Café de los Artistas, opened less than a year in Old Havana, is a purveyor of great food and feeling. In a high ceilinged, well restored building from the 1880s on the narrow Calle Aguiar (Aguiar Street) in Old Havana, engaging owner Luis Carlos (the Stage Manager of the nearby National Ballet) serves some super good ropa vieja and the best tostones we’d ever had: crushed just enough, and miraculously fried in a way that made them utterly light in texture – and irresistible. Its upbeat venue, straightforward menu (with a selection of lighter fish and pasta dishes), and reasonable prices (mains for $7 CUC) attract equal numbers of Cuban and foreign clients. Daily specials on the prominently situated blackboard reflect the offerings of the market on any given day. The wall photos are of the greats of Cuban dance that the owner loves to talk about. There is everything to like about this unpretentious dining spot.
Address: Calle Aguiar No 22 bajos (Callejon de los Peluqueros) e/ Ave, de las Missiones y Peña Pobre, Habana Vieja.
Tel: +53 7 8662418
Opening hours: 10am – 1am