Food

Food in Cuba (Criollo) is a blend of Spanish, French, African and Caribbean influences. The ability to have beef and lobster in Cuba is restricted mostly to restaurants owned or operated the Cuban government. Non-government restaurants owned and operated by private entrepreneurs (paladares) serve chicken, fresh vegetable dishes, the ubiquitous white rice and spicy black beans along with rich Cuban desserts.

Prices for meals at most paladares are consistently lower than prices for similar meals at government restaurants. Quality at paladares and non-tourist eating facilities is often considerably better. Each traveler to Cuba eventually choses and seeks out his favorite eating establishments in Cuba while eschewing the restaurants in tourist areas. If you have a chance to eat freshly harvested and grilled lobster in a paladar, order it!!