As the old Italian legend goes, visitors who toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain are sure to return to Rome. And according to a more current fable, but on the American continent, those who taste the delicacies served at Havana’s La Fontana are sure to return to that restaurant and to the Cuban capital.
Founded in 1995 the popular restaurant La Fontana is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, while remaining in the vanguard of stylized Cuban and international cuisine. Located in the home of the Reyes Lovio family, a modern mansion in the tranquil neighborhood of Miramar, it has earned itself the description of best grill in the city, a place you always come back to.
This sui generis temple to Cuba’s “national mammal” (pork) continues to win new followers. Here, roast pork and some of the best charbroiled meat and fish to be found can please the most demanding palates. Meat is prepared uniquely at La Fontana: the charcoal embers caress the textures of the cuts.
To diners’ delight, at this restaurant, a wide selection of almost 70 dishes have been curated, including appetizers, main courses, and exquisite desserts, combining sophisticated and exotic Old World aromas with the fragrance of vegetable charcoal and seasoning made from Cuba’s bountiful natural ingredients.
Its specialties include grilled meat and fish, barbecued coastal red snapper, mixed brochettes and different cuts of meat. Charbroiled octopus with pesto and sausage, all accompanied by traditional black beans, tamale stew, grilled vegetables and mashed tubers. Lamb and goat kid are other delicacies that should not be missed when visiting this restaurant.
Passing through a hallway adorned with cash registers, typewriters, and other antiques, you reach the air-conditioned dining room, carefully decorated with dinnerware that makes for an unforgettable ambience. A more recent addition is the Edén, a bar that Havana’s bohemians have included among their favorites, due to its diverse and exquisite cocktails and its new, glamorous tapas and snacks for enjoying well into the night and into the wee hours.
La Fontana continues to surprises us. It is a favorite of important business people, heads of state, art world celebrities and other illustrious visitors, and they always come back.
