This cool new tapas restaurant, opened in early January, is owned by Partagas Cigars’ former manager for quality control, Támara Diaz and her husband Alexis Ortas. It’s located on a not-so-busy Old Havana street, Lamparilla. You’ll find it a respite from the hustle and bustle of the old city. The space is completely open and it’s decorated with a funky mix of ’50s memorabilia, random vintage objects and beautiful murals inspired by ’50s commercial Coca-Cola adds. A big sign on the wall ironically reads “No Wifi, Please talk to each other.”
The tapas menu extends to Cuban, Italian, Spanish and Mexican favorites. The croquetas were particularly delicious; it’s hard to get them just right, but here the balance between the fish and béchamel were perfect. The ropa vieja is great, but the adobo pork chops with zucchini tempura, topped with a sauce of hot chili, were a tour de force. This is a perfect place for a light yet fun lunch, followed by a cigar and drink. They have a great tequila selection!
Address: Lamparilla No. 361 entre Aguacate y Villegas, La Habana Vieja, La Habana
Tel: +53 5289 5324
Opening hours: 11:30 am – 11:30 pm
Price: Moderate