Casa Pilar
Casa Pilar is an elegant, modernist open-air restaurant featuring a shady terrace in the home of the eponymous owner, a transplanted Spaniard. Seafood is expertly prepared here, on the small plate Spanish tapas model.

Mama Ines
Mamá Inés, a small, charming restaurant down an alleyway of Old Havana, is run by veteran chef Erasmo. Tomas Erasmo Hernandez, the former chef of Fidel Castro, prepares a memorable arroz con pollo. It’s not on the menu, so order it in advance.

Dona Eutimia
Doña Eutimia specializes in artfully prepared criollo – traditional – dishes, and it is the best place to sample such classics as ropa vieja and stuffed plantains. The homey eatery, reminiscent of an Italian trattoria, is in the middle of restored Habana Vieja. It is as popular with locals as it is with visitors. Reservations are always necessary.

La Guarida
La Guarida was one of the first restaurants in Havana to aim high on the culinary scene. Located in the apartment building where the film “Fresa y Chocolate” (“Strawberry and Chocolate”) was filmed, several dining rooms filled with kitschy knickknacks and movie memorabilia are constantly packed with locals and foreigners. The menu, which includes a small wine list, strives for international creativity.

Roast
Tucked away at the top of Argyle Street, Roast is no ordinary coffee shop. The proof is in the first bite of this made-to-order creation. Served in a crusty ciabatta with melted mature Cheddar cheese and mayo atop a tender bavette steak, just add some peppers (not the chili kind) for the perfect, hot and savory sandwich.

Commander's Palace
A New Orleans landmark since 1880, Commander's Palace is a culinary gem in the heart of the Garden District. Passing underneath that blue and white striped awning, you'll enter a world overflowing with genuine Southern hospitality, classic French-style service and food the likes of which you cannot compare. Commander's is where cooks from all over the country learn to be chefs and the proof is in the bread pudding.

Half Shell Oyster Bar & Grill
Although you can find chargrilled oysters in restaurants all over the city, the ones at Half Shell are not to be missed. These beauties are freshly shucked, topped with bacon and bleu cheese and grilled just enough to let all those beautiful flavors meld together.

Bruno's Tavern
Named after the locally famous Boudreaux & Thibideaux jokes, these fries from Bruno's Tavern in the Riverbend are "gar-on-teed" to blow your mind and your taste buds. You won't be able to get enough sweet potato fries topped with roast beef debris, bleu cheese crumbles, sugar and spice pecans, and golden raisins.

Booty's Street Food
Celebrating the street food of the world, Booty's in Bywater offers all kinds of interesting dishes, but one can't resist these Fish & Chips made with malt vinegar-battered Gulf fish served with house tartar sauce and curry ketchup.

Duende
Doughnuts for breakfast are serious business, and they are completely reasonable when they taste this good. Perth's breakfast scene is fiercely competitive and diverse in its offering, and Duende's new dish is light and fluffy, with the perfect companion -- peanut butter and jelly ice cream and macadamia crumb. This sweet treat is a wonderful dish worth visiting for alone, but the rest of their breakfast menu is great, too.