The entrance to Café Laurent gives little away. While just around the corner from the iconic Hotel Nacional. Walking into this paladar, you may need to pinch yourself, for the clean minimalist lines are so alien to the average Havana experience. This is back to the future since it is modelled on a contemporary 1950s feel. Old newspapers cover the back wall with adverts for the latest vacuum cleaners and international calling options from the 1950's.
The quality of the food here, imitation or not, is sufficient for us to forget the original sin. The “pargo con almejas y gambas en salsa verde” (red snapper with clams and shrimp in green sauce) is fabulous. The shrimps, steak, meatballs, salads and sides are all well done, while the biscotti de chocolate is irresistible. The Sunday lunch special is a tasty paella and/or risotto.
M street e/ 19 and 21, #257 PenHouse, El Vedado
Tel: (53 7) 831 2090, (53 7) 832 6890
E-mail: cafelaurent@yahoo.com
