I love Commercial Drive. It has so much to offer; there are so many restaurants, bars and pubs. Belgian Fries, BierCraft Tap and Tapas Bar, etc. Another one of my favorites is Havana. They first opened in 1996 and interiors are pretty rad: inspired by the faded glory of Old Havana in Cuba. All the scribbles on the walls reminds me of Jim Carrey horror movie The Number 23. Good thing this place comes with one of the best Sangrias in Vancouver! Havana Vancouver has my favorite is the Champagne Sangria: bubbles and fruits.
Although the food sometimes is a hit and miss, Havana Vancouver always friendly service and they open late and have a killer patio! This place is packed during summer times! In the back of the restaurant there is a little area displaying art works and serves as a gallery. For a list of upcoming events visit them here.
Tuna Taco 14: House made tuna crudo with lettuce, guacamole and fruit salsa. Served with a hard shell taco. Although I like the crunchiness it brings, I prefer soft shell tacos. One bite and it simply breaks apart and pieces goes flying around. The fruit salsa was tangy but missing more of a lime face punch.
Tuna Ceviche 12: Fresh Tuna crudo house cured ceviche with crispy tortilla chips. We made the mistake of order two tuna items (our waitress didn’t warn us about this. But then again I don’t think she really cares). This tuna tasted pretty very close to the previous fish tacos and had a heavy sesame taste to it.
West Coast Mussels 15: With housemade chorizo sausage and tomato. The mussles were plump and there was a nice acidity with some heat to the broth. Can’t say it was the best mussels we’ve had but it wasn’t too bad.
Paella 19: West Coast mussels, prawns, chorizo, peppers, onions, tomatoes, saffron, rice, coconut milk and Pernod. First I like to say the chorizo was ham. It wasn’t the sausages I am used to. Perhaps they ran out that day and had to substitute, otherwise it would be pretty disappointing. Overall not a bad dish and there were plenty of prawns, mussels and mild spiciness to this fried rice.
Jambalaya 17.95: Quite similar to the Paella but there was more acidity to the dish and it was a bit overwhelming. The dish was also a bit watery and seemed very rushed.
Havana Vancouver Desserts of the Day: This changes all the time so best to ask to see what’s available.
Bread Pudding and vanilla ice cream – best remedy for stale bread is to tear it into pieces and bake it in milk, eggs, sugar and spices. Covered with whipped cream and delightful pairing to ice cream.
Cheesecake: Pumpkin flavor just in time for fall! Rich, creamy and a hint of pumpkin. Not too sweet and smooth.
1212 Commercial Dr Vancouver, BC V5L 3X4
(604) 253-9119
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