El Secreto Trinidad Cuba — Restaurant in Trinidad

Me and my family chose this restaurant based on the amazing tripadvisor reviews...what a mistake! The building itself is very nice and above average for Cuba, but the rest is definitely not worth it.

We ordered two tacos as entrees, three lobsters, and three paellas. On the side, we also ordered six cocktails and water.

The drinks arrived quite fast and were decent, although I would not recommend the "mojito el secreto", but the rest was a mess.

First of all, we had to wait more than one hour after the drinks to get our food. Then, the food arrived all together, entrees and main meals, just about when we had given up on our dinner. The tacos were soggy and even the waiter was not able to tell between the chicken and the vegetarian ones. The lobsters had a weird taste and aftertaste and were sub par compared to other places we have been to. Finally, the paellas were just a bland, moist rice and vegetables with no taste, more akin to a soup. We even told that to the waiter, who seemed quite interested in our suggestions on how to improve (maybe it is a new management?).

As a cherry on top, after waiting for some more time to get the bill, it was the wrong one (much cheaper, around 8k pesos). We pointed that out, and, ironically, the new (correct) bill included a mandatory 10% tip to the waiter, totalling 15k pesos for a very disappointing meal. The people there did not care at all to listen to our complaints and did not let us get away with the...

On a recent trip to Trinidad I was walking and found myself very drawn to this beautiful space! From the doorway I was warmly invited to please come in and see. What I found were incredible pieces of art, an eclectic collection that was beautiful and moving to say the least. This talented family has their work proudly displayed and fills the home from end to end. I was then invited to stay for an intimate dinner where I was told the stories of how this building, space and concept had come to be. Fascinating!! ||There would be a private dinner the following evening, which I was again warmly invited to. Touched by the offer and moved by their generosity I accepted and could not wait to return the next evening!||“We are preparing”, said my host with a beaming smile. Putting the finishing touches on an evening to have beautiful food and fabulous drink, a live band performing entertaining, there no details overlooked. The flowers the chinaware, the silver, linens and lighting, everything was perfect. ||As a group we were able to meet and share together our awe of such a wonderful evening and event. What a true privilege to have spent time here, in a home that emulates love of art, food, history and family. ||Thank you so very much for everything and when I return to Cuba one day I will make this my first stop, and until then I will be sharing my memories to everyone in hopes they don’t miss out on the blessed opportunity to visit...

I had their seafood special dish of the day and it was very flavorful! The sides were tasty. I ate every bite. The setting was a beautiful outdoor, private interior courtyard with a babbling water feature. Our waiter was especially attentive. The people in the tiny pirate-themed bar were having fun. We had stopped there during the day and the artist's story about renovating the building, his art, and the many displayed antiques was very interesting, making us want to come back for dinner. So glad we did! They sell cigars which was not my thing, but ask to buy a lovely wooden cigar box for an...