You shall not leave Havana without visiting one of its private restaurants known as “Paladars”. These are one of the few private businesses the government has authorized to Cubans and some of them are really excellent. We recommend the following:

Paladar “La Cocina de Lilliam”.

The most beautiful garden restaurant in Havana with some of the best food you can find in the city. Lilliam Dominguez the cook has turned her house into a lush, romantically lighted garden where dinners sit on comfortable wrought-iron chairs. I recommend you to try “Ropa Vieja”, a traditional Cuban dish prepared with lamb meat simmered so long it falls into shreds (traditionally it is made with beef, but private restaurants are not permitted to serve beef. It is reserve to state owned restaurants). The Garbanzo beans are also recommended. The house has been nicely decorated with antiques. Ask for a tour. The most distinguished visitors of Havana have visited the restaurant. President Carter is between the many distinguished personalities who have enjoyed “La Cocina de Lilliam”. Address: Calle 48 No. 1311 entre 13 y 15. Playa. Phone: 537-2096514

Restaurant “La Mina”

Located at the corner of the "Plaza de Armas" and with the fresh air coming from the bay, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the most genuine Cuban menus: a "Mojito" Cocktail / Black Beans/ White Rice/ Roasted Pork with Cuban flavour/ Tamales with burnt meat/ Homemade desserts and "Cubita" Coffee. Address: Obispo No. 111 esq. a Oficios, Plaza de Armas. Opening Hours: From 10:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs. Average Price: $ 15.00 USD. Cuisine Type: Cuban.

Restaurant “La Bodeguita del Medio”.

Just off Havana's Cathedral square, in the city's historic centre, there is a place that no one ever misses: La Bodeguita del Medio -or just La Bodeguita. La Bodeguita del Medio owes its fame to the fact that for many years it was a meeting place for intellectuals, artists and Havana's bohemia, to the spontaneous character that has distinguished it since its opening in the 1940s, to the simplicity of its Creole food and to the total absence of etiquette and courtly ceremonies. La "Bodeguita" is followed by a history that is rich with the stories of those who frequented it. Their presence is still felt in every detail; photographs, different objects brought from everywhere and left there, and even in the mixed graffiti of its walls, that are so abundant that they have turned “La Bodeguita” into its own cathedral. Address: Empedrado No. 206 e/ Cuba y San Ignacio, Habana Vieja. Opening Hours: From 11:30 hrs to 01:00 hrs. Average Price: $ 15.00 USD. Cuisine Type: Cuban.

Paladar “La Guarida”.

Up three long flights of poorly lighted stairs in an old beauty of a building is one of the most famous Havana’s paladars. La Guarida was the setting for several scenes in the Oscar nominated film “Fresa y Chocolate.” Pictures of movie stars, tables lighted with dripping red candles create an ambience that recalls The Havana of the 1920’s. The Spanish royal family visited this restaurant. Address: Calle Concordia No. 318 entre Gervasio y Escobar. Centro Habana. Phone: 537- 624940

Restaurant "EL PATIO"

El Patio" is housed in a beautiful 17th century residence, the former Palace of "Marques de Aguas Claras". Enjoying the charming views of the majestic surroundings, it is the ideal location for receptions and special celebrations. Address: San Ignacio No. 54 esq. Empedrado, Plaza de la Catedral, Habana Vieja. Opening Hours: From 11:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs. Average Price: $ 20.00 USD. Cuisine Type: International, Cuban.

Paladar “Gringo Viejo”.

Hidden behind an iron gate is a quirky little place called Gringo Viejo, featuring a large movie poster of the Old Gringo himself, Gregory Peck. , the famous black beans and rice dish of Cuba. Address: Calle 21 No. 454e entre E y F. Vedado. Phone: 537-326150