The terrace at La Guarida, Havana

Although one of the older paladares, being established in 1996, La Guarida is definitely the one leading the new wave of privately run hospitality establishments that shows what Cuba could be. Semi-rustic food and drinks, which are probably the best in Havana, is served in a magnificent town house combining the very best of international luxury with the decayed Havana we love. Stepping into the building is like being transported into another world, if the streets of Havana didn’t already take you there. La Guarida serves as both the set of 1993’s Oscar nominated movie “Fresa y Chocolate” and BJ Baldwin’s Recoil 4 and makes you feel like you’re in a movie and being a movie star at the same time.