La Guarida

The most famous paladar in Cuba owes its renown in equal parts to the wonderful ambience, excellent cuisine, and the starring role it played in several scenes in the Cuban blockbuster film Fresa y Chocolate. The three small rooms of this converted apartment are reached by climbing three flights of steep, run-down, and poorly lit stairs. The signed celebrity headshots allow a glimpse at the stars in whose steps you have just followed. Start things off with some seviche, gazpacho, or their signature appetizer of eggplant caviar, a tasty vegetable paste with the texture the name implies. Caimanero (fresh red snapper) might come in a white-wine, orange, or sweet-and-sour sauce -- all are good, as is the honey-mustard chicken and pork medallions in mango sauce. There's an extensive selection of Spanish, French, Italian, and Chilean wines. Just make sure you're not seated at the table between the kitchen and the restrooms. The ornate facade and balcony balustrades make this place worth a peek during the daytime.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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