French-style bakery is still a new concept in Havana, and you’d be surprised by how some local bakeries can turn out jaw-dropping, hard-as-a-rock chocolate muffins. Bianchini is in a class of its own, a bakery-cum-café that first opened near Plaza de Sanfrancisco over 10 years ago. It just recently opened a new branch near Plaza de la Catedral, where demand is high for its consistently high quality cakes and pastries. You don’t want to miss their cupcakes, raisin and butter cookies, chocolate croissants and banana bread. Plus, it has great coffee from beans bought from Café El Escorial. The environment is very cozy, with soothing background music. It’s hard to miss, with a very conspicuous and quirky cat sign at the door, where the sweet baking aromas are sure to draw you in.
Address: Calle Sol No. 12 entre Oficios y Ave. Del Puerto, Habana Vieja, Habana; San Ignacio No. 68, Plaza de la Catedral, Habana Vieja, Habana
Opening hours: 9am – 8.30pm
Website: http://www.dulceria-bianchini.com