A video circulating on social media has brought attention to the decline of Las Pirámides pizzeria in Santiago de Cuba. Once cherished by locals for its delicious pizzas, the eatery now faces criticism for its deteriorating condition and lackluster offerings.
Content creator Raidel Boffill shared this footage on his Facebook profile, exposing a corner of the establishment cluttered with dry leaves, plastic bags, paper, rags, and other debris, alongside a brick wall marred by dampness and dirt.
"This place used to serve the best pizzas in Santiago," Boffill remarked, reminiscing about the pizzeria's heyday. His description starkly contrasts with the current state captured in the video, which reveals the subpar menu that the establishment now offers.
Boffill expressed concerns that the venue is "heading toward destruction," questioning how it manages to operate under such conditions. According to his report, the spaghetti served is poorly cooked and lacks quality, a far cry from the standards that once made Las Pirámides a favorite among Santiago's residents.
Comments accompanying the video highlight the frustration of users who see the pizzeria's decline as part of a broader issue affecting the city. "It's heartbreaking to watch our city slowly fall apart," lamented one local, while another noted that "almost all of Santiago" is facing similar challenges.
The criticism extended to the country's leadership. One user criticized the "incredible irresponsibility" of those in power, stating, "The prevailing system is destroying everything."
"What a pity and sorrow, to see how they destroy what little they have and then complain about having nothing," another commenter observed, ending with a hopeful note regarding Cuba's potential recovery.
The situation at Las Pirámides serves as another example of public outcry over the degradation of dining establishments and urban spaces in Santiago de Cuba. Historic landmarks in the city are struggling to maintain their former glory and offerings.
Throughout the year, numerous reports have highlighted the deterioration of public infrastructure in the so-called Hero City. The José Martí district fair was left completely dismantled, devoid of attractions and cafés, while the pools at the Manuel "Piti" Fajardo sports school are overgrown with weeds, with the Olympic pool empty.
Previously, in 2025, independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada raised the alarm about the downfall of the former Venus hotel, which had become an open-air dump and rodent breeding ground.
This decline in the state-run gastronomic sector is not new. In October 2022, the state-owned pizzeria La Scala de Milano, situated near Plaza de Marte, faced backlash when patrons complained about paying 200 pesos for a ham pizza deemed "terrible quality."
The government has acknowledged the challenges facing state-run gastronomy. In January, officials admitted that keeping these establishments open has become a "heroic feat" due to supply shortages.
As a response to this structural failure, the Ministry of Domestic Trade announced on Friday the creation of a network of light gastronomy, featuring fixed or mobile points across the country, implicitly recognizing the collapse of the traditional state-owned establishment model.
Understanding the Decline of Las Pirámides Pizzeria
What issues have been reported at Las Pirámides pizzeria?
Las Pirámides has been criticized for its poor condition and the low quality of its offerings, such as poorly cooked spaghetti, which sharply contrasts with its former reputation for excellent pizzas.
How has the local community responded to the pizzeria's decline?
Locals have expressed their disappointment and frustration, linking the decline of Las Pirámides to a broader pattern of deterioration in Santiago de Cuba. They have criticized the government's role in the city's ongoing struggles.
What broader issues does the situation at Las Pirámides reflect?
The situation at Las Pirámides is indicative of the challenges facing state-run gastronomy and public infrastructure in Santiago de Cuba, where many establishments are struggling to maintain their standards due to systemic issues.