Havana Restaurant & Bar

I visited this restaurant on Tuesday 24th August with a group of people who for a work event. We had all chosen from a set menu. The restaurant had lost the choices and only offered us a single choice which was not acceptable. We discussed this with the manager who was aggressive and very rude to us. They also had the audacity to add a service charge on what was very poor service. We discussed this with the owner who was also rude and dismissive of our view. Therefore I would never recommend this restaurant to anyone.
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Steve Noviss
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Thursday, August 26, 2010

We visited the restaurant on Tuesday 24th August 2010. It was a group booking for about 45 persons. It was a disaster from the start. The manager was rude, arrogant and obnoxious from the start and tried to make us order from a set menu, even though we had emailed through the orders against the menu 2 weeks previously. Only his obvious failure to talk with the chef, who must have been prepared for us, saved the day. He however, proceeded to say it will be a wait of about 35mins to get going as they were unprepared, but never mind, we'll fill the time with drinks! Thinking he would at least give us more than 2 free house wines, to cover 45, as we found out at the end of the evening. Service was slow, food was mediocre, staff seemed to be (bar one helpful French waiter) tarred with the same brush as the manager. The bill came to a very large amount, then we found 10% service charge added. The manager had difficulty removing the charge and had, it seemed lots of slippery answers why it should be paid, but we didn't. Overall it was a bad experience. I wouldn't recommend the restaurant at all, there are many which would have welcomed our service and if we had a chance we would have gone else where, but 45 is a large group to move at 8pm. Finally, sorry is a word neither the manager or owner, who was present, knew.
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Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 0
Thursday, August 26, 2010

We visited the restaurant on Saturday night for my husband's birthday. We were very impressed with the venue - the decor is lovely, and there is a lovely atmosphere inside with the live jazz music too. Cocktails in the bar to start with were lovely, and then we made our way thorugh to the table, which was right by the jazz band.

There was a bit of a delay in waiting to order, but nothing too concerning. The waitress who took our order worried us a bit as she didn't write anything down! Needless to say, when the starters came out, mine was wrong! Sent it back and she seemed a bit reluctant to take my husband's back also to keep it warm. when they came back out, my starter (gnocchi) was absolutely lovely, so worth the wait!

When the starters were cleared, we noticed that everyone else was being served an amuse bouche just after ordering - we didn't get offered this! We had to ask for our white wine to be topped up, as our glasses had run out and the wine was being kept on a service station, so we werent able to fill them up ourselves. The mains came (we both had the filet steak), which were lovely, and the red wine also.

For dessert, i ordered plain vanilla ice cream, as i was quite full. After some time waiting, the manager came over and said they didn't have any vanilla, so they offered me honeycomb ice cream instead - which was lovely!

After dessert, we ordered coffee and liqueurs. I could see the liqueurs sitting on the bar - for a good 5 minutes, so i asked another waitress if she could pass them to us! It seemed by this time, our orgiinal waitress had gone home, as we didnt see her again!

Needless to say, we didnt pay the service charge! They were very gracious in offering us some drinks on the house by way of an apology for the service though, so we would return again!
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MGH
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Monday, July 26, 2010

Simply just a gorgeous place, the place certainly looks the part, and it certainly lived up to expectation.

Had been recommend and decided on a visit. We were very impressed by our meal, and by the professionalism of the staff, and the high level of service we received. Very enjoyable evening indeed.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, July 24, 2010

Visited with a group of friends for a girl’s night out. What a good choice. We relaxed in the cocktail lounge with some pre dinner drinks, which were great, I had the Mojito, which was the best I have ever had, very refreshing. We then had our meal, again which was just simply delicious, and the service was very professional and friendly. I have to say that my friends and I had a really enjoyable evening, Well done Havana keep up the good work.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, July 12, 2010

We stumbled upon this place whilst wandering around central Brighton looking for a place to have brunch. The place looked very inviting and agreeable. However food did not do any justice to the décor. Bread served with olives as a starter was not fresh. Salad served with the main course was overdressed. Salad leaves were soaked in dressing, which did not taste good. Dressing seemed like it was made a week ago. It was strangest looking Egg Benedict I have ever had. Poached egg was stuck between not very fresh pieces of rye bred and the yellow sauce did not have any taste at all. Service was not good either. The waitress seemed reluctant to serve us and had a serious attitude problem. She behaved as if she hated what she was doing and was desperate to get out. She topped up my white wine glass with water.
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David
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 1
Thursday, July 01, 2010

It was our anniversary, and Havana was recommended to us by a friend. Had a fantastic time, and the great food and service made our anniversary a very special night.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, May 31, 2010

Delightful place in the Centre of Brighton. We used to live in Brighton and came down for the weekend, and we only stumbled upon this place whilst walking during the busy Saturday shopping hour. The food is Wow and the building and interior design just spectacular and oh yes a very professional service. Will definitely be returning on our next visit to Brighton.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, April 09, 2010

Went to Havana on Saturday for a night out with some friends. Really, enjoyable evening. Lovely food, wonderful service, and really good feel to the place, and I must point out the Jazz band that were playing they were great. Overall a really nice evening.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, March 17, 2010

I recently visited Havana with my partner for a nice evening out, and we were not disappointed.

The food is just so delicious. We were served by a very nice waitress who was very knowledgeable with the menu and very friendly, she was very professional and not in your face.

Fantastic evening and very beautiful and elegant place, will most definitely be returning.
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Alison
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, March 11, 2010