The Cuban YouTubers Javi and Zami (@javiyzami) visited the most expensive restaurant in Havana and shared their experience on social media.
The venue is located in the Playa municipality. It features an elegant design and a sophisticated atmosphere. It offers an exclusive dining experience, but its prices are not affordable for everyone.
This is the "El Gabán" restaurant. It has three spacious rooms: a reception area, an indoor lounge, and a children's area with a playground supervised by a caregiver.
Appetizers and main courses
The prices at the most expensive restaurant in Cuba leave nobody indifferent. Their croquettes stand out among the appetizers, likely the most expensive in Cuba. One serving costs 4,000 pesos.
The beef tartare is priced at 5,000 pesos, while the beef carpaccio and lobster tartare cost 6,600 pesos.
A mixed platter of cheeses and cold cuts costs 5,940 pesos. YouTubers claim that the products are of high quality and very well presented, but expensive.
Pizzas range from 6,000 to 7,000 pesos, and a serving of risotto is around 6,000 pesos.
Fish dishes cost 8,250 pesos, and the filet mignon reaches 9,240 pesos. Side dishes are priced at 1,980 CUP, although a serving of pilaf rice exceeds 2,600 pesos.
The restaurant offers a children's menu with various dishes and smaller portions, but it costs 4,600 pesos.
Drinks
The drinks are among the most expensive in Havana. Soft drinks are priced at 900 CUP, and a can of beer costs 1,650 pesos.
A glass of wine costs 1,980 CUP, while non-alcoholic cocktails are priced at 1,650 pesos. Cuban cocktails are at 1,980 pesos and Italian ones at 2,640.
However, what impressed the YouTubers and their followers on social media the most was the price of water at the restaurant "El Gabán". The waiter presented the bottle with a ritual similar to that of wine and noted that the precious liquid is imported. It is sourced from an "Italian spring" but is sold for 2,000 pesos in Cuba.
Desserts
The menu only has four desserts and each one costs 1,980 pesos. They have an impressive presentation, but they are still familiar recipes such as rice pudding, Pavlova cake, brownie with white chocolate, and ice cream.
The price of desserts and water did not escape the critical eye of Cubans on social media. Instagram user VitySmile (@vitysmiletv) reacted to the video by Javi and Zami: "Two thousand pesos for a cotton candy just like the ones sold at carnivals," he said, astonished.
The end of the meal can also be expensive at this Havana restaurant. Having a coffee costs 1,160 pesos.
Despite the beauty of the place and the excellent service from the waiters, Javi and Zami concluded that the value for money does not justify the costs of this culinary experience in Havana: "For us, it's not worth it." Do you dare to visit the most expensive restaurant in Cuba?
Frequently Asked Questions about Prices at the Most Expensive Restaurant in Cuba
How much does a meal cost at "El Gabán," the most expensive restaurant in Havana?
In "El Gabán," the prices of the dishes are extremely high for the Cuban standard. An appetizer like the beef tartare costs 5,000 pesos, while a main course such as the filet mignon reaches 9,240 pesos. Drinks are also expensive, with a soda priced at 900 pesos and a glass of wine at 1,980 pesos.
What do the YouTubers "Javi and Zami" think about the prices at "El Gabán"?
The YouTubers "Javi and Zami" shared on their social media that, despite the quality and presentation of the products, they believe that the quality-price ratio does not justify the costs. They concluded that for them, it is not worth spending so much money at this restaurant.
How does "El Gabán" compare to other establishments in Havana in terms of prices?
"El Gabán" is known as the most expensive restaurant in Havana, even surpassing trendy bars frequented by the Havana elite. The prices at "El Gabán" are significantly higher than at other venues, where a dinner can cost up to four times less, although it remains unaffordable for most Cubans.
What impact do these prices have on the economic context of Cuba?
In a country where the minimum wage is only 2,100 pesos, the prices at "El Gabán" are beyond the reach of most Cubans. Soaring inflation and the removal of subsidies have worsened economic inequality, making places like "El Gabán" a luxury reserved for a small elite or tourists.
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