Havana

In an industry where longevity is not the norm, award-winning Havana Restaurant is bucking the trend. Since it opened in 1996, the lively eatery has been a constant hotspot on Commercial Drive, not just because of the Latin-inspired food, cocktails and ambiance, but because the space also contains a gallery and a theatre. As general manager Gina Ness says, “You can make a night of it here. Have dinner, check out the gallery and take in a show. That’s not something you can do anywhere else in the city.”

Havana is very much a part of the vibrant Commercial Drive community. “We’re Ocean Wise and get all our seafood from Daily Catch, our coffee from Continental and our buns from Elizabeth’s bakery – they’re all just up the street from us,” Gina says. They’ve also seen the community change quite a bit during their tenure on the drive. “There are more young families and young professionals,” Gina explains. “There are also interesting restaurants, great boutique shops and lots of independent businesses.”