Located just 103 miles off the coast of Florida is Cuba, a country with beautiful beaches, a rich history, and interesting restaurants. It’s one of the best places for you to enjoy the authentic Caribbean and Cuban delicacies prepared by the locals. Many of these restaurants not only provide a tasty meal but also live entertainment with music and dancing made for a great dining experience. Here are nine top-rated restaurants across Cuba.
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Saborearte
Anyone looking for delicious food at a low price can pay a visit to Saborearte in Santa Clara. Italian, Ceole, and Cuban delicacies are just some of the types of cuisines available on the menu with prices ranging from $4 to $16. Saborearte is conveniently located just a short walk away from the Museo de Artes Decorativas and other nearby attractions.
La Guarida
For a fine dining experience on the northern end of Havana, check out La Guarida. It’s located inside a 20th-century building and originally opened in 1996 as a paladar that only seated 12 guests, which is a Cuban term that references privately-owned restaurants in people’s homes. Fast forward to today and it’s now a famous business delivering the finest cuisine.
This well-renowned restaurant has won over some notable public figures like Barack Obama, Conan O’Brien, and Paris Hilton – to name just a few. La Guarida’s classics include smoked marlin tacos and provincial rabbit with caponata. Pair your food with the finest wines, smoke a Cuban cigar in the lounge, or enjoy the views overlooking Havana while sipping a cocktail on the outdoor patio.
Casa Mia Paladar
The owners of this authentic Caribbean-Cuban fusion restaurant turned their home (where they were born!) into a go-to locale in Havana. Casa Mia Palada is a reasonably priced restaurant with menu items ranging anywhere from $9 to $20. It’s located along the water and two kilometers from El Malecon, a seawall that stretches eight kilometers along the coast.
Customers enjoy the excellent service and sunset view of the water while dining on the balcony. There’s a variety of cuisine to choose from including the ribs, risotto, and seafood special featuring lobster, shrimp, and fish.
Mojito-Mojito
This authentic Cuban restaurant aims to provide simple, rustic, and authentic recipes both tourists and locals will enjoy. Mojito-Mojito is a one-stop Havana destination that serves up an energetic atmosphere with live music and dancing on top of the great food. The restaurant’s namesake comes from its iconic mojito cocktail selections that claim to be the best in the country.
Mojito-Mojito is located at Plaza Vieja, which is a historic square and tourist attraction located in Old Havana. It’s also not a far walk from the beach, giving you a chance to fill up on grilled shrimp, soups, and other Cuban delicacies before taking a swim.
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Restaurant Villa Lagarto
You can’t get much closer to the water than Restaurant Villa Lagarto. Located on the tip of La Punta – a beach area in Cienfuegos – this restaurant is the Caribbean and Cuban grill. The covered patio has an open view of the water, giving you a boat-like dining experience without having to step foot on a watercraft. Customers compliment Restaurant Villa Lagarto for its views, but also the fun decor and tasty food. The prices are reasonable and everything is freshly made.
El Romero
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option in the Las Terrazas region of Cuba, pay a visit to El Romero, which is located about an hour west of Havana. This restaurant offers authentic Cuban meals that are vegetarian and vegan-friendly. This is a rare find in Cuba given the country’s popular dishes mainly feature meat. Instead, enjoy flavorful menu items like soup, tortillas, beans, and rice.
Sol & Son
Sol & Son has got those covered who are in need of a place to eat, drink and stay in the city of Trinidad. This is an ideal spot for tourists looking for a hostel to sleep at night since it also happens to have a restaurant and bar. Plus, tours are available through the establishment. Settle for dinner in the ivy-clad courtyard under the moonlight or enjoy Cuban cocktails at the bar. Since Cuba was once under Spanish ruling for centuries, the menu provides traditional Cuban food with a fusion of Spanish and Caribbean flavors. The chefs slow cook the meals in the open kitchen using charcoal to ensure the food absorbs the spices. You’ll also be entertained with a band playing music right up until the restaurant closes at 11 PM!
St. Pauli
With tons of positive reviews and a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, St. Pauli makes itself the number one Caribbean restaurant in Santiago de Cuba. Customers love the large portions and variety provided on the menu. It includes local delicacies, with plenty of options for meat lovers and vegetarians. The building itself is decorated with unique artwork and located near the center of town on a pedestrian street.
Finca Paraiso Agroecologica
For a change in location from the sandy beaches, check out Finca Paraiso Acroecoligca. It’s a family-run business located on the outskirts of Viñales on an organic farm. Everything you’re eating on the menu is carefully grown, picked, and cooked by chefs on-site to give you authentic Cuban food and cocktails straight from the farm. It’s also affordable, with each person dining for 15 CUC each.
To say you’ll be getting dinner with a view is an understatement. Previous customers have admired the picturesque views of the farm, greenery, and nearby mountains. Taking a bit of a detour off the beaten path to make it here will be worth it once you see the landscape and eat the family-style delicacies. Just make sure to book a reservation in advance to guarantee your spot in the dining room.
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