Smoking a Cuban cigar isn’t always considered gastronomy, but it should be. One of, if not the, most important factors we evaluate when judging a cigar is the flavours it produces. On an occasion when poor construction, difficult draw, or some other technical flaw impairs the enjoyment of a smoke, an impressive flavour profile can rescue our opinion of it – it would be difficult to argue the reverse to be true. An unpleasant taste can seldom be redeemed by a silky wrapper or solid ash.
It is surprising – to me at least – that there are so few establishments who trade on this as a way to enhance their menu. Food and cigar pairings are incredibly rare; restaurants are more likely to frown upon the aroma of cigar smoke mixing with their diners that they are to offer a humidor as digestif. Granted, smoking is not for everyone, and I accept that we cigar lovers are sadly in the minority these days, but there surely is more market for specialist cigar dinners than currently being catered for. A light, floral smoke to pair with aperitifs and light canapes, followed by a sumptuous main course before a finale of spicy robusto matched with port and a rich chocolate dessert sounds like a wonderful evening to me.
Fortunately I am not entirely alone in this opinion and, while they may not be on every street corner, there are a few places around the world where cigars are not simply offered as an excuse to sell more booze after dinner, but are embraced as part of a truly epicurean experience.
The Davidoff Room at Mosimann’s, London
Mosimann’s has been at the heart of Belgrave dining for over 30 years. Its founder, Anton Mosimann, won 2 Michelin stars during his time at The Dorchester prior to converting this old church. He was awarded Royal Warrant by Prince Charles for catering in 2000, has overseen the menus at countless Royal and state occasions and is responsible for the curation of one of the most extensive cookery libraries in the world at his Mosimann Academy – some 6,000 books, some of which date back to the 15th century.
His club features a total of seven private dining rooms, as well as their balcony bar – given his Swiss origins (Anton learned his craft in the family restaurant in the Jura mountains) it seems fitting that he partnered with legendary Swiss cigar brand Davidoff to turn one of the private rooms into a space for cigar smokers. Up to 30 guests can be seated for a private dinner, and the space has exclusive use of a sheltered terrace on which cigars will be served before, during and after your meal.
Rumba Cuban Bar & Grill, Dubai
Located on the “stem” of Dubai’s now legendary Palm is Cuban restaurant Rumba. The intention of this place is to bring the spirit of 1950s Cuba to the super-luxe surroundings of the Arab peninsula, a concept developed by Cuban-born General Manager Alberto Cuello. His kitchen team share his heritage, and serve traditional Cuban dishes alongside classic and modern cocktails. The soundtrack is provided by a live band – in true Havana style – and a well-stocked humidor of Cuban cigars will keep your smoking needs satisfied.
Every night at Rumba has a different, energetic theme, designed to capture the true nature of Cuello’s homeland while making use of the warm Dubai climate and the restaurant’s prime sea-front location. Pair the aromas of your Partagas with the scent of smoked meats from the Cuban grill and watch the sun go down.
SKYE Roofbar & Dining, Hong Kong
At the summit of The Park Lane Hong Kong, and boasting a simply wonderful view across the bay onto the skyscrapers of Kowloon, the SKYE Roofbar is probably the best place in the city of Hong Kong to enjoy a cigar. Watching the boats drift gently past as you puff, then seeing the neon skyline come to life as darkness falls is an experience I defy any cigar smoker not to enjoy. It really must be seen to be believed.
As well as the spectacular vista, SKYE boasts an exquisite menu of local favourites alongside global cuisine. This is a popular spot among well-heeled locals and tourists alike, so it’s best to get a reservation in order to get the optimum viewing spots, but it’s worth the effort. Dine indoors if you wish before taking your dessert and cigar to the terrace, or take the whole meal al fresco to get the full sensory experience.
The paladars of Havana are famous across the world, and La Guarida is the one they all aspire to. This extraordinary old building has been welcoming guests since 1996 to enjoy classic Cuban food, and has grown in stature and in expertise ever since. Anyone of note who has been to Havana in the last 25 years has eaten there and the walls have become the backdrop for some iconic photographs. It is the most famous and best regarded restaurant in Havana.
Of course, it serves Cuban food and cocktails, honed over years by the family who opened and still own it. There are several dining rooms over the different floors of the building, but the best views are found on the roof terrace. The cigars will be plentiful, the rum local and sweet, and the food truly authentic Cuban. There surely is not a better place on earth to find a cigar-pairing dinner.