“The rise of the private sector allowed for new paladars to emerge, some set in some stunning locations with cuisine rivaling high-end restaurants in New York or Los Angeles.”
Top 10 Paladares
Por Amor’s 2025 recommended list of restaurants to visit in Havana, Cuba
In alphabetical order
Havana is a foodie destination
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Let us show you its secret tables
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Havana is a foodie destination ~ Let us show you its secret tables ~
1.
Callejón Espada between Cuarteles & Chacon, Old Havana
Antojos is widely popular by locals as one of the best restaurants in Havana and mostly unknown to tourists. Often described as offering “grandma’s cooking,” it serves traditional Cuban dishes that evoke both nostalgia and delight. Unlike many paladares that cater primarily to tourists, Antojos draws a vibrant local crowd—Cubans with disposable income enjoying the good life. Tucked into the pedestrian alley Callejón Espada in Old Havana, the atmosphere is welcoming and lively, with a quiet street patio and a charming upstairs terrace. Stop in for drinks and delicious appetizers or savor a full meal!
3.
Amargura #358 between Aguacate & Villegas, Old Havana
El Café fills a much-needed void throughout Cuba. Where one can find a small, quick, or casual meal of highest quality for a reasonable price. It shouldn’t be this hard to find a light meal that is good, simple, quick and healthy. The restaurant also doubles as a neighborhood bakery, baking daily what may be the best homemade sourdough bread in Cuba (locally called pan de masa madre). Designed by and for Cuba’s younger generation, you’ll find this little hipster cafe a simple yet stylish escape from the bustle of Old Havana. I enjoyed a chicken sandwich on rustic homemade bread and a refreshing lemon agua natural (Cuba’s word for fresh squeezed juice that is offered in a variety of fresh fruit flavors throughout the island). They do a great breakfast, varied sandwiches, salads, small plates, smoothies, sweet treats, and coffees all made fresh where you can enjoy at one of their cozy yet open spaces inside. Make a day of it by combining your visit with shopping at local design shops like Clandestina or Dador.
2.
San Juan de Dios - corner of Compostela No. 67, Old Havana
On a bustling corner in the pedestrian-friendly heart of Old Havana, you’ll find Cinco Sentidos—or Five Senses. Stepping inside offers a welcome break from your explorations, with large windows perfect for people-watching. The colonial-era charm of the space is elevated by a chic, contemporary artistic flair, setting the tone for a menu that celebrates the bold, vibrant flavors of Cuban cuisine. From succulent ropa vieja to possibly the best fresh ceviche and expertly grilled seafood, every dish tells a story of Cuba’s rich culinary heritage. Often overlooked, yet undeniably one of the leaders in Havana’s dining scene, Cinco Sentidos is a consistent favorite of ours for its exceptional service and cuisine. I quite enjoyed the ceviche with crisps paired with a frosty cocktail.
4.
Calle E No. 562 between 23rd and 25th, Vedado
Grados is an exciting new addition to Havana’s culinary scene, where authentic Cuban cooking is reimagined with creativity and innovation where deep culinary traditions are used to tell new stories. The kitchen relies heavily on locally sourced ingredients, and dishes are served in small portions in handmade sauces designed to be savored. I thoroughly enjoyed the grilled red snapper over a white chocolate puree served with mashed malanga root. One of our favorite features is their fermentation program—Grados is the only place in Cuba where you can enjoy a glass of kombucha or ginger beer. They also experiment with fermented spirits that are well worth a return visit. We've even suggested they add pru oriental to their offerings—a natural fit for their concept.
Grados is a shining example of Cuba’s new generation of emprendedores: young entrepreneurs who are modernizing the island, investing in its future, taking risks, and achieving remarkable results. Like many Havana ventures, the founders of Grados are also artists, elevating dining to an immersive experience by blending fine cuisine with performance and media art—including conceptual installations inspired by The Matrix, poetry, live acoustic piano, and curated DJ sets.
6.
418 Concordia, Centro Habana
La Guarida appears on just about every “Best Restaurants in Cuba” list—and for good reason. We’re proudly including it on ours, too. Translating to “the lair” or “the burrow,” La Guarida is an iconic and historic pillar of Havana’s culinary and business scene. Believed to be the first privately owned restaurant in the city, it remains one of the very best to this day.
Housed in the grand Mansión Camagüey in Centro Habana, the setting is as unforgettable as the cuisine. The entrance—featuring a marble staircase beneath Fidel’s iconic “Patria o Muerte” mural—leads to a second-floor landing where white tablecloths sway in the breeze and romantic city views begin to unfold. You’ll dine in a room rich with nostalgia and cinematic history; scenes from the acclaimed Cuban film Fresa y Chocolate were filmed here. Or head up one more flight to the rooftop bar and jazz venue for La Guarida Sessions, Havana’s best Friday night live music series. There, you'll enjoy breathtaking skyline views, a dedicated cigar-smoking room, and an atmosphere that effortlessly blends sophistication and soul.
And yes, even the bathrooms are worth mentioning—some of the most beautiful you'll find in the country. But La Guarida isn’t just about atmosphere. The food is spectacular, consistently excellent, and served with the kind of attentive service that sets the gold standard in Havana dining.
5.
Calle Aguiar No. 261B between O'Reilly and Empedrado, Old Havana
Named after the Cuban slang word for “feast,” Jama is marked by a glowing neon sign just off Parque Cervantes—a central yet less-traveled square in Old Havana. It’s a delight to find such a hip, high-quality spot for Japanese-inspired ramen, sushi, dumplings, and teppanyaki in the city. Dining here feels like stepping into a fusion of Havana and Los Angeles’ Silver Lake neighborhood—stylish, creative, and effortlessly cool.
The space is artfully designed, featuring a Godzilla mural with neon lighting by artist Requer above the bar, alongside playful and imaginative pieces themed around Bruce Lee.
Also worth mentioning are O’Reilly 304 and El Del Frente, both located nearby and owned by the same restaurateurs, Julio César Imperatori and his brother José Carlos. These three establishments not only push the boundaries of food and design in Havana—they also serve what we consider the city’s best cocktails. Don’t miss their perfectly crafted gin & tonics or mojitos—they’re unforgettable.
7.
217 Malecon, Centro Habana
Right across from the Malecón—the iconic five-mile seawall where locals gather each afternoon to escape the heat, fish, swim, or simply stroll—sits a relatively undiscovered gem: Marechiaro Cocina. Its prime location might be the first thing you notice, but the food is what truly surprises. When I was served a complimentary starter of eggplant sautéed in tomato and garlic alongside their perfect homemade bread, I knew I was hooked before even tasting anything else.
The char on their wood-fired pizza crust takes things to a whole new level, and the flavors hold up to some of the best Italian food we've had—not just in Cuba, but anywhere. Located in Centro Habana right along the Malecón, Marechiaro is a standout. For a more casual experience, check out their sister restaurant, Totò e Peppino Ristorante, in Vedado.
8.
Calle. 35 # 1810, Miramar
Otra Manera offers a modern ambiance, both indoors and out, with a flow and aesthetic reminiscent of Japanese-inspired spaces. The cuisine is a standout example of Asian-Cuban fusion, prepared with near perfection. Start with their delicate house salad and—without question—the ceviche, which was the best I’ve had in Cuba (or anywhere, for that matter).
Tucked inside a residential home in the Miramar neighborhood, Otra Manera makes a great addition to a day out exploring. Pair your meal with a stroll through Parque Almendares, a visit to Fábrica de Arte Cubano, a smoke at the All Mar Cigar Club, or traditional Cuban music spun on vinyl at Fellini Bar.
9.
Calle 240A between 3ra C and Rio Jaimanitas, Havana
If you love fish, it’s well worth the drive outside Central Havana to Santy Pescador. Located on a wooden deck above the Rio Jaimanitas, the laid-back, waterfront setting is ideal for enjoying freshly caught seafood from the nearby Mariel port. The atmosphere is peaceful and unpretentious, and the preparation of the catch is consistently excellent.
Though slightly removed from Havana’s urban center, Santy Pescador pairs beautifully with a visit to nearby attractions like Fusterlandia, ISA (Instituto Superior de Arte), Finca Marta, the Latin American School of Medicine, or one of the many embassies in the area.
For something lighter—or when you want to skip the time and calorie commitment that many Havana restaurants require—a sandwich, salad, or bowl of garbanzos at Santy can really hit the spot.
10.
1st Avenue No. 2206 between 22nd and 24th, Miramar
Located in a mid-century modern home with sweeping views of the Havana seafront and a piano-shaped swimming pool, Vistamar is a favorite spot to catch the ocean breeze while enjoying high-quality Cuban cuisine inspired by the sea. Its name—Vistamar, meaning “sea view”—says it all, and the seafood lives up to the promise. The lobster is generously portioned and perfectly cooked, while the eggplant lasagna appetizer is a standout favorite of mine. Like Cinco Sentidos and Otra Manera, Vistamar also prepares an extraordinary ceviche.
Service is consistently gracious, and the staff is attentive to dietary restrictions. One of the oldest paladares on our list, Vistamar has been serving guests since 1996—opening during Cuba’s challenging Special Period—and has managed not only to endure, but to thrive.
Testimonials
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“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
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“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
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“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
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“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
