Mojito Mojito: Lunch near Plaza Vieja in Havana, Cuba

When I travel to new destinations, I almost never visit a restaurant without doing a little research first. Even though I am a tourist, I try to steer clear of establishments that cater mainly to the crowds. So when I stumbled upon Mojito Mojito near Plaza Vieja in Old Havana, I was pretty skeptical.

I don’t consider myself a foodie who needs fancy cuisine, but I generally assume eateries in high-traffic zones will be underwhelming and overpriced. To complicate things, my internet access in Cuba was non-existent. I couldn’t look up reviews on the fly to see if my instincts were right.

I decided to give it a shot, and I am glad I did. It wasn’t the tourist trap I feared. The restaurant is run by Cuban-American entrepreneur Obel Martínez, and it operates as a “Local Development Project.”

That status is actually a big deal here. In Cuba, knowing the difference between state-run places and private businesses changes everything. Since Mojito Mojito runs independently, they can actually get inventory. While other spots were out of everything, these guys had fresh seafood and plenty of options.

Interior & Atmosphere

The interior was bright and airy, with tall ceilings and massive windows that stayed open to let in the breeze. It felt classic, featuring checkered tile floors, exposed brick, and stone arches. They also had fans mounted on the walls, which was a lifesaver on hot Havana days.

If you prefer people-watching, they had tables right out on the street. Inside, towards the back, there was a large bar serving cocktails and beer. It looked like a solid spot to grab a drink, but I sat at a table instead.

One thing to know is that this place was loud. Like many spots in Havana, they had a live band playing high-energy music. The stone walls tended to amplify the sound, creating a party atmosphere. It was fun and vibrant, but maybe not the best pick if you wanted a quiet conversation.

If you want to enjoy the music without it being overwhelming, ask for a table near the large open windows at the front. You get the view of Muralla Street and a little buffer from the band.

Mojito Mojito Menu

Like many restaurants in Havana, the menu here was overwhelming. It was honestly too large to photograph for this post, but you can view the full digital menu here.

What stood out was the availability of proteins. Finding fresh poultry or beef can be a challenge in Cuba due to shortages, but this kitchen seemed to have a solid supply chain. They offered everything from appetizers to heavy meat dishes, pasta, rice dishes, and seafood.

As the name implies, the drinks were the highlight. When I was there, they served mojitos in standard glasses. They were cold and strong, which is all that matters. But now, it looks like they have switched to serving “Mega Mojitos” in massive jam jars. Whether you get the glass I had or the new jar, the important part is they still use Havana Club rum and fresh mint.

Tipping: Like most places in Havana, a 10% service charge was added to the final bill. However, that fee often functions as a venue fee and doesn’t always go to the waiter. If the service was good, it is customary to leave an extra 5% to 10% in cash directly for the staff.

Fresh Chicken with Shrimp and Fruits (Pollo Fresco con Camarones y Frutas)

I went with the Fresh Chicken with Shrimp and Fruits (Pollo Fresco con Camarones y Frutas), which is typically priced around $10–$12 USD depending on the current exchange rate. The unconventional mix of ingredients stood out to me, so I decided to give it a try.

When the food arrived, I noticed a few things right away. First, the portion was huge. Second, everything was covered in a thick sauce. That sauce turned out to be curry-based, which I didn’t expect to find in Cuba. It was rich and buttery while coating every piece of chicken and shrimp.

The “Fresh Chicken” label on the menu is a big deal here. In a city where meat is often frozen imports, this tasted real. The chicken breast wasn’t grilled but seemed braised. This kept it moist. The fresh pink shrimp were just as good. They were tender and snapped when I bit into them.

The fruit is where the dish got interesting. It had large chunks of papaya that were creamy and sweet. Then you had starfruit, which added a nice crunch and tartness. There were also sautéed onions and a root vegetable that reminded me of a dense potato.

On the side, they served a simple slaw of cabbage, carrots, and cucumber. It provided a nice crunch to balance out the heavy gravy and sweet fruit. It sounds like a strange combination on paper, but the flavors actually worked well together.

Service at Mojito Mojito

I found the service to be both friendly and efficient. While the staff, dressed in green, spoke limited English, they went out of their way to provide menu recommendations. 

And the servers were always around when needed. Additionally, my food and drinks arrived accurately and promptly.

Conclusion

Despite being located in a touristy area near Plaza Vieja, and without prior knowledge of the restaurant, Mojito Mojito was a great choice. 

While the Fresh Chicken with Shrimp and Fruits (Pollo Fresco con Camarones y Frutas) seemed strange, surprisingly, it worked. The fresh chicken, tender shrimp, and sweet and funky fruits complemented each other to make a fresh and colorful dish. And, with a name like Mojito Mojito, the mojitos were top-notch.

If you’re having trouble finding an affordable yet casual restaurant in the heart of Old Havana that serves fresh, colorful dishes and has live music, Mojito Mojito is an excellent option. 

Pros

• Fresh, delicious, and colorful plates
• Affordable for its great location
• Live music
• Outdoor dining

Cons

• None

Last Updated on January 9, 2026