And just like that—I’ve reached the final part of My Cigar Adventure to Cuba. What an incredible journey it’s been. I’m so glad I took the plunge and booked this trip with Surrey Cigars for March 2025. Honestly, it’s been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I was well anxious about going with a random group of people (plus my buddy Alistair), but they made this trip truly memorable! Seven nights flew by. And somehow, this whole adventure inspired me to write not just one, but seven blog posts! Putting it all into words has helped me relive every moment, and if you’ve made it this far—you’re a legend! 🙏.
If you missed the earlier posts, catch up here:
Part 1 – Before the trip
Part 2 – Getting there and first impressions
Part 3 – Visiting the Alejandro Robaina Tobacco Plantation
Part 4 – Visiting the Hector Luis Prieto Tobacco Plantation
Part 5 – The Cigar Factories
Part 6 – The Cigar Shops & Sampling Lounges
I wanted to end this blog series with a few things I haven’t had a chance to touch on yet – specifically, the amazing places we ate (and smoked cigars at), the blackout, and some final thoughts and tips – in case you’re thinking of recreating the trip or thinking of going on any future visits to Cuba with Surrey Cigars – who I hear are thinking of doing it all again in 2026!
Eating out – Expectation vs reality
Before heading to Havana, we’d heard Cuban food could be “a bit bland”—so I packed snacks, ketchup, Coffee-Mate, protein bars… just in case. But we didn’t need any of it. Thanks to James from Surrey Cigars and his amazing itinerary, we ended up at some right hidden gems.
I’m a fussy eater who usually makes all the wrong food choices and loves a bit junk food 😬, but there was something for everyone at the following spots including the healthy gym folk:
These places are all very easy to miss, as they’re all pretty hidden, but all absolutely worth visiting. I’ve added some ratings too – but these are just personal to remind myself what I liked more!
Los Nardos – Traditional Cuban Cuisine
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3 stars)
Address: Paseo del Prado No. 563, Havana (opposite El Capitolio)
View on Google Maps
This popular spot is known for hearty portions and traditional Cuban cuisine, served in a romantic, dimly lit atmosphere. The building has a distinctly ‘Havana’ appearance 👇.
Located right by the Capitol building, it offers an authentic Cuban dining experience with a variety of local dishes.
The prices are very affordable (we paid in Cuban pesos), and while the food isn’t the finest, it’s perfect for those first-night-in-Havana vibes.
The chicken was simple but satisfying—comfort food rather than fine dining. The cheese and meat platter ordered by someone in our group also looked quite good.
The interior is classic, and the portion sizes are generous. Be prepared to wait a bit—service is slow, but apparently that’s just ‘Cuba being Cuba’ 😁.
Sadly we weren’t allowed to smoke cigars inside 😔.
Ivan Chef Justo
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)
Address: Aguacate No. 9, esquina Chacón, Habana Vieja, Havana
View on Google Maps
Website: https://ivanchefsjusto.com/
This restaurant, run by a former chef of Fidel Castro, offers a creative fusion of Cuban and international flavors, serving beautifully presented gourmet meals in a cozy, art-filled space.
The place was wild—part restaurant, part museum, with walls adorned with vintage memorabilia and photos. It felt like stepping into an eccentric Italian-Cuban villa.
One person in our group ordered Argentinean-style beef, another chose goat meat, while I played it safe with an amazing soup served in an edible bread bowl.
For my main course, I went with pasta.
If you get the chance, I’d definitely recommend a visit to this unique spot!
San Cristóbal Paladar
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)
Address: San Rafael No. 469, entre Lealtad y Campanario, Centro Habana
View on Google Maps
TripAdvisor: San Cristóbal Reviews
Known for hosting high-profile guests like President Obama, this elegant paladar serves refined Cuban dishes in a colonial mansion filled with vintage memorabilia.
The walk to the restaurant was an adventure, winding through side streets that led to what seemed like a residential building.
But once inside, it was pure magic.
The decor is breathtaking (so much to look at), and we had our own private room, where we were even allowed to smoke cigars during dinner.
Here’s some snaps from Obama’s visit in 2016, not sure we’ll be seeing the current US president out there… 😬 I think they dined in the same room as us!
I lit up one of my ‘Godfather’ cigars from the Alejandro Robaina Tobacco Plantation.
A wonderful setting for a cigar 👌.
That said, I honestly can’t remember what I ate 🙈😬, so it couldn’t have been that memorable. Still, the venue is definitely worth visiting just for the stunning interior!
La Guarida
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)
Address: Concordia No. 418, entre Gervasio y Escobar, Centro Habana
View on Google Maps
Website: laguarida.com
Perhaps Havana’s most iconic restaurant, La Guarida is set in a majestic yet crumbling old building, offering upscale Cuban cuisine with a modern twist.
When we went it was one of the most surreal nights I’ve ever experienced!
Upon entry you walk up an abandoned staircase, past chipped paint and quiet hallways, and then—suddenly—you’re standing on a stunning rooftop. Warm lights, vintage furniture, and views over the city create the perfect blend of old-school charm and vibrant energy. The walls also pay tribute to Fidel and revolutionary Havana.
Once upstairs, the night took an unexpected turn…
Before the trip, we’d heard about Cuba’s power outages and packed torches just in case. But we never imagined we’d be having dinner when a nationwide blackout hit.
The entire country went dark for two days. But La Guarida? They didn’t skip a beat. With a backup generator in place, the band kept playing, the staff kept serving, and the night somehow became even more magical.
Here’s a video from the moment the lights started to flicker out.
Then—like something from a movie—a red moon rose over Havana. My phone couldn’t do justice to how wild and beautiful it looked. It was one of those moments you don’t expect but will remember forever.
For us, it felt like an unexpected adventure (especially walking home in the dark), but for many Cubans, it’s just part of everyday life. What stuck with me the most was how people here find joy, keep going, and stay warm and welcoming, even in tough times. It made us stop and appreciate everything around us.
The power returned two days later 🙏.
In the meantime, we used our phones to view the menu, placed our orders, and enjoyed the jazz band that carried the night.
As for the food? Amazing. Beautifully presented and absolutely delicious.
And yes, we got to smoke cigars during dinner.
Alistair and George had theirs, and I brought out a couple of Quai d’Orsay No. 54s—one of my go-to favorites.
If you’re ever in Havana, don’t miss this place. You won’t forget it.
Los Meraderes
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)
Address: Calle Mercaderes 207 , Havana, Cuba 10100
View on Google Maps
Tripadvisor: Los_Mercaderes
Instagram: Paladarlosmercaderes
This restaurant blends colonial charm with a refined atmosphere, offering traditional Cuban dishes made with fresh ingredients and served with exceptional care.
The starters and desserts were particularly special, with stunning presentation that stood out.
While I opted for a simple spaghetti as my main (no photo, so I guess it wasn’t the highlight 😅), the service was top-notch throughout.
Though it was a bit pricier than some other spots we tried, it was definitely worth the visit.
And yes, smoking cigars was allowed 💪, so I brought out my Diplomaticos Leal Cuban regional cigar to enjoy after dinner 🔥.
Bonus Night: Buena Vista Social Club – White Party
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3 stars)
On our final night, we had planned to visit Tropicana, but it was canceled due to the blackout. So, Plan B was a rooftop white party featuring the Buena Vista Social Club. Dressed in white, cigars in hand, and surrounded by great live music – it was the perfect way to cap off an amazing trip.
The venue felt more like a temporary takeover for the night than a permanent home for the club.
I can’t quite remember what we ate there, so it must not have been that memorable. Yikes, that’s a current theme – I’m a terrible foodie blogger haha. Still, the night was good fun 🙌🏻.
Afterward, we made our way back to the hotel, stopping by the Capitol building for one last group photo under the stars – before we made our way back to the UK the next day.
And that’s a wrap!
A huge thanks to my travel buddies James, George, Alistair (for putting up with my snoring!), Rich, Chris, Fabian, Dan, Shelly – and everyone else who made this trip so unforgettable 🙏.
If James organises another Cuba tour, don’t miss it! Be sure to keep an eye on Surrey Cigars’ Instagram and website – these kinds of trips where cigar shops take customers away, feel quite rare. I do remember hearing that Sautters and cGars did them in the past but no idea how many they ran or why they don’t do them nowadays. Also worth checking out is Tour Cubano Holidays, who helped us explore the country.
Cuba will for now always have a special place in my heart ❤️. I’m so grateful to have finally crossed it off my bucket list 🎉.
Would I go back to Cuba? Possibly, but there are so many other places on my list. It was also quite a splurge for me, so I’ll need some time to recover financially 😭😩😄—unless I get lucky and win a trip to the Habanos Festival! 🤞 That being said, there are other destinations I’m super keen to visit on this cigar journey, would love to venture out to Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. Their cigar festivals seem incredible, especially with the exclusive access to farms and factories.
Thank you for following along on this adventure! I hope I didn’t overwhelm you with too many posts about Cuba and cigars.
Drop a comment below or share your own cigar travel stories to Cuba – would love to hear them too!
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