Finding the best Cuban restaurant in Miami can be a daunting task. How do you know which one is right for you with so many to choose from? Well, that’s where we come in. We’ve done the hard work for you and have narrowed it down best Cuban restaurants in Miami.
So read on and find out where to go when craving some delicious Cuban food! We have the quantity, but quality? That’s a little harder to find. Here are some musts on the best Cuban, all worth the trip and effort.
The Local Cuban
Where: Time Out Market – 1601 Drexel Ave, Miami 33139
Alberto Cabrera has challenged our perception of Cuban food with every one of his best restaurants: At Time Out Market Miami, the Local Cuban’s wide-ranging menu of innovative Latin food gives Cabrera ample room to play. Find new versions of Arroz imperial (now with duck!), crispy pork belly, and a cafecito that satisfies Cuban coffee purists and trendy java snobs. If Miami’s Cuban community had a single go-to spot, it would be Cabrera’s. And it tastes like home.
Café La Trova
Where: 971 SW 8th St, Miami 33130
The world-famous Julio Cabrera and his team of Cantineros bring to life the retro Cuba atmosphere with their artisanal, handcrafted cocktails. Cabrera’s cocktail menu transports you from pre-revolutionary Cuba to contemporary Miami: Drink a Hemingway Special (rum, maraschino, grapefruit, and lime) to honor the island’s most famous mid-century ex-pat, or a Yin & Tony (rum, apricot liquor, pineapple, and lime) to celebrate Havana’s iconic Hotel Nacional (rum, apricot liquor, pineapple, and lime).
James Beard Award-Winning Chef Michelle Bernstein lends her culinary prowess with a contemporary take on Cuban-styled dishes. Immerse yourself in Miami Cuban culture with live music played by real Trova musicians. Bernstein puts her spin on the Cuban classics, serving a Spanish-inspired Cubano with Serrano jam, empanadas filled with hand-cut steak, and an unbelievable paella croqueta.
Islas Canarias
Where: 13695 SW 26th St, Miami 33175
For nearly 40 years, Islas Canarias has supplied Miami with the best croquetas north of Cuba. This bakery eatery has been known since the early 1970s for its deep-fried béchamel and smoked ham delicacies, which cost a little over $1 a piece. Of course, there are also beef, chicken, and fish croquetas, but true Miamians know it’s all about the jamón.
Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop
Where: 186 NE 29th St., Miami, FL 33137
Between 6:15 and 11 a.m., you’ll have to jostle for a spot at a hole-in-the-wall diner/cafeteria in Wynwood that you’d probably miss if not for the crowds of people clamoring to get to its lunch counter for a cafecito. In this efficient little sandwich shop, order the Desayuno especial— two eggs, bacon or ham, Cuban toast, café con Leche, and the pièce de résistance: a cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Also, the Cubano, Cubanos typically consist of two pieces of flaky Cuban bread stuffed with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, but at Enriqueta’s, they give it a “prepared” twist and throw croquetas inside the sandwich, too.
Versailles
Where: 3555 Calle Ocho (SW 8th St), Miami 33135
A kitschy Cuban diner with wall-to-wall mirrors, a constant buzz, and a menu featuring every dish ever cataloged as Cuban. Versailles has perfected the toasty ratio of bread, meat, and cheese. And the most iconic sandwich on the menu is easily the Cuban. The Cubano is the most popular thing on the entire menu. The original (a particular version that’s slightly larger) meets all the basic requirements: toasted, filled with the right ingredients, and cut perfectly in half. Head next door to the bakery for a quick Cuban coffee and pastelito. It serves a more comprehensive selection of baked goods and has a small seating area for a proper colada break.
Sanguich de Miami
Where: 2057 SW 8th St, Miami 33135
It has never been about what a sanguich is, but what it has always been— homemade. anguich’s 25-seat sanguich shop and café pay tribute to Cuba’s early 1900 Spanish architecture. They featured Brass trimmings, decorative wall trimmings, Spanish tile, and playful 24kt gold leaf designs. They take their sanguich making seriously!
Everything from jamon, lechon, mostaza, pepinillos en vinagre is in-house. Secured your spot at the ventanita, with a front-row view into where the magic happens. All while sipping on a cup of dark roasted espresso topped with a thick coat of espumita.
La Carreta
Where: 3632 Calle Ocho (SW 8th St), Miami 33135
This Cuban gem offers large doses of the usual local nostalgia for Batista-era Cuba. Find everything from the massive sugarcane plants growing on the front lawn to large portions on the plates and a backroom café for strong Cuban coffee, sweet pastries, and sugarcane juice. Most of the ordering happens at the walk-up coffee window, serving up flaky pastelitos and espressos until the wee hours.
Puerto Sagua
Where: 700 Collins Ave, Miami 33139
This typical Cuban cafe, which is not a throwback but an ancient establishment, is the most significant spot for breakfast on Collins. Breakfast consists of an extensive list of different combinations that you may choose from. Later in the day, you’ll find a delightful mix of hip-hop youngsters, old-school Cubanos, and beach bums stopping by for arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), ham croquettes, and fried pork chops, also known as chuletas. The most authentic Cuban restaurant that South Beach has to offer.
Finka Table & Tap
Where: 14690 SW 26TH St Miami, FL
Finka Table and Tap is the millennial child of Islas Canarias but on steroids. Chef Eileen Andrade is the genuine child of Islas Canarias’ proprietors, and her creative takes elevate classic Cuban food to the next level. Finka serves the legendary Islas Canarias croquetas but opts for the vaca-frita filled tostones, the arroz con pollo fritters, the croqueta pizza, and one of the numerous handmade cocktails at the bar.
Havana 1957 Cuban Cuisine
Where: 405 Espanola Way Miami Beach, FL 33139
If you’re on South Beach, there’s a good chance you’ll come across a Havana 1957 site. The local Cuban food chain has four locations in the area (with an additional one in Pembroke Pines). It shows how popular the restaurant has become with both residents and visitors. Upon entering, diners will be transported to the splendor of 1950s Havana and will be invited to sample a broad range of breakfast, lunch, supper, and, of course, dessert options.
The menu includes tostones rellenos, frita de pollo, pan with bistec, and flan, among other delectable treats. Of course, you won’t be sorry if you stop in for dinner, a concert (yep, there’s lots of live entertainment here), or a drink (since the bar is always crowded).
El Palacio de Los Jugos
Where: 5721 W Flagler St Miami, FL
El Palacio de Los Jugos is an outdoor barbeque pit and juice counter than a restaurant. However, it provides some of the greatest “chicharrones,” or fried pig rinds, mariquitas, cold sugar cane juice, and fruit juices. In addition, substantial roasted pig and Cuban pork sandwiches are served at the Flagler and SW 57th Avenue location.
CAO Bakery
Where: 12505 S Dixie Hwy Miami, FL
Who can resist the temptation of a delectable paselito? Or a plate of warm croquettas? Or the all-powerful enchantment of the perfect cortadito? These (and more) may be found at CAO Bakery– “All of your favorite Cuban classics can be found at this Miami-based establishment. They’ve got you covered for breakfast with conventional eggs, ham or bacon, and fries served with a tostada (not the Mexican dish, but a toasted and flattened buttery Cuban bread) and coffee con leche.
You may even go all out and order the Cuban Benedict (with hollandaise sauce and served on Cuban bread)– “indulgent, but you only live once, right? For lunch, try their award-winning Medio Dia (a spin on the classic Media Noche that you won’t soon forget) or La Frita (pork, chorizo, shoestring papitas, sazon aioli on potato bread). Finally, if you’re only stopping by for dessert, don’t forget to get some nibbles like arroz con pollo bits or bacon maduros. Is there anything further to say? CAO is bringing classic Cuban treats to the people and innovative twists on old favorites.
Cuban food is some of the most delicious and unique in the world. If you’re ever in Miami staying in one of the vacation rentals Miami Beach, luxury short-term rentals Miami, Miami penthouse for rent, or villas for rent in Miami, check out some of the fantastic Cuban restaurants that the city has to offer. From traditional diners to more modern establishments, there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget to try some of the classic dishes – you won’t be disappointed!
