El Litoral
A paladar perched right on the Malecón between K and L in Vedado, El Litoral serves fresh seafood with a nautical theme and ocean views that justify the slightly higher prices. During the day it functions as a proper restaurant cycling through seven to ten species of fish depending on the market; by evening the terrace fills with couples watching the sunset over the sea. The kitchen closes at midnight but the bar runs later.
What to Expect
A mid-sized restaurant with polished wood interiors and an open terrace facing the water. Seafood-heavy menu, solid rum selection, cocktails, and attentive service by Cuban paladar standards.
Romantic, unhurried, and genuinely scenic. Better at sunset than any other time.
Background recorded music; occasional live acoustic performances in the evenings.
Smart casual. Not a formal dress code but the clientele is on the polished side.
A proper seafood dinner with a Malecón view. Good for dates or a meal that feels like a treat.
Cash and some card acceptance; confirm on arrival.
Price Range
1500-4000 CUP per main course
Hours
Daily noon to midnight (bar until 1 AM).
Insider Tip
Book ahead for sunset seating since the terrace fills quickly. The catch of the day is usually the best value on the menu. Call +53 7-833-2201 to reserve.
Full Review
El Litoral perches directly on the Malecon between K and L in Vedado, a paladar with the sea as its backdrop. The interior carries a nautical theme through wood and rope details, but the terrace facing the water is where everyone wants to sit. The kitchen cycles through seven to ten fish species depending on the daily market, with preparations that reflect the chef's confidence in fresh ingredients.
During the day, it functions as a proper seafood restaurant. By evening, couples fill the terrace for sunset, and the atmosphere shifts from functional to romantic. The bar runs later than the kitchen, catching the post-dinner Malecon crowd. Service is attentive by Cuban paladar standards, which means better than the state restaurants but still on Cuban time.
El Litoral is the best seafood restaurant on the Malecon, a distinction that matters in a city surrounded by water but historically underserved by its own fishing industry. The competition is limited: most Malecon-facing venues are hotel bars or tourist traps. El Litoral takes the location seriously and matches it with food that justifies the slightly higher prices.
Book ahead for sunset terrace seating; call +53 7-833-2201. The catch of the day is usually the best value. The bar stays open after the kitchen closes, making it a good late-evening stop. The view at sunset is as good as any restaurant view in Havana.
The Neighborhood
El Litoral sits on the Malecon in Vedado, the seawall promenade that defines Havana's relationship with the ocean. It's one of the few paladares that takes full advantage of the waterfront position that most of the city's restaurants ignore.
Getting There
On the Malecon between K and L streets in Vedado. A 10-minute walk from Hotel Nacional. Taxis from Old Havana take about 15 minutes.
Where to stay in Havana
Compare hotels near the nightlife districts. Free cancellation on most properties.
Other Venues in Malecon
Bar 1830
Open-air waterfront venue at the western end of the Malecón with a garden dance floor and regular salsa nights. One of Havana's most atmospheric spots after dark.
Hotel Riviera Copa Room
Retro cabaret lounge inside the 1957 Hotel Riviera, originally built during Havana's pre-revolution casino era. Weekend shows feature live music and dance performances.
Hotel Deauville Rooftop
Basic rooftop bar atop the Hotel Deauville on the Malecón with panoramic views of the strait and the seawall below. Drinks at local CUP prices.