A Facebook video shared by Evelio Valdés reveals the complete dilapidation of Los Siboneyes, once one of the most beloved spots for traditional Cuban cuisine in La Lisa, Havana.
The once-distinctive semicircular building now has its windows boarded up, a damaged roof, and untamed vegetation overtaking its surroundings.
Patrons fondly remember its signature dishes like black bean soup, juicy roast pork, crispy chicharrones, and fried ribs.
"This was one of the top places for Cuban food in Havana. Everything was exceptional, even better than 'El Cochinito'. Now, it’s just a memory, another part of our land devastated," commented a user.
"A flagship restaurant of La Lisa, a cozy spot serving excellent Cuban cuisine, and now it’s all turned to ruins. It's heartbreaking to see our entire country fall to pieces," expressed another user.
"It's like a nuclear bomb hit it. What a horror! It's not even a shadow of what it used to be," lamented yet another individual.
Nearby, the Autopista restaurant, renowned in the 70s for its tasajo, has also disappeared.
Los Siboneyes was part of Havana’s state-run gastronomy network at least until 2018. Its decline is a reflection of the widespread neglect of Cuba’s infrastructure.
Similar stories include the once-famous Lai-Lai Chinese restaurant in Varadero, which has been closed for over five years under the guise of a renovation that never materialized, and the iconic Mirador de Guisa in Granma, which succumbed to a fire in March 2026 after years of neglect.
Understanding the Decline of Cuban Restaurants
What led to the ruin of Los Siboneyes?
The deterioration of Los Siboneyes is part of a larger trend of neglect in maintaining infrastructure in Cuba, exacerbated by the state's mismanagement.
Are there other examples of neglected restaurants in Cuba?
Yes, other examples include the Lai-Lai Chinese restaurant in Varadero and the Mirador de Guisa in Granma, both of which faced closure or destruction due to neglect.