Paladares (in-home restaurants)

Paladares, Jibacoa. Cuba

These in-home restaurants were first legalized in the 1990's but they were subjected to limitations by the Cuban government concerning the amount and type of products they could offer, the hiring of labor force and the number of seats they could have. Since the 2011 nationwide reforms on privately owned businesses, regulations were loosened, and we noticed that many small B&B (called “Casa Particular”), family-run restaurants (called “Paladar”), and quaint bars have sprung up around the Jibacoa hotel zone since 2012. The local farms also offer horseback riding and private taxis (most of them Classic 50’s cars.

Having a home-cooked authentic Cuban meal in a family home is a very enjoyable and memorable dining and cultural experience. These small businesses are now legal and the food is usually good and fresh, so don’t worry, and feel free to experience and enjoy the Cuban flavor and ingenuity!