In a city known for vintage cars and colonial architecture, one Havana restaurant is making waves with a strikingly modern twist—a robot waiter that’s charming guests and shaking up Cuba’s hospitality scene.
Doña Alicia, located in the heart of Cuba’s capital, has captured the imagination of locals and tourists alike with its futuristic dining experience. Against the odds of frequent blackouts and limited tech infrastructure, the restaurant has embraced innovation, culminating in the recent introduction of a humanoid robot to serve guests.
The robot—whose presence feels more like a scene from a science fiction film than a typical Cuban dining spot—glides gracefully between tables, delivers orders, and even engages with diners in polite conversation.
Futuristic Flair Amid Classic Surroundings
“I saw the robot and I thought I was in a movie,” said Havana resident Sonia Pérez, still visibly amazed by her encounter. “It brought me the food I ordered, thanked me, shook my hand, and said goodbye when I left. I was stunned.”
Doña Alicia’s journey toward digital transformation began modestly. It started with interactive tablets placed at each table, allowing customers to browse the menu and place orders. Voice assistant technology followed, with Amazon’s Alexa helping patrons navigate the experience more smoothly. But the real showstopper arrived when management introduced the robot waiter.
“I cannot speak Spanish very well,” said Japanese tourist Mariko Ohata. “Sometimes I’m really tired, and when I come here, I just touch the screen to order. Everything works. The robot comes and gives me my food. It’s amazing.”
A Strategic Leap Forward
Restaurant manager Yadiel Hernández explained that the decision to invest in a robot was both a bold move and a calculated risk aimed at standing out in a competitive hospitality market that often lacks innovation.
“We wanted to surprise people, especially in a place like Cuba where this type of technology isn’t common,” he said. “The robot not only adds to the customer experience, but it also draws in new visitors—people come just to see it in action.”
While robotic servers have become more commonplace in countries like Japan, China, and South Korea, their presence in Cuba is virtually unheard of. The island has long faced challenges in accessing cutting-edge technology due to economic constraints and import limitations. Nonetheless, Doña Alicia’s success with its robot experiment is proof that innovation is not just possible—it’s thriving.
Technology Finds a Foothold in Cuba
Cuba’s tech landscape has evolved rapidly in recent years. Until 2018, internet access was limited primarily to public Wi-Fi zones and select home connections. That changed dramatically when mobile internet services were launched nationwide. As of 2024, more than 70% of Cuba’s population is online, opening up new opportunities for businesses to adopt digital tools and platforms.
Doña Alicia’s bold embrace of robotics exemplifies how Cuban entrepreneurs are leveraging this shift. The restaurant has become a viral sensation on social media, with videos of the robot waiter circulating on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, bringing international attention to the local dining scene.
“It’s not just a novelty—it’s marketing gold,” said Havana-based business consultant Alberto Delgado. “In a country where most restaurants still rely on paper menus and face-to-face ordering, Doña Alicia has created an unforgettable customer experience. It sets a new benchmark for what’s possible.”
Bridging Old and New
Despite its high-tech additions, Doña Alicia hasn’t abandoned its Cuban roots. The restaurant still offers classic local dishes and warm hospitality, combining tradition with innovation. For many guests, it’s this unique blend that makes their visit so memorable.
“You have a delicious Cuban meal served by a robot,” said tourist María García from Spain. “That’s not something you forget. It’s a perfect mix of the old Havana charm and future-forward thinking.”
While many of Cuba’s challenges—such as power outages, slow import logistics, and limited access to the latest devices—still exist, businesses like Doña Alicia are proving that with creativity and determination, even small ventures can embrace change.
A Trend That Could Spread?
Though still in its early stages, the success of Doña Alicia’s robot waiter could inspire other businesses in Havana and beyond to follow suit. With more Cubans gaining digital literacy and mobile internet becoming more accessible, the stage is set for a wave of tech-driven entrepreneurship.
“I believe we’re just scratching the surface,” Hernández said. “If we can do this here, with all the challenges we face, then others can too. It’s just a matter of being open to new ideas and taking that first step.”
As diners continue to flock to Doña Alicia, eager to experience the novelty of robotic service, the restaurant is proving that Cuba’s tech future might be closer than anyone imagined. And while classic cars may still dominate the streets, inside at least one Havana dining room, the future has already arrived.
