Modern, Old Havana, Restaurants

O’Reilly 304

O'Reilly 304
Tacos at O’Reilly 304

This simple restaurant is probably the trendiest and hippest eatery in Cuba at the moment. It doesn’t have the fame of La Guarida, or the grandiose setting of Café del Oriente. But that is more than compensated with stylish, unassuming ambience, spectacular food and its sprawling cocktail menu. Wedged between two dilapidated buildings on O’Reilly street in Old Havana, it is a rising star of Havana’s culinary scene. Its dining room is always packed with a jovial buzz everyday from noon to night, attracting a steady and stylish crowd of Havana’s affluent hipsters and tourists.  Seafood here is fantastic and fresh. But its ceviche is the holy grail here, and we voted this as  best ceviche restaurant in Havana, tied with La Terraza. The dish is a real treat. Aside from seafood, its tacos are a big standout (although it’s fair to note that there are almost no Mexican restaurants on the map). Fillings include red peppers, onions, beef and cilantro, and (this being Cuba!) a delicious paste of black beans on the side. Guacamole is served only when avocados are in season. Also, don’t miss its mango daiquiri. In fact, any daiquiri here is top quality. They pack a punch, but are perfectly balanced mixtures of rum, fruit, and ice, smooth till the last drop. The only downside is for cigar choppers – as smoking is strictly prohibited here.

Address: O’Reilly 304, Habana Vieja, Havana, Cuba

Tel: +53 7 8630206

Mobil: +53 5 2644725

Opening hours: noon till midnight

Price: Moderate