HAVANA, May 26 (Xinhua) -- U.S. actor Robert de Niro was in Cuba Thursday, visiting the sights in Havana, including the capital's famed restaurant La Guarida.

De Niro "is now a fan of Cuban cuisine, which he discovered today on a visit to the island," the news website Cuba Debate reported.

The restaurant apparently boasted of hosting the "Goodfellas" actor and posted photos of the visit on its Facebook page.

"One of the biggest stars of world cinema, Oscars winner, has been a frequent guest at our restaurant; he has been in Cuba two days and has tried our dishes on three occasions," the restaurant said, alongside a photo showing a smiling De Niro surrounded by restaurant staff.

De Niro was cast as the young Vito Corleone in The Godfather II and won the Academy Award for the Best Supporting Actor for this character.

One of the most award-winning Cuban films, the 1993 "Fresa y Chocolate" ("Strawberry and Chocolate"), was filmed at the restaurant.

The Havana eatery was famous even before the actor's visit, having hosted pop star Beyonce and her husband Jay Z, as well as actress Natalie Portman.