La Guarida

Havana

Copyright: K.Decha/Shutterstock.com
DESTINATIONS cuba havana Dining La Guarida

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 treat.

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.