The 5 best private restaurants or paladars in Havana

Grados is synonymous with excellent food and superb service. Chef Raulito Bazuk transformed his mother’s casa particular into an intimate paladar. Everything he serves is homemade. Dining becomes an experience here. The dishes, a combination of traditional Cuban cuisine and Raulito’s experiments, have literary titles such as ‘Rubia con ojos verde’ and ‘Secreto de mulato’.

This tiny restaurant is very close to the Museum of the Revolution and the Santo Angel Custodio Church, on the east side of Havana Vieja. They serve Cuban cuisine with a creative twist. Everything tastes divine.

Quite an experience. “Aqui jamás estuvo Hemingway”, Hemingway was never here, according to El Chanchullero which is located in a neighborhood where there are a lot of reference to the great writer since it is close to Floridita. Chanchullero means hustler. The devil is in the details so read the menu carefully and you’ll soon find yourself laughing out loud with the Chanchullero’s modest jokes.

This is chef Iván’s second restaurant. He previously worked as a private chef for Fidel Castro. Here he mainly serves traditional Cuban dishes, which are grilled over charcoal. The pork is delicious and the house specialty. Will Smith, Naomi Campbell, Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem have already found their way to this excellent paladar.

This industrial chic open-air rooftop is a real gem, serving delicious food such as ropa vieja or pulpo or langosta, and … the best piña colada in town. Find this trendy place under the imposing brick chimney. A must-visit. Tip: go to the FAC next door after dining here.