Havana Restaurants

Paladar La Guarida

#1 of 413 things to do in Havana

#1 of 3094 things to do in Caribbean Islands

6 reviews | Write a review

Good for: Romance, atmosphere, food, service, Delectable food

Not good for: Feeling safe

  • Address
    • Concordia No 418 btwn Gervasio & Escobar
  • Phone
    • 866-9047
  • Hours
    • noon-3pm & 7pm-midnight

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Lonely Planet review for Paladar La Guarida

Located on the top floor of a spectacularly dilapidated Havana tenement, La Guarida’s lofty reputation rests on its movie-location setting ( Fresa y Chocolate was filmed in this building) and a clutch of swashbuckling newspaper reviews (including the New York Times and the Guardian ). The food, as might be expected, is up there with Havana’s best, shoehorning its captivating blend of Nueva Cocina Cubana into dishes such as sea bass in a coconut reduction, and chicken with honey and lemon sauce. Reservations required.

 

Traveller reviews for Paladar La Guarida (6)

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    (Not so) Secret Surprise!

    cabot1 recommends this,

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    Beautiful Food you just need to get to it and leave...

    pahamilton recommends this,

    Without doubt this Paladir deserves the excellent reputation for its food, therefore, justifying its prices. We enjoyed immensely the shrimp starter colourfully flavoured with garlic and chilli and also the eggplant with delicate enhancements. Both the grilled and red snapper dishes oozed delectable succulence and flavour. The accompanying wine and colourful layered coffee complemented the dishes chosen.
    However, on the first floor on your way up through the somewhat exposed interior be prepared for the determined local youngsters who pester for pesos and even if you do provide them with a note they begrudge saying thank you. Sadly as we left this lovely gastro experience around the corner on Escobar, walking back to our nearby Casa, my friend was robbed of her small shoulder bag (black against black, hung diagonally across the shoulders, and held firmly against herself) being cut away along with it's contents (note: small amount of money but her fairly costly artist tools and implements). If you are two females, in your fifties, you may need a taxi to ensure your safety to and from this excellent eatery.

    Good for: Delectable food, Attentive service

    Not good for: Feeling safe

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    Still open and booming

    zyellow recommends this,

    It's February 2011 and La Guardia is still ticking over nicely - you have to reserve for the evening at least a day ahead but lunchtime is easier - just turn up. I won't add to previous foodie descriptions - just to say I had an excellent grilled snapper with yucca and a perfect mojito - with sun streaming over my table.
    The only negative is the lady I presume is the owner - a sulky long-haired blonde who is hardly welcoming. Otherwise service is friendly and the building full of magic - whether you saw the film or not. Count on 20 - 30 CUCs (roughly US $) for one.

    Good for: food ambiance

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    Think they’ve closed it down

    gblaster does not recommend this,

    It’s always hard to tell what’s going on in Cuba, but as far as I can tell this place has been permanently closed down.

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    Lives up to the hype

    carolinej109 recommends this,

    This paladar had been recommended countless times to me before my trip and for anyone who's been to Cuba will know a good restaurant recommendation is worth it's weight in gold. We made sure to book our table well in advance because we had heard it books out quickly as it has limited seating. When you first arrive outside you are not sure if you are at the right place as it's has a very run down exterior but once you go up to the top floor it turns into a very cosy and welcoming place. There are lots of pictures on the walls of celebrities that have eaten there including the Queen of Spain. The choices on the menu had our mouths watering, all local produce and fresh. Service was efficient and friendly. And if you had a question about a dish staff were only to happy to help. The food was amazing, course after course didn't disappoint and we both left with a smile on our faces. It was our last night in Havana and I couldn't think of a better place to spend it. Highly Recommended.

    Good for: Romance, atmosphere, food, Budget Travellers, service

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    La Guarida...Quite an experience

    ghjersey recommends this,

    I had been recommended this restaurant by a friend and advised to book. It was definitely an experience I would not have wanted to miss and the food exceeded my expectations. On arriving by taxi in a backstreet outside a delapidated building I was very apprehensive, but as instructed I climbed the stairs past tenements and washing lines to the top floor. Knocking on the door I entered an extremely quirky restaurant. You dine amongst religious emblems and portraits on small candlelit tables in a couple of smallish rooms. The staff are welcoming and hospitable and the food is excellent. I had the chicken with lemon and honey and it really was very tasty. I would reccomend this restaurant to anyone who wishes to experience good food in a truly unique setting.

    Good for: Romance, atmosphere, food, Groups, service, Families

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