Los Mercaderes

In the heart of the historic Old Havana district, you'll find Los Mercaderes—one of the most famous private restaurants, or "paladares," for which modern Cuba is so well known. The establishment occupies the second floor of a beautifully restored colonial building on one of the city's oldest streets.

Los Mercaderes. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This restaurant is renowned for its impeccable service and Old World atmosphere. The interior of Los Mercaderes transports guests to a bygone era with its high ceilings, antique furniture, and exquisite decor. The venue accommodates only 50 guests, creating a sense of privacy and homey comfort despite its immense popularity with tourists from around the world.

With a rating of 4.7 and hundreds of rave reviews, this restaurant is considered a must-visit on the city's gastronomic map. Only the freshest local ingredients are used here, turning traditional recipes into true culinary masterpieces. Los Mercaderes is not just a place for lunch; it is an important part of the modern cultural revival of Havana's historic center.

For your convenience and to help plan your visit, we have compiled the current contact information for Los Mercaderes. We recommend booking your table in advance, especially if you wish to secure a spot on the famous balcony overlooking the historic street.

At Los Mercaderes, guests can discover comida criolla—traditional Cuban cuisine served with an elegant modern interpretation. Be sure to try the signature ropa vieja made with tender lamb, or the shrimp served in fried plantains. For seafood lovers, they always offer the freshest lobster or fish, which, according to legend, is sometimes caught by the owner himself.

Atmosphere seekers try to book a table on the small balcony in advance. It offers a wonderful view of the bustling Mercaderes Street, allowing you to observe the pulse of the city while remaining in quiet comfort. Inside the dining room, live music often plays, complementing the colonial ambiance with soft Cuban rhythms.

The menu also features a variety of options for vegetarians, such as eggplant lasagna or fragrant rice pilaf with dried fruits. Don't forget to order a classic Cuban cocktail made with local rum or choose a wine from the surprisingly extensive wine list for the island. It is worth noting that the restaurant is located on the second floor, reached by a rather steep but very beautiful historic staircase.

Located in the heart of the old city, Los Mercaderes is situated at 207 Mercaderes Street. Finding it is easy, as this pedestrian street is one of the most popular and vibrant in the historic center, connecting key squares and museums.

If you are already in Old Havana, the best way to reach the restaurant is on foot. It is located just a couple of blocks from the famous Plaza Vieja. Strolling down Mercaderes Street is a pleasure in itself: it is car-free and lined with colonial architecture and souvenir shops.

For those coming from other parts of the city (such as Vedado or Miramar), a taxi is the best option. Ask the driver to drop you off as close as possible to the intersection of Mercaderes and Amargura streets. From there, it is only a short walk of a few dozen meters to the restaurant's entrance.

The story of this place began over a decade ago when owner Yamil Alvarez took a bold step. He and his family traded their former home for a crumbling colonial mansion in what was then a newly recovering district of Old Havana. This move marked the beginning of an ambitious project to revive the city's historical heritage.

The restoration process took three years of painstaking work. Inspired by the renovation efforts throughout Habana Vieja, the Alvarez family restored the interiors piece by piece, striving to preserve the spirit of the colonial era. Eventually, the living rooms were transformed into an elegant dining hall, while the owner's daughter's room became a modern kitchen and bar.

Los Mercaderes opened as a family-run "paladar" (private restaurant), with Yamil's cousin, an experienced chef, taking charge of the kitchen. The project was so successful that it became a symbol of quality private enterprise in Cuba. The restaurant's success not only allowed the family to improve their living conditions but also significantly contributed to the transformation of the entire Mercaderes Street.

A visit to Los Mercaderes is not just a quick meal, but a full gastronomic ritual. To fully enjoy the atmosphere of the colonial mansion and the leisurely Cuban service, we recommend allowing 1.5 to 2.5 hours for your visit.

This is plenty of time to sample traditional dishes, enjoy the live music often played in the hall, and perhaps spend some time with a cocktail on the balcony watching the life of Havana go by. If you are planning a visit for dinner, it is worth allowing a little more time for service, as the restaurant is very popular.

Los Mercaderes restaurant is welcomingly open to visitors every day, without weekends or siesta breaks. You can stop by for an early lunch or a late romantic dinner.

Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 12:00 – 23:00.

Exploring the surroundings of Los Mercaderes is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Cuban capital. Since the restaurant is centrally located in the historic district, you will find unique architectural monuments and cultural sites on almost every block.

Touring the nearby sights allows you to create a full day's itinerary, combining gastronomic experiences with informative excursions. Below is a list of interesting places located nearby.