Located at the corner of 23 and 12 in El Vedado, Cinecittá Pizzeria was once a beloved culinary landmark in Havana. However, content creator Ari (@ari_delahabana) recently shared a video on Instagram revealing its current state, which starkly contrasts with its former grandeur.
Ari's visit to the iconic eatery, now adorned with 26th of July decorations, quickly revealed a stifling environment due to non-functional air conditioning and a lack of alternative ventilation. "Let's see how this goes," she remarked as she began her visit, though it soon became apparent that the experience would be less than satisfactory.
The first item she ordered was a pitcher of beer (200 CUP), which was only marginally less watered down than that of Castillo de Jagua, a restaurant at 23 and G visited in the first episode of her video series. Next, she and her partner tried cheese balls (300 CUP) that looked promising but were described as "disgusting," with a dough resembling a mix of old flour and cheese water.
The disappointment carried on with a ham and cheese pizza (650 CUP), which, despite its appealing presentation, was marred by a sour dough that overshadowed any effort in the toppings.
"I used to come here as a child, and it was amazing," Ari lamented. The only redeeming aspect was the staff's friendliness, although it couldn't make up for the poor quality of the food.
Once a shining star in Havana's gastronomic scene, Cinecittá Pizzeria now stands merely as a shadow of its past self.
Cinecittá Pizzeria in Havana: Then and Now
What was Cinecittá Pizzeria known for in its prime?
Cinecittá Pizzeria was renowned for being a popular culinary spot in Havana, celebrated for its quality food and vibrant atmosphere.
What issues did Ari encounter during her visit to Cinecittá Pizzeria?
Ari experienced a lack of proper ventilation, with non-functional air conditioning, and found the food quality disappointing, including watered-down beer and poorly made cheese balls and pizza.