yelp review ||||
Five Stars - Lisa L. Torrance, CA 10/4/2009

My boyfriend and I recently went to Bar Harbor before the summer season ended, and it was amazing!!  He had a glass of wine, and I had a really great mixed drink. For a starter, I had a bowl of the tomato soup, which happened to be the soup de jour.  I'm not normally a tomato soup person, but this soup was incredible with the right amount of cheese that was included.  For our main dish, he had the paella, that included bits of 1.5 lb local Maine lobster and other seafood that was locally farmed.  My dish-the Yellowfin tuna- was quite possibly the best piece of fish I've ever had.  As an avid sushi fan, it was quite apparent that the quality of the fish that was selected was a prime cut of tuna.  As some others have already mentioned, if licking the plate was socially appropriate, I would have done it.  We had the leche frita for dessert, however, we both concluded that the dinner outweighed the dessert by far.  After our dinner, the owner came by and chatted with us, and it felt like we had known him for a very long time.  Overall, not only would I recommend going to Bar Harbor, but I would also highly recommend Havana as the first place to go for an excellent meal!

This is my favorite restaurant in Bar Harbor.  I've eaten here many times over the years, and the food is almost always extraordinary.  The atmosphere is great.  The dining area is simply decorated in warm colors.  It's a quiet and comfortable place to have an excellent meal.  Without exception the service has been excellent.  When my wife and I want to go out to celebrate of just have an excellent, relaxing meal, this is the first place we think of...

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trip advisor ||||

SCRUMPTIOUS!
“Was flitting thru the other reviews and I must say, me and my husband had a very pleasant and very tasty experience at the Havana. We were there August 7. Foie gras and cod fritter appetizers were great and the havana tuna and duck confit were wonderful, as was the wine. Katie our waitress was great. Michael, the owner stopped by at the table which was nice. Their wine list is incredible! Sort of hobby gotten out of hand we think... My husband did the port flight (madeira and port wines) and the best thing to accompany port is cheese... but.. no cheese platter on the desert menu. Not a problem!! The kitchen created a nice plate of cheeses for him and it was really good !Okay.. it is not cheap, but then again... life's too short to drink cheap wine and to eat boring food! And of course it was nice to hear that the mussels were grown by a dutch guy from Bruinisse! " | August 11 2009 | els132000

OUTSTANDING SERVICE, GREAT FOOD
“Havana clearly focusses on service. Everybody from greeter, bus staff, waiter and the owner/manager was professional, friendly, and knowledgeable.  The food was delicious!!
This restaurant would be succesful in any city of the world. " | August 18 2009 | richardireland

BEST RESTAURANT IN BAR HARBOR!
“Hands down the best restaurant in Bar Harbor. EXCELLENT food, great wine list, and fun atmosphere. The owner, Michael, came to our table and visited with us for a few minutes; talking with him made our experience even better. Our server was also outstanding. We live close to NYC, and are foodies...we both agreed that Havana is a must. " | September 7 2009 | jg200

maine home & design |||| october 2008

"The heart and soul of Havana lies squarely in the kitchen"
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Fodor's review ||||
“Soft jazz playing in the background sets the tone at this storefront restaurant on the edge of downtown Bar Harbor. The pumpkin-color walls and wood floors lend an air of sophistication. The Latin-influenced menu emphasizes local ingredients and changes weekly. There’s also a phenomenal wine list.”

Frommer's review ||||
“Havana set a new creative standard for Bar Harbor when it opened in 1999. The spare but sparkling decor in the old storefront is as classy as any place in downtown Boston; the menu could compete in any major urban area. Though not specifically Cuban, it does lean toward South America in its accents: Expect appetizers such as jicama-and-coconut-stuffed shrimp, monkfish ceviche, and cakes of crab and roasted corn served with cilantro sour cream. Entrees could include filet mignon with a Cuban coffee and pepper rub, spicy "dragon" grilled tuna, a sesame-and-ginger salmon served over poblano mashed potatoes, or a Chilean black bean stew. Diners never go home unsatisfied. Finish with guava mousse in a chocolate waffle cone, coconut ice cream, or a pecan tart served with cinnamon gelato.”


the new york times ||||
WHAT’S DOING IN: Mount Desert Island
By Wayne Curtis | August 5, 2001
“Some of the island’s zestiest and most creative dinners are served at Havana, 318 Main Street, Bar Harbor, (207) 288-2822, which features local fare prepared to a salsa beat. Selections from the Latino fusion menu include Jamaican jerk rack of lamb and chili-coated salmon served over Cuban black beans.”

the Boston globe ||||
A WELCOMING INN BY THE BUSTLE OF BAR HARBOR
By Nancy Regis | September 24, 2006
“For dinner, there are many choices for many budgets, but I found an unexpected surprise in a Main Street restaurant called Havana. Deep red walls, wood floors and Buena Vista Social Club-style music created an intimate and warm setting for their delicious offerings, which they call “American fine dining with a Latin flair.”

Chef Moz Dining Guide ||||
"This place is a quiet treasure.” | September 2001
“Whew. This place is great. Hands down. Outta sight.” | September 2001
Best in Bar Harbor “One of the best restaurants in Maine, elegant but not stuffy, we have dined all over the State and this is our favorite, a touch loud sometimes, ask for the back room overlooking the wine cellar.” | May 2005