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La Corte del Principe has rocked up the pop charts in Havana on the back of quality authentic Italian fare. Located on a quiet street behind the lovely park (which runs from Calle 60 to 82 behind the Occidental Hotel) this is Sergio’s place. The seating, all outside under an awning is not fancy but comfortable. Typically busy but not packed there is an atmosphere about the place. Somewhere where no one comes in a hurry. A place you stay to enjoy the wine, smoke that cigar and relax in a laid back atmosphere.
This is not to say that the food will take an eternity to appear, on the contrary service is attentive and quick. Simply that what is the rush, do you really have somewhere better to be? This is not the Italian version of a Tex Mex, there are no pizzas on the menu. Instead you have a range of pastas made as only an Italian could make them. Tagliatelle al fungi porcini/gamberi y zucchine/alla marinara. Great spaghettis. Take care that you don’t over indulge in the starters (prosciutto, antipasto and brochette) since you will want to leave room for the main course. And did I mention the desserts!
Undeniably serving the best pasta in town at present look for the Tagliatelle al fungi porcini/gamberi y zucchine/alla marinara. Unless you get stuck on the starters that are so good you don’t even make it to your main course. Just ask Sergio what he recommends today.
Typically busy but not packed there is an atmosphere about the place. Somewhere where no one comes in a hurry. A place you stay to enjoy the wine, smoke that cigar and relax in a laid back atmosphere. This is not to say that the food will take an eternity to appear, on the contrary service is attentive and quick. Simply that what is the rush, do you really have somewhere better to be?
Melazane alla Parmigiana at La Corte del Principe
I previously gave an “up” to this fairly new Italian paladar, located in Miramar, for its fresh pastas. Those pastas continue to be the strong point of La Corte del Principe where the dishes are prepared daily with fresh products available in the market. Nevertheless if you choose not to go the pasta route there is a great option — the Melazane alla Parmigianino (eggplant Parmigianino), a delicious thin slice of eggplant fried in batter and covered in a tomato sauce and parmesan cheese. It is an appetizer but I could easily have it as an entrée. Remember that in this place you will usually see a changing menu because every day they have only what is fresh.
The fresh pasta at La Corte del Principe
This is one of the newest paladares in Havana. It is a charming and yet unpretentious establishment with a few tables in a covered porch and with a limited menu written in a blackboard. The place is nice, the prices are good, service is fantastic… but what is more attractive about this place is the homemade pastas, they are really good and they are offered with a variety of sauces that are also very outstanding: four cheeses, carbonara, amatriciana and pesto to name a few. Follow the recommendations of the owner, Sergio, who will give you personalized service and a detailed description of his Italian creations. You will want to come back. Beware than even though it is an Italian place, pizza is not served.