We will share with you some of our favourite spots in Cuba to eat and drink. When preparing for our trip to Cuba, we read several travel blogs and talked with people that went there, and no one seemed that excited about Cuban food. Fortunately, we were pleasantly surprised by the country’s rich culinary scene and we were lucky to try fresh and delicious foods for most days.
Ideally, you should already check for eating spots (like reading this blog) before you go to Cuba. If you stay in Casas Particulares or homestays, you can always ask the owners for tips on where to eat outside. But we really had some of the best meals at these Casas.
Don’t expect to find places to eat or drink coffee the same way as in Europe or North America. There are fewer options in Cuba that might not be the same as the ones in your home country. Nonetheless, you will have a tasty and mouth-watering trip, especially if you stay at Casas Particulares, where you will be very well-served.
Overall, we found Cuban food to be tasty, fresh, and worth trying. Alright, enough with that..time to dig in..
What are some traditional Cuban Dishes and drinks?
No trip to Cuba is complete without trying traditional Cuban dishes like Ropa Vieja, Moros y Cristianos (black beans and white rice), fresh lobster, and of course the “liquid diet” – Mojitos!
Some common dishes we had while in Cuba were…
- Ropa Vieja or “old clothes” is a slow-cooked beef dish with onions, peppers, and tomatoes. On our trip, we tried two different versions of this dish, which can come with different types of meat (lamb, pork, or beef). You can try a really nice Ropa Vieja at a restaurant in Havana called “La Guarida” – expensive but the food was great.
- Moros y Cristianos (Moros refers to the black beans, and Cristianos to the white rice) is a mix of rice and black beans that usually accompanies other main dishes. We ate that a lot during our trip, mostly as a side dish. It felt quite wholesome.
- Fried plantains or Tostones were really tasty smashed fried banana snacks we had with every meal in Casas Particulares.
Food budget: is food expensive in Cuba?
The cost of food in Cuba can range from super cheap (€10 per meal per person with drinks) to very expensive (€50 per meal per person with drinks). It really depends on where you eat. Overall, we found prices to be similar to Europe when eating out and cheaper when eating in Casas Particulares.
List of places to eat in Cuba
1.Casas Particulares – by far the best value for money. Everything was fresh, in big portions, and the owners were always amiable wanting to make sure we were well-fed. We paid in all of the casas particulares, 10€ per meal, which included a main dish (usually 1-3 options), starters, side dishes, fresh fruit juice, dessert, and coffee. Not all Casas charge the same, when we talked with other tourists they were charged more, €20 per meal (Tip: ask the price before you decide to have the meal there). For €5, we had quite a generous breakfast that will last you for most of the day until dinner time.
2. Street food is the cheapest food you can get, but not necessarily the best. It is worth trying snacks like “chimbarrico”, a type of fried dough snack, very crunchy and tasty – we paid 50 CUP (ca. 50 cents) or you can always try the local pizzas. We didn’t try these on the street, but in restaurants and we didn’t get excited about them. Check out more in our video here.
3. State-owned restaurants – in these the portions are smaller and the quality is not the best. You can tell if it’s a state-owned restaurant usually because of the staff that is less friendly; the environment is very quiet and the prices can be cheaper (but not always) when compared to Paladares or private restaurants.
4. Paladares – these are private restaurants that usually serve better food and can be more expensive than state-owned restaurants. Also, they will have more options, not only Cuban food but also other dishes.
One unique thing about Cuban restaurants is the abundance of live music (Tip: don’t forget to tip them in cash at the end of their performance). Regardless of where you go, you always find musicians playing live music, which makes the dining experience more lively and fun.
Restaurant bookings – When we went in September, we didn’t need to reserve a table in restaurants. Maybe during high season is different, but it did feel like they accept walk-ins usually and have this in their culture.
Food was always a topic of discussion with locals and tour guides. We had conversations where locals were commenting on how common food scarcity is, e.g. days when milk is not available, or potatoes, bread, etc. As a tourist though, you’re insulated from these issues because the country depends so much on tourism, they will make sure tourists are well taken care of.
Havana
Top places to eat and drink
We found really nice spots to eat and drink that you can use as a guide on your trip to Cuba.
🍴Casa Blanca (Casa Particular)
On our first night in Havana, we ate at our Casa Particular and everything was freshly made and super tasty. We ate lobster served in tomato sauce and black rice, along with tostones, and malanga fritters as starters (Malanga is a root vegetable and is often used in Caribbean and South American cuisine.).
💰Cost: €20 for 2 starters, 2 main dishes, 1 jug of freshly made juice, and 2 desserts.
Ambiance: located by the sea, along the famous Malecon, we sat on the second floor and had a great view of Havana’s sea promenade.
⭐Our rate: 4/5, the overall experience was great, but the food was a bit salty.
🍴Mojito Mojito bar
This was the best place we found for eating and drinking in Havana. We had a great bartender who was super friendly and recommended us a seafood platter for 2 people along with a great variety of mojitos that had different types of rum. One of our favorites was the “inverted mojito”, which was an inverted beer served with a mojito in a huge glass.
Ambiance: the place was centrally located, right next to the old Square or “Plaza Vieja”. It had live music, friendly staff, and good food at reasonable prices. We returned to this place at the end of our trip because of how good it was.
💰💰Cost: 49€ for 1 seafood platter to share, 2 inverted mojitos, and one extra.
⭐Our rate: 5/5
🍴La Guarida restaurant
The restaurant is worth visiting just for the majestic building it sits on, with a stunning rooftop terrace that offers panoramic views of the city. It serves traditional Cuban cuisine in a fine dining-fashion. The restaurant opened in 1996, and it quickly gained a reputation for its excellent food and unique ambiance. In 1993, it was featured in the Cuban film “Fresa y Chocolate” or “Strawberry and Chocolate”, which helped to boost its popularity.
La Guarida’s menu features a variety of traditional Cuban dishes, including ropa vieja, lechon asado, and arroz con pollo, as well as some fusion cuisine options. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list that features international wines.
Ambiance: in addition to its famous rooftop terrace, La Guarida’s interior is decorated with antique furnishings, original artwork, and vintage photographs. The restaurant has a romantic, old-world feel that transports diners back in time. It has a European and vintage vibe to it, it is a famous place around the world (actors, actresses, etc. visit it).
💰💰💰Cost: We paid €92 for a starter, 2 main dishes, 2 side dishes, 3 mojitos, 2 espressos, and 2 desserts. This was the most expensive meal we had on our trip, but it was totally worth it!
⭐Our rate: 5/5
🍴Vitrola restaurant
This place had a really nice atmosphere and the staff was very friendly. The restaurant is known for its delicious Cuban and international cuisine. They serve your typical Cuban dishes, but we decided to try the pizza. That was not a good choice – it was too oily, and the dough was very chewy and tasteless. The best was the coffee that was served with a piece of sugar cane that you dip in the coffee and chew on (the first time we saw that).
Ambiance: The restaurant’s decor features vintage and antique items, including a collection of old record players, which is where the restaurant gets its name. The walls are adorned with vintage photographs and other memorabilia, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
💰💰Cost: €38 (3773 CUP) for a starter, 2 main dishes, 2 side dishes, 3 mojitos, 2 espressos, and 2 desserts.
⭐Our rate: 5/5
🍴La Floridita
This was Hemingway’s favorite spot while he lived in Havana and the walls of the bar prove it. There are photographs of him all over the walls. The bar is also known for its signature drink – the daiquiri. We have mixed feelings about this place. It’s considered a must-go, and we recommend you go and check it out for yourself. However, we found it to be too packed and nothing special. We heard from our tour guide that they serve good daiquiris, but they’re not the best ones you can find in Havana.
💰💰Cost: Because of its reputation and historical significance, Floridita is considered a bit more expensive than other bars in the area. The daiquiri which is considered the main drink can cost between 4-6€, which is still cheap by European standards.
Ambiance: The bar has a classic 1950s decor with dark wood paneling, black and white checkered floors, and a long, polished wooden bar. There’s often a live band playing and you’ll hear the sounds of traditional Cuban music and jazz.
⭐Our rate: 3/5
🍴Hotel Inglaterra
This 150-year-old hotel is located in the center of Havana just steps away from famous landmarks like the Capitolio and Gran Teatro de La Habana. There’s a rooftop bar and restaurant called “La Terraza,” which offers stunning views of the city including the Capitolio and the harbor.
They have an outdoor seating area, and you can eat Cuban or international dishes. When we went they were serving lobster and seafood. It was worth going inside and seeing the beautiful interior architecture. We recommend going there during the day because you will enjoy the view better. The drinks were ok, but nothing special.
💰💰Cost: 240 CUP (ca. €10) for 2 mojitos.
⭐Our rate: 3/5
🍴Casa Blanca 510 bar
We found this place by chance in one of Old Havana’s main streets, Calle Obispo. Located on the 1st floor, it had a cute balcony with a view of the street. Great spot for people-watching.
💰Cost: 10 EUR for 3 mojitos. (Tip: they don’t accept € or $, only Cuban pesos).
Ambiance: it has a great vibe and the staff was super friendly. The interior of the bar is decorated with vintage furniture, artwork, and antiques, giving it a nostalgic and classic feel. The bar has a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, making it a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
⭐Our rate: 4/5
Vinales
Top places to eat and drink
🍴Mogote Café
This cozy café is a charming modern-style place with rustic decor that offers a great view of the surrounding Mogotes. For a relaxed stop and refreshing mojito, this is the place. Tucked away in a corner out of Vinales’s central street, Mogote Café is worth going for the vibe and food.
We had some delicious tapas made with fresh and organic ingredients. Also, the menu was in English and Spanish.
💰💰 Cost: 4400 CUP = ca. 44 EUR for 3 mojitos and 2 platters of 3 small tapas served in wraps.
Ambiance: relaxed and laid-back, decorated with colorful, vintage decor, and artwork, which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The walls are adorned with paintings of the local landscapes, adding to the cafe’s local charm. There are plenty of seating options available, from wooden tables and chairs to comfortable couches and armchairs.
⭐Our rate: 4\5
🍴Casa Corazon
The one dinner we had at this Casa particular or homestay was the best (check our article about this Casa). We paid very little for what we got and it was one of the best meals we had in Cuba.
We had a bit of everything: “frijoles” or black beans soup served with rice, avocado, tostones, grilled fish, and salad along with juice and some freshly made mojitos. This was the perfect refill after our horseback riding activity, that they arranged for us.
💰Cost: 30 EUR dinner for 2 people: starters, main dish, drinks. 10€ for 2 people: breakfast with bread, juice, coffee, and sweets.
Ambiance: We ate in the living room, but also on the rooftop, where we had more privacy and beautiful scenery of surrounding mogotes. We loved all the meals there, they were delicious, homemade with fresh ingredients. You can check out more about the food and description of what we ate in our video below.
⭐Our rate: 5/5
Trinidad
Top places to eat and drink
🍴El Secreto
We ate pizza at this place. It was our second attempt to have pizza in Cuba, and it failed miserably. The pizza was too oliy and the dough was not good. We’re not sure if it’s because Cubans don’t have access to good quality ingredients like flour. Always go for fresh/Cuban dishes.
Some of the restaurant’s specialties include ropa vieja made with lamb meat cooked in rum and grilled seafood dishes that we didn’t try but would have probably been a better option.
Ambiance: This restaurant is considered one of the best in Trinidad. It is situated in a colonial-era building, which has been carefully restored and decorated to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It is well decorated with paintings and old/vintage objects.
💰Cost: 1700CUP (ca. €17) 2 pizzas, 2 mojitos, and 2 beers.
⭐Our rate: 3/5
🍴Casa de la Musica
This place has a lively atmosphere. We sat outside and enjoyed Cuban cocktails while listening to musicians play all sorts of Cuban music. You must try the famous Trinidad’s canchanchara – consisting of rum, honey, lime juice, and water. The honey gives the mojito a stronger taste than the sugar.
Ambiance: it has an outdoor area with tables and chairs placed in a large stair area. It is located in one of the main squares in Old Trinidad, offering a nice view of the surroundings and a good break for when you’re exploring Trinidad.
💰Cost: 1000 CUP (ca. € 10) for 4 cocktails
⭐Our rate: 4/5
Santa Clara
Top places to eat and drink
🍴Bodeguita del Medio
This is a restaurant chain that has good quality Cuban food and you can find it in several cities all over the country and outside Cuba.
The menu is typically Cuban food: boiled rice, black beans, ropa vieja, lobster cooked in tomato or garlic sauce, fish, and chicken.
We tried the typical ropa vieja and lobster in 2 Bodeguitas (in Santa Clara and Varadero).
💰Cost: 1640 CUP (ca.17 EUR) for 2 people: 2 main dishes, and 2 drinks (mojitos).
Ambiance: the atmosphere is relaxed and casual. The decorations are funky with so many writings on the wall, and the food is pretty tasty for the price.
⭐Our rate: 5/5
🍴El Mejunje bar
A popular bar and cultural center located in the city of Santa Clara, Cuba. Great for a drink or two at the end of the day.
Mejunje is the cultural hotspot of Santa Clara, where young people go and enjoy themselves.
It hosts several art and music events including drag shows and queer film screenings, making it an important hub for the local LGBTQ+ community.
💰Cost: 1700 CUP or 17 EUR for 3 mojitos
Ambiance: The interior is decorated with a mix of vintage and contemporary elements, creating an interesting and eclectic atmosphere. The walls are covered in colorful artwork and photographs, adding to the vibrant and lively ambiance of the space.
The seating area is comfortable and cozy, with wooden tables and chairs and soft lighting that creates a warm and intimate environment.
Important tip: don’t leave your glasses unattended, because if you don’t return them to the bar at the end of the evening they will charge you quite a lot for them.
⭐Our rate: 5/5
Varadero
Top places to eat and drink
🍴Bodeguita del Medio
When we arrived we went straight to the restaurant we knew and it didn’t disappoint. Tasty food and live music. It is a safe option when in Varadero if you’re looking for good food on a budget.
Ambiance: The decoration and atmosphere are similar to the other Bodeguita in Santa Clara.
💰Cost: 1640 CUP = ca. 16 EUR for 2 mains and 2 drinks.
⭐Our rate: 4/5
🍴Barbacoa restaurant
We tried this place because it was recommended by our Host. We found it to be overpriced and poorly served. The food was ok, but the portions were very small. We paid European prices for it and compared with other local restaurants it was not worth it.
Ambiance: It has a view to the main road in Varadero, and is not far from the beach. We enjoyed ourselves to the sound of the live music that was playing.
💰Cost: 56 EUR for 2 people: 1 mojito, 1 beer, one chicken breast with rice and some greens; lobster grilled with rice and greeneries.
⭐Our rate: 2/5
🍴Beatles Bar
It is a popular music-themed bar and as the name suggests, it is dedicated to the music and legacy of the Beatles.
The bar features a variety of memorabilia and artwork related to the iconic British rock band. It is a good place to check out after spending the day at the beach. There’s a live band that covers famous American rock and Beatles songs.
Ambiance: the interior of the bar is decorated with vintage Beatles posters, album covers, and photographs, creating a nostalgic vibe. The walls are also covered in colorful murals featuring images of the band and other 1960s icons.
💰Cost: 2000 CUP = ca. 20 EUR for 4 mojitos. It was a bit more pricey than other bars in Cuba.
⭐Our rate: 4/5
The best food we had in Varadero was in our Casa Particular. We were very well taken care of by our host.
💰Cost: 20 EUR for dinner – 2 people including 2 bean soups, tostones, avocado and cucumber, potatoes, rice, and lobster.
⭐Our rate: 5/5
Conclusion
Exploring Cuba’s culinary scene is a must-do for any foodie. With a mix of traditional Cuban dishes and fusion cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
We hope this guide gave you some good references on where to go and try tasty Cuban food. By no means have we covered all places, and we’re sure there are plenty of good ones out there that we didn’t have the chance to try.
Don’t forget to share your own suggestions or recommendations in the comment section below.
We will be sharing other tips and our overall experience in Cuba in future articles.
Thank you for reading!
