Europa

CA3
Style of food: Cuban/Creole
Cost: Moderate
Type of place: State
Food
Ambience
Service
Value
Best for: Great location, nice diner type atmosphere
Worst for: Uninspiring food and a little sterile inside.
Obispo, esquina a Aguiar
(+53)7864 - 4484
Open noon-midnight
  • Europa is strategically located on one of Old Havana’s main thoroughfares, Obispo. Many Havana residents may still remember it as the old Café Europa, the best patisserie in town in the late 19th century. It was converted to a new restaurant in 2009 and now is one of the most attractive looking places on this strip.

    This looks a relatively chic European-style lunch place of the sort you might see in any Continental European city. The only problem is that with the windows open, it is warm in the summer; with them closed it is too much of an air-conditioned cocoon.

    Food wise, there are over sixteen unique sauces and the popular frituras de malanga (taro fritters) that go with onion marmalade; grandma’s soup made of natural ingredients; rice and chicken in the Europa style; and a skewer of chicken and shrimps coated with caramel made of a honey, rosemary and balsamic vinegar blend. This is pretty decent quality and consistently receives positive reviews without ever being really spectacular.

    
  • Las Marías

    Las Marías  LH 3

    Las Marías is a small charming outdoor terrace in the heart of Miramar, which re-opened on Christmas Eve 2011. More to the point, it is a family affair between María Ofelia, her daughter Marilé and gr …

    La Dominica

    La Dominica  LH 3

    La Dominica enjoys a great setting opposite the restored Colegio Universitario de San Gerónimo and the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales. Patio tables are the order of the day outside of the heat of …

    Puerto de Sagua

    Puerto de Sagua  LH 3

    “The fish and shellfish that you have enjoyed here spent the night in Isabela de Sagua Bay.” This slogan used to identify the excellence of food served at Puerto de Sagua Bar & Restaurant, founded …

    El Bambú

    El Bambú  LH 3+

    Once upon a time this was the finest vegetarian in Havana. The Japanese Garden in Havana’s Botanical gardens locates this. The setting is wonderful, the Japanese Garden is a real highlight of the Bota …

    Hostal Valencia – La Paella

    Hostal Valencia – La Paella  LH 3+

    One of our favourite choices for dinner in Old Havana, La Paella has a relaxed, intimate and charming ambience fully in keeping with the lovely boutique hotel (Hostal Valencia). The trademark paella d …

    Unión Francesa

    Unión Francesa  LH 3

    The Unión Francesa is one of those places that seem stuck in a netherworld of not quite being sure what it is–state restaurant, association, paladar. I can never tell; it simply is not obvious. It is …

    El Comendador Hotel – Bodegón Onda

    El Comendador Hotel – Bodegón Onda  LH 3

    The Bodegón Onda is located within the Comendador Hotel, which slightly confusingly is next to the more visible Hostal Valencia (one of our favourite places to stay in Havana). This is a delightful, i …

    Raquel Hotel – Jardín del Edén

    Raquel Hotel – Jardín del Edén  LH 3

    The beautifully restored Hotel Raquel is another testament to the wonders being performed by Habaguanex, the Historian’s Office commercial wing. Opened in 2009, the stained glass ceiling simply takes …

    Santana

    Santana  LH 3

    Santana opened in November 2011. I love the name (Santana is a rock band based around guitarist Carlos Santana) and although it has nothing really to do with the place, it does sound nice and is easy …

    La Barca

    La Barca  LH 4-

    La Barca restaurant is located next to El Templete and has also benefited from the Catalan Jordi Escarra’s inspiration and management. The site now occupied by the restaurant was once the property of …

    « 10 of 14 pages »