In 2016, I took my first trip to Havana, a city that was entirely unfamiliar to me at the time. Havana felt like a whole new world. As I walked around the city, everything seemed exotic, from the busy streets to the colorful buildings and vibrant culture.
While exploring the charming streets of Havana, I stumbled upon O’Reilly 304, a trendy but casual restaurant located in the heart of Habana Vieja, Havana’s historic Old Town.
Despite its small size, my visit to O’Reilly 304 was one of my favorite memories.
Over the years, I have had the pleasure of visiting Cuba multiple times. Whenever I return to the city, one of my top food destinations is O’Reilly 304.
I return for its handcrafted cocktails, elevated Cuban and international dishes, and welcoming service. And at prices that won’t break the bank.
Table of Contents
Interior of O’Reilly 304
The décor and ambiance of O’Reilly 304 might have been more impressive than the food. I felt like I stepped into another world when I passed through the doors and into the restaurant.
While small, the space felt bright and open with large windows, tall ceilings, and two floors. On the first floor was a small dining room with an attached bar. Upstairs was another small but larger dining area.
The décor paid tribute to the diverse and distinctive architecture of Havana, blending Modernism with Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Everywhere I looked was something exciting, from the tables to the lighting and the bar.
The decor included black retro tables, patterned floors, metal chairs, hanging lights, and paintings.
My favorite piece was a copy of Nighthawks, hanging on the wall of the first floor. This painting by painter Edward Hopper is one of the most famous paintings in American art.
O’Reilly 304 Menu
The menu at O’Reilly 304 was simple, spanning only four pages. And only one page was dedicated to food. Food choices included starters, soups, salads, main courses, pasta, desserts, and sides.
Despite its simplicity, the menu had various dishes, blending Cuban fare with international cuisine. There were also several unique items not typically found at other restaurants in Havana.
The other three pages of the menu were for beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
The extensive list featured various drinks, including Cuban and international cocktails, rum, whiskey, tequila, liqueurs, creams, and wine.
The non-alcoholic section featured soft drinks, lemonade, bottled water, coffee, and tea.
At most dining establishments in Havana, a 10% service charge is included in the final bill.
O’Reilly Tacos (Tacos Mixtos)
First up was the O’Reilly Tacos (Tacos Mixtos). Although tacos are not a traditional Cuban dish, they remain popular in Cuba and are not uncommon to find on menus in Havana.
While I was uncertain about the type of tacos I ordered, it was the perfect plate to share.
Despite being a simple taco dish, the presentation was colorful and beautiful. On the plate were three tacos accompanied by tender, luscious, and savory black beans.
Stuffed inside each thin, fresh flour tortilla were large chunks of grilled fish. I am unsure what type of fish it was, but each piece was moist and tender with a fresh, salty flavor.
And a squeeze of the lime brought out the brightness of the fish.
Topping each taco was a pico de gallo made from sliced onions, diced tomatoes, and mild green peppers. The fresh slaw, with its crispy texture and colorful ingredients, complemented the savory and salty fish.
Though simple, the combination of flavors, textures, and colors made the O’Reilly Tacos a great choice.
Chicken Curry Pasta (Pasta de Pollo al Curry)
As a curry food lover, I couldn’t resist ordering the Chicken Curry Pasta (Pasta de Pollo al Curry). This dish had penne pasta, chicken, and sautéed vegetables in a curry sauce.
When the dish arrived at my table, it was piping hot straight out of the kitchen. I patiently waited a few minutes for it to cool down before taking my first bite. But the wait was worth it.
The first thing that caught my attention was the creamy, buttery curry sauce. While simple, the sauce was complex with a distinct turmeric aroma. Not too thick or thin, the sauce covered every piece of pasta and chicken.
The al dente penne had a firm and tender texture. I am unsure if it was on purpose, but some of the pieces of pasta appeared to be halved. However, this did not affect the texture or flavor of the pasta.
Complementing the pasta was large chunks of chicken cooked to tender perfection, with a moist and succulent interior. Bringing this dish together was sautéed vegetables, including tomatoes and green onions, along with a sprinkling of parsley.
Despite its simplicity, the chicken curry pasta was bursting with flavors, aromas, and textures that satisfied my craving for curry. And, it was quite filling. While not a traditional Cuban dish, I would not hesitate to order it again.
Service
On my visit to O’Reilly 304 on a Wednesday afternoon, the restaurant was not very busy.
Only two workers, a bartender and a waitress, were present in the front of the house. However, despite the lack of customers and workers, the service I received was attentive.
My server was friendly and always available to offer recommendations, take orders, and bring more drinks when needed. And food arrived quickly and correctly.
One notable observation I made during my visit was the bartender’s behavior. When there was not much work for him to do, he kept going outside the restaurant.
He seemed to know everyone in the neighborhood and talked with many people who were walking by.
While this did not affect the service I received, I enjoyed watching the daily lives of locals passing by.
Conclusion
I have been to Cuba three times in the past ten years, and on each trip, I have found myself returning to O’Reilly 304.
During my visits, I enjoyed everything about O’Reilly 304, from the food and drinks to the service and ambiance.
Although some dishes may seem simple, each dish I have tried on my visits has been executed perfectly in an elevated fashion. The attention to detail makes the restaurant stand out from others in Havana.
Moreover, the prices are quite reasonable for the food quality and location.
O’Reilly 304 is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Havana, and this is why I keep returning and recommend it to any visitor to Havana.
Pros
- Eclectic décor
- Friendly service
- Freshly prepared cocktails
- Simple yet elevated dishes
Cons
- While reasonably priced, dishes can be more expensive than other restaurants in the area
- Limited seating
Hours
Monday-Sunday: 12:00PM-12:00AM
Address
O'Reilly #304, Havana, Cuba
GPS Coordinates: 23.13929,-82.35343
Map
Last Updated on April 25, 2024
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