The 1830 Restaurant in Havana
Photo Feature by Irina Pino
HAVANA TIMES – At the entrance of the tunnel connecting Vedado and Miramar, exactly at the corner of Malecon and 22nd Street, you’ll find the 1830 Restaurant. In the 19th century, it was known as Restaurante Arana, famous for dishes like Arroz con pollo a la chorrera and Bacalao a la vizcaína. It was also called “Hotel La Mar,” likely due to its location right by the waters of Havana’s seafront boulevard. Then, in the 1920s, it became “Villa Miramar.”
Its sturdy structure features elements of neoclassical style, with beautiful stained glass windows, ironwork, and fine wood railings on the balconies. It’s topped with red tiles. The furniture is elegant, and the main halls — Gold, Red, Green, and Violet — stand out, with the Violet room featuring a marble stove. The Green room has a glass window that looks out onto a courtyard. Outside, there are small tables where people can chat over drinks and enjoy the ocean view.
I’ve only been there once, despite living very nearby. I only remember that the meal was a beef steak, rather tough — although maybe it was just my teeth, unused to chewing meat after going so long without it. What I recall more fondly is the bottle of Spanish red wine that my friends bought to go with lunch.
Here are the photos I was able to take. That day was a holiday, and no customers had arrived yet. If anyone decides to come, I hope they’ll invite me.
Beautiful older restaurant!!
All this is a fantasy..my brother went there , to Habana and there’s nothing much to order. Beers are hot, no beef, mostly pork. Please, do not go there, the people are suffering, only tourists can afford to eat a little better
I was there for lunch in March 2025. I ate on the patio overlooking the water and thoroughly enjoyed the food, the service and the tranquility.
What are the prices
Been there in the early 90’s while on assignment for work.
All I remember was having dinner with Government Officials.
Had Lunch there and that same night we left Cuba. That was in 1986.
Good memories. Thank you.
Very beautiful. Ate there on my visits too
In and along at the power outages and despair in Cuba, there’s still many reasons to visit. Tourism cannot diminish to a stand still despite the fear mongering articles.
There’s no doubt, the Cuban’s are suffering every day but that shouldn’t deter tourism from visiting, integrating and spending time with the beloved Cuban people.
I travel there several times a year and some of my best friends live there. Breaks my heart daily when I hear about their struggles. That doesn’t stop me from visiting.
I love the 1830. I have had lunch at their restaurant, and have danced at the Club 1830 on the weekend . I will surely invite you when I come. ☺
You forgot to mention for how long this restaurant had been “cerrado”.
I will visit when Cuba is free of dictatorship.
May I join you for dinner, please ? – (!!!!)