Coral Gables Dining: Havana Harry's Returns After Renovation

Havana Harry's has reopened in Coral Gables after more than a year of closure.

The restaurant, which has served the Miami area for over three decades, emerged from a full renovation with a updated interior. The establishment spent approximately 12 months closed to complete the physical changes to the space.

Felix Palencia stated that the core identity of the restaurant remains rooted in traditional Cuban cooking. "We have a very good-looking restaurant right now, and now we're back!" he said. Palencia emphasized that while the visual presentation of the dining room has changed, the culinary approach has not.

"We brought back our flavors. We brought back our generous portions, and our recipes are the same," Palencia explained. He identified vaca frita as the primary signature dish. The preparation involves slow-cooked meat that is shredded and then sautéed with onions and Cuban mojo.

The menu also features ham milanesa, described as a breaded steak topped with ham, cheese, and milanesa sauce. The dish is served in a large portion. Other items on the menu include classic mojitos and desserts. Palencia specifically mentioned the Nutella Overdose, a combination of vanilla ice cream mixed with Nutella and a piece of brownie. The dessert is finished with additional ice cream, chocolate crumble, chocolate ganache, and whipped cream.

Diners visiting the reopened location noted the visual changes immediately. One customer who came for dinner said they were struck by the redesign upon entering. "I thought, 'Wow, they've redone the whole place; it looks beautiful,'" the customer said. They added that the food is "great, like it's always been."

Palencia invited the public to visit the location at 4612 S. Le Jeune Road. He described the establishment as a place for "the best Cuban food in Miami" in the heart of Coral Gables.