Paladares, Havana

It was really interesting seeing how architecture evolves due to the climate. If you go into restaurants in Cuba, you'll immediately notice the wide open courtyards, big windows and tall shades. In the early afternoon, it's usually very warm outside, and big open courtyards promote big breezes. The restaurant I was in had one of these open courtyard styles.

Favorite Dish: You can't really get beef in Cuba, due to the trade restrictions, so you'll either be eating pork or chicken if you eat meat. Beans are a staple of the Cuban people as well.

I had a really tasty chicken plate, complete with beans and rice.

Paladar Torresson is on the second floor of a building at the East end of Malecon, overlooking the sea front. The tables are actually on the balcony and the ones near the edge offer a superb view.

Favorite Dish: The fish dish is usually nice.

There are two types of restaurants in Havana. The state owned ones that offer bland food at high prices or the small family run ones called paladares.

Each paladar is a small family affair and is legally restricted to 12 seats so they are not good for big parties. However, they are where you will get the best value for money because the people working there have a genuine interest in making sure you leave happy and come back.

However, make sure you ask for the price of meals and drinks first and walk out if it amounts to more than US$15

Favorite Dish: Paladares offer very little choice. It is usually limited to dishes of beans and rice with pork, chicken or fish. They are legally not allowed to offer beef, shrimps or lobster in order not to compete with state run restaurants but they might still do nonetheless so ask for the specials.

This is a great place to eat lunch or dinner. Part of a large Spanish colonial style house built in 1937, its green, lush garden, full of ferns and small palms, is bliss in the warm, humid Cuban weather. The food is hearty and flavorful, including such starters as roasted chickpeas mixed with pieces of ham, sausage and tomatoes, and a simple bruschetta topped with tuna. The pork loin rolled and stuffed with dates, peanuts, ham and sausage was delicious although extremely filling. Lilliam even offers a nice selection of wine from Spain's reliable producer Torres.

An excellent Italian private restaurant near the Neptuno and Comodoro hotels in Miramar features extra-fresh fish, grilled meats and a selection of pastas. An inviting garden patio and full bar contribute to an enjoyable experience.

This second story restaurant in an opulent Vedado colonial mansion is one of Havana's top paledars. Prices are excellent, atmosphere a romantic reminder of times past. Service is friendly but slow, and the food good. Call ahead; when we stopped by in July 2000, it was being renovated.

Favorite Dish: The seafood is good

This paladar offers a good atmosphere and large portions of invariably brilliant food. There is a good menu. It's open from 1-11 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Its walls also show pictures of important people who have dined in this place.

Favorite Dish: Barbecue lobster with hot sauce and salad.

The film "Fresa y Chocolate" was partly shot at this place. Now is a trendy restaurant, although still inexpensive (the specialty of the house is "cherna caimanero" or red snapper. The house walls show many Hollywood stars who have dined here, including Jack Nicholson. It's open 7:00 p.m. to midnight; reservations are recommended.

Favorite Dish: I like everything they cook. My favority dish is barbecue fish with salad and wine.

Beside the traditional restaurants, you may find the so-called 'paladar'. These are privately managed by common people in their own houses, it's difficult to say which are the best as theyare continuosly changing due to the severe restriction sthe Governement imposes (very high taxes, for examples).
Many of them are situated n the Vedado area, where nice villas of past times may be found overwhelemed by the trees and shrubs.

One of my favorite restaurants (Paladars) in Havana is
'Huron Azul'.
I´ve been there, this place rocks people!!!
The service is ***** stars, and the food is great!!!!
The prices are just fine, but the best thing there is the Saloon keeper, Fanck. This guy is cool!!
Just jump by!!!
Never listen to the touts in the streets, they´ll tell you the place is closed or expensive because Huron Azul pays them no commission!!!
SOON I´ll include a map to get there !!

Favorite Dish: Pescado Bashangay! (Fish Bachangay!)
Pollo Bombay con Kur! (Chicken Bombay with Kur!)
People, you have to try this!!!!