Little Havana – Cuban bar and restaurant in London

by BestBarsIn · December 14, 2017

The Cuban experience brought to London. From Salsa classes to delicious Rum cocktails, Latin House nights every weekend and a menu that truly reflects the tastes of Cuba.

The kitchen is a collaborative effort run by Havana-born chef Raul Jerez Rodriguez together with chef Pedro José Martínez Ferre while keeping it in the family - Raul’s sister Norma manages the floor.

Rich in flavour and the subtle soft spices of Cuban cuisine, diners can sample proper Cuban dishes at Little Havana inspired by Cuba’s capital and beyond. Highlights include chicharrones de cerdo (traditional Cuban pork scratchings); tamales Cubanos (ground corn tamale wrapped in corn husk); croquetas de bacalao (salt cod fritters topped with crispy cod skin) to start.

Hearty mains to pave the way for some late night salsa dancing include chillindron de chivo (Cuban goat stew) and veggie favourite tostones rellenos a la criolla con congris y ensalada aguacate (stuffed fried plantain with black bean rice and avocado salad).

Finish your meal with some sweet Cuban treats; flan dulce de leche (classic caramel flan with candied strawberries); or arroz con leche con pulpa de mango (rice pudding dusted with cinnamon and served with mango puree).
On Saturdays and Sundays, Little Havana opens from midday for leisurely lunches Cuban-style. Choose from a tasty range of Cuban grilled sandwiches – pan con pollo (grilled marinated chicken with guacamole; pan con bistec (grilled Cuban steak); pan con lechon (roast pork with grilled onions) and more – all served on proper Cuban bread.

An additional menu of Cuban-style rice dishes for sharing will be on offer on the weekends only, (cooked for 24 hours) featuring mixed seafood in white wine and vegetables with saffron in beer.

Other highlights include El Nacional (Havana 3 yr old rum, apricot brandy, sugar syrup, lime juice, and fresh pineapple juice) named after Havana’s art deco Hotel Nacional, which opened in the 1930’s; and Isla de Pinos (Grapefruit juice, Havana 3 yr rum, red vermouth, sugar syrup) taking its name from the lazy sun-drenched island off Cuba.

Hop House and Cruzcampo lager are offered on tap alongside bottled beers including Spanish Estrella, Mexico’s Modello Negra and leading Cuban beer Palma Cristal alongside a carefully selected list of wines and champagnes.