December is a bad time to be a pig in Cuba. Steaming dishes of roast pork cover every Cuban table when the Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations arrive. From whole pigs roasted with charcoal for large families, to small pieces of meat cooked in your home oven, these dishes are usually served with congrí rice and yuca with mojo criollo.
Here are the restaurants with the best roast pork in the city, if you want to celebrate as locals do.
- Al Carbón
This restaurant specializes in traditional Cuban dishes cooked over charcoal. The menu provides ample choices, but pork is king here. The suckling pig charcoal-grilled in the wood oven is a fantastic, rich, and crunchy tour de force. The eclectic wine list is heavy on Spain, mostly from Ribera del Duero and Rioja. It is a bit more expensive than most paladars, but servings are abundant and the service is attentive and friendly.
Address: Aguacate #9 esq. Chacón, Habana Vieja
Tel: +53 78639697
Opening hours: Every Day 12:00 p.m – 12:00 a.m
- Toros y Tapas
Chef Mauricio Estrada’s many culinary experiences both in Spain and Cuba have allowed him to mix bold flavors and traditional Spanish recipes with fabulous results. The piquillo peppers and mushroom croquettes and slow-cooked tender meats are lip-smackingly good. His piglet is one of the best in the city. The skin is crisp and the meat is juicy and tender. There are always some good Spanish red wines available at Toros y Tapas too, to wash everything down.
Address: Calle 6 #124 e/ 3ra y 1ra, Miramar, Playa.
Contact: +53 7202 1548, torostapas@gmail.com
Opening hours: Every Day 12:00 p.m – 12:00 a.m
- La Fontana
Established in 1995, around the same time as La Guarida, La Fontana in Miramar endured through the years and worked its way up to become an A-list restaurant. The open charcoal grill in the corner of the dining room is where the seasoned chef attends to the meat and fish in a rhythmical, paced manner. The tender, crispy skinned suckling pig is fantastic, and the serving size is really generous. Don’t forget to order the daiquiri here, one of the best in town.
Address: 3ra. A esq. 46, #305, Miramar, Playa
Opening hours: Every Day 12:00 p.m – 12:00 a.m
Contact: +53 7 202 8337
- Casa Grande
Serving one of the best barbecue meats in Havana, chef Jorge Falcó Ochoa runs this “big house” in Cojímar, just 7 kilometers from downtown. Casa Grande specialize in anything grilled, served in abundant portions at affordable prices. Don’t miss their grilled pork, in any of its variations. Sit on the terrace and enjoy the breeze while sipping on a cold Cristal.
Address: Pezuela #86 esquina Foxa, Cojímar, Habana del Este
Contact: +53 53166295
Opening hours: Every Day 12:00 p.m – 12:00 a.m
- El Palenque
El Palenque, a large Havana food court and a local institution, stands out as an unpretentious and authentic eating spot that attracts a large number of Cuban families as well as foreigners. This place is a great way to feel Havana and sample popular favorites such as grilled pork and chicken. Come here if you want a non-touristy local dining experience. We love the grilled pork, which is simple and perfectly seasoned.
Address: Calle 17 y Calle 190, Siboney, Playa, La Habana
Contact: +53 7 271 8167
Opening hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.