Havana Restaurants

El Templete

#11 of 413 things to do in Havana

#29 of 3094 things to do in Caribbean Islands

1 reviews | Write a review

Good for: atmosphere, food, Solo Travellers, service

  • Address
    • cnr San Pedro & Narciso López
  • Hours
    • 11am-midnight

Correct these details

Lonely Planet review for El Templete

This upscale restaurant is situated less than 100m from its namesake temple, where the city of Habana was founded in 1519. Overlooking the harbor, the eating space is split into two halves: an outdoor alfresco area accommodated under a large awning, and a pleasant indoor dining room with starched tablecloths and expensive-looking wine glasses. For once the food quality lives up to the pretensions of the fancy decor, with seafood specialties spearheaded by shrimps and lobster. Count on forking out CUC$15 minimum for a main course here.

 

Traveller reviews for El Templete (1)

  • Avatar
    To write a review sign in, register or   Connect_light_large_long
    Recommend
     
    Add your experience “ ”
    Say more…
  • Avatar

    A Real Gem

    anthonymcevoy recommends this,

    My Brother-in-Law and I tried this Restaurant in November 2009.
    We hadn't booked so when we arrived we were advised that there were no places available in the outside area....but I got the feeling that if I had slipped the waiter a few Peso's a table might have been found. However we got a perfectly fine table inside.
    The Restaurant was busy (Thursday Night)...a good sign. Decor was muted pastel shades and crisp linen tablecloths, and it had a definite upmarket feel. The waiters and waitresses were immaculate, efficient and friendly. All spoke perfect english, and no doubt every other main tourist language. The only reason for rating "Atmosphere" as 4 stars rather than 5 stars is that the lighting could have been a tad more subdued....but given that Havana is so badly lit at night...this may be a statement on the part of the Restaurant.
    The wine list was quite good but you certainly wouldn't find any bargins on it. Prices are comparable to good European Restaurants. Mostly South American wines with most of the recognised names represented.
    I ordered a Seafood starter of Prawns done in Garlic and Oil. My Brother-in-Law ordered the Foie Gras and we both ordered the medley of Seafood main course. A word of caution the portions are large. The starters could pass for a main course and together with a very generous main course could be a struggle for all but the very hungry.
    The quality of the food was superb. Beautifully fresh ingredients cooked to perfection. Both of us who have healthy appetites were unable to finish our plates....much to our dissappointment.
    We had two beers each during the meal and finished with Coffee. The Bill came to CUC 50 in total (approx EUR 40), probably expensive by Cuban standards but given the quality of food, decor and service, a steal by European standards.
    Recommendations: definitely try this restaurant, book a table outside and take a Taxi to and from the Restaurant (only CUC 3.50) from Centro Habana.

    Good for: atmosphere, food, Solo Travellers, service

    report