This restaurant owes its name to Alberto Yarini, a famous Cuban pimp who was the king of the San Isidro neighborhood, and a kind of Robin Hood for Havana during the 19th century. It’s said that Yarini’s funeral was one of the biggest Cuba has seen. This restaurant is extremely new. We usually wait a few months before visiting a new spot, but the location of Yarini Habana is so special that we couldn’t contain ourselves. And you know what? This rooftop terrace of San Isidro is exceptional.
Yarini Habana is located on the top of the recently remodeled building that houses the hip Gorría art gallery, one of the most active cultural spaces in the city. A striking green neon hat displays the entrance, and after climbing a long staircase you arrive at the stunningly calm restaurant. The design is minimalist and modern, with a cool industrial vibe. The terrace is huge, with tables far apart, creating a great sense of privacy. The spaces are efficiently divided by beautiful islands of areca plants, diverting attention to their amazing bar and large polished concrete walls. The lighting is perfect, as are the views.
The menu is still a work in progress – they only have a few starters and main courses – but it is of an exquisite quality. The star dish is the tamal en cazuela, a Cuban dish made with corn and slivers of pork that is strong and flavorful. Their pork and cheese empanadas are similarly addictive and the black bean croquettes paired with a sweet potato sauce are an excellent idea. They also have a tender and juicy snapper fillet tenderloin that is beautifully prepared.
The cocktail bar is high quality. They don’t have a drinks menu, so you just order what you like and they do it for you. The passion fruit daiquiri is a must; so fresh and balanced. And the gin and tonic is beyond reproach.
This is a fun restaurant, ideal for a night out with friends. Some evenings they have live music and private events, always with lots of jazz and excellent Cuban musicians. This is a new hip restaurant that promises a lot. We will return!
Food: Cuban, International
Average Price: 10.00 cuc – 18.00 cuc
Opening hours: Every Day 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Address: San Isidro #214 e/ Picota y Compostela, Habana Vieja
Contact: +53 58979835, @yarinihabana
