After being shuttered for over 14 months, Havana Harry's, the beloved Cuban eatery in Coral Gables, has reopened its doors, much to the delight of its loyal patrons who have eagerly awaited its return.
Located at 4612 South LeJeune Road and originally established in 1995, the restaurant is once again serving lunch and dinner, featuring its classic menu items such as chicken vaca frita, ropa vieja, arroz con pollo, lechoncita, tostones, croquettes, and Cuban sandwiches. Breakfast service is set to resume on December 1.
The reopening was marked by two special promotions. The first 50 customers on the day of reopening received a $20 gift card for future visits. Additionally, until October 26, diners spending at least $10 can enjoy a complimentary item: a mojito, Cuban tamale, dulce de leche flan, or Cuban coffee.
The venue has undergone a refreshing makeover, boasting green leather booths, mosaics, plants, and Cuban-inspired art. However, the core values remain unchanged: generous portions, affordable prices, and the welcoming neighborhood atmosphere that has made it a staple for nearly 30 years.
"Our responsibility was never to reinvent Havana Harry's," stated Carlos Centurion, founder of the Centurion Restaurant Group and owner since April 2022, to the Miami New Times in September. "It was to preserve what generations of customers have cherished while building a restaurant that will serve this community for many more years."
The closure leading up to this reopening was lengthy and fraught with challenges. In June 2025, Florida's health authorities mandated a temporary closure due to severe violations, including the discovery of 38 live cockroaches in the kitchen.
After addressing these issues, the restaurant briefly reopened, only to be shut down again three days after passing its last health inspection. The Coral Gables Development Services Department ordered the indefinite closure due to construction violations, including electrical issues, unauthorized gas leak repairs, and unapproved interior renovations.
This second closure, decreed on August 21, 2025, was the final one. The Centurion Restaurant Group notified the state of Florida of the permanent layoff of 28 out of 77 employees in two rounds, with the remainder reassigned to other locations within the group.
City Commissioner Melissa Castro mentioned that the new owners had inherited structural problems with the building and were cooperating with the city to address them.
At the time, the restaurant described the closure as temporary for "significant interior improvements," including plumbing work, kitchen upgrades, and other renovations, promising updates on the reopening.
Havana Harry's came under the ownership of the Centurion Restaurant Group after 27 years with its original founders, Cuban chef Nieves Feal and her husband Arthur Cullen, who established it as one of South Florida's most respected Cuban culinary landmarks.
Other iconic Cuban restaurants in Miami have faced similar troubles. In November 2025, Las Palmas Restaurant, a Downtown Miami staple, permanently closed after 45 years, citing inflation and high operational costs.
Insights into Havana Harry's Reopening and Challenges
What are the signature dishes at Havana Harry's?
Havana Harry's is known for its chicken vaca frita, ropa vieja, arroz con pollo, lechoncita, tostones, croquettes, and Cuban sandwiches.
Why was Havana Harry's closed for over a year?
The restaurant was initially closed due to severe health violations, and later, construction violations led to an indefinite closure.
What changes have been made to the restaurant since it reopened?
Havana Harry's has undergone interior renovations, including new decor like green leather booths, mosaics, and Cuban-inspired art, while maintaining its original menu and atmosphere.