Zaragozana

CA2
Style of food: Spanish/Mediterranean
Cost: Moderate
Type of place: State
Food
Ambience
Service
Value
Best for: Football memorabilia on the walls is interesting.
Worst for: Gloomy inside, unexceptional food
Monserrate, entre Obispo y Obrapía La Habana Vieja
(+53)7867 - 1040
Open noon-midnight
  • This restaurant’s origin dates back to its founding in 1830. Some people say that it always had the distinctive cooking style of the Spanish region it was named after ever since they opened. In those days, travellers and coachmen used to step by this restaurant, which nowadays draws sustenance from the tradition introduced by one of its earliest owners, José Currais, from Zaragoza. Decorated with neckerchiefs, flags, scarf’s and pictures of football players donated by clients, the restaurant has a well-established Spanish cooking tradition. Famous names from the world of art and literature such as Ernest Hemingway (a regular client of adjoining bar and restaurant El Floridita), Nicolás Guillén, Chucho Valdés and Tata Güines have left their stamp on this place.

    The menu includes obligatory paella, Asturian bean stew, classic fried garbanzo beans, and various types of shellfish dishes. How good is it? It is tempting to say that after 180 years it should be a lot better than it is. Decidedly average is about the kindest conclusion to be reached and overall, despite all the memorabilia, it remains somewhat gloomy. Bring on the light!

    (At the time of our visit, the premises were closed for remodeling)

    
  • Bom Apetite

    Bom Apetite  LH 4

    Walking in on a rainy night to Bon Appetite was like walking into an oasis. We had tried a few other places nearby which were all deserted, dead. We had put it down to the weather and planned to head …

    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 …

    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 …

    La Barca

    La Barca  LH 4-

    La Barca restaurant is located next to El Templete and has also benefited from the Catalan Jordi Escarra’s inspiration and management. The site now occupied by the restaurant was once the property of …

    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 Baturro

    El Baturro  LH 3

    In 1919, Romualdo Lalueza, a wine and liquor wholesaler and importer from Spain, occupied the building where he had his warehouse and canteen café called El Baturro. Well into 1944, he advertised his …

    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 …

    Castas y Tal

    Castas y Tal  LH 3

    Castas y Tal is located on the 11th floor of a large apartment building in Vedado, just around the corner from Hotel Presidente. The restaurant really has three discreet areas, a main dining room that …

    Al Medina

    Al Medina  LH 3

    Al Medina (The City) opened in 1983 as a Middle Eastern restaurant housed inside a lovely 17th-century building, which was formerly a boys’ school. The menu features a large collection of dishes, gril …

    « 6 of 14 pages »