Havana

If you’ve been told by someone that Cuban food is bland, they have never been to Havana Vancouver. Most people who travel to Cuba probably ate at an all-inclusive resort cuisine. However, Havana Vancouver will debunk any idea you ever had about Cuban fare. The landmark eatery features authentic dishes motivated by the streets and restaurants of Havana.

Co-owner, Steve Thorp, along with his partners — who gave Vancouver Belgard Kitchen and the Settlement Building — took over the iconic Havana in November 2017. The team brought on board executive chef/partner Reuben Major and together they transformed the eatery as well as the carte du jour.

“It’s an authentic taste of Cuba gone by, using modern techniques and a contemporary twist,” Steve says. Prior to relaunching Havana, which has made its home on Commercial Drive since 1996, Reuben and Steve travelled to Havana, Cuba and Miami’s Little Havana neighbourhood for some inspiration. “We met locals and we absorbed ourselves in the culture, sounds and foods of Cuba,” says Reuben, who was the director of culinary and bar development at Earls Kitchen + Bar restaurants, executive chef of Belgard Kitchen and owner of Vital Supply Co., before taking on Havana’s kitchen.