Ristorante Cafe del Oriente (Plaza San Francisco) Habana Vieja

              I have never eaten in this establishment but I've had many a drink on the patio with it's gorgeous view of the Plaza San Francisco. They have a very well stocked bar with an experienced bartender here. I've read mixed reviews about the food and service in the restaurant upstairs and that it comes with a hefty price tag. The decor on the main floor is stunning, very high class, the waiters wear tuxedos, and although it's expensive, a place of this caliber in my city would cost a fortune in comparison. However, being a state owned restaurant, it doesn't surprise me that it's inconsistent. I've never been upstairs and to tell you the truth, before writing this post, I didn't know it had an upstairs. On the few occasions that I've had a beverage or two on the lower level patio, I don't recall having had a bad experience. I wish I'd taken photos of the menu, next time I'll do a better job. For now I hope you enjoy the pictures of the main floor bar-restaurant.

Hours of Operation

Bar: 10am - 12pm

Restaurant: 12noon - 12pm

Cafe del Oriente

Oficios 112 esq. Amargura

Plaza de San Francisco de Asis

Habana Vieja

tel. 537 8606686

email: cafeoriente@habaguanex.cu

Havana....a Pictorial (Nov.2013)

                  The pictures below are just a few of the random photos I have left over after I organize the 1500-2000 pictures (or more) I come home with after every trip. These were from my November 2013 visit. I want to give credit to a new friend Nicola from England. The last few pictures were hers.
                                                                                                    Thanks Nicola

Fire Station

Maximo Gomez Monument

Jose Marti - Parque Central

Santa Clara de Asis Church

House of Representatives - Oficios y Muralla

La Catedral

Prado

Train Museum

Melia Habana LCDH (Havana) January Visit

                 All's well at the Melia Habana LCDH and it's business as usual. During my visits to Havana over the last year I've been staying within walking distance of the Hotel Melia Habana (and Hotel Comodoro). That's a bonus for myself, a cigar aficionado, because the 'La Casa del Habano' in the Melia Habana is one of the best in the city. The service (once we got to know each other) is top notch and they always take care of me whether I'm there in person or send someone there on my behalf. They have a well stocked humidor (with some extra special stuff hidden away for regular customers), a very comfortable smoking lounge which never seems to get full and a decent liquor selection with an experienced bartender as well. However, one of the main attractions in this Cigar Shop is the famous House Roller Yolanda. She's a lovely lady that's always ready with a smile and happy to chit chat. I was fortunate to find her there on my last trip and spent a little time talking with her as I smoked one of her cigars. It's always a pleasure to smoke one of Yolanda's cigars and if you're ever in the area when you're in Havana you must pay her a visit and smoke/buy some of her cigars. They're definitely worth trying...well balanced, not too strong, perfect any time of day for the novice or the experienced smoker. She's asked that I tell all her fans that she says hello.



Melia Habana Hotel
Ave. 3ra  e/76 y 80
Miramar, Playa, Havana