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Paladares are independent, government sanctioned, family owned Cuban restaurants. They are named after a Brazilian soap opera televised in Cuba. In the show, the central character opened a sandwich shop, which, in time, grew into a multi-restaurant chain called Paladares.

Watching this form of free-market capitalism struck a vibrating chord with viewers who thought, hey “I could do this,” and thus the popularity of Paladares emerged. Paladares are the first and only enterprises to fall under Cuba’s quest for democratic economic reform. They are family run restaurants, usually located in a private home, and permitted by the government to serve foreign tourists. The restaurants are small and each has to follow a set of strict guidelines. Rules stipulate that there are to be no more than 12 seats, although many do exceed this limit. They must also prepare rustic Cuban food (i.e. no lobster, chicken breast, or shrimp) and they are not allowed to accept any credit cards. Moreover, they are one of the few taxed businesses in this communist regime. Even with all these guidelines, paladares have flourished.

We urge you to culture yourself, and seek out these grassroots, indigenous dining spots, hailed as paladares, over the typical state and hotel-run restaurants throughout Cuba. No matter which one you go to, you can always count on authentic, wholesome, delicious, and inexpensive food.


Located in Miramar, La Fontana was founded in 1999 by a small group of relatives, students, and friends. Since its inception, it has become one of the most famous, mouthwatering eateries in Havana. La Fontana is a gastronomical paradise, surrounded by a protective wall set in the shadows of the beautiful Russian Embassy. With guitar strumming lyricists playing away, tourists dine on a delicious meal in a setting filled with vine covered framework, goldfish ponds, and a host of wild animals, including a pelican named Pablo. There is an open grill and a traditional Cuban country bungalow (bohio) where guests like to sit back and relax as they take in a tasty meal. The menu offers an extensive selection of foods including lobster, which is normally forbidden in the world of Paladares.

Probably the most famous paladar in Cuba, LaGuardia is renown for its serene ambience, excellent cuisine, and its starring role in the Oscar nominated Cuban film Fresa y Chocolate (Strawberries and Chocolate). After trekking up three steep flights in a run-down, dilapidated, beautiful 1930s apartment, you magically enter this trendy, inexpensive Cuban food haven. Three dimly lit rooms encompass this restaurant with attentive, good-looking, quick-serving waiters. Check out the pictures on the wall and you will see the caliber of clientele that have visited this most famous paladar: royalty, presidents and A-list actors. You can’t go wrong with the cherna caimanero, the house specialty, it’s absolutely divine.

A tropical dream! We found this paladar our last night, and once we started eating, we couldn’t stop. Set in the garden of a family owned house, the waiters are devoted and outshined only by the palatability of the food. Located behind an unassuming wall on a residential street, a romantic aura exudes from this tree-filled patio with tables strewn across the dining area in little, semi-private alcoves. The food here is probably the best we had in Cuba – absolutely delish and skillfully prepared. The dreamy atmosphere and experience of La Cocina de Lilliam is absolutely unforgettable.