La Bahía: Scenery and Flavors High Above Old Havana 🌊

Tucked on the 6th floor of the Iberostar Grand Packard hotel in Old Havana, La Bahía is one of those hidden gems you stumble upon and instantly fall for. Though called a "snack bar," it serves full meals with —and paired with its unbeatable views, it easily became one of the most memorable dining experiences of the trip. 🌿 Ambiance & Service: A Prime Spot for Sky-High Views Location: The hotel sits right by Paseo del Prado, facing Hotel Paseo del Prado La Habana across the street. From the 6th floor, you can overlook the red-tiled roofs of Old Havana and the distant coastline—prime real estate. Dining Options: Indoor seating has a minimalist resort vibe, with large windows framing sunlight and greenery. But the outdoor area steals the show: an infinity pool seems to merge with the sea, and you can gaze at Morro Castle in the distance. Dining with a sea breeze? Pure bliss. Service: The bilingual (English-Spanish) menu is easy to navigate, and the staff speak fluent English—plus, they’re surprisingly warm and attentive, a nice surprise in Cuba. 🍽️ Food Reviews: More Hits Than Expected Salad: Nothing groundbreaking, but fresh—shredded cheese, crisp veggies, and a mysteriously delicious sauce that elevates the whole dish, perfect for whetting the appetite. Ropa Vieja (Shredded Braised Beef): Hands down the best version I’ve had in Cuba! The beef is tender and fully coated in a rich sauce (with a hint of tomato tang and complex spices). The side—lightly fried yucca—adds a crispy, unique texture that contrasts wonderfully with the soft beef. Total obsession. Chicken Burger: A last-minute swap (the beef burger I wanted was sold out), but it turned out fantastic. The chicken patty is juicy with a subtle smoky flavor, the bun is crispy outside and fluffy inside, and the special sauce with pickles makes every bite satisfying. Even the fries are a cut above most in Cuba—crispy outside, fluffy inside, perfectly salted. Fried Fish with Banana Chips: The fish is crispy on the outside and tender inside, but the pre-packaged banana chips are a letdown—stiff and flavorless. Stick to the fried fish alone. 💡 A Little Twist: The Checkout "Surprise" When it came time to pay, the server casually pulled out a Visa POS machine (the bill was calculated at a 1:125 exchange rate, a typical "tourist rate"). But to their surprise, my friend pulled out a CUP card (local peso card)—watching their slightly shocked expression, I secretly smiled: finally getting the "local treatment"! (Pro tip: Exchange for CUP in advance and find places that accept local cards—you’ll save a ton.) Overall, La Bahía offers a quiet ambiance, stunning views, and better-than-expected food—ideal for treating friends or a romantic date. On the 6th-floor terrace, savoring ropa vieja while watching the sunset gild Morro Castle? That’s Havana at its most . #TimosMundo #Cuba #DailyLife #Foodie #FoodRecommendation #RestaurantHopping #Havana