

Where:  Calle 26, Esquina 11, Vedado. Havana

Fabrica De Arte Cubano is without a doubt one of the most popular places in Havana. TIME magazine just added it to its 2019 list of the World’s Greatest Places! I agree with that, because Fabrica de Arte Cubano isn’t just your everyday Havana restaurant or club. It’s more of an interactive art space,  located in an old factory building. It hosts Cuban and international bands, artists, and plenty of other events. The place itself is huge, and you can see and enjoy everything from interpretive art installations to paintings and sculptures to live music. Just make sure you arrive early or be prepared to wait at least an hour to get inside, because the lines are super long! This is a can’t-miss place!

• El Floridita

Where:  Obispo, Havana

This is one of the most well-known bars in Cuba, since it was one of Hemingway‘s favorite drinking spots in Havana. Although the place can be quite touristy, The Floridita is one of those places that everyone should check out when visiting Havana for the first time. Plus, this is a fun way to follow Hemingway’s footsteps in Havana. The famous writer loved to drink a good daiquiri in El Floridita, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to do the same!

• Madrigal Bar Cafe

Where: Calle 17 Noº 809 Altos e/ 2 & 4, Vedado, Havana 

This Havana Bar and Cafe is the perfect place to go for tapas or drinks before or after dinner. Madrigal Bar Cafe is owned by a very popular Cuban movie director, and it’s actually one of my favorite bars in Havana. It’s the perfect place to go if you want to experience a less touristy place where the locals go to have fun! 

• El Chanchullero

Where: Teniente Rey, 457A bajos Plaza El Cristo Habana Vieja, Havana

My favorite things about El Chanchullero are the tasty food and the fun and upbeat atmosphere. They give traditional Cuban food a modern twist, which makes it all the more delicious. Just make sure to go during non-peak hours, otherwise you could end up waiting in line for at least an hour. If you like a kick of sweetness on your food, make sure to order the chicken with pineapple!

Best restaurants in Havana for small Bites and Drinks

These are great spots for a light dinner, tapas, or pre/post going-out meal. But don’t scratch them off your list if you want to enjoy a fun dinner with friends as well!

• El Cocinero

Where:  Calle 26, Havana

El Cocinero is another one of my go-to bars in Havana, located right next door to Fabrica de Arte Cubano. The rooftop atmosphere is super fun, especially during those warm summer nights. El Cocinero serves not only delicious drinks but also some really good tapas and traditional Cuban dishes, so if you are feeling hungry you can always order something here. Make sure to make reservations ahead of time, as the place gets crowded during the night!

• Espacios

Where: Calle 10, Havana

Espacios is another locals' favorite bar/restaurant in Havana, and definitely a very highly recommended place in this guide of the best bars and restaurants in Havana.  This eatery is located inside a large Havana house that, unlike most of the older buildings in Havana, has a very modern vibe. The highlight is the big patio in the back, where you can enjoy delicious tapas and drinks al fresco. Espacios is a go-to for people living in Havana, especially to hang out with friends before or after going out to dance!

• O’Reilly 304

Where: O'Reilly #304 Habana & Aguiar, Havana

This has been one of the trendiest bars and restaurants in Havana for a while now. The food is delicious, and the bartenders are really good at preparing more than just the usual daiquiri and mojito that you can find everywhere.

• El Dandy 

Where: Street Brasil # 401 corner Sreet Villegas Plaza de Cristo in Old Havana, Havana 

This is a small quaint bar-restaurant in Havana, and although it’s best known for its breakfast and lunch dishes, you’ll enjoy your visit no matter when you go. The scrambled tomato eggs are delicious, and the coffees are amazing!

Things you might want to know while eating at Havana‘s best restaurants:

There are two types of currency: CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso) and CUP (Cuban Peso). The majority of Cuban restaurants will charge in CUC, and 1 CUC equals approximately 1 USD (although the exchange rate can vary slightly).

Cubans salaries are extremely low by other countries’ standards, around 10 or 20 USD a month, so tips are greatly appreciated! Be generous and the locals will definitely thank you.

Update: As of 2021 the CUC has been discontinued in Cuba. Only CUP (Cuban Peso) and USD are circulating in the island. Prices have gone up. As of right now $1usd = 50 CUP.

I hope you found this guide helpful! If you are planning to go to Havana, Cuba soon, don’t forget to Pin It so you have this guide to the best restaurants in Havana saved for later. 

Cuba is a beautiful island, and an incredibly fun place. If you are planning a visit to the island beyond Havana, we have a few travel guides with tons of local tips. Make sure to check them out below ! And if you have visited the island before, let us know in the comment section below where you had the best Cuban food in Havana! 

Besitos from Havana, Cuba

Laura

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