Our favorite places to eat + drink and things to see + do in Havana. 

We will be adding to this list periodically. You can see where we’ve been lately by using #almaexplores on Instagram. 

EAT + DRINK 

El Cafe - Serving all day brunch, El Cafe is a welcome addition to Havana's restaurant scene. They also offer yummy sandwiches, fresh juices and some of the best coffee in town. Amargura #358 e/ Villegas y Aguacate Old Havana Tel. 78613817 

O’Reilly 304 – This small but busy paladar puts out the best tacos in Old Havana and the freshest seared tuna in a hipster atmosphere. They also have inventive gin cocktails and lemonades.

Del Frente aptly named, in front of O’Reilly 304,  serves a similar menu in a larger space with an open terrace up top. The octopus, ceviche and salads are also excellent. O'Reilly #304 e/ Habana y Aguiar, Havana Vieja. +53 7 8630206. 

JAMA -  Cuban ingredients meet Japanese cuisine in this small yet cozy Japanese inspired restaurant in Old Havana.  Calle Aguiar 361 entre OReily y Empedrado, Old Havana. 

Yarini - This rooftop restaurant has a great atmosphere for drinks and shared appetizers. San Isidro 314 entre Picota y Compostela Old Havana.

Dona Eutimia - Serving traditional Cuban food, Dona Eutimia is located just off Havana's cathedral square, which is also a nice area to walk around at night. The house specialty is "ropa vieja" a Cuban classic made of shredded lamb. There are several "imitators" that have sprung up around Doña Eutimia so make sure you walk into the right restaurant! It is the last one on the right on the street. Callejon del Chorro # 60-C, Plaza de la Catedral, Habana Vieja. +53 7 8013332 

La Guarida – One of Havana’s longest running paladars; La Guarida is a must on most visitors lists and for good reason. La Guarida’s innovative Cuban dishes paired with classics like yucca con mojo, rice and beans, and plantains are spectacular. Arrive early for your reservation and have a mojito or gin tonic on their rooftop bar, which has some of the most striking views in town. #418 Concordia, e/ Gervasio y Escobar, Centro Habana. +53 7 866 9047 

San Cristobal- Another Centro Habana star, this is the paladar where President Obama dined with his family during their historic visit to Cuba in 2016. The chef and owner Carlos makes every visitor feel like a VIP. We recommend the “pez perro,” a delicious fish that he expertly prepares.  San Rafael No. 469 entre Lealtad y Campanario, Centro Habana. Tel. +53 7 8601705

Marechiaro – This newcomer offers some of Havana’s best pasta and pizzas with a stunning view of the Malecon. Attentive and very kid friendly wait staff. Malecon 217  e/Gervasio y Escobar.

Otramanera – This modern and serene Spanish inspired restaurant stands out for its innovative preparations and excellent service. The pork belly, salads and ceviches are delicious. Calle 35 e/ 20 y 41, Playa. +53 7 203 8315. 

Santys - This dockside restaurant is a favorite among diplomats and journalists.  Santys is located in Jaimanitas, a fishing village just outside Havana, and can be a little tricky to find. They only serve seafood and the ceviche, prawns ("pintas") and big caldereta seafood soup are great. You may want to bring your own wine as the selection here is very limited. 240A E/ 3raC y Rio, Havana. +53 5 2660803.

El Corte del Principe – Serving Havana’s best Italian food, this paladar also has exceptional service. They keep it simple here but with fresh ingredients and classic Italian preparations. Their homemade hot sauce is fantastic. 9na e/ 70 y 72, Playa (in front of the Montebarreto park). Tel. +53 5 255 9091 

Grados - Located in a Vedado mansion, Grados elevates traditional Cuban dishes and local ingredients with its dishes like tamal en cazuela and slow cooked pork. The tasing menu, if you are hungry, is a great way to try many dishes. 562 Calle E, La Habana, Cuba

El Cocinero – A rooftop terrace in an old cooking oil factory, There is a restaurant halfway that serves more traditional fare, but we recommend you head up to the terrace for smaller dishes and the open-air atmosphere. Calle 26, e/11 and 13, Vedado (next to the Puente de Hierro). +53 7 832 2355 www.elcocinerohabana.com

SEE + DO 

Fabrica de Arte This amazing and innovative spot is a mix of an art gallery, bar and music venue all rolled into one. Every night there are multiple events and exhibitions going on within Fabrica’s sprawling space. Best to get here early as Fabrica gets busier as the night goes on, with long lines of artists and hipsters coming to check out what’s new and each other. There’s a cover charge of 200 CUP. Calle 26 entre 11 y 13, Vedado

Walking Tour of Old Havana – La Habana Vieja is full of collapsing but still beautiful architecture and Cuba's vibrant street life. There you will see the people who sell items on the black market calling out their wares as they go door to door. You will see kids playing baseball in the street next to their fathers and grandfathers playing dominoes. It is a truly different pace of life than most anywhere else in the world. 

Museo de Bellas Artes – Houses an impressive collection of Cuban art. Trocadero e/ Zulueta y Monserrate, Habana Vieja 

El Cementerio Colon - One of the largest cemeteries in the world. It is the place to go to really learn about Cuba. There are several centuries of scandals, intrigue and history literally buried here. Don’t miss the tomb of La Milagrosa. 

El Paseo del Prado - El Prado is a wonderful place to go for a walk from El Capitolio to the Malecon. Couples meet there to dance on weekend afternoons. 

Playas del Este You don’t have to go all the way to Varadero for a great beach. The beaches east of Havana are lovely and only about 20 minutes from the city. The section known as Mi Cayito is a favorite of many long time foreign residents in Havana.

SHOP 

Alma - A curated selection of goods handmade by Cuban artists along with vintage finds. New location: Calle Tejadillo #510 entre Habana y Aguiar. Tel. +53 5 5355828

Dador – Beautiful and creative locally made clothing for men and women. Dador takes fashion in Cuba to exciting and innovative new places. Calle Amargura #253, Old Havana Tel. 5359733010

Clandestina – T-Shirts and other fun design items by Cuban graphic artists. Calle Villegas 403, e/ Muralla y Teniente Rey, Old Havana. 

Gao- Fun handicrafts in Old Havana. Compostela #114, Old Havana.

Piscolabis – A café and boutique for Cuban made goods. San Ignacio #75, Callejón del Chorro y O’ Reilly, Old Havana. 

Agromercado at 19 y B in Vedado – Visit one of the nicer agros in Havana where foreigners and locals do their vegetable shopping. Depending on the season, you will see piles of mangos and avocados sold along a variety of pork products. Next to the agro (on the Calle 19 side) is the Bodega where Cubans can fill their ration cards. Corner of Calle 19 y B Vedado. 

Verde and Verde – A great collection of organic, seasonal products. Here you can find rare items like strawberries and homemade corn tortillas. 3ra #2804 e/ 28 y 30, Playa.

Casa de Belkys – All but the most dedicated antique hunters may be intimidated by the mountains of vintage knickknacks and glassware on display in this Vedado home. But with a little patience and with your hands full of dust you may leave there with a small treasure. Calle 2 #607 e/ 25 y 27 Vedado.