Havana Restaurant, Bar Harbor

First off, the hostess who sat us proceeded to tell us for five minutes about how the Obama's dined there in July. Five minutes is a long time when you are watching the time pass. I had to find a way to get her to leave by saying "oooh, I'm so hungry & the wine list is so long". Then a water-pourer came to the table & said "would you like this tap water or do you want to order bottled water instead?" - As he awkwardly gestured to his water canteen. We waited a long time for our appetizer & our entrees. They brought out a cucumber dressed w/crab salad "compliments of the chef" which was flavorless. Our appetizer of crab cakes was good - not great. My entree was the baked stuffed lobster. The meal was overcooked & the bread crumbs were all burned, ruining the flavor of the $29 meal. The sides were very small. If I pay $29 for a meal, I at the very least, expect it to come out not burned. The waiter was nice. The owner came over to say hello & I bit my tounge. Maybe I shouldn't have!! My boyfriend ordered the rack of lamb & he reported the lamb was cooked how he ordered it, however; the meal was not seasoned well. The sides were also very small, but he reported his were "flavorful". Unless you order a mojito, there is absolutely nothing cuban about this place. Based on this experience, we will not go back.

We have gone to Havana the night after we have run the Bar Harbor half marathon for the last three years, and plan to return this weekend. The food is exceptional. Prices are high but the whole experience is well worth it.

Noone should spend that much on a meal and leave hungry. First the appetizers were miniscule, then the main portions were tiny, given volume by adding cheap inedible greens and rice. They even shortchanged us on a glass of wine each. The chef can't accommodate even the slightest change to the extremely limited menu which offers nothing to those who may wish to limit sodium or fat (or not like garlic smothering everything). The food eas at the same time overseasoned and bland - an amazing feat. Drizzling a colored sauce over food does not make it cuisine. It does have great service and a good atmos but what is the point if yiou feel ripped off after?

The food was fabulous - inventive and delicious. This is definitely not the "same old thing." I would love to have this restaurant in my home town.

When the four of us left Havana at the end of a superb evening, we all agreed it was the best restaurant meal we had ever experienced. There was only one glitch: while we were waiting for what seemed like a long time for our meal, we called our wait person over and asked her how much longer it would be. She assured us that our food would be right out. About a minute later, the maitre de came over and asked us what was wrong, which really put us on the defensive. What she should have done was apologize for the delay and thank us for our patience (even if we were being unreasonable, which we weren't). Overall, however, the quality of the food far eclipsed that fopaux. We can't wait to go back.

The food, service and decor were truly memorable. Very creative cuisine. My only caveat: the prices were a bit steep, compared to most other area restaurants. If it's time for a splurge or celebration, though, this is definitely the place if it won't stress the budget too much.

Though we love the traditional lobster dinners served in Bar Harbor, Havana was a magnificent alternative. The food was incredibly delicious and the wine list was huge. I can't recommend this restaurant enough. Havana is our #1 favorite place to eat in Bar Harbor.