Centro Asturiano – La Terraza

CA4
Style of food: Braiserie
Cost: Moderate
Type of place: Association
Food
Ambience
Service
Value
Best for: Great view of Old Havana. Fabulous rack of lamb
Worst for: Unwieldy wicker chairs take up so much space you seem crowded.
Paseo del Prado No. 309 altos, esquina a Virtudes
(+53)7862 - 3626
Open noon-midnight
  • The Sociedad Juventud Asturiana is a Spanish cultural society from the province of Asturias, which has a special legal status in Havana. Essentially, the society functions as a cooperative which means that the staff and management of each location have more independence and incentives to develop a number of wonderful buildings in Havana. Over the past few years, a number of restaurants have opened in each of these buildings, which have become some of the best places in Havana to eat.

    La Terraza is the pick of the bunch of places to eat at The Centro Asturiano. Don’t be distracted by the other options on your way up to the top floor–this is the place to go for people in the know. If you are nervous about (very) old elevators that seem on their last legs, then walk up the stairs through the middle of this incredible building and all the way up to the terrace on the top floor. Try and get a table on the outside for the best view of Prado Boulevard.

    This is an international cuisine restaurant but really it is the grill that is special. The signature dish, or at least the best thing to eat here, is the leg of lamb, which is outstanding. Other dishes include your standard fare of pork, beef and grilled fish/lobster all of which are good, but the leg of lamb makes the Pavlovian dribble come in just thinking about it.

    Ambience wise, this is a lovely location to eat and generally has a steady flow of clients so it has an appreciable buzz. My only slight grumble is that the wicker chairs are slightly too large and always seem to be in the way when anyone is trying to get past (including the waiter!).

    Service is good, and there are few better places to get a cocktail and a snack as the sun sets over the city.

    
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