The building of La Guarida, called as La Mansión Camagüey at the time, was used as the film set by the filmmakers Juan Carlos Tabío and Tomás Gutiérrez Alea in their hit film, Fresa y Chocolate (Strawberry and Chocolate). The film is based on the novel “El Lobo, el Bosque y el Hombre Nuevo (The Wolf, the Forest and the New Man)” of the Cuban writer Senel Paz, also author of the film script. The theme of the film was about the relationship between a young communist militant of provincial origin that has conservative ideas and a homosexual artist that lives obsessed with the universal culture and has less knowledge about the history of his homeland. The film, premiered in 1993, was nominated for Oscar Award in 1995.

The film that drew attention to the intolerance, reigning in some sectors of the Cuban society, popularized the mansion in a short time. When privately owned restaurants were first permitted in 1995, the owners of the mansion opened the paladar La Guarida (the Hideout) in the building in 1996, taking courage from the interest of many people who came to see the house,  motivated by the internationally success of the film. The restaurant was renovated throughly in 2009.

The mythical restaurant that occupies the third floor of the building, accessed by a wide, but dilapidated spiral marble staircase. A decapitated angel statue welcomes you at the bottom of the staircase. You will encounter some of the elements of the film here, like the laced balustrades and Ionic columns (Cuban flag). The ballroom like mezzanine is used for the drying of the linens today.

When you enter through the magnificent wooden entrance door, you feel yourself as if you are in the film set of Fresa y Chocolate, because many details from the film are preserved inside. The mansion has been subdivided in three parts that has its own attractions, but the atmosphere is the same: illuminated with soft lights, tables are with fine linen and German silver cutlery, candles are placed on the tables, and  you listen either to the Cuban music or to a good jazz. You may feel a little squeezed around a table, but the cozy atmosphere and the quality of the dishes are worth to it. It takes time to concentrate on the meals, as the walls are covered with numerous photos and pictures and there are many interesting objects around. Ceilings are high. When the broad balcony doors are opened, you can sit also on the balcony or make a break to smoke a Cuban cigar outside. A hint:  asked for the special Cohiba Behlike that is made for this restaurant. There is also a modern rooftop bar with cool music where you will have stunning views of Havana.

The paladar has been visited by several international celebrities, such as Queen Sofia of Spain, Prince Albert of Monaco, Jack Nicholson, Oliver Stone, Steven Spielberg, Matt Dillon, Naomi Campbell, Ralph Fiennes, Sting, Rihanna, Leonardo di Caprio, Beyonce and Jay Z.

The kitchen has been refreshed over the years with international experience, so that the menu offers plenty of choice. It is recommended to choose any dish from the meat and fish menu, such as the caimanero (fresh grouper) that comes in a white-wine, orange, or sweet-and-sour sauce, the honey-mustard chicken and pork medallions in mango sauce. The rabbit or seafood lasagne, salmon in a spring onion sauce with bacon, sugar cane tuna glazed with coconut and eggplant tart with parmesan cheese are also recommended. As starter, you can choose seviche, gazpacho, eggplant caviar, marlin tacos or shaved octopus. Among the desserts, the chocolate fondue and tres leches cake are recommended. The wine selection is extensive. You can choose your cigar from the box that they bring to your table.

Reservation is essential and it is recommended to be there on time.