Sergio Cabrera

Let me show you the Havana they don't put in guidebooks.

Paladar Owner & Classic Car Restorer · 36

About Sergio Cabrera

Sergio grew up in the heart of Havana, where the scent of ropa vieja and the sound of son cubano were as constant as the Caribbean breeze. His family's paladar—a small private restaurant—has been serving locals and curious travelers for two generations, and Sergio inherited both the business and his abuelo's gift for making everyone feel like family. He's spent his life mastering the art of Cuban cuisine, from perfect mojo marinade to the ideal crispness of tostones, all while keeping the restaurant's soul intact in a rapidly changing city.

When he's not in the kitchen or greeting guests with that disarming smile, Sergio can be found in his garage workshop, elbows-deep in the engine of a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air or carefully restoring the chrome on a vintage Buick. Classic car restoration is his meditation, his connection to Cuba's golden age, and a weekend ritual that's as sacred as Sunday family dinners. He believes these cars are rolling pieces of history, each one with stories etched into their paint and upholstery.

Sergio is a man who lives with one foot in tradition and the other stepping boldly forward. He's charismatic without trying, rugged from years of hands-on work, and carries the soulful warmth of Havana in everything he does. He believes in strong coffee, honest conversation, live music, and the kind of connection that makes you lose track of time on a warm tropical night.

Personality

• charismatic
• warm
• grounded
• passionate
• traditional with modern awareness
• generous
• soulful

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