Old Havana through its food and beverage offers

By: Lucía Delalva
Photos: Rolando Pujol

Habaguanex, the tourism company reinvesting its income in the magnificent restoration works in Havana’s historical center, proposes almost a hundred F & B establishments with a variety of categories and prices. The mosaic is truly wide, be it a place to alleviate thirst after a promenade along the pebble stoned streets or to taste a delicious cup of coffee; so much to enjoy a gourmet menu or to celebrate a gala dinner.

Among classical Habaguanex restaurants outstands el Patio, located in a XVIII century mansion facing the Plaza de la Catedral square and la Mina, offering traditional Cuban dishes. As to international cuisine there are various establishments as: La Torre de Marfil specializing in Cantonese food; Arab in Al Medina; Italian in La Dominica; Mediterranean in El Mercurio and Vietnamese in Hanoi. The Spanish cuisine deeply rooted in the Island is represented by El Mesón de la Flota, El Baturro and Castillo de Farnés restaurants.

On the other hand, Habaguanex hotel restaurants widen the offer with Irish specialties in Palacio O’Farrill Hotel, paellas in Hostal Valencia Inn and Jewish cuisine in Raquel Hotel. And in Obispo Street, a street walkers’ via and one of the most important streets in Old Havana, many cafeterias, ice cream parlors, bakeries, cafes, bars and restaurants are open to the public, many of them animated with live music. On special occasions the Cathedral Square as well as Plaza Vieja and San Francisco Squares combine good food with pageants and cultural presentations.

Habaguanex also hosts the Rescue and Promotional Gathering of Culinary Culture in Cuba with the aim to develop traditional cuisine, already accounting for two successful editions. For, is there a better scenario to enjoy Creole recipes than in the very core of Old Havana?