Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Havana

Piscolabis is probably the name that pops into your head if you think vintage Cuban artifacts and sculpted works. Located on the bustling San Ignacio street, the shop functions as an antique store, as well as offering a quaint coffee shop. If you happen to be in Old Havana, stop by Piscolabis to shop for some old-school yet exquisite home decor items, quirky accessories, apparel, and other knick knacks. The outlet is wonderfully done up with bright lights and large displays, making it easy for you to browse through its extensive selection. Most of the merchandise on display is the work of Havana's skilled artisans and craftsmen. The on-site cafe serves delicious Cuban lattes, brewed with various traditional ingredients. Munch on some peppery snacks or gulp down lush fruit smoothies as you shop for wacky wall decor pieces and ceramic items at this one-of-a-kind shop.

One of the most popular restaurants in Havana, El Chanchullero offers delicious tapas and Cuban cuisine. Among the mouthwatering menu items are dishes like pork fricassee, chicken skewers, and garlic shrimp. The equally enticing drinks menu boasts all your favorite island cocktails. Local specialities include Cuba Libres and mojitos though you'll also find beer, wine, sangria, and non-alcoholic beverages like coffee and fruit juice on the menu. Meals are often accompanied by traditional music, creating a vibrant ambiance for patrons. With so much to offer, it's no wonder that El Chanchullero attracts such a trendy scene.

La Guarida is one of is one of the most famous restaurants in Cuba. This three-room, third-floor eatery awaits discovery behind the Spanish walls of an 18th-century townhouse, which served as the set of the the 1995 Oscar-nominated film 'Fresa y Chocolate' before becoming the iconic restaurant that it is today. Start your meal at La Guarida with treats like tangy gazpacho or snapper in a beurre blanc sauce while perusing the wine list for a vintage to pair with your entree. After, enjoy desert and a famous Havana cigar, which are available to diners who double as cigar aficionados.

Named after its chef and owner, San Cristobal Paladar is located in the heart of Havana. The interiors of this beautiful restaurant will transport you decades back in time. The decor consists of old posters, artifacts, and vintage furniture, all of which will help make your visit more memorable. San Cristobal Paladar mainly serves modern adaptations of traditional Cuban fare like patron-favorite cerdo asado, or roast pork. Seal the meal with a delectable dessert like the San Cristobal pudding. Great food, service, and ambiance, this is definitely a restaurant worth trying when in Havana.

Established in the former home of Cuban filmmaker Rafael Rosales, Madrigal embraces artistry from its creative decor to its bohemian ambiance. Walk in and you'll see movie banners decorating the walls, sound umbrellas used as lampshades, and film memorabilia galore. On the menu at Madrigal are shareable tapas that are bursting with flavor and cocktails that will tickle your tastebuds. A great place to rewind, relax, and catch up with friends, this trendy hotspot can also be rented out for private events. Please note that Madrigal is cash only.

Thanks to its luxuriously decorated dining rooms, this restaurant offers the conscientious diner a taste of pre-revolutionary Havana. Though a major selling point, the decor is not everything at Restaurante Café del Oriente. You'll be thrilled to find that the service and cuisine also meet, or even exceed, your expectations. Among the finest dining in the city, the elegant ambiance at this premier restaurant is complemented by candlelight, which accentuates the intimate feel. There is full à la carte that makes room for both international and Cuban dishes, and the latter should definitely not be missed. To top it all off, the wine list at Restaurante Café del Oriente is as delicious as it is impressive.