In a short span of two years since its opening in 2013, Mediterráneo in the residential Vedado area has already amassed a loyal following among Havana foodies and visitors. The restaurant’s overall environment is agreeable: Mediterranean blue and white décor, spacious, airy, attractive and modern. There’s also a terrace on the second floor. But really the star here is the fresh, inviting and visually appealing food (tending Italian and seafood) prepared by Sardinian chef Luigi Fiori. Starters hit the mark, including a great gazpacho and various antipasti. A house specialty is a melt-in-your-mouth fish cooked with tomatoes, onions, and green and black olives. Sourced from a local fisherman in Batabanó on the south coast of Cuba, with other ingredients including milk, vegetables and spices sourced from local contracted farmers, this amazing dish epitomizes the Mediterráneo’s fashionable farm-to-table approach. The fish has a very vibrant flavor, very juicy. Other highlights include the truffle ravioli, calabrese pizza (spicy stuff that really wakes up your palate) and signature focaccia. If you still have room for more, definitely try the tiramisu cake and tarta mediterranea with raisins and dried apricots served on top of caramelized sugar tarte. This restaurant also has an impressive wine menu; some of the best value wines are the Estampa Syrah 2011 ($22 CUC) and Marchesi Antinori Tignanello Toscana 2011 ($130 CUC). Both are highly rated by James Suckling.
Address: Calle 13 #406 e/ F y G, Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
Opening hours: noon till midnight
Tel: +53 7 8324894
Website: http://www.medhavana.com/en/
Price: Moderate