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Cuba

Seafood restaurants in Cuba

  1. A

    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.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Restaurante la Terraza

    Another photo-adorned shrine to the ghost of Ernest Hemingway, La Terraza specializes in seafood and does a roaring trade from the hordes of Papa fans who pour in daily. The terrace dining room overlooking the bay is pleasant. More atmospheric, however, is the old bar out front, where mojitos haven't yet reached El Floridita rates. The food is surprisingly mediocre.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Restaurante Covadonga

    Legend has it that Castro and his guerrillas ate at this waterside locale in January 1959 during their triumphant march to Havana. The food probably tasted delicious after two years up in the Sierra Maestra, but if you've just flown in from Canada, you may not appreciate the rubbery fish. The paella is your best bet.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Costarenas

    This is another fine choice. Located across from Hotel Tropicoco, it specializes in seafood dishes like paella and a mixed grill with lobster, shrimp and fish. The upstairs terrace is a good place to catch a beer and breeze. Fishermen sell their catch nearby which is terrific if you've got cooking facilities.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Don Cangrejo

    On the seafront, this unique seafood restaurant is run by the Ministry of Fisheries and scores high points for atmosphere and service. Fresh fish dishes include red snapper, grouper and prawns (CUC$8 to CUC$12), while lobster from the pit on the terrace comes in at CUC$20 to CUC$25.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Restaurante Puerto de Sagua

    This nautical-themed eating joint in Habana Vieja's grittier southern quarter is characterized by its small porthole-style windows. It serves mostly seafood at reasonable prices.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Ranchón el Compay

    There are not so many Varadero restaurants facing the beach, which makes this chirpy thatched-roof affair all the more alluring. Set just off the Parque Central, it serves lobster, shrimp and a mean filet mignon.

    reviewed

  8. Don Pepe

    When the Guanabo pizza gets too much, head to this thatched-roof, beach-style restaurant about 50m from the sand. It specializes in seafood.

    reviewed

  9. H

    Barracuda Grill

    In a thatched pavilion overlooking the beach on the grounds of the Barracuda Diving Center, this popular place has tasty fish and shellfish and it has satisfied many a post-dive appetite.

    reviewed

  10. I

    Restaurante Mi Casita de Coral

    Tucked just off the roundabout by the international clinic. This secluded little place is surprisingly upscale for this neck of the woods. Serves good seafood at reasonable prices.

    reviewed

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  12. El Marino

    On the main Varadero road next to the Hotel Canimao turn-off, El Marino specializes in seafood, namely lobster and shrimp.

    reviewed

  13. Restaurante el Cayo

    If the congenial fishers on Cayo Granma don't corner you beforehand, this is the island's only state-run place, serving seafood in a classic clapboard house suspended over the water on El Cayo island south of the center.

    reviewed

  14. J

    Paladar Nuestra Casa

    Another good, private eatery a bit out of the center, this serves fish all ways including filete Canciller (fish stuffed with ham and cheese).

    reviewed

  15. K

    Albacora

    Fish, squid, shrimp and lobster are available at beachside Albacora. Check out the open bar offer (noon to 4pm).

    reviewed

  16. L

    El Marino

    Pay in pesos for tasty paella and other fish dishes, and let the pleasant nautical decor enhance the experience.

    reviewed

  17. M

    Casa del Pescador

    A good medium-priced seafood restaurant worth seeking out if you like to dine in style.

    reviewed

  18. N

    Restaurante Río

    Head here for fresh river and sea fish (one of the few places in Cuba where you can eat both). It's where the locals gather for good grub. You'll pay in pesos whether you opt for the langosta (lobster) or the signature paella dish. It has an outside terrace with a stereo blasting out the latest Cuban pop and an air-conditioned interior.

    reviewed

  19. O

    Restaurante España

    Readjust your Cuban food preconceptions before you walk into España, one of three new Moneda Nacional eating houses on the same street that specializes in seafood cooked with panache and – on occasion – fresh herbs. Try the lobster or tangy prawns, but bypass the Cuban wine which is almost undrinkable.

    reviewed