I consider myself a major brunch enthusiast, so much so that the theme of my bridal shower was brunch…just brunch. While Havana is known for its coffee, it hasn’t had an overwhelming option of brunch places in the past – however, that is quickly starting to change. With a new slate of breakfast and brunch spots with delicious options at all price points opening within the past few years, there are more places than ever to enjoy the best meal of the day.
After visiting all the favorite spots over the years – many again and again! – we’re sharing our favorites in Havana – and why you shouldn’t miss some of city’s best go-to spots for breakfast and brunch. Let’s dive in to some of the best!
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Check out The Best Cafes in Havana for the best cafes and coffee in Havana.
El Café
El Café is my personal go-to spot in Havana for coffee and brunch. This is one of Havana’s best cafes with fantastic coffee options, and you’ll want to spend a lazy morning and afternoon enjoying with friends. After trying everything on the menu there isn’t anything I wouldn’t get again. There are plenty of breakfast options here, but I recommend the granola and fresh fruit or a breakfast sandwich with their homemade fresh sourdough. Located in the heart of Old Havana, visit this place early on in your stay in Havana – you’ll want to come back again!
Calle Amargura #358 between Calle Aguacate and Calle Villegas
Old Havana
Lo de Monik
Lo de Monik is fantastic at any time of the day, but it’s a city favorite for brunch and excellent coffee. If you’ve heard of the buzzy restaurants O’Reilly 304 and El del Frente you’ll know why this place is excellent – the owners of these three restaurants are defying the odds and growing an empire that is reshaping the restaurant scene here.
You won’t go wrong with anything you try here. Their fruit juices (especially mango!) are awesome here, and even the most simple dishes like toast with butter and guava stand out as something special. Make sure to try the shakshuka-like eggs in tomatoes dish – its one of my favorite brunch dishes in Havana.
At the corner of Calle Chacon and Calle Compostela
Old Havana
El Dandy
El Dandy is a restaurant and bar that also has a delicious brunch menu, plus a full bar ready if you need a little bit of hair of the dog after a night out. The coffee is strong here, too. They’ve got some great brunch options including an avocado toast plate, banana bread, and some carnitas tacos that are incredible. I’d be remiss if I didn’t talk about how fun this place is in the evening as well – it’s the chillest and coolest bar in town in my humble opinion, and they’re got great drinks.
Calle Brasil #401 at corner of Calle Villegas – Located in Plaza de Cristo
Old Havana
Cafe Bohemia
Set in Plaza Vieja, I’d normally avoid a restaurant in a high-tourist place like this, but Cafe Bohemia an exception. Cafe Bohemia has tables and chairs that spill out in to the plaza, but I recommend heading in to the restaurant’s courtyard – the high walls keep it cool and you’ll feel worlds away from the tourists outside.
The breakfast options are filling here and some plates offer eggs, meat, fruits, and more – they have great sweets as well if that’s the kind of brunch you’re looking for! Whatever you order, make sure you get one of the fruit juices and coffee. Prices are a bit higher here than at other places on this list, but still worth a visit.
Calle San Ignacio #364 and Calle Teniente Rey – Located in Plaza Vieja
Old Havana
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El Cuarto de Tula
El Cuarto de Tula feels like a quirky and cozy neighborhood place, with mismatched chairs and floral table cloths. Their unfussy breakfast options are simple but delicious, including pancakes with honey, a variety of dishes with eggs, and delicious fruit juices. They stop serving their breakfast menu at 11:00 AM, so make sure you visit early if you’re looking for these options.
This spot is located in Centro Habana – a neighborhood squeezed between the more popular Vedado and Old Havana – definitely check it out if you’re staying nearby. However, it’s worth a visit even if you aren’t. Dinner options are great, too.
Calle San Lazaro # 1063 between Calle Espada and Calle San Francisco
Centro Habana
Topoly
The large covered terrace overlooking one of Vedado’s most popular streets is the perfect way to spend the morning. Topoly is one of my favorite unexpected spots for brunch in Vedado, and its dinner options make it worth a second visit.
Not a traditional eggs-and-bacon breakfast place, this Middle Eastern restaurant has some really great options if you’re looking for something different, like eggs and falafel, naan and other flatbreads, and more. They have some more traditional breakfast and brunch options as well, but come here for the delicious and unique options – you won’t find much like it in Havana.
Calle 23 at the corner of Calle D
Vedado
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