Havana in Bar Harbor, Maine

Havana brings contemporary Latin cuisine to Bar Harbor's fine dining scene, drawing locals and visitors for special occasions and polished weeknight dinners. The menu fuses Central and South American dishes with local ingredients, think Maine lobster alongside brisket tostadas and seafood paella. Servers like Enrique and Harley set the tone with warmth and attentiveness, and owner Michael makes appearances at tables. It's the kind of place where you dress up a bit.

• Mushroom spring rolls are a signature worth ordering repeatedly.
• Seafood paella showcases fresh local catch and careful technique.
• Cocktails like the Havana Martini and Periodista are balanced and inventive.
• Servers take genuine interest in your meal and the evening.

Start with the mushroom spring rolls, then try either the Mejillones (Maine mussels with smoked pork belly, chèvre, and lemongrass cream) or the Sopa de Frijoles if you want soup. For entrees, the seafood paella and lobster are reliably excellent. The tostada with brisket is worth the hype. If you're sharing small plates instead, the Beets & Squash and Chicharone round out a good spread.

Colorful and polished without feeling pretentious. Noise level is moderate, the room hums with conversation but stays composed enough for talking across the table.

The kitchen takes care with plating and flavor balance. Dishes arrive beautifully presented. Small plates work well if you want to graze (the Mejillones with Maine mussels, smoked pork belly, chèvre, and lemongrass cream are a standout), or go traditional with entrées. Portions are generous. This is fine dining that doesn't pretend to be something it isn't.

Diners rave about the care that goes into each dish and the staff's genuine warmth. One recent visitor called the tostada unforgettable and said 'it was worth every single penny,' though another noted that a single table experienced slower service despite the polished overall experience.