Il Divino

Style of place: Cigar Lounge

Ambience
Popularity
Entertainment
Service

Best for: Spending an afternoon with the family in a superb homestead with lovely gardens.

Worst for: Driving home after a couple of bottles of rose.

Calle Raquel, No. 50 e/ Esperanza y Lindero, Reparto Castillo de Averhoff, Mantilla, Arroyo Naranjo, (Near Parque Lenin on the way to Autopista Nacional)

(+53)7643 - 7734

Il Divino gets our vote as the absolutely best place to eat in Havana with the family at the weekend. 6 stars out of 5. Simply brilliant, superlatives trip off the tongue. The place is huge with plentiful seating on the terrace as well as (our favorite) a number of ranchons. It boasts its own impeccably maintained botanical gardens which kids will love while you lounge the afternoon way. This is out of town past Hemmingway’s Fince Vigia just before you reach Lenin Park. Take a map and spend the afternoon – there is no-where else you need to get to on at the weekend!
The house itself is a beautiful Mediterranean style villa, which has nicely decorated air-conditioned rooms as well as a large terrace and various places to eat in the garden. Deep in the vaults of the house lies a great wine cellar/smoking room where you will find a selection of some of the best wines available in Cuba. [This is home to the Italian association of oenologist for the Caribbean].
The range of available food is extensive, from quality pizzas and pastas to pork ribs, steaks, roasted chicken and an incredibly tasty lamb shoulder to more delicate chicken dishes with garlic and herbs. It is all quality, mostly uncomplicated, but cooked in the large well-organized kitchen in an efficient and capable way.
Drinks are excellent; the range of wines (as you might imagine) is probably the best in Cuba although I generally prefer the cheaper rose on a warm Sunday afternoon! The only problem, and it is a little tricky, is finding the place the first time. Don’t be afraid to give the restaurant a call and let them guide you in!