Los Nardos is a semi-private restaurant operated by the Federación de Asociaciones Asturianas de Cuba (FAAC; Federation of Asturian Associations of Cuba). FAAC was founded by some young people from Asturia, a principality at the north coast of Spain, in 1912 to support the soccer team “Juventud Asturiana (Asturian Youth)” in Cuba.” Since 2002 the Spanish cultural society is making great effort to achieve a distinguished place in the gastronomic life of Havana. Currently, the “Sociedad Juventud Asturiana” is the owner of three restaurants in Havana (Los Nardos, El Trefeo and El Asturianito).

Don’t be mistaken by the dilapidated exterior of the building and enter inside, because the atmosphere inside is warm and busy. You will be welcomed by a heavy decoration with dominating mahogany and leather. Several bottles of wine are placed into the cavities on a huge wooden cask. Additionally, three big casks are hung on the wall. The wine rack covers almost the whole wall of the restaurant. The kitchen is at one end of the room, which allows you to see the preparation of the meals behind the glass.

In general, portions are huge, but Los Nardos is one of the best cheap eateries in the city. Maybe therefore, there are usually more Cubans than the tourists. The menu of Los Nardos consists of more than 60 dishes served with two different garnishes. Lobster in a Catalan sauce, Garlic prawns with sautéed vegetables and paella are recommended. When you eat, you will listen also to the live music played by a piano, violin or a flute. The restaurant is good managed; the waiters are prompt.