Cienfuegos Restaurants and Dining

(Cienfuegos, Cuba)

Food in Cienfuegos is generally as bland as it is anywhere else in Cuba. Restaurants are government-run and they are the only ones that are allowed to serve beef and lobster. However, although the national dish is one of rice and beans, with the pound of pork thrown in, there are dining options for those with educated palates.

Paladares (local eateries in private homes) are popular dining spots in Cienfuegos, with cheaper food and often a surprising range of dishes. If you are not one for exploring, though, your hotel restaurant will be the best eating bet. Those around Paseo El Prado and the park are generally the best.

What to Eat, and Where

Cuban food is never going to win any gourmet awards and the typical staple of rice and black beans is pretty much ubiquitous. Chicken and pork are the most common meats, while beef and lobster should only be eaten at state-owned hotels and restaurants. The latter provide the most expensive dining in Cienfuegos.

Despite this, paladares restaurants will often have lobster on the menu, although eating this type of food at these places is illegal, since the sale of beef and lobster is state-controlled. In addition, prices and quality vary wildly, with the best option being to stick to eateries that are busy and have printed menus with prices.

Paladares in Cienfuegos usually open at around 17:00 or 18:00, and it is best to get in early as they tend to be busy. Tipping is not necessary at these places, yet is expected at restaurants and hotels. Cafés that do breakfast are thin on the ground in Cienfuegos, with your hotel being the most sensible choice.

Those on a budget should try 'cajita' - a rice, vegetable and pork dish that can generally be had for peanuts at paladares. Cienfuegos also has street vendors doing snacks, like sandwiches and pizzas, and these are best found around the city centre. The best dining in Cienfuegos can be had along Avenue 54, Calle 37 and around the Parque Marti.