The Cuban content creator Ari (@ari_delahabana) shared on Instagram her disappointing visit to the state restaurant Castillo de Jagua, located at the central corner of 23 and G, in El Vedado, Havana.
In her post titled "Testing State Restaurants in Havana – Part 1," she described the place as "the worst money I've ever spent in my life."
Ari, who had not visited the restaurant in eight years, documented an experience filled with shortcomings. From the outset, he noticed cigarette butts on the floor, dampness on the walls, dripping from the air conditioning, and dirty napkins from the previous shift placed on the table for the new diners.
Regarding the food, her complaint was straightforward. The stuffed tostones were hard and inedible, the tamale lacked meat and seasonings, and the grilled chicken was, in her words, "a scam," as she was only served the greasy part of the skin. In her salad, she even found a piece of chili with stem and seeds.
"I do not recommend that you come," the influencer concluded decisively, warning her followers about the current state of the establishment, which, despite its historical fame, has been in ruins for years.
Another similar complaint last year
Ari's unfortunate experience is not an isolated incident. In 2024, the user Rafael Lázaro Rodríguez Macías shared his dissatisfaction in the Facebook group Gastrocuba after visiting the same restaurant. He recounted that the menu was limited, but he decided to take a chance.
When requesting a draft beer, they informed him that the product was unavailable because the bartender had not shown up for work. As an alternative, they offered him a can of beer at more than double the price and without prior notice.
The tamale was dry and tasteless, the smoked pork consisted of barely four tiny slices for 850 pesos, and the congrí arrived cold and lacking flavor. Additionally, he received the bill on a piece of paper, without a breakdown of prices and with charges higher than advertised, including an unjustified extra 10%. He stated that he "would never return to Castillo de Jagua."
A reopening that did not bring improvements
The Castillo de Jagua restaurant underwent a major renovation in 2019 as part of the preparations for the 500th anniversary of Havana. The project included the restoration of walls, restrooms, kitchens, a cafeteria, and a bar, as well as the installation of new air conditioning systems and carpentry.
However, just five years later, reports show that the decline has returned, bringing with it customer dissatisfaction.
The Castillo de Jagua restaurant was once a symbol of gastronomy in a prime area of the Cuban capital, but it has become yet another example of the collapse of state services.
The repeated complaints from diners highlight a lack of quality control and customer service, in a context where eating out represents a luxury for most Cubans.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Experience at State Restaurants in Cuba
What issues have been reported at the Castillo de Jagua restaurant in Havana?
Customers have reported poor hygiene conditions and inadequate food quality at the state-run Castillo de Jagua restaurant in Havana. Complaints include cigarette butts on the floor, dirty napkins, and dishes such as tough stuffed tostones and tamales lacking meat and seasoning.
How has the service in state restaurants in Cuba deteriorated?
The service in state restaurants in Cuba has shown a significant deterioration after renovations, such as the case of Castillo de Jagua, which was restored in 2019 but already presents issues with quality and customer service. The lack of quality control and product shortages are recurring problems.
What is the customers' perception of food quality in Cuban state restaurants?
The general perception among customers is negative regarding the quality of food in Cuban state-run restaurants. Diners have reported unsatisfactory meals, such as chicken served only with greasy skin and cold, flavorless dishes.
Are there similar experiences of poor service in other tourism sectors in Cuba?
Yes, reports of poor service and quality are spreading to other tourism sectors in Cuba, such as hotels and car rental services. Tourists have reported low-quality food, lack of hygiene, and poorly maintained cars, all of which reflect a crisis in the tourism service overall.
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