📸 La Guarida in Havana｜Stunning Photo Spots, Disappointing Food

🏛️ Architectural Beauty & Cinematic Charm Housed in a century-old building in Old Havana, La Guarida gained fame as the set of Strawberry and Chocolate. Its weathered mosaic floors, iron spiral staircase, and vintage chandeliers create the perfect backdrop for nostalgic photos. Despite lackluster food, visitors flock here for the "time-travel filter" ✨ 📷 5 Picture-Perfect Spots ✅ Cast Iron Spiral Staircase (Must-Shoot!) Best spot: 2nd floor landing (colored glass casts stunning light) Posing tips: ✅ Sit on steps looking back, capture hair glowing in sunlight ✅ Walk down use phone low-angle for longer legs Lighting sweet spot: 10 AM/4 PM for soft, slanted light ✅ 3rd Floor Terrace (VIP Perspective) Photography trick: ✅ Use telephoto lens to compress Havana's rooftops as backdrop ✅ Sit on the edge (safety first!) for an "urban overlord" vibe Secret prop: Borrow a wide-brimmed hat from staff for extra vintage flair ✅ 2nd Floor Laundry Line Platform Cinematic composition: ✅ Use white sheets as foreground blur, subject stands behind clothesline ✅ Frame subject with railings for a movie-like shot Outfit tip: Solid color dresses contrast well with weathered walls ✅ Interior Vaulted Ceiling Niche perspective: ✅ Shoot upward at the stained glass dome, subject stands under the arch ✅ Capture table settings with candlesticks for retro dining vibes ✅ Mosaic Doorstep Street photography hack: ✅ Squat low to fill the frame with geometric steps ✅ Capture the moment of pushing open the door for natural lighting 🍽️ Culinary Misses & One Hit ❌ Main Course Failures Indian-Style Curry Chicken ($17)： ✅ Ingredients: Chicken + creamy curry + coconut milk ❌ Flaw: Tastes like instant curry mix, chicken as dry as sawdust Creamy Rice with Fish ($30)： ✅ Issue: Fish prominent, rice overly salty 📍 Seafood lovers might tolerate, but friends from inland China couldn't stand it ✅ Saving Grace: Pistachio Mousse ($10) Why it works: ✅ Smooth pistachio puree, balanced sweetness ✅ Crispy pastry base adds texture, pairs perfectly with espresso 🍹 Drink Reviews Cuba Libre ($5): Strong rum+cola combo, tastes more like medicine Cuban Coffee ($6): Average, 💡 Practical Tips Reservation hack: Email 3 days ahead (reservaciones@laguarida.com) Mention "photo-only" for priority terrace seating Timing is key: Arrive 16:00-18:00 for ideal light, avoid dinner rush Food takes 40+ mins to arrive—order drinks if just shooting Budget warning: $50+/person (skip mains, stick to desserts) Staff may rush you while shooting—work quickly 📝 Final Verdict Go if: You're a photographer, vintage enthusiast, or movie buff Avoid: Main courses—they're overpriced and underwhelming Bottom line: Pay for a magazine-worthy photoshoot, not the food. #CubaTravel #HavanaPhotoSpots #VintagePhotography #RestaurantReview