A decade ago, Tamara Landeiro moved to St. Louis from Cuba so her daughter, Thalia, could study at the world-renowned chess club in the Central West End. Since then, Thalia has gone on to become a grandmaster, international champion, and Olympic medalist, while Landiero has made a name for herself as the chef and owner of Havana’s Cuisine.
Now, Landeiro plans to move her restaurant closer to where her St. Louis story began. Havana’s is slated to move in October from 1131 Washington in downtown to 12 S. Euclid, the former Racanelli’s in the Central West End.
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The Concept
Like the downtown location, as well as the Soulard stall and food truck that preceded it, the new Havana’s location will offer the same traditional Cuban dishes that guests have come to know and love. Landeiro notes, however, that the new spot will have a more immersive design element that she believe will transport guests to the heart of Havana.
The move also marks an elevated role for Landeiro’s other daughter, Tania, who has been working alongside her mother at the downtown location and is eager to share her own passion for Cuban cuisine with St. Louis.
“This move is especially meaningful to us because it reflects the deep passion for Cuban food that runs in our family,” Landeiro writes in an email. “Tania has been an integral part of our journey, driven by her love for the flavors and traditions of Cuban cuisine. Her enthusiasm and dedication inspire us to continue sharing the authentic taste of Cuba with our community.”
The Menu
Fans of Havana’s signature Cuban sandwich—which many argue is the best version in town—will be happy to know that it will be available at the new location. In fact, the entire menu will migrate with the Landeiros to the CWE location, including such favorites as the mojo roasted pork and ropa vieja plates. Additionally, the Landeiros hope to expand the menu with new dishes, including a Frita Burger, a mix of pork, beef, chorizo, and crispy potato sticks. Popular in Cuba and especially in Miami, it’s an item Tamara has yet to see in St. Louis.
In his recent paean to classic sandwich types in St. Louis, dining critic Dave Lowry called Landeiro’s Cuban “a stunning success”:
Bread imported from Tampa’s La Segunda Bakery. Roast pork marinated in garlic and bitter orange juice for hours until it’s reduced to the essence of porkiness. Ham, pickles, mustard, and a lava flow of melted Swiss are all packed into the bread and then it’s run over by a truck. Or possibly just pressed and grilled. Either way, the results are an incredible mouthful of Cuban and Florida cuisine. Add a side of blackbean soup and plantain chips and you’re only a guaybara shirt short of creating your own Little Havana in downtown St. Louis.
The Background
After moving to St. Louis from Cuba in 2014 to support her daughter’s chess career, Landeiro found herself craving the flavors of her home country. While working as a materials and planning manager at an area factory, she began sketching out plans for a restaurant of her own, which morphed into a food stall at Soulard Farmers Market. She had hoped to grow the business into a brick-and-mortar restaurant, but the pandemic put those plans on pause. Instead, she launched a food truck in March 2020 and garnered a loyal following for the outstanding Cuban cuisine. In October 2021, Landeiro finally was able to open the permanent storefront she’d always dreamed of in downtown St. Louis.
Now, with the restaurant’s move to the CWE, Landeiro and her daughter will take the next step in Havana’s journey. “We are thrilled to be moving to the vibrant Central West End neighborhood,” says Landeiro. “This move marks an exciting new chapter for our restaurant, where we will continue to bring the authentic flavors of Cuba to St. Louis.”
