Malecon Havana Restaurant El Litoral
Restaurant El Litoral on the Malecon Havana is considered by many as probably the Best restaurant on the Malecon, if not in the whole of Havana. This is a lofty statement, especially when one considers the erratic availability of produce in Cuba and the notorious fluctuation of service levels. Nevertheless, the El Litoral Restaurant has been going strong for several years now yet; we have not had a single bad meal there or heard of anyone else who has.
If Cuban Old Havana historian Eusebio Leal wants to use a building as a cookie cutter model for the rejuvenation of the rest of Havana, then this is probably the one he should use. Painstakingly restored, the exterior looks simply astounding with its weathered “hermanita” stone portal and beautifully tiled façade. Of course you are also coming here for the views of Malecon and, while not a high building, the views of the sea, peeking just above the seawall, are enough for most diners. For a romantic sunset dinner, book the terrace tables in advance and expect your loved one to thank you for a very, very long time.
Onto the food – El Litoral translates into English as “The Coastline”, so it would seem fitting that the menu consists of numerous seafood dishes. It’s how many and the extensive variety that strikes the first time visitor as a pleasant surprise. Tempura peppers with shrimp foam, almond encrusted whitefish with spinach gnocchi. Lobster Thermidor on a bed of fresh salad. Roast Tuna steaks with egg plant. The list goes on an on. Meat lovers will find their lamb shank cutlet wrapped in serrano ham to be divine.
Tip – We´d recommend ditching a table served entrée, instead taking the walk up salad bar buffet. It works out as an excellent option for mingling with other patrons and getting to know the staff at El Litoral.
The El Litoral restaurant on the Malecon is a 5 minute walk from the Hotel Nacional De Cuba. In effect it’s just behind the American Interest Section (embassy). Getting here from the start of The Havana Malecon at Prado – Strolling leisurely, takes about 15 minutes. A perfect distance to watch the start of the Malecon Sunset before your succulent dinner at the El Litoral allows you to view the sundown.
Address: Malecon & Calle L, La Habana, Cuba
Reservations: + (537) 8302201
Open: 8am to 12.30am – 7 days
Malecon Havana Paladar Torreson
Though the building on Havana Malecon in which Paladar Torreson is located is in urgent need of a facelift, what awaits diners inside is truly exceptional. Firstly, its 3rd floor location affords diners with a panoramic view of the Malecon as far down as La Rampa. Grabbing a few photos at this unusual spot at the start of the Malecon will garner some unique shots. Now back to the food – One of the Paladar Torreson Restaurants popular dishes is of course its lobster and seafood menu. Starting at 10 CUC, the large portions work out quite economical.
Not a place to come if you’re not feeling hungry, the owners pride themselves on their customary generous helpings. Cuban staples such as black beans and rice with Yucca plant and pork are also high on the menu and, at just 14 CUC with a bottle of water, work out to be extremely reasonable for, what is essentially, a wholesome home cooked meal. As with any restaurant on Havana’s Malecon, you’re coming here for the views and the Malecon legacy, as much as you are to simply eat. Highly recommended is to dine at Paladar Torreson just before sunset on a clear day. The overall ambience, views and romanticism will leave a lasting memory.
Address: Malecon No 27 Prado y Carcel, Havana, Cuba
Reservations: + (537) 8617476
Open: 12 to 12 – 7 days
Malecon Havana Cafe Neruda
Café Neruda on Havana’s Malecon is one of a new generation of Havana eateries. At last, architecture and design is as important as the food in Cuba and Café Neruda shows this new tendency. You´ll be pleasantly seduced by its open and airy feel and impressive views of the Malecon. If you’re staying at a Casa Particular along the Malecon then this could well be you’re regular spot for breakfast.
The fresh fruit juices are perfect and a largish breakfast with the aforementioned fresh-squeeze and coffee will set you back just 5 CUC. A more elaborate omelet addition will be just an extra 2 CUC. Of course, Café Neruda on the Havana Malecon is listed here because of its location and, finding a better location than this from which to; people watch, old car spot or, simply savor sundown, is going to be very difficult indeed. How about an early evening tipple?
Café Neruda offers the whole gamut of cocktails, from the classic Cuban staples like the Cuba Libre and Mojito, to the quintessential (Floridita beating?) daiquiri. We were also pleased to find several imported beers at Café Neruda, amongst which are: Heineken, Coronita and Carlsberg.
But, its Café Neruda’s full menu meals that really make for great value. The seafood platter, which includes Cuban Lobster for just 10 CUC? A price previously unheard of in Cuba, especially at government run establishments but, Café Neruda appears to be catering for the cost conscience and recession hit European nations whose citizens regularly visit Cuba. Café Neruda isn’t the fine dining experience you may be searching for that romantic meal but, for fast service, excellent Malecon location and outstanding food, Café Neruda ticks firmly in each abovementioned box.
Address: Malecón No 353-357 between streets Manrique & San Nicolás
Reservations: + (537) 864 4159
Open: 11am to 11pm – 7 days
Car Rental Malecon Havana Cuba | Rent a Car Havana
Due to the numerous Rent a Car offices along Malecon Havana Cuba, it is an excellent and central place to pick-up your pre-booked Cuban rent a car. Transtur Havana, the official rent a car company in Cuba, has some excellent Car rental offers from economic cars to the latest sport convertible models. Transtur also offers 7 and 9 seat minivans for collection at any of their offices on Malecon Havana. Due to parking issues and space constraints along the Malecon, booking your Cuba Car Hire in advance is crucial as there are seldom cars available at the below offices if you simply just show up.
Booking in advance also ties in lower rates and ensures your is ready and waiting on the exact Malecon Havana office of Transtur on the day and at the time you chose.
At the blow links you can book your car at any Malecon Havana pickup office with Havanautos, CubaCAR, REX or Via Rent. Avoid setbacks or unnecessary unplanned costs while you’re in Cuba and book beforehand.
There’s an exclusive Cuba-One-Way® program that caters for those of you who wish to collect your Cuban rent a car in say Malecon Havana and return it in another city across Cuba, ensuring that your exact itinerary starting from Malecon Havana is organized in advance.
The following Havana Rent a Car offices are available along the Havana Malecon (click to see map of location or to book your car rental)
Flights to Havana Cuba | Havana Flights
Immediate confirmation of your flight to Havana Cuba is just 2 clicks away. We also offer a price comparison of all available airlines to Cuba and Havana to allow you to get the best flight deals to Cuba right now. Our Cuba flight checker is free and can help you plan your vacation budget.
Once you have booked your flight to Havana Cuba, you can conveniently book your hotel, car rental or any other service on this one website, we are also available on our chat system should you need any personal help with your travel to Cuba or to coordinate your whole trip to Havana. We also offer VIP arrival services, airport transfers and much more, just ask us on our chat system and well coordinate your whole trip for you!
Harlistas Cubanos LAMA | Malecon Havana
Every Saturday from 5pm onwards you’ll find the Harlistas Cubanos on the Malecon of Havana at the La Piragua junction of Malecon and Calle O. Literally 80 meters from the entrance of the Hotel Nacional and 100 meters from the Hotel Capri down towards the sea.
This weekly get-together of Cuban Harley owners is a true delight if you happen to be in the city. The Harley Davidson motorcycle owners of Havana are a playful bunch and welcome tourist and locals alike at their weekly congregation.
At most Saturday events you’ll find at least 50 vintage Harleys. Of course, all the bikes are pre-1960 machines, yet they’re in surprisingly great shape.
Harley Davidson motorcycles are a passion in Cuba as much as they are anywhere else in the world and visiting this weekly event will certainly add some authenticity to your Cuban Vacation.
Harley folks in Havana are a friendly bunch who enjoy their chismes (gossip) and arguing about their bikes. Thankfully, if you don’t speak much Spanish you´ll find several local expats who are members of the local chapter of The Latin American Motorcycle Association or LAMA attending the Saturday event.
The Harley crowd in Havana will even join in the fun and photo sessions with you. Harlistas Cubanos, yet another reason to head to down to Malecon Havana on Saturday afternoon!
