Havana 59 Downtown, nestled in the heart of Richmond, VA, is a vibrant Cuban restaurant that transcends dining into an experience rich with flavors, music, and culture. Patrons rave about the upbeat ambiance, often describing it as if one has been transported straight to Havana. The rafters resonate with lively Latin tunes while patrons indulge in dishes such as the celebrated '59 Paella'—an artful assembly of seafood or vegetables prepared in a traditional Paella pan, bringing a taste of coastal Spain to Virginia. Customer experiences highlight exceptional service, with staff members like Amanda and Connor actively engaging and making tailored recommendations. The atmosphere, praised by visitors like Tyler Yzaguirre, perfectly complements the culinary offerings, creating an inviting space that encourages guests to linger over drinks and dishes. From the rich flavors of Beef Picadillo to the crispy calamari dipped in tomatillo sauce, each dish reflects a commitment to authentic Cuban cuisine. Wedding receptions, like the one shared by Victoria Kummings, get rave reviews for thoughtful planning and execution, further solidifying Havana 59 as a go-to for memorable events. With a nod to nostalgia and a flair for the contemporary, Havana 59 Downtown emerges not just as a restaurant, but as a cherished gathering place for all who crave the essence of Cuba.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Has live music
Popular for
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves late-night food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Romantic
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid parking lot
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Photos
Reviews For Havana 59 Downtown
Maysa Asad
May 30,2025
Food and atmosphere was phenomenal, service was even better. Our waitress Amanda was great, her recommendations were spot on
Carley Kayabasi
Apr 6,2025
Inviting ambiance filled with upbeat Latin music and decor. The service is attentive, helpful with suggestions, and timely! Connor provided above and beyond service. He made sure all members of the party were satisfied and accommodated to our requests. Highly recommend :) The paella and Cubano were the best we’ve ever had. The mojitos were refreshing too!
Britt Bair
Mar 31,2025
The atmosphere is incredible. Food was delicious. Service was exceptional. I’m so glad I ended up here. The only critique I have is it would be nice if there was a kids menu. It’s not too hard to put that together. Server made recommendations that were 20 for a kid which wasn’t ideal.
Victoria Kummings
Mar 31,2025
We've been coming to Havana for years (since our 5th date!) and have always had a stellar experience, but our wedding reception was more than we could have ever hoped for. The upstairs spaces are gorgeous, and Dan, Jess, Staci and Ellen went above and beyond. From planning and working with our coordinator to day of, Dan was exceptional. He worked our menu with us, mapped out a plan for the night, checked in regularly leading up to the big day, and even helped us find a mocktail version of Pablo's Punch for one of our signature drinks! Jess was a Rockstar behind the bar and kept up with our crowd like the professional she is. Staci and Ellen were incredible with our guests, kept the food and drinks moving to tables so efficiently I was convinced they were floating through the crowd. Our decor was set up beautifully; Jess, Staci and Ellen were beyond professional and still their fun, lovely selves! Our guests had a great time with and because of them. The food was incredible! Our guests have been texting us non-stop in the 3 days since the reception trying to get the recipes from the Chef. We had almost no food left at the end of the night, the buffet was a hit, and cocktail hour appetizers had folks going back for seconds and thirds. We'll of course keep coming back for dinner and drinks on date night, and definitely booking again for our next big event. Thank you to Dan, Jess, Staci, Ellen and the whole staff for being so wonderful to us over the years, and being apart of and helping make our wedding day beyond perfect.
Tyler Yzaguirre
Mar 4,2025
Just like you’re in Havana, Cuba, Havana 59 does not disappoint! The music, food, and atmosphere are all top notch.
Kris Bayer
Mar 1,2025
Fantastic venue for a wedding reception. The staff was top notch and the atmosphere was awesome. We couldn't have asked for a better night
Jenna Cornick
Feb 7,2025
Such a vibe!! Arrived by train in the evening and this was recommended by the information desk at the station. Was an easy walk from the train station on Main Street. Both smoking and non-smoking areas to sit, really nice patio and indoor/outdoor spaces. Reasonably priced cigars, food was excellent. I ordered the black bean soup and the empanadas. The picky eaters in my group loved the Cuban sandwich with fries. The Cabernet wine was great.
Dorianne Jarchow
Feb 4,2025
Amazing. Highly recommend. The staff was so genuine and kind. The food was to die for. Cubano sandwich, seriously. Love love. The chefs are brilliant. Our server, Kylie was just wonderful, and Connor also went above and beyond. And the hostess was so helpful too, but I forgot to ask her name! Thank you all.
Reviews For Havana 59 Downtown