The Cuban YouTubers Javi and Zami (@javiyzami) recently ventured into Havana's priciest dining establishment and shared their insights on social media. Situated in the Playa municipality, the restaurant boasts an elegant design and a sophisticated atmosphere, offering an exclusive culinary experience that's not accessible to everyone.
This upscale dining spot, known as "El Gabán," features three spacious areas: a reception room, an indoor dining area, and a children's section complete with a playground supervised by a caretaker.
Appetizers and Main Courses
Prices at Cuba's most expensive restaurant are nothing short of shocking. Among the appetizers, their croquettes stand out as potentially the most expensive in the country, costing 4,000 pesos per serving. The beef tartare is priced at 5,000 pesos, while both the beef carpaccio and lobster tartare are listed at 6,600 pesos.
A mixed platter of cheeses and cold cuts costs 5,940 pesos. The YouTubers noted the high quality and excellent presentation of the products, although they are undeniably pricey. Pizzas range from 6,000 to 7,000 pesos, and a serving of risotto is about 6,000 pesos.
Fish dishes can reach up to 8,250 pesos, and the filet mignon is priced at 9,240 pesos. Side dishes are priced at 1,980 CUP, with pilaf rice exceeding 2,600 pesos. The restaurant offers a children's menu with smaller portions, yet it still costs 4,600 pesos.
Beverages
Among the most expensive drinks in Havana, sodas are priced at 900 CUP, and a can of beer costs 1,650 pesos. A glass of wine is 1,980 CUP, while non-alcoholic cocktails are 1,650 pesos. Cuban cocktails are listed at 1,980 pesos, and Italian ones at 2,640.
However, what left the most significant impression on the YouTubers and their social media followers was the price of water at "El Gabán." The waiter presented the bottle with a wine-like ritual, noting that this imported water is sourced from an "Italian spring," costing 2,000 pesos in Cuba.
Desserts
The dessert menu features only four options, each priced at 1,980 pesos. While the presentations are impressive, the offerings include familiar recipes like rice pudding, Pavlova cake, white chocolate brownie, and ice cream.
The cost of desserts and water drew critical attention from Cubans on social media. Instagram user VitySmile (@vitysmiletv) reacted to Javi and Zami's video, expressing disbelief: "Two thousand pesos for cotton candy just like the ones at carnivals."
Ending a meal at this Havana restaurant also comes with a hefty price tag. Enjoying a coffee will set you back 1,160 pesos.
Despite the venue's beauty and the excellent service, Javi and Zami concluded that the quality-to-price ratio does not justify the costs of this dining experience in Havana: "For us, it's not worth it." Would you dare to visit Cuba's most expensive restaurant?
Exploring Cuba's Expensive Culinary Scene
What makes "El Gabán" the most expensive restaurant in Cuba?
"El Gabán" is renowned for its elegant design, sophisticated atmosphere, and exclusive culinary offerings. Its prices, however, are not within reach for everyone, making it the most expensive dining experience in Cuba.
How do the prices at "El Gabán" compare to other restaurants in Havana?
Prices at "El Gabán" are significantly higher than at other Havana restaurants, with dishes and drinks costing several thousand pesos, far exceeding typical dining costs in the city.
Are the dishes at "El Gabán" worth the high prices?
While the quality and presentation of the dishes are praised, many, including YouTubers Javi and Zami, feel that the high prices do not justify the value, concluding that it's not worth the cost.