Don Ricardo

CA2
Style of food: Irish
Cost: Moderate
Type of place: Paladar (private)
Food
Ambience
Service
Value
Best for: As close to an Irish pub as you can get (in Havana) at present
Worst for: Not actually much that is Irish (& no Guinness!)
Cuba No. 102-108 esquina a Chacón
(+53)7860 - 5080
Open noon-11pm
  • On for a good Irish pub in Old Havana where you could get a meat pie and a pint of Guiness. Don Ricardo is an Irish restaurant, but how Irish is a little debateable. The place recalls the founder of the eminent O’Farrill family, of Irish origin, who lived in the building where Palacio O’Farrill Hotel stands today. One of Palacio O’Farill Hotel’s chief attractions is the mix of 18th, 19th and 20th-century architectural elements in the decoration of each of its three storeys. As part of this atmosphere, there is an interior courtyard before the restaurant, which stands out because of an old, skylight-shaded well.

    In terms of the menu, this is supposed to be an inventive mix of meat blends with fruit sauces and vegetable garnishes. I remain somewhat unconvinced although this is one of those places perhaps best tried for yourself.

    
  • La Casa Sarasua

    La Casa Sarasua  LH 3

    If you want an opportunity to chat with an interesting paladar owner, then look no further than this friendly and welcoming paladar overlooking leafy Calle 25, near the university. The décor is provid …

    Las Marías

    Las Marías  LH 3

    Las Marías is a small charming outdoor terrace in the heart of Miramar, which re-opened on Christmas Eve 2011. More to the point, it is a family affair between María Ofelia, her daughter Marilé and gr …

    La Dominica

    La Dominica  LH 3

    La Dominica enjoys a great setting opposite the restored Colegio Universitario de San Gerónimo and the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales. Patio tables are the order of the day outside of the heat of …

    Puerto de Sagua

    Puerto de Sagua  LH 3

    “The fish and shellfish that you have enjoyed here spent the night in Isabela de Sagua Bay.” This slogan used to identify the excellence of food served at Puerto de Sagua Bar & Restaurant, founded …

    El Bambú

    El Bambú  LH 3+

    Once upon a time this was the finest vegetarian in Havana. The Japanese Garden in Havana’s Botanical gardens locates this. The setting is wonderful, the Japanese Garden is a real highlight of the Bota …

    Hostal Valencia – La Paella

    Hostal Valencia – La Paella  LH 3+

    One of our favourite choices for dinner in Old Havana, La Paella has a relaxed, intimate and charming ambience fully in keeping with the lovely boutique hotel (Hostal Valencia). The trademark paella d …

    Unión Francesa

    Unión Francesa  LH 3

    The Unión Francesa is one of those places that seem stuck in a netherworld of not quite being sure what it is–state restaurant, association, paladar. I can never tell; it simply is not obvious. It is …

    El Comendador Hotel – Bodegón Onda

    El Comendador Hotel – Bodegón Onda  LH 3

    The Bodegón Onda is located within the Comendador Hotel, which slightly confusingly is next to the more visible Hostal Valencia (one of our favourite places to stay in Havana). This is a delightful, i …

    Raquel Hotel – Jardín del Edén

    Raquel Hotel – Jardín del Edén  LH 3

    The beautifully restored Hotel Raquel is another testament to the wonders being performed by Habaguanex, the Historian’s Office commercial wing. Opened in 2009, the stained glass ceiling simply takes …

    Santana

    Santana  LH 3

    Santana opened in November 2011. I love the name (Santana is a rock band based around guitarist Carlos Santana) and although it has nothing really to do with the place, it does sound nice and is easy …

    « 9 of 14 pages »