A Cuban woman has called into question a famous restaurant in Havana, located on Paseo de Martí in front of the National Capitol.
Indycm Reviews reported that they visited the renowned restaurant Los Nardos with two other people, and the final bill exceeded 36,000 Cuban pesos, an amount equivalent to nearly five average monthly salaries in Cuba, which are set at 7,354 pesos according to the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) in August 2026.
Among the ordered dishes were two orders of pork belly at 8,350 pesos each, a smoked pork loin at 5,545 pesos, and fried chickpeas as a starter at 3,245 pesos, along with sides of rice, black beans, and moros y cristianos at 760 pesos each.
The customer acknowledged that the atmosphere was pleasant and that the employees provided proper service, although the establishment was noticeably empty during the visit.
However, their verdict on the cuisine was devastating: "The food lacked flavor, intention; it offered nothing that would make us want to come back for more."
He also noted that the aurora cream arrived watery and that the milkshake was lacking due to being made with brown malt, which has less quantity than the usual variety.
Her conclusion left no room for doubt: "My personal opinion is that I have eaten in paladares with much better prepared food and for a much lower price. Do I recommend it? Honestly, no, I'd rather go somewhere else."
The post sparked a debate in the comments, with divided opinions but a predominance of criticism.
"With all that money, I can make a meal 10 times better at home and avoid any disappointments," wrote a user.
Another pointed out: "The prices are exorbitant and, based on what you say, they are not at all reflective of the quality."
Some nostalgically recalled a different era of the establishment: "Very renowned in its heyday, and the food was spectacular."
One comment summed up the trend described by several users: "Sharp increase in prices and, on the contrary, a decrease in quality and quantity of the dishes."
The author of the review concluded her publication with a direct advice to the establishment: "You must always maintain the quality of the product you offer to diners so that they keep coming back to your place."
Los Nardos, managed by the Society of Asturian Youths, has a rating of 4.1 out of five on TripAdvisor based on 3,719 reviews, although the most recent feedback from 2025 and 2026 shows increasing complaints about pricing, inconsistent service, and a decline in quality.
The complaint is part of a pattern that has been recurring in Cuba for months. In March 2026, a meal for two at an "economic" establishment in Havana reached 13,000 pesos; in July, a mother and her son spent 20,000 pesos on a single outing.
The hospitality and restaurant sector is, paradoxically, the one with the lowest average salary among all economic activities in the country: barely 5,104 pesos per month according to ONEI, which makes it ironic that those who serve food are the ones who can least afford it.
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