Long-established, upmarket paladar with a steady clientele La Fontana boasts space to sit at the pleasant terrace, at the ranchon outback, and in the inside air-conditioned area. Grilled meat and seafood, including octopus, snails and fish, are the speciality, and you can see your food being prepared on the large open grill. The fish and seafood kebabs are outstanding; grilled, boneless chicken is lip-smackingly juicy. The wine list is small but adequate. If only the music trio didn't always turn up next to you in the middle of an interesting conversation.

Stay.com Guide, 2011

We went to two different types of paladares, very different in style. The first, La Fontana was in a upmarket suburb of havana – in the garden of a 50's style house... La Fontana equally offered great home cooked food, but in a more rustic way – it was an insight to another way of cuban life...

Christina Wilson, UK, 12/Dec/10

After the Cuban government issued a law allowing the creation of small businesses in 1993, two young university students, Horacio and Ernesto, combined their love of Cuban food and entrepreneurial skills to create La Fontana Habana. Located in one of Havana's trendiest neighbourhoods, the stylish La Fontana offers classic Cuban dishes fused with international favourites and specialises in grilled meat and seafood. Start with the Ceviche scented with sweet basil or the octopus grilled over charcoal with pesto, dive into brochettes of chicken with fruits and bacon, or fish scented with aged rum and herbs before ending off with guava shells with cheese. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Bookings recommended.

WordTravel.com 2010