Las Terrazas de Cojímar Restaurant
East of Havana, there is a quaint little town nestled in an area that was originally for fishermen, and where many people still live today. In this town, which holds records of all kinds, one can find the Las Terrazas de Cojímar, a highly recommended restaurant, especially if you love fish and seafood.
Initially a warehouse, the retail outlet opened on 20 May, 1925, 86 years ago. It later became an inn for visitors and fishermen, until the new owner, Salvador Blanco, made it more or less what it is today.
While their dishes are without a doubt quality and unbelievable, many feel the real reason for this old restaurant´s fame is because the famous Ernest Hemingway frequented it often. However, in my humble opinion, the two reasons come together in harmony, because the truth is that "Papa" Hemingway could drink one or many drinks in any place selling beverages (many can attest to this), but he didn't eat in just any old place, it had to have authentic cuisine and class.
Along with that explanation, the house dishes—shrimp cocktails, swordfish rolls, snapper filets (unbeatable)—are in the middle price range for this type of cuisine; the professionalism and elegance of the entire staff and its environment, enclosed within a wonderful sea breeze, only adds to this restaurant.
Of the curious anecdotes that I can tell you, there is one about the famous North American writer´s boat, El Pilar, which was anchored at a peer near Cojímar, where the local sailors´ experiences, especially Anselmo Hernández´s, were inspirations to his writing; and it is said that they contributed to his Nobel Prize novel, The old man and the sea.
The restaurant is open daily starting at 8:30 a.m.—their bar at 10:30 a.m.—until 11 p.m. They also offer very affordable "tablas," (similar to tapas) ranging from 2.95 - 3.85 CUC, including a drink.
This restaurant is frequented by tourists, especially when traveling to or from one of the east´s neighboring beaches, or the fabulous Varadero resort.
Details:
#161 Real Street, on the corner of Candelaria, Habana del Este area
Telephone: (+53-7) 766 5150 and (+53-7) 766 5151
E-mail: terrazas@cbcan.cyt.cu
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