La Bodeguita del Medio Restaurant, Havana

Enjoy the cuban atmosphere at La Bodeguita del Medio Restaurant (Restaurante La Bodeguita del Medio), the food joint in Old Havana, Cuba

La Bodeguita del Medio, Havana
© Melanie K Reed

If you are in Old Havana, you can’t skip out on La Bodeguita del Medio Restaurant located near the Plaza de la Catedral. The restaurant, famous not only in Havana, but all of Cuba, exudes history. Grab a table, groove to the music, enjoy a delicious meal at La Bodeguita del Medio Restaurant.

La Bodeguita del Medio
© Xbeta

The origins of the restaurant date as far back as 1942, when a Spaniard named Ángel Martínez converted an old wine cellar into a small business that sold a few dishes and limited number of products. He named his business La Bodeguita de Martínez. While the initial group of regulars consisted of Ángel Martínez’s friends and acquaintances, the restaurant eventually became home to scholars from a nearby printing house. And as it continued to gain notoriety, the owner decided to expand the menu with a wider variety of dishes.

Around this time, the restaurant acquired the name recognized around Havana today: La Bodeguita del Medio. Owner Ángel Martínez decided to adopt the name locals had coined, which makes reference to the restaurant’s location. La Bodeguita del Medio translates to ”the restaurant in the middle of the street.”

Inside, the restaurant surrounds you with charming traditional decor and celebrity signatures that have been accumulated over the years. The tradition that began with journalist, Leandro García, has been continued by Salvador Allende, Pablo Neruda, Brigitte Bardot and the renowned Ernest Hemingway, who left the phrase, ”my mojito in La Bodeguita, my daiquiri en El Floridita” on the walls of the restaurant. You can also find photos of celebrities like, Javier Bardem, Joaquin Sabina, and Norma Duval hanging inside.

Be sure to try the frijoles negros dormidos (cuban black beans), cerdo frito (fried pork), pollo cacerlo (chicken casserole) and the ever famous mojito during your visit to La Bodeguita del Medio.

More information:

Location:

Calle Empedrado, La Habana, Cuba.

Interactive map:

Havana:

Old Havana

Parque Histórico Militar Morro Cabaña

Centro Habana

Vedado

Miramar

What to see around Havana

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