Rampa (La) (Breakfast & Brunch)

Of all the numerous cafeterias in the Vedado district, this is one of the biggest. It occupies an end section on the ground floor of the Habana Libre Hotel, on the corner of 23rd and L Streets, which is why it is normally so busy. In the relatively short time that it has been functioning, the establishment has gained a reputation for its quality service, pleasant ambience, and the extensive selection on its menu, probably one of the best you will find in this type of eatery. The decoration of the spacious dining area is enhanced by glass walls, along with the clean-cut, modern looking, wooden tables and chairs. The serving counter is at the back, and customers have a choice of breakfasts, sandwiches, Italian dishes, fruit juices, soft drinks, malt drinks and practically all the brands of beer available in Havana. - Hotel Habana Libre >>

• Address: Hotel Habana Libre Tryp, 23 esquina L Vedado La Habana Tel: +53 7 334011 Fax: +53 7 333141
• Open: 24 hours daily

Rampita (La) (Breakfast & Brunch)

Similar to other outdoor restaurants in Havana, this one is located in the centre and offers a wide variety of snacks and drinks to choose from. The establishment is found set back from the pavement, which does make it a little hard to spot, but with the advantage of making the place more secluded and private. Customers have a view of 23rd Street, the busiest thoroughfare in the Vedado district, as well as of the gardens of the Coppelia ice cream parlour. There are various tables available shaded from the sun by a canopy, with the grill and serving counter at the back. The menu includes fried chicken, hot dogs, sandwiches, pizza, soft drinks, malt drinks and beer, serving a clientele made up of mainly passers-by.

• Address: 23 entre L y M Vedado La Habana
• Open: 24 hours daily

Rancho Palco

Localized in a residential area, right around the corner of the Palacio de Convenciones and in the middle of a tiny tropical rain forest. This popular restaurant which rural decoration still conserves a touch of elegance, combines international and local (criollo) kitchen. We prefer the second option with a range of very tasty dishes based on shrimps, the “Tasajo de res” (beef) and a fantastic “Rabo encendido” (oxtail). Acceptable prices.

• Address: Avenida 19 esquina a 140, Cubanacan. La Habana. Tel: (7) 2089346

• Address: Calle 17, e/ 8 y 10Habana Vedado

• Address: Calle Habana #405, e/ Obispo y Obrapia, Habana Vieja

Rincón Criollo

The house is situated in Villa Panamericana, 7 km away from Old Havana. They offer plain creole food and moderate prices. Good food quality and clientele satisfaction mostly garanteed.

• Address: Hotel Panamericano Resort. Ave Central e/ A y B, Cojímar. Tel: (7)338544

Rincón de Elegguá (El)

• Address: Calle Aguacate #257, entre Obispo y Obrapía

Roca (La)

Thanks to its design this is one of the most attractive restaurants in the Vedado district, with walls formed by coloured glass panels, which give the interior a multi-coloured lighting effect. Beside the entrance there is a fountain and staircase, that leads to a spacious dining room with a wooden ceiling. Although the food here is not as traditional as in some other establishments in Old Havana, the menu offers a good international selection, and they even welcome serving suggestions, such as for lobster, for example. There are also a choice of meat, fish and shellfish dishes. Like the rest of the surrounding restaurants, the place only really becomes busy at meal times.

• Address: Calle 21 No.102 esquina M Vedado La Habana Tel: +53 7 334501 Fax: +53 7 2430167
• Open: Midday-midnight daily

Roof Garden

Located on the top floor of the Hotel Sevilla, this is one of the finer restaurants in Havana, with arguably the finest setting. The large dining room has a massively high ceiling with intricate bas-relief work and moldings. The room is ringed by floor-to-almost-ceiling windows that are left open in all but the most inclement weather. Marble floors and huge chandeliers complete the ambience. The menu is probably the most adventurous in town, with such entrees as monkfish in a basil-curry sauce, lobster stewed in rum, and leg of lamb with fresh thyme and a coffee-infused sauce. For starters, I recommend the rabbit turrine with a fresh herb and wine jelly. And to finish off the night decadently, go for the profiteroles with ice cream and chocolate sauce. This place is also known as the "Torre del Oro." - Hotel Sevilla >>

• Address: Hotel Sevilla, Calle Trocadero #55, entre Martí (Prado) y Agramonte Tel: 7/866-9046
• Open: Daily 6:30-10:30pm

Ruinas (Las)

Far away from the city center, there is a place called Lenin Park. It has spreading green fields and a gorgeous singular building: Las Ruinas, perfectly in harmony with its environment. When going upstairs, we can see a magnificent Portocarrero¢s stained-glass window. The lobby is considerably wide and surrounded by trees. The food is good and the wine offer is great.

• Address: 100 esq. Cortina de la Presa, Parque Lenin. Tel: (7)578286

Sakura

The first Japanese restaurant in Cuba is situated in one of the Tocororo saloon. Cubanacan is the proprietor interprise and pioneer to offer this unique service together with the Japanese managers. Decoration is plain and elegant, that is to say, adecuate. Cuban chefs are in charge of cooking. Misohiru and Gohan dishes are good; sushis, hako-zushi and tempura exquisite.

• Addres: Calle 18 esquina 3ª, Miramar. La Habana Tel: (7) 2044530

Salón (El) (La Maison)

Set up in a small salon of the famous La Maison. Provided with only a few tables, mostly occupied by clients delighted with the choice they made. Prices are good and the meals are prepared with taste. Between its specialities we recommend its “Pavo al vino” (turkey with wine sauce) and “Pasarela de cerdo” (pig meat). Casual atmosphere.

• Address: Calle 16 nº 701 esq. 7ª, Miramar. La Habana Tel: (7) 2041546

Scherezada (Breakfast & Brunch)

Found at the entrance of the nightclub of the same name, and open twenty-four hours a day, this is a simply decorated place with just a serving counter and three or four tables to sit at. It is a few steps lower than street level, making it a little more intimate. At one end of the establishment there is a billiard table that can be used for a charge. The music they play here is modern, and thanks to the young Cubans who frequent the venue, the atmosphere is lively. To eat and drink there are sandwiches, slices of ham and cheese, soft drinks, beer and bottles of rum.

• Address: Focsa, M esquina 17 Vedado La Habana Tel: +53 7 325531
• Open: 24 hours daily

Select (Le)

• Address: Calle 28, e/5ta Y 7ma Ave, Habana Miramar Playa

Sierra Maestra

It was a very good thing the reopening of the smart and great old restaurant Sierra Maestra at the beginning of 2002. It has a balanced menu and the quality, by now, is quite good. The renewed Sierra Maestra will have to regain its old clientele to achieve the desirable regularity.

• Address: Hotel Tryp Habana Libre. Calle 12 y 23. La Habana

Siete Mares

This well-established restaurant is one of the few to be found in the centre of the Vedado district specialising in fish and shellfish. The simple decor may not be up to the usual tourist standard, but prices are low, and everything is charged for in local currency. Although an indoor establishment, the walls are formed by a sort of wrought iron grill, decorated in a marine theme. A wide choice on the menu includes fillet of fish, seafood, as well as chicken and pork dishes. Other plates include rice with shellfish; rice with black beans; and the “Siete Mares (Seven Seas) house special –layers of chicken, ham, cheese and fish, served with white rice, salad and chips– which you can accompany with either a fruit juice or some locally brewed beer.

• Address: 23 esquina J Vedado La Habana
• Open: Midday-9.45pm daily

Sofía (Breakfast & Brunch)

For some strange reason that nobody has quite put their finger on, this is one of the most popular cafeterias in the Vedado district. Maybe it is because there is a good view of a busy street corner, but at the same time a secluded environment, separated from the public walkway by a surrounding garden. Live Cuban music, well-crafted decoration, especially the woodwork on the walls, and a profusion of tropical plants, may also contribute to the establishment’s success, along with a varied and economic choice of food and drink. Whatever the attraction, the place is full all day long. The menu includes breakfast, consisting of black or white coffee, and fried or scrambled eggs accompanied by sausages; there are also a variety of sandwiches, pizzas, chicken, beer, fruit juice and soft and strong beverages.

• Address: 23 No. 202 esquina O Vedado La Habana Tel:
• Open: +53 7 320740

Taramar

Complex which has two restaurants, bar and disco. The chinese restaurant does not deserve a special mention, but the one of international cousine offers a great quality at low price. Good fish and meat. Located very near to the Playas del Este.

• Address: Via Blanca km. 18,5 . La Habana. Tel: (7) 971097

Tasquita (La)

• Address: Calle Jovellar No. 160 e/ Espada y San Francisco

Terraza (La)

This place is de rigueur for any Hemingway tour of the island. The ghosts of Papa and his pal Gregorio Fuentes are omnipresent here--just saunter through the swinging saloon-style doors and look around. The small restaurant is actually somewhat unable to cope with its fame, but if you get here early or have a firm reservation, you'll enjoy the well-prepared seafood, cool sea breezes, and a great view across the small plaza in Cojímar to the sea without a wait. The seafood paella is pretty good, and the lobster is usually fresh.

• Address: Calle 152 no. 161 Cojimar La Habana Tel: 7/55-9232
• Open: Daily noon-11pm

Tien Tan

The menu offers about 10 different plates to choose from. Good food and service A very popular place, the tables are occupied all the time.

• Address: Cuchillo de Zanja. Centro Habana. Tel: (7) 615478

• Address: Cuchillo #1, Habana Centro

Tocororo (El)

Like its progeny, La Finca, this is a place whose reputation precedes it, and whose actual performance can't quite justify the prices and renown. The food and service are fine, but they don't live up to the fanfare. There's no fixed menu, but if the waiter's suggestions don't hit the mark, ask and they may be able to accommodate you. Most main dishes run between CUC25 and CUC30, with lobster--which you choose from a tank--topping things off at around CUC40 a pop. They sometimes have exotic game here, ranging from ostrich to crocodile. Almost anything can be prepared with whatever sauce or preparation you might desire. The restaurant is housed in an attractive old Miramar mansion, the decor is cluttered and eclectic, with Tiffany lamps, stained glass, assorted hanging plants, and carved parrots dominating the scene. When I last visited they were talking of opening a tapas bar. There's also an attached little sushi bar and restaurant, Sakura, serving traditional and respectable Japanese cuisine.

• Address: Calle 18 #302, esq 3rd, Habana Miramar Tel: Daily noon-midnight
• Open: 7/204-2209

Toro (El)

Restaurants Chain with two locations in Havana City. They serve red meat. Variety, meat cut and different flavors has no parallel in Cuba. Wines from different countries, friendly service and informal ambience are parts of the triumphant offer.

• Address: Hotel St.Johns Calle O #206, entre 23 y 25

Torre (La)

Located on the top floor of the FOCSA building, with glass walls on all sides, this place has arguably the best view in Havana, particularly at night. While the decor is rather dated, the food, under the steady hand of French chef Frank Pecol, is fresh and well prepared. This place is expensive, but it does a better job of justifying its prices than most high-end joints in Havana. While the French cuisine is largely traditional, chef Pecol does show some creativity and a preference for lighter, less creamy sauces. The entire 36th floor here is actually divided in half between this upscale restaurant and rather non-descript bar area with a much simpler menu. If you're only looking to enjoy the view, come have a drink at the bar. Note: The restaurant and bar share a private elevator with an entrance on Calle 17. Be sure to find this elevator, and not the general lifts that service the main building.

• Address: Edificio Focsa, Calle 17, entre M y N Tel: 7/55-3088, 7/832-5650
• Open: Daily noon-midnight

Torre del Mangia (La)

• Address: Av 5E/ 40 y 42, Habana Miramar

Torre de Marfil (La)

Here you can still find one of the original culinary traditions brought to Cuba by some of its early immigrants: Cantonese cuisine, with highlights such as pork Chou Mein and chicken Tip Pan. You will also have the pleasure of being served by descendants of those very first Chinese settlers, who arrived on the island back during the colonial period. An intimate place to eat, it is decorated in red and black tones and traditional Chinese motifs: porcelain statues of Buddha, paper lampshades and wall hangings with Chinese calligraphy. At the back there is a small pagoda, used as a private dining area. Other plates available include chop suey, fried rice and vegetables and shellfish. To accompany your meal there are a selection of local and imported beers, house wine, mineral water and soft drinks.

• Address: Calle Mercaderes #115, entre Obispo y Obrapía Tel : +53 7 571038
• Open: Midday-10pm Mon-Thu; midday-midnight Fri-Sun

Torre de Oro (La)

Located outdoors, and protected from the street by a wall, is this Chinese restaurant. It offers, among other specialities, pork chop suey and chicken tip pan, along with refreshments such as beers, a limited choice of spirits and soft drinks. The table area is fairly plain, with no more decoration other than red sunshades, some pot plants and the serving counter. In the end this is a very simple establishment, almost makeshift if you were, but most pleasant, casual and relaxed.

• Address: Tacón, esquina Empedrado La Habana vieja La Habana 10100
• Open: 24 hours daily

Torresson

• Address: Malecon No. 27 entre Prado y Cárcel

Tres B (Las)

• Address: Calle 21, e/ L y K (Copelia), Habana

Tres Chinitos (Los)

One of the most well-known restaurants of the Chinese neighbourhood.It has a large hall on the first floor, where you can taste native-chinese food without valuable differences, comparing with the others of the zone, although, they are more expensive. It has also a pizzeria, a little cheaper, always very frequented.

• Address: Dragones e/ San Nicolás y Manrique, Centro Habana