La Guarida

Frommer's Review

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 stories of steep, run-down, and poorly lit stairs. The signed celebrity headshots let you see the stars in whose steps you have just followed. Start things off with some ceviche, gazpacho, or their signature appetizer of eggplant caviar, a tasty vegetable paste that has the texture the name implies. Caimanero (fresh red snapper) might come in a white-wine or sweet-and-sour sauce -- both are good, as are the honey-mustard chicken and pork medallions in mango sauce. There's an extensive selection of Spanish, French, Italian, and Chilean wines. 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.