Restaurant Review La Gruta Del Vino in Varadero
Delicious Food and a Magnificent View in Josone Park
Sep 26, 2008
Renowned for the all-inclusive resorts lining the white sand beaches, the Peninsula de Hicacos is a traveler’s paradise. A short walk from the long row of architectural and colourful hotels lies the small city of Varadero, Cuba. Not otherwise known for culinary mastery a handful of decadent restaurants in Varadero are drawing hungry vacationers out of their beach loungers and into dinner seats.
Dinner and a View
In the centre of the city amongst the houses, shacks, and shambles of a poor city in a communist country is a hidden gem of lush flora and curious fauna. Josone Park, located at Calle 1 Ra 56 y 58, houses a treasure trove of delectable eateries.
La Gruta
La Gruta del Vino in Josone alongside the brilliant green park lake is a unique dining experience. The entrance looks meager with some outside tables and the bar up front but behind a curtained door the restaurant is set into the depths of a small cave.
The intimate interior is set with three tables lit by candles and dim bulbs strung across the rough ceiling. Placed into indentations in the walls and ceiling, wine bottles decorate the tiny dinning room. Romantic tunes play through the space and a local band strikes up to play songs for the dinner crowds.
Specialties
La Gruta is known for their skewered meal options but being in luscious Cuba there is no better time to indulge in lobster. For less than $20 a succulent lobster tail that spans the width of the dinner plate is grilled to perfection. Also available and especially delectable is a selection of steaks, grilled and nearly plate sized. Guests should arrive hungry, as no doubt they will leave full.
As expected with a name like La Gruta del Vino the wine selection is vast. There are many South American choices as well as European imports. The prices range widely though there are some very affordable options. Of course the staple alcohol of Cuba, rum, is readily available and mixed drinks are cheap and stiff.
Get Away From the Buffet
An exotic experience in a lively city, La Gruta del Vino is a wonderful option for travelers to Varadero. Open for lunch from 12 noon through to the late hours of the night (11pm) the restaurant is easily accessible for those staying in the hotels down the peninsula. Well worth leaving the resort for, La Gruta del Vino won’t disappoint the hungry, or thirsty, traveler.
For more information: (53 45) 66-7228
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