Havana Harry’s A Miami Institution: Celebrating 30 Years Of Deliciousness

June 21, 2024

For close to three decades, in a town brimming with options for authentic soul-pleasing Cuban cooking, Havana Harry’s has maintained a well-earned reputation as a checklist worthy spot in The Magic City. In fact, since opening its doors in 1995, it’s been celebrated nationally and internationally as a definitive, uniquely Miami dining destination in media outlets from Condé Nast Traveler to the Michelin Guide. Now, in 2024, as it closes in on its 30th year in Coral Gables and part of the Centurion Restaurant Group (CRG), the magic remains, as the restaurant draws crowds for its hearty and heartfelt cooking; charming island-touched ambiance and warm, welcoming service.

“We are honored to count this Miami culinary institution as part of the Centurion family of restaurants,” said Carlos Centurion, President & Founder of CRG, which also owns/operates other wildly-popular concepts including Bulla Gastrobar and Pisco y Nazca, among others. “I have been a fan for years and cherished every meal there. I was beyond lucky to get to know the founders, Nieves and Arturo, and since we took over in 2022, we have worked hard to ensure that it kept the energy, soul and sazón that has made it so iconic while strengthening, behind the scenes, operational elements that we feel will ensure Havana Harry’s will be around for years to come.”

The old adage declares breakfast the most important meal of the day. True or not, Breakfast at Havana Harry’s is always a good idea. Served from 8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Monday - Friday and until 12:00 p.m. Noon on Saturday and Sunday, the Breakfast Menu overflows with sweet and savory selections. Standouts include everything from traditional Cuban Toast – best paired with a steaming hot Café Con Leche – to signature specials including a Vaca Frita Breakfast Sandwich with Mozzarella Cheese, Sweet Plantains and Cilantro Sauce on Cuban Bread; Breakfast Tacos with Chorizo, Cheddar Cheese and Avocado on a Flour Tortilla; Harry’s Omelet – Eggs with Mozzarella and Mushrooms, topped with sliced Avocado and Torrejas Havanas – Soft French Baguette cooked with French Toast-Style, drizzled with Sweet Rum Pudding Sauce.

Lunch is a lavish affair, chockablock with options Weekday Lunch Specials, five per day, change daily. Highlights include: Ajiaco – Cuban Beef and Vegetable Stew; Arroz Imperial; Ropa Vieja; Caldo Gallego: Slow-Cooked Pork Soup with Spinach, Beans, and Potatoes and Picadillo, among many others. Also available exclusively at Lunch, a Build Your Bowl option, priced from $13.95 to $16.95 depending on selections – Protein, Rice, Toppings and Sauce.

Then, of course, is the main event; the tempting All-Day Menu. Too lengthy to tackle here, rest assured that new and returning diners regularly wrestle between favorites and an array of temptations sprinkled throughout categories ranging from Tostones and Latin American Rice to Cuban Sandwich Specialties and Milanesas. Rounding out the offerings, Harry’s Combinations plates include: Palomilla Steak & Shrimp and the Havana Trio – an 8 oz. CAB Churrasco with Florida Lobster Tail and Shrimp, all grill-fired.

For a sweet finish, Havanna Harry’s serves close to 40 different temptations including Traditional Cuban Favorites: A variety of Flans, Tres Leches and Rice Pudding, as well as Cheesecakes; Cakes; Eight Layered Chocolate Mousse Cake, anyone? and six different Overdose Milkshakes.

Like a sugar-induced fever dream, these oversized, eye-popping concoctions will appeal to even the most jaded diner’s inner child, with offerings such as the Tres Leches Overdose: A Dulce De Leche Ice Cream Milkshake topped with Tres Leches Cake, Dulce De Leche and Meringue and Strawberry Chip Overdose: A Strawberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Milkshake topped with Dark Chocolate Cheesecake and Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

Havana Harry’s aesthetic is equal parts comfort-driven neighborhood haunt and casually elegant dining destination. The space is imbued with simple sophistication, sporting a monochromatic color scheme anchored by wood floors, white walls, and white brick columns. During the day the dining space is awash in natural light; at night hanging globe light fixtures step in to cast a warm and comforting glow. The main dining room, seating 200, is separated from the buzzy bar, seating 19, by slatted shades, allowing for separation as the volume bar-side creeps north later in the evening (or during Happy Hour). A glowing display case, haloed by a neon sign – “La Vida es Dulce” – houses an array of Desserts to go, including luscious Whole Cakes, Flans and Puddings.

Havana Harry’s is located in Coral Gables at; 4612 South Le Jeune Road, Coral Gables, Florida 33146. Hours of operation: Sunday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Telephone: (305) 661-2622; www.havanaharrys.com. Follow Havana Harry’s on Social Media: @havanaharrys.