Puros Y Vino Posted October 25, 2018 Posted October 25, 2018 OP: Jose ak Punch Joe via @El Presidente Link to Original Thread. Notes: This definitely belongs in ReFOHrence. And while it is a bit dated, that can be remedied easily. If anyone has any updated info on the existing list or new entries that should be added, please contact a mod and provide the details. TopTen Private restaurants in Havana (Part one) byPunch Joe There are a lot of things going on at the moment and one of these is the boom of private business, particularly thosein the gastronomic segment so it's my duty to leave some comments on the new and the already established ones. I will be more focused on the first ones. It's simply a guide of where to eat in Havana nowadays spiced with fun. J! No ratings such as the Michelin star system but this guide will come in handy whenever you decide to visit them. In no way means that I have tried them all, but many have been honored to count me as a customer and this map only compiles those doing serious stuff, with a highly professional service, top quality food, innovative cuisine in keeping with fusion trends, personalized attention, excellent décor that I strongly recommend my mates to visit. Hope this could be useful for you all. 1. La Guarida. A must. Cuba's most famous restaurant which re-openedon December 2010. Remains the hippest, best restaurant in Havana. Amazing foodin a charming place. One word: authenticity. The wine list is impressive fromone end to another. Probably the greatest no matter if it may look like you areentering Inglewood or the Bronx. Don't pay attention to that. J Bookingsessential. Every taxi driver knows the place so it's recommended to get a cab toget there. His owner Enrique is a great host and loves smoking cigars. Address:Concordia No 418 e/ Gervasio y Escobar, Centro Habana Tel: + 53 7 866 9047 [email protected] www.laguarida.com 2. La Cocina de Liliam (Lilliam's cuisine) A cigar friendlyrestaurant. One of my favorites for long lunchs. The place is full ofantiques Beautiful patio with an Italiandécor and the tropical gardens birds, Japanese coy in the There's also a dining room indoors forbig reservations and private dinners. Wine list is amazing Top quality service. Bad news they are closed on Sundays and Mondays since last June. Booking in advance is recommended. Address: 48 St No 1311 e/ 13 y 15,Miramar, Playa. Hours: 12:00 m – 3:00 p.m. and 7:00p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Tel: + 53 7 209 6514 (home) + 53 5 2925754 (mobile) Website: being renovated at the moment. 3. La Fontana Once again: The food, the service, the bar, the fun. Much better outdoors. We have been speaking about it in a previous thread. The wedding at La Fontana. Booking in advance is recommended. Address: 46 St and 3ra A, No 305Miramar, Playa. Owners: Horacio and Ernesto Tel: + 53 7 202 8337 Web: www.lafontanahavana.info 4. La Moraleja Restaurant LAMORALEJA Restaurant Paladar Hours: from 12:00 m to midnight. Calle 25 No 454 e/ J e I,Vedado, Plaza, Havana. Tel: + 53 7 832 0963 (home) + 53 5 2707298 and + 53 5 243 7469 (mobile) Email: [email protected] Webpage: under construction 5. Habana Chef Habana Chef restaurant Address: Calle 24No 360 e/ 21 y 23 St. Vedado. Havana. Hours: 12:00 m – 12:00 p.m. All days. Tel: + 53 7 830 1410 Facebook: www.habanachef.com Webpage: in progress. 6. Café Laurent Address: Calle Me/ 19 y 21St. Vedado. Havana. Hours: 12:00 m – 12:00 p.m. All days. Owners: Lorenzo and Jose Tel: +53 7 831 2090 and 832 6890 E-mail: [email protected] 7. El Gijonés Under the patronage of the Federation of Asturian Society of Cuba and member of the Havana Gourmet restaurants, El Gijones opened doors a year ago and since then, has been captivating patrons with its gourmet food. On the way up, you will be escorted by a host waitress. Or should I say…hot? Never mind. The building is overwhelming and was built by Asturians to have a Society called Centro Asturiano club gathering all Lateron, the American Consulate was based here before the Revolution. The bar at the bottom floor has undergone an amazing work of restoration and is scheduled to be opened very soon. with all the original woods, freezers and Pullman chairs. There's also a place reserved for a small jazz band. In the second floor the cigar friendly Bar Oviedo and the new restaurant due to be opened very soon are located.Friday and Saturday nights bands perform live until midnight and the party continues later at the bar. A great night out. Right now my favorite thing to do is going to the top floor. The view of the Havana city is spectacular. There, at La Terraza restaurant at the roof top, you can try an ample variety of dishes but the lamb leg is simply something beyond your imagination. Ask whatever comes across your mind from the grill. Chef Lucio is there to please you. No wonder they have gained a vast recognition in so little time. Address: Prado # 309 and Virtudes, OldHavana Hours: from 12:00 m - 12:00 p.m. Tel: + 53 7 862 3625 / 862 3626 Bookings: [email protected] Web: www.havana-gourmet.com 8. Doctor Café (Healing body and spirit) Owned by a family with a medical school background whose goal is healing body and soul through the food they supply. Conceived as a mom-and-pop restaurant is a great place for a long lunch. Good idea is to sit outside and have a cigar while your meal is being created. Specially designed for those who love being surprised by the allures of both Cuban food and international cuisine. Withfifteen years under its belt, this bistro has built close ties with patrons that keep coming back time and again to wallow in its top-quality proposals,the art of its chefs and the distinctive ability to choose the way you want your meal to be cooked. Get crazy with the grilled octopus, the squid in ink,the sea snails and many more. There, in Miramar, a place called Dr. Cafe welcomes everybody to show how healthiness, art and gastronomy come together. Address: Calle 28 No 111 e/ 1st and 3rdAvenue. Miramar, Playa. Havana Hours: from 12:00 m to 12:00 p.m. Tel: + 53 7 2034718. +53 5 281 8263 www.drcafehabana.com 9. El Atelier Address: Calle5ta No 511 (upstairs) e/ Paseo y 2. Vedado. Havana Tel: + 53 7 8362025 10. La Carboncita (Forza Italia!) Don't get fooled by the modest dining area. In my personal opinion, the best pizzas in Havana to date. I have tried all pizzerias at China Town, those reputed pizzas at the Melia Habana and Melia Cohiba Hotels, the Pachy's pizzas, State-owned Pizza Novas and El Farallón (the second best). That's the only reason that I included them here in the top ten. Born 8 months ago when new licenses were granted for the private initiative as a small cafeteria with a huge grill at the entrancewhile serving everything from fish to seafood a la plancha and good news it's that now they have grown bigger becoming a Pizzeria as well. Crusty pizzas like nowhere else, pesto, and varieties of cheese, pasta, creams, focaccias, bread...etc. Maybe an Italian-born relative is behind this business. Mark my words: True Italian Pizzas. Address: 3rd Avenue e/ 38 y 40. Miramar. Playa. Tel: (Ooops, lost the number) just pop in on my behalf. Ja-já The owner Alejandro is the intellectual behind. Top notch kitchen appliances and other devices. Still working on the details for the Grand Opening in early November. It will be the one and only serving macrobiotic, dietetic, organic food for everyone. If it's healthy food you are after, this will be the place. Not to be missed. Address: Calle 11 e/ 64 y 66. Playa. Havana Tel: + 53 7 209 5780 Vistamar A charming house with a great view. Actually, the peculiar design of this house is still mentioned in architecture books as a token of harmony and functionality. You can choose to have lunch either by the infinite pool or inside the house. Also a terrace available. Decent prices and very good service. Address: 1st Avenue No 2206 e/ 22 y24. Miramar, Playa. Havana Hours: from 12:00 m to 12:00 p.m. Tel: + 53 7 2038328 www.paladarvistamar.com La Casa Another cigar friendly place. Some say it had its golden years a while ago. Alejandro, his owner, thinks different.They are offering a wide selection of meat and wines. A very intimate place fora relaxed dinner in the middle of the Nuevo Vedado Metropolitan area. Address: Calle 30No 865 e/ 26 y 41. NuevoVedado. Havana Hours: from 12:00 m to 12:00 p.m. Tel: + 53 7 881 7000 Pizzeria El Farallón. Reborn after a few years closed. Back in 1998, they were regarded as the best pizzeria in town. Located in a dead end by the curve on 23rd St. Italian and Cuban cuisine. Pizza al Pesto is my favorite. They also have lobster special and pork ribs. The plus: Take away and order delivery services. Address: Calle 23y 22. No 361. Vedado. Havana Tel: + 53 7 8305187 E-mail: [email protected] www.elfaralloncuba.com Casa Blanca Recently opened it has already become a landmark in Kohly, the residential neighborhood conveniently located on the hilltop overlooking the Metropolitan Forest in Havana. It wasn't named after that classical movie where Bogart and Bergman were shining on the screen. The proprietor is Mrs. Rosemary Rubal and his Chef Roberto Martinez tries very hard to impress guests by offering new and imaginative recipes. The setting, a roomy garden surrounded by the lush greenery of ferns and other tropical plants, provides a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy imaginative dishes made of fresh fruits and vegetables andhealthy, natural products. A cozy dining space, with dim lights and a nice atmosphere. I have never eaten there but I was told that is not pricey and the food is exquisite based on simple yet inspiring courses combining almonds, honey, raisins, olives, balsamic vinegar and Cuban rums to give a magic touch to them. Address: Ave 49 and 34thSt. No 3401. Kohly, Playa Municipality. Tel: + 53 7 203 7232 E-mail: [email protected] El Decamerón It resembles the typical Mom-and-Pop Bistro.Surrounded by relics from the past such as musical instruments, ancient typewriters, water filters, stylish lamps, old doorknockers, but above all the old timed masterpieces in ebony hanging from the wall. The owner, Mrs Niuska Miniet Diaz, says that the place has become an oasis of peace and pleasure in the bustling Vedado area. Words that sounds true since it's just a few blocks away from the Melia Cohiba Hotel. Founded in the early 90's in the middle of the boom of Paladars, and after a three years hiatus, has now resurged from the ashes likea phoenix with new proposals and roaring energy...and higher prices. L The main specialty of the house is genuine Cuban food but they offered an international menu as well. It will be a sin, not to try the cassava empanadas stuffed with crab and sugarcane syrup or the sword fish marinated with pineapple and radish vinegar. All products are fresh and natural, marked by the simplicity yet clung to the current trends that underscore the legitimate tastes and aromas. Address: CalleLinea No 753 e/ Paseo y 2. Vedado, Havana. Tel: + 53 7 83224 44 E-mail: [email protected] F: www.facebook.com/RestauranteDecameron Bom Apetite Another pizzeria in Playa municipality. Little more than 6 blocks from the northern shoreline and pretty close to the city's major hotel area, this puzzling place –currently undergoing an expansion project that will include a well-thought lobby bar- gives regulars the opportunity to revelin one of the island nation's most refined cocktail assortments and a convenience take home service. A well deserved recognition in Pastas and Pizzas and aside from that; they also serve different dishes at the Grill. The pros: Take away service and appropriate furnishings using bricks and wood resembling a Cuban colonial style. The cons: a bit expensive regarding others offering same quality. The catch: 24/7 everyday. For big groups, it's best booking in advance over the phone. Address: Calle 11 No 7210 e/72 and 74. Playa, Havana. Open 24/7 Tel: + 53 7 203 3634 www.paladar-bom-apetite.4t.com Castropol (RestauranteGourmet-Bar-Parrillada-Videobar-Salon Reservado) The view from the terrace facing the Malecon sea drive is astonishing. Also part of the Federation of Asturian Society of Cuba. Professional service. Featuring a one-of-a-kind barbecue. Food is great and so are wines. They have a humidor inside but smoking is only allowed outside at the terrace. Great for late lunches or early dinners beforenight fall. Very chic and romantic. Also opened a hall for nightly functions. Address: Malecon St. No 107 e/ Crespo y Genios Havana Hours: from 12:00 m to 12:00 p.m. Tel: + 53 7 861 4864 Pizzeria El Diluvio Forno a legna! Creole and Italian food. Lasagnas and raviolis are very good. Address: Calle72 No 1705 e/ 17 y 19. Playa. Havana Hours: from 12:00 m to 11:00 p.m. Tel: + 53 7 2021531 E-mail: [email protected] El Carruaje Opened early this year by the couple of Mirka and Raoul. It's marked by a harmonic balance between décor and the surrounding natural beauty, coupled with a variety of spaces for customers to be at ease in such places. Mirka's cooking take patrons aback for its attractive fusion style in which international cuisine and the finest Cuban food are combined. Timely cooking, unmatched tastes and top-of-the-line service are reasons to keep coming to this amazing bistro located a little far from the chaotic central areas but still a choice for those who want to relax in a traditional Cuban place. Address: Calle200 No 2104 e/ 21 y 23. Siboney,Playa. Havana Hours: from 12:00 m to 11:00 p.m. Tel: + 53 7 271 4347 (home) + 53 5 2635144 (Mobile) E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Gringo Viejo Pretty close to 23rd St andG Avenue at El Vedado. Cozy, peculiar, genuine to the bones is the motto of this place. Founded over 15 years ago in the crazy days of the paladar boom of the 90's and still alive and kicking. Inthe words of his owner, Mr. Omar Gonzalez, this paladar keeps seducing customers with the best Cuban food money can buy. Eclectic decoration is noticed upon walking past the threshold featuring old country lamps, film posters, ceramic jars and wood shelves. Some dishes have gained certain reputation such as the boiled chicken in pineapple sauce or the beef tail stew or maybe the strawberry scented rabbit which is a favorite among many. Omar is one of a kind character, a self entitled alchemist who loves to spend time at the kitchen creating new recipes and combining flavors. The Wild West style, with cowboys,hombres and adventures, music oldies from the 60's through the 80's and the purest Cuban syncretism, this place harbors makes Gringo Viejo a one and only spot in the neck of the woods. Open all days from 12:00 m to 11:00p.m. Address: Calle 21No 454 e/ E y F, Vedado. Havana. Tel: + 53 7 831 1946 La Moneda Cubana Featuring a privileged bird's eye view of the highest aesthetic values of the architecture inherited from the colonial times, La Moneda Cubana invites clients to travel in time by the hand of his owner Miguel Angel Morales, the man who has managed to expand the business passed on to him by his Asturian grandfather Ramon Menendez who founded a small business in that very place to provide food and liqueurs to the neighborhood. Alternate shifts but the same chef every day. This restaurant could be one of the runners up in the top ten regarding prices, quality food, service and location. Smokers are welcome. They have some singles for sale at the bar. Claim your ashtray and don't let them take it away. J A gourmet cuisine specialized in seafood from lobster, shrimps, prawns to shellfish and clams. It's like dining in heaven. You may want to stay there forever, especially when your timepiece hits 9:00 p.m. , cigar in hand and be the first to hear the sound of the cannon fired from the fortress nearby. Address:Empedrado No 152 e/ Mercaderes y San Ignacio, Old Havana Tel: + 53 7 861 5304 / + 53 5 264 4713 (mobile) Mamy's Located next to the Cuba's fashion house La Maison, this traditional Cuban food restaurant has been operating over the past 15 years. While the former is the palace where the latest fashion trends are set up, the latter stands for the shrine of genuine Cuban cuisine.Based on the wise advisory of Grandmas that still treasure those wonderful recipes and the world that has beaten the passage of time, Mamy's is there to drive stress off and to make the entire Cuban family feel very much at home. Must try the renowned Mamy's Imperial Chicken, or the fish fillet brushed with olive oil, the smoked pork loins and also the beef stew. Beer and cocktails are present to get you freshen up anytime. Just enjoy. Address: Calle 16 no 708 e/ 7thAvenue and 31 St. Miramar, Playa. Open all days. Hours: from 12:00 m untilyou decide to leave Tel: + 53 7 203 6700 www.mamyspaladar.comli.com Doña Eutimia Next to El Patio Restaurant. Very good seafood at reasonable prices. Service is over the average but not to launch fireworks either. Address: Callejón del Chorro, at thecorner of Cathedral Square. Old Havana. El Hurón Azul (The Blue Ferret) Reopened a while ago after the years of decay and scandal. New owner. Don't know how that happened. What I do know is that the food is now much better than that of the previous reign. Not that I have anything against the old management but the new ones are in keeping with the current trends regarding international cuisine. A contemporary touch to Cuban food and new additions of the most recognized plates of international cuisine to its eye popping lineup. Try the duck a la orange or better ask the rabbit with honey.Wines are also good. Address: Calle Humboldt y P .Vedado Havana Hours: from 12:00 m to 12:00 p.m. Tel: + 53 7 833 3176 and 833 3178 El Guajirito. Calle Zulueta No 658, Old Havana. Very good food. Colonial Decor. Authentic Cuban food.Good service. Paladar Doña Blanquita They say it is Cuban food at its best,homemade taste, homey warmth to all clients. Only the very best for anybody willing to unravel the secret trappings of domestic cuisine. With a marineheart, thoughtful and quite genuine in the nitty-gritty fabrics, for many Doña Blanquita is a token of good cooking and hospitality in this old and luring city. Right in the heart of Old Havana. Mom will love this place. Open all days. From 12:00 m. to 12:00p.m. Address: Prado No158 (upstairs) e/ Refugio y Colón. Havana. Tel: + 53 7 867 4958 Los Nardos (Los Nardos-El Asturianito-El Trofeo) Located across the Capitol Building green areas in the very Prado Promenade., this place is also part of the Federation of Asturian Society of Cuba and offers a wide menu but it is the huge portions served the ones that have gained wide popularity among Cubans. Chefs Isme lNavarro and Angel Ochoa will wipe out all doubts. Italian, Cuban and International cuisine. Good service. Give it a try someday. Come on, let's get chunky. Address: Prado No 563 e/ Teniente Rey y Dragones, Old Havana Hours: from 12:00 m to 11:00 p.m. Tel: + 53 7 863 2985 and 863 5999 Luca's Bar and Grill There's more to East Havana than beaches and discotheques. To prove it, here's Luca's Bar and Grill just 5 minutes ride across the Havana Bay tunnel. The owners Gregorio Nunez and Idian Leon have created an exotic restaurant for those who look for good cuisine and excellent service. Less than one year of operation, their dishes and desserts are backed up by a huge demand and popularity. International and Cuban menu in which the mushroom risotto and the Mascarpone cheese stand out. Address: Calle 15No 13 e/ 2da y 4ta Reparto Guiteras, East Havana Hours: from 12:00 m to 12:00 p.m. Tel: + 53 7 766 2579 E-mail: [email protected] Al Rio – AlFiume (trattoria-ristorante) Recently opened, June 2011 to be precise. Located in the first floor of a building overlooking the Almendares River and the village down across. Ring the doorbell and they will welcome youwith a smile. It's a nice flat that has been re adapted to a trattoria. Quiet atmosphere and good service. They are aware that more work is needed in the months to come but this is only the beginning. Although the specialty is Italian food, (Pastas, Raviolis, Lasagnas and Rissotto Tutto Mare) they have many interesting proposal regarding seafood specials : crabs, shrimps, grilled fish and ceviche among others. Decent menu in which it's claimed that all products used are 100% Italian origin. And Chefs Darien and Fernando will look after you. To me, an affordable yet interesting place to go for a quick lunch or a more relaxed dinner if you are into the Italian cuisine. Address: Calle 47No 1413 e/ 14 y 18 Playa, Havana Hours: from 12:00 m to 12:00 p.m. Tel: + 53 5 3373 4410 / + 53 5 2585455 Punto G Mom-and-Pop restaurant Right there on G Avenue and 17th Street, sommelier Armando Gonzalez and Chef Eduardo Puentes have founded a cafeteria restaurant that dishes out tasty food and a highly professional customized service that brings the very best delight and satisfaction to all. They start early in the morning, that's unusual and very convenient. Menu with the traditional Spanish Paella, seafood, meat, and … surprise: hamburgers, dude! Address: Calle 17 No 360 e/ G y H, Vedado. Havana. From 9:00a.m. 12:00 p.m. Tel: + 53 7 832 8354 El Mariachi. Italian, Cuban and Mexican Food. Service better than average. Beans.Rice. Corn. And a lot of chili. Address: Obrapía No 454 e/ Villegas y Aguacate. Old Havana. Tel: + 53 7 8627677 Flor de Loto (Lien Fa) This restaurant combines the very bes of Cuban food and international cuisine giving consumers a vast assortment of dishes and specialties to choose from. Featuring Asian décor and good service,this restaurant has been operating over the past 10 years when the restoration of the China Town started and its outcomes are well accepted both by regular sand visitors. Address: CalleSalud No 313 e/ Gervasio y Escobar. Centro Habana. Barrio Chino. Tel: + 53 7 8608501 Paladar La Esperanza Only for suppers and is mandatory to book over the phone. What? Operating in a nice-looking beach house 25 meters away from the shoreline. I wonder how they have managed to keep it going. A decent menu with some wines but to me rather uninspiring at the moment with the rebirth of great paladars and the addition of some new ones. It's like you are on your forties and still listening to Rick Springfield, if ever did.What is wrong? More cons than pros definitely. On the long run, they shall be extinct if not moving ahead taking into account all the new boys raising the bar every single day. Got the picture? Address: Calle 16 No 105 e/ 1stand 3rd Avenue. Miramar, Playa. Hours: from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Closed on Sundays Owners: Hubert and Manolo J To pledge call: + 53 7 202 4361 La Paila Less than a mile away from Tropicana.Still in operation but with new chefs. Not what they used to be 5 years agow hen they started off but trying hard to get the whole spirit of creativity back. Good quality. Cuban food is the reason for many to go there. Look for the specials. Order some chickpeas with ham and vegetables to share. Hours: Only from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Address: Calle 88 B and 51 A St. Marianao Tel: + 53 7 267 0282 (Home) + 53 5 2855015 (mobile) El Palio A link between Cuban food and the most traditional cuisine in a seafront location, another spot in Havana where patrons can also enjoy Italian food if that's what they are after. Address: Calle 24 and 1stAve. No 2402. Playa. Miramar. Hours: from 12:00 m. to 11:00 p.m. Tel: + 53 5 293 5842 Nerei For those who are in a hurry and need to grab something to keep going. Cuban food mostly. Address: Calle 19esq. L, Vedado.Havana Hours: from 12:00 m. to 12:00 p.m. 1
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