Cuban Dining Experience at Iconic Havana Restaurant Falls Short

A Cuban customer recently expressed disappointment with a well-known restaurant in Havana, located on Paseo de Martí across from the National Capitol Building.

Indycm Reviews shared their experience at the renowned Los Nardos restaurant, where, along with two companions, the final bill exceeded 36,000 Cuban pesos. This amount equals nearly five times the average monthly salary in Cuba, which was set at 7,354 pesos by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) in August 2026.

The group ordered two servings of pork chunks at 8,350 pesos each, a smoked pork loin for 5,545 pesos, and fried chickpeas as an appetizer at 3,245 pesos, accompanied by sides of rice, beans, and moros y cristianos, each priced at 760 pesos.

While the customer appreciated the pleasant atmosphere and courteous staff, she noted the venue was conspicuously empty during her visit.

However, her assessment of the food was harsh: "The food lacked flavor and creativity; there was nothing enticing enough to make us return."

She also mentioned that the aurora sauce was watery, and the milkshake was insufficiently filled due to being made with dark malt, which comes in smaller cans than the more common variety.

Her final verdict was clear: "My personal opinion, I've had better-prepared meals at private eateries for much less money. Would I recommend it? Honestly, no, I'd rather go elsewhere."

The review sparked a lively discussion in the comments, with mixed opinions but mostly critical feedback.

One user remarked, "With all that money, I could make a meal ten times better at home and avoid the disappointment."

Another commented, "The prices are outrageous, and as you said, they do not match the quality."

Some recalled a different era for the establishment: "It was very renowned in its prime, and the food was spectacular."

One comment summed up the sentiment shared by many: "Dramatic price hikes coupled with decreasing quality and portion sizes."

The reviewer concluded with a direct piece of advice for the restaurant: "You must consistently maintain the quality of what you offer to keep customers coming back."

Managed by the Society of Asturian Youths, Los Nardos holds a rating of 4.1 out of five on TripAdvisor based on 3,719 reviews, although recent feedback from 2025 and 2026 highlights growing complaints concerning prices, inconsistent service, and declining quality.

This complaint is part of a recurring trend in Cuba over recent months. In March 2026, a meal for two at an "affordable" Havana eatery cost 13,000 pesos; by July, a mother and her son spent 20,000 pesos on a single outing.

Ironically, the hospitality and restaurant sector has the lowest average salary among all economic activities in the country, with a mere 5,104 pesos monthly according to ONEI, making it paradoxical that those serving the food are least able to afford it.