Havana

La Guarida was hands down the best restaurant experience I had while in Havana. — Afar Magazine

One of the better state-owned restaurants, El Aljibe offers a pretty open-air setting and live music while you dine. — Fodor's

Popular among locals, hefty portions of red snapper, rabbit or chicken and lamb stew are served up daily. Make sure you are on the first floor. — Fodor's

Fontana exhibits the barbecue or, more to the point, the full-on charcoal grill. — Lonely Planet

This elegant little restaurant sits just off the Plaza San Francisco and, when the weather permits, has a few outdoor tables. — Frommer's

This is the best Italian restaurant in town. — Frommer's

Although prices are on the high side, the romantic location makes them worth it. — Fodor's

It might be hard to pick a spot here: tables are either out on the Plaza de la Catedral or in the patio of the colonial house in which the restaurant is located. — Fodor's

Depending on whom you ask, this is either the Caribbean's best restaurant or its worst. — Fodor's

In addition to fritters, croquettes, lamb shoulder, pork loin, and a variety of seafood dishes, Nao serves a traditional ropa vieja that is quickly becoming a local favorite. — Afar Magazine

This lively joint is housed in a beautifully restored, 18th-century building with high ceilings, just off the Plaza Vieja. — Frommer's

Ugly from the outside, but far prettier within, the Decameron is an intimate Italian-influenced restaurant where you can order from the varied menu with abandon. — Lonely Planet

This chic paladar, situated in the penthouse of a Vedado apartment block, could very well be located in Paris or Barcelona with its funky decor and gourmet cuisine. — Fodor's

Known for its paella, this place attached to the Hostal Valencia has an authentic ambience and tries hard to emulate its Spanish namesake. — Lonely Planet

This unique seafood restaurant, a favorite of the diplomatic crowd, is run by the Ministry of Fisheries and scores high points for atmosphere and service. — Lonely Planet

Once a private French restaurant, Le Chansonnier has now emerged into one of Havana's hottest paladares under the direction of Hector Higueras. — Fodor's

Tucked away on a lightly trafficked street, yet still close to the hustle and bustle of Vedado, this small restaurant is a calm and elegant joint that's very popular with tourists and the Cuban elite. — Frommer's