HAVANA — Stepping into the vibrant Doña Alicia restaurant in Havana is like stepping into another dimension for Sonia Pérez. Amid frequent power outages and technological limitations in Cuba, this eatery shines as a beacon of modernity with its digital innovations including electronic menus, Alexa-powered assistance, sensor-operated restrooms, and a robot that delivers meals to patrons.
Pérez, a 64-year-old government worker, compared her experience to a scene from a cartoon movie, expressing her amazement at the technological gap between the restaurant and the outside world. “I wish there were more places like this in Cuba,” she noted, highlighting the technological lag prevalent on the island.
Bringing such high-tech amenities to life on the island is anything but simple. Due to frequent power shortages and a lack of state-of-the-art technology, automation poses significant challenges in Cuba. However, Doña Alicia restaurant, which opened its doors seven years ago, has slowly integrated these advancements. Initially, they introduced tablets at dining tables, progressed to offering services through Alexa, and now boast a food-serving robot named Doña Alicia — a tribute to the owner’s grandmother — who assists the human staff in the dining room.
Upon arrival, guests are introduced to digital menus displayed on screens placed at tables, showcasing an eclectic mix of traditional Cuban dishes like savory pork steak, pasta, and sweet confections. The bar, not to be outdone, offers an assortment of beverages, including the ever-popular mojitos and freshly blended daiquiris. While digital procession is encouraged, human servers remain available for those who prefer a more traditional approach.
Although the menu prices are comparable to other private dining venues, they unfortunately remain outside the budget of many Cubans, a situation exacerbated by the island’s widespread inflation.
Despite Cuba’s often unreliable internet connectivity, which only became broadly accessible in 2018 and continues to be plagued by interruptions connected to the energy shortages, Doña Alicia has skillfully maneuvered these challenges. According to manager Yadiel Hernández, these technology-driven enhancements are purposeful, providing an unparalleled dining experience designed to appeal to patrons seeking something fresh and exciting in Havana.
“We’ve observed noticeable shifts,” Hernández commented. “Both kids and adults alike are captivated by the novelty of a robot bringing food to their table… it’s an experience like no other.”