Coral Gables Restaurant Reopens With New Look, Same Recipes

After a 12 month hiatus, Havana Harry's has returned to the Coral Gables dining scene. The restaurant closed for roughly a year to complete renovations. Owners have now unveiled the updated interior to the public.

The establishment has served Miami for more than 30 years. It is well known for specific Cuban comfort foods. Felix Palencia, a key figure in the business, spoke on the day of the reopening. He noted that the restaurant’s focus has always been on specific Cuban flavors. He credited these flavors for the spot’s long standing status. “We have a very good looking restaurant right now, and now we’re back!” he said.

Despite the visual changes, the menu remains familiar. Palencia stated that the cooking methods have not altered. “We brought back our flavors. We brought back our generous portions, and our recipes are the same,” he explained. The kitchen continues to produce the dishes that originally drew the neighborhood crowd.

Vaca frita stands out as the signature item. The kitchen prepares it by slow cooking meat, shredding it, and sautéing it with onions and Cuban mojo. Another staple is the ham milanesa. This dish features a breaded steak topped with ham, cheese, and milanesa sauce. The kitchen serves it in a large portion size.

The menu also includes standard Cuban accompaniments. Diners can order a mojito to accompany their meal. The dessert list features a specific treat called the Nutella Overdose. This item mixes vanilla ice cream with Nutella and a brownie piece. It finishes with chocolate crumble, ganache, and whipped cream.

Early reactions from the floor suggest satisfaction. One customer who stopped for dinner commented on the visual impact of the new design. “I thought, ‘Wow, they’ve redone the whole place; it looks beautiful,’” the diner said. They added that the food is “great, like it’s always been.”

Palencia has invited the public to visit the location. He described the spot as offering “the best Cuban food in Miami” within the heart of Coral Gables. The restaurant operates at 4612 S. Le Jeune Road.