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Many culinary traditions have left their mark on the melting pot that is Havana. Traditional Cuban, or "creole" cuisine is full of variety, with strong Spanish and African influences. The city has a thriving Chinatown, numerous pizza places - Cubans are very fond of pizza - and many other foreign restaurants.
Old Havana
Starting in the historic quarter, which is the main tourist area, one of the nicest and best known places is Terazza La Mina, next to the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales in Obispo Street. Here you can enjoy both Cuban and international dishes as well as Cuban cocktails such as mojitos, cuba libres and daiquirís. Close by, in the Plaza de la Catedral, is El Patio, a long established restaurant in a magnificent colonial mansion with a beautiful inner courtyard. From the café in its outer colonnade you can watch life go by in the square. Inside to the left, a bar serves drinks and cocktails from Cuba and abroad. The main restaurant is on the second floor. On the corner of Empedrado Street by the Cathedral is a small but renowned restaurant serving Cuban creole cuisine, the Bodeguita del Medio. This is famous for the distinguished clientèle who have scribbled their names on its walls. A little bar at the entrance sells one of the best mojitos in Havana. Customers spill into the street with their drinks as they wait for a table. Further up Obispo Street you will come to the Hotel Ambos Mundos, where the restaurant has a pleasant international menu. Near the Capitolio, on the corner of Teniente Rey and Bernaza Streets, the tiny Hanoi serves Cuban and Asian cuisine.
Centro Havana
The Parque Central is surrounded by hotels with busy restaurants where you can take a midday break. One of the best is the Hotel Inglaterra, which has an elegant restaurant serving international and Creole cuisine. Serene and intimate Oasis is a tucked away little secret in a central location. For Creole and Cuban food, Los Doce Apóstoles, located near the Military Museum. The huge portions and spicy food make it for a very Caribbean experience. Tien Tan has an extensive menu of Chinese dishes, from the classic and ordinary to the unusual and unconventional.
Vedado
Away from the bustle of the historic area, and moving into the Vedado and Playa districts, you can discover another side to the city's gastronomic repertoire. For delicious tropical fruit-flavored ice cream visit Coppelia. This modern establishment with its distinctive design was opened in 1960. It was featured in the hit film Strawberry and Chocolate by Gutiérrez Alea. At the National Theater, still in the Vedado, you can visit the Café Cantante Mi Habana, for snacks and entertainment. The theater itself also has a restaurant, the Delirio Habanero, with an international menu.
Miramar
Moving on from the Vedado, there are many options. La Cecilia, on 5th Avenue between 110 and 112 Streets specializes in Cuban cuisine, particularly dishes from the last century adapted in their own special way. The bar has a range of cold meats served in sandwiches or grilled, and there is a cabaret with dinner service. Further along 5th Avenue, La Ferminia also specializes in Cuban food. Tocororo is an attractive restaurant with an international menu. Its main feature is that it dispenses with an a la carte menu and instead cooks each dish according to the customer's desires.
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 Havana Hotels Guide
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