La Mina

Style of food: International

Cost: Moderate

Type of place: State

Food
Ambience
Service
Value

Best for: Great location in heart of old Havana.

Worst for: Uninspiring food, tourist trap for walk by visitors.

Obispo esquina a Oficios

(+53)7671 - 0216

Open bar and café 24hrs; restaurant 10am-midnight

The building that houses La Mina and which was the residence of the bishops of the nearby principal Parrish Church back in the 16th and 17th centuries was refurbished in 1985 and became La Mina Restaurant. Today, La Mina is a large rambling complex which includes a sweet shop, bar, café, ice-cream parlour and restaurant. Located opposite Plaza de Armas, the view of the square is lovely and the various eating areas light, airy and comfortable, a perfect escape form the noonday sun.

This is classified as another Creole place that serves the standard fare of pork, chicken and fish with some variations. I have never had an exceptional meal here but you could do worse. The real issue here is that with its fabulous location, there will always be tourists passing by who come in, sustain the place, never come back but it doesn’t matter since this is a place you pass by and enter rather than especially one you would ever seek out.