In Cuba, (good) art occupies a privileged place in cultural life. In museums, galleries, workshops or during cultural events such as the Havana Art Biennial, you can see excellent Cuban artistic works.
If, for example, you take acity tour about Art in Havana, you will discover that art overflows this city, from the graffiti on the streets in Old Havana, to that very special and unique way in which Cubans speak by means of their popular slang.
And as usual, our travelers, in addition to asking us for a organized trip to Cuba ask us about where to eat in Cuba, or where to eat in Havana. So we give away some tasty tips.
Restaurants-Art Gallery: a very tasty concept
In today's Cuba, and particularly in its capital: vibrant Havana, there are places that offer a new concept of art or, at least, a very tasty one.
Born from a perfect marriage between two passions of the Cuban: good art and good cuisine, we find the new Restaurants-galleries.
Cozy, impressive, picturesque and, above all, very attractive places, where the typical cuban cuisine and the new fusion and signature cuisine are mixed with the creations of Cuban artists, to obtain a result that will surely surprise you, and will be a delight both to your eye and to your stomach.
Next, we show you our selection of 5 restaurants and paladares where art is main actor, and the best of all is that they do not have high prices for that reason, so they have nothing to envy our selection of cheapest restaurants in Havana.
1 El secreto: an art sanctuary in Trinidad
El secreto
After touring the labyrinthine streets of the historic Trinitarian town, trying its typical drink: la canchánchara, and visiting the renowned Valle de los Ingenios, an interesting and attractive meal is in order.
The restaurant El Secreto is one of our favourites because it is a sanctuary of art and gastronomy where the you can see the works of the multi-award-winning artist Carlos Mata, along with those of other artists. Its colonial and refined atmosphere will make you live a unique cultural and gastronomic experience!
El secreto
The delicious traditional Cuban food that is served in this palate, in luxury tableware, and the exceptional attention that this family will give you, will be your best treasured secret during your trip to Cuba.
2 Esa talla: cool atmosphere and pop art in Matanzas
Esa talla
The province of Matanzas is well known because it is home to Varadero, one of the most famous and visited beach destinations in Cuba. But apart from these more than 20 unique kilometers of beach, the province shows its renewed classicism with the new private businesses that enrich life in the area.
If you fancy a vintage-alternative atmosphere, we recommend the Esa Talle restaurant, especially to taste its exotic cocktails.
Esa talla
Large umbrellas, colorful outdoor seating and an exhibition of manual art such as lamps made by hand with various materials and paintings by local artists, characterize this place of international cuisine on the banks of the San Juan River.
As a part of a friends or stundents trip to Cuba, it would be ideal if you decided to spend a different and fun time in this popular restaurant-gallery.
3 El Dandy: pure Havana bohemian vibe
El dandy
In a very hot and attractive corner of Old Havana lies El Dandy restaurant, a tapas place, bar and art gallery, which could be a perfect closing for a photographic city-tour around the city.
It shares space, along Villegas street, with the famous design store Clandestina, and on the Teniente Rey street, with Cris-Cris, 100% Cuban designer and apparel lingerie store.
El dandy
After a good walk through colonial Havana, do not hesitate to enter El Dandy, to enjoy the good bohemian vibe of Havana, delicious and innovative cocktails and to appreciate the attractive documentary photographs that share space on its walls with antiques and retro posters.
4 Yarini Habana Restaurant and Gorría Workshop Gallery: the perfect duo
Yarini Habana
An exceptional terrace in the heart of San Isidro, the most popular art district in Havana, is home to the Yarini Habana Restaurant.
On the lower floor is the Galería Taller Gorría (GTG), an excellent platform where the best of contemporary art in Cuba is exhibited. Just by going up one floor, you will access this rooftop from which one of the best views of the city and the Havana capitol can be appreciated.
Yarini Habana
Live music, loaded cocktails, art exhibitions, performances, installations and a lot of Cuban flavor, is what characterizes this incredible place. At night, hipster Havana atmosphere grows strong as Yarini has one of those rooftops looking cool restaurants in Havana That nobody wants to miss!
Yarini Habana
5 HAV_ Coffee & Art: excellent contemporary art
HAV_coffee & art
In a colonial mansion on Calle Jesús María, you will find Hav Coffee & Art This adorable little corner where you can drink a strong and hot coffee, while enjoying a traveling photographic exhibition as the ideal plan.
The vibrant atmosphere of the city is synthesized in this place: an open space from which the daily life of Havanans is witnessed, the local businesses in operation, and the passage of old cars or bike-taxis on the street.
HAV_coffee & art
Those who appreciate simple pleasures, here will be able to taste one of the best organic breakfasts in Havana, with very good service and always with an excellent contemporary artistic proposal by Cuban and international artists.
And since the night is young, it is not a bad plan to have a drink on its magnificent terrace, what do you think?
HAV_coffee & art
So, if you are thinking of organizing a trip to Cuba, whether it is with your familiy, with your group of friends or with your classmates, with your couple or even in your honey moon, on your own or in one of our tailor made trips, don't miss any of our recommendations to travel to Cuba without complications and to know about the evolution of COVID-19 situation in Cuba.
We suggest some of our most popular organized tours , and, if possible, spend at least 10 days in Cuba, so as not to miss the essentials, and above all, we recommend that you let yourself be carried away by our tips to live the authentic Cuban culture. Now you also know some of those magnetic and picturesque places where you can enjoy good art and Cuban flavor!
Article written by Gabriela Rodríguez, independent Cuban guide.
Video produced and edited by Javier Ernesto Hernández-López.
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