Doña Alicia's defies power outages and limited internet, welcoming digital innovation with robots and digital menus in Cuba
Havana is a Cuban city best known for its vintage cars and colonial architecture. However, the city has more to offer than just that. A popular restaurant has made waves as it adapts to the future. Doña Alicia is a local eatery that has welcomed technological innovation despite the country’s struggles with frequent power outages and limited internet access. While the restaurant modestly opened its doors seven years ago, it gradually started integrating technology into its operations.
Today, however, patrons are greeted with digital menus displayed on tablets at the tables. It allows them to browse and order traditional Cuban dishes, such as pasta and pork steak, along with sweet delicacies for desserts. The restaurant is also equipped with a bar that complements the whole dining experience with freshly made daiquiris, mojitos, and other classic drinks.
A robot named after abuela
The restaurant’s most notable feature is its robotic waitress, also named Doña Alicia, in honor of the owner’s grandmother.
The robot is available in the dining area, where she delivers meals to customers and adds a futuristic flair to the whole dining experience. Of course, for the less tech-savvy diners, human servers remain available to assist.
The innovation is unique, to say the least, and in a country like Cuba, where infrastructural and technological limitations are common hurdles, such an achievement is a massive step forward.
According to Manager Yadiel Hernández, the tech upgrades have been a game-changer for the restaurant. “We’ve noticed a change,” he says. “Both children and adults find it interesting to have a robotic assistant bring food to the table... it’s a novel experience.”
Innovative path ahead
Cuba has long been struggling with power outages, slow mobile internet (which only became common after 2018), and rising inflation. However, Doña Alicia has not let these issues get in the way of its success and has managed to keep its modern vibe alive.
Like many private restaurants in the city, Doña Alicia is on the pricier side, which makes it a stretch for the average Cuban. But curious locals and visitors keep coming through the doors.
The team behind Doña Alicia hopes to continue the innovation trend. Hopefully, there will be more intriguing technologies in the coming days that keep up with the eatery’s futuristic vibe.
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