Al Carbón, a new restaurant that opened only a few months ago in Havana, is a strong addition to Havana’s fine dining scene. Created by the owners of the immensely popular Iván y Justo, the restaurant strikes out in a different but equally successful direction, specializing in traditional Cuban dishes cooked over charcoal.
Located just below Ivan y Justo and a stone’s throw away from the Museo Nacional de Bellas Arts (National Museum of Fine Arts), Al Carbón follows a decorative similar to Ivan y Justo, charmingly mixing antiques and vintage objects of various periods. The formula works very well. The menu provides ample choices, from ubiquitous tuna tartar starters to the savory and highly recommended suckling pig tacos. In fact, pork is king here. The piglet charcoal-grilled in the wood oven is a fantastic, rich, and crunchy tour de force. The eclectic wine list is heavy on Spain, mostly from Ribera del Duero and Rioja, and – believe it or not – offers a German pinot noir, a Barbera d’Alba and yes, Riesling Kabinett by the glass. It is a bit more expensive than most paladars in Havana but servings are abundant and service is extremely attentive and friendly.
Address: Aguacate #9 esq. Chacón, Habana Vieja
Tel: +53 78639697
Opening hours: Noon till midnight
Price: Expensive