TocaMadera

Havana

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DESTINATIONS cuba havana Dining TocaMadera

TocaMadera

If TocaMadera's menu can't excite you, few things can: from tantalizing pequeños of tamales, empanadas and taquitos, to the raw bar featuring several exciting varieties of ceviche and appetizing mains (try the hot stone with a choice of tofu, chicken, grass-fed beef or Japanese wagyu, plus scrumptious sides). The cuisine is curated by chef Suárez, a pioneer of the Cuban New Food scene that aims to incorporate local tradition into cutting-edge culinary endeavor.

Dining

Gone are the days when one would struggle to find a place to eat. Today, Havana has no shortage of paladares (privately owned restaurants), many serving up the New Cuban cuisine pioneered by internationally trained chefs bringing expertise back to Cuba, and engaging with traditional flavours by introducing an exciting modern twist to old familiar favourites. Some local staples worth having are the ropa vieja (literally "old clothes"), a shredded beef dish, plantain, and malanga chips or fritters, the ubiquitous side of black beans and rice, and the coveted Cuban speciality — the much sought-after lobster.

Otramanera

For arguably the finest dining in Havana, call ahead to Otramanera in plush Miramar. They serve refined Mediterranean with an emphasis on Spanish, featuring Andalusian gazpacho, Cuban mojama (cured tuna loin), as well as meat and seafood mains, including …

TocaMadera

If TocaMadera's menu can't excite you, few things can: from tantalizing pequeños of tamales, empanadas and taquitos, to the raw bar featuring several exciting varieties of ceviche and appetizing mains (try the hot stone with a choice of tofu, chicken, grass-fed beef or Japanese wagyu, plus scrumptious sides). The cuisine is curated by chef …

La Guarida

Glamorized by the provocative 1993 drama "Strawberry and Chocolate," La Guardia stands strong as one the capital's best dining establishments and a prominent player on the New Cuban Food scene. Book in advance for a rare …

Paladar Doña Eutimia

Paladar Doña Eutimia

A reliable option for traditional Cuban, Doña Eutimia cooks up recipes passed down through generations, with staples like ropa vieja (pulled beef) and malanga (taro fritters), with a side of obligatory rice and …

5 Esquinas Trattoria

5 Esquinas Trattoria

This excellent trattoria serves everyone's favourite Italian in the heart of old Havana, spoiling patrons with bulging calzones, cheese-drowned pizzas, and pasta with an extensive selection of sauces, all at very reasonable prices. Habana # 104 , Esquina Cuarteles, Havana, …

Espacios

Despite its notable artistic inclination (the villa where the restaurant is housed is also a showroom for artwork), Espacios feels casually relaxed and completely unpretentious. It's both a restaurant and bar, with a selection of international dishes and frequent live music nights hosted in the courtyard, featuring traditional local …

Habana 61

For a modern take on traditional Cuban try the semi-formal Habana 61 in the old town area. The menu lists the usual suspects of ropa vieja, malanga fritters, octopus and lobster — in several …