Lo De Monik
A charming and laid-back cafe in Old Havana serving unique dishes, known for its vibrant vibe and friendly staff.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Lo De Monik
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming and laid-back cafe in Old Havana serving unique dishes, known for its vibrant vibe and friendly staff.
"Delicious food for any time of day, with unique dishes and a great atmosphere."
Breakfast Combo Deal
Don't miss the $5 breakfast combo: fruit, coffee, juice, toast, eggs, and bacon/sausage.
Try the Specialties
Recommended specialties include Ropa Vieja Tacos and fish tacos with special spices.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Cuban
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+53 7 8644029
Address
4JRV+FQ5, Chacon y, Compostela, La Habana, Cuba
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Unique Seafood Tacos
Savor the renowned seafood tacos featuring shrimp or octopus with all the fixings. A true taste of Havana!
Hearty Cuban Sandwiches
Indulge in a delicious Cuban sandwich with fresh bread, perfectly cooked meat, and a delightful sauce.
Vibrant Breakfast & Brunch
Enjoy a delicious vegan and vegetarian breakfast, with fresh juices and strong coffee.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Breakfast Combo Deal
Don't miss the $5 breakfast combo: fruit, coffee, juice, toast, eggs, and bacon/sausage.
Try the Specialties
Recommended specialties include Ropa Vieja Tacos and fish tacos with special spices.
Check Your Bill
Be cautious and check pricing on receipts for accuracy.
Cash is King
Bring cash, ideally USD, as ATMs can have poor exchange rates.
Tips
from all over the internet
Breakfast Combo Deal
Don't miss the $5 breakfast combo: fruit, coffee, juice, toast, eggs, and bacon/sausage.
Try the Specialties
Recommended specialties include Ropa Vieja Tacos and fish tacos with special spices.
Check Your Bill
Be cautious and check pricing on receipts for accuracy.
Cash is King
Bring cash, ideally USD, as ATMs can have poor exchange rates.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lo De Monik is praised for its delicious and diverse menu, particularly its seafood tacos, Cuban sandwiches, and vegan-friendly options. Diners also highlight the great vibe and friendly, attentive staff. However, some reviews mention inconsistent portion sizes and a less-than-stellar lobster dish.
"We loved it so much that we came for the second time!
If you are eating meat, go eat that Cuban Sandwich! (I didn't try the other stuff, but i am sure the other options are as tasty!) The bread was fresh (finally somebody is offering fresh crunchy bread!) and meat was so well cooked, the details with the sauce and pickle were so good. Very friendly, attentive staff who gave us the free wifi password without us asking.
It is kinda on the pricier side but if you can pay for it, I would totally recommend. They also charge for service fee, which was more common than I thought in Cuba.
I drink coffee a lot, I wasn't blown away by it but it felt quite decent. The cocktails are much more recommended than the coffee :)"
Betül Özbek
"Came for dinner on a rainy evening in old Havana. It was empty at 9pm and we were the only customers. Cute corner restaurant with nice decor. Very helpful staff explaining menu in detail. We had yucca fries, ropa vieja, vegetarian tacos and grilled chicken. Nice food and cocktails. Very reasonable prices and big portions."
Eelyn T.
"We loved this place so much we came back several times during our stay in Havana for breakfast and lunch. Not easy being plant based in Cuba but this place has several options! Delicious fruit smoothies, good coffee, friendly helpful hosts. 100% recommend.
Main tip for first time visitors to Cuba is BRING CASH (ideally US dollars) as currently only pesos can be withdrawn from ATMs and is fixed at a very poor exchange rate."
Jessica Luxton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The seafood tacos (shrimp or octopus) and the Cuban sandwich are highly recommended. Vegan and vegetarian options are also a hit.
Yes, the restaurant is known for its delicious vegan and vegetarian breakfast and taco options.
The $5 breakfast combo is considered a great value, including a fruit plate, coffee, fresh juice, toast, eggs, and bacon or sausage.
The restaurant is popular for breakfast and brunch, but also serves lunch and dinner.
While some reviews mention card payments, it's advisable to bring cash (USD) as ATM withdrawals can be unreliable.
It's described as charming, laid-back, youthful, and fun, with a great atmosphere and friendly staff.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
25 BEST Havana Restaurants [Local's Guide 2024]
Old Havana’s sunny cafe Lo de Monik is a friendly, no-fuss spot with delicious food for any time of the day. The menu is a bit of a strange mix, but it all works; among the best dishes on the menu, Lo de Monik has delicious ropa vieja and excellent seafood tacos featuring either shrimp or octopus with all the fixings. We also love Lo de Monik for brunch; with its strong coffee and delicious breakfast options, it’s among the better cafes in Havana!
18 Best Places to Eat in Havana, Cuba
Old Havana’s sunny cafe, Lo de Monik, is a friendly, no-fuss spot with delicious food for any time of the day. Savor their renowned ropa vieja or indulge in excellent seafood tacos featuring shrimp or octopus with all the fixings. Don’t forget to add one of their fresh juices to your order – the perfect refreshment for a long, hot day in Havana.
Best Paladares in Havana
Lo De Monik was located just steps away from my Casa Particular so I found myself coming back to this youthful and fun spot every morning for breakfast. Their breakfast special included crapes with fresh fruit and a smoothie, or your favorite style eggs with sausage and a fresh fruit smoothie. The value was certainly there for the price!
Havana travel guide
Breakfast favourites include hip El Café just off attractive Plaza del Cristo, and Lo de Monik in the revived lanes of northern Old Havana. El Floridita is world famous for its daiquiris served up at the elegant long bar, but seek out better, cutting-edge cocktails at indie-cool El del Frente, Michifú, and Jíbaro.
Cuba’s Best Restaurants • Where to Eat in Cuba
We recommend Lo de Monik for the best restaurant to have breakfast or lunch, and we’re not alone in that opinion; it has won the Travellers Choice award as well. They do serve lunch and dinner here as well, and have a full bar. Try the fish tacos here, and if you’ve never tried octopus, this is the place!
The 7 Best Places For Brunch In Havana
Trendy travellers consistently rank Lo de Monik as one of the best places for brunch in Havana. Home to some seriously cool vibes, this cafe serves healthy, fresh juices and other nutritious treats. If you’re looking for a healthy brunch, this is the place for you.
Unique Bucket List Ideas
Enjoy one of the best Cuban sandwiches and hamburgers in Havana. Our past travelers and alumni can attest to it!. Lo De Monik is a bar/restaurant located near Angel’s Hill – an emblematic corner in Old Havana.
35 Best Havana Restaurants by Neighborhood (2025)
One of the new generation of Havana restaurants that really understands tourists needs. They also speak English and have menus with both English and Spanish. You can eat very well under $10.
Havana with Kids - Where to Eat
Payment Options: Cash (CUC), Cash (CUP), Cash (EUR), Cash (USD). Hours: 8am to 11:30pm every day. Lo de Monik is a mix of Caribbean, Latin, Cuban, and International cuisine.
What to do in Old Havana – Best tips and tricks for Havana´s coolest neighborhood – Carpe Diem in Old Havana
Fresh, fragrant seafood dishes and summer salads, as well as the best breakfast in northern Old Havana are found at cute corner café, Lo de Monik.
Bars in Cuba
Though also great for brunch and tapas, Monik is quickly becoming the new “it” place when it comes to drinks with friends.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit