21 Best Spots for Cuban Food in Miami in 2024
Cuban food in Miami is all the rage. According to locals, it's hard not to find – even though many of the old mom-and-pop shops have shut down in recent years. What food is Miami most known for? It’s hard to look past the city’s Cuban scene. With a thriving diaspora community, honoring the culture through food shops is only natural.
According to the American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias, connecting to culture through food builds and maintains one’s identity and sense of self. This means that it is important for immigrants from any ethnicity to share the food of their homelands with loved ones, including Cuban families sharing Cuban food in Miami. Luckily for everyone else, this means that Miami is home to a treasure trove of tasty Cuban treats.
Wondering what street in Miami is known for its Cuban restaurants? The best answer for this question is Calle Ocho (Southwest 8th Street), a neighborhood known as Little Havana. This street has been declared a national treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
There are plenty of neighborhoods where you can find authentic food from Cuban culture, but Calle Ocho has to be top of the list.
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- Best Traditional Cuban Food in Miami
- Best Cuban Sandwiches in Miami
- Best Upscale Cuban Restaurants in Miami
Best Traditional Cuban Food in Miami
1. Puerto Sagua
Puerto Sagua is one of the most often mentioned restaurants when you're searching for Cuban food in Miami. There is outdoor seating and delightful comfort food staples like ropa vieja and oxtail stew.
You could even argue that this is the best Cuban restaurant on South Beach. The prices are just right for families, as well as individuals. Take your time to explore the sites and then head here for a true taste of Cuban cuisine – remember that art cannot be rushed.
2. Café La Trova
Lauded as an example of truly authentic Cuban food in Miami, Café La Trova is located along the Calle Oche. This particular scene also includes a nightclub with live music and a DJ.
While this restaurant can be fully of energy, the scrumptious meals of recipes like croquetas surtidas and flan de la flaca do not sacrifice quality. Fill your stomach and dance the night away! Maybe just not at the same time.
3. Azucar Ice Cream
If you're in the mood for something sweet and creamy, look no further than Azucar Ice Cream Company, also found in the Little Havana neighborhood, along Southwest 8th Street. Founded as an artisanal ice cream and sorbet boutique, the cold treats showcase Cuba’s traditional tropical ingredients.
Azucar prides itself on obtaining produce and fruit locally from South Florida farmers and growers.
4. Sabroso Bakery
Find your way through the streets to a less tourist-driven Cuban neighborhood in Westchester to discover the Sabroso Bakery. The Cuban proprietor and pastry chef built his business on their delicious well-formed pastelitos with crispy layers and delectable fillings.
You'll also get to experience a more authentic part of the Cuban community by venturing off the beaten path of Little Havana.
5. La Mulata
Although the beloved local restaurant of Cuba Bella closed a few years ago, its legacy continues with a gourmet twist and 1950s’ ambience at La Mulata.
Dine on food that fills your stomach and your heart with warmth and become one with the Miami Cuban community. Visit the source of the best Cuban food in Miami Beach, where the motto is: “Aqui Solo se Goza” (Here, we only enjoy.)
6. La Viña Aragón
La Viña Aragón is a cash only Cuban restaurant with family-sized portions, for a truly traditional Cuban feel. With classic evening dishes like pollo empanizado, a chicken with crispy breading and vaca frita, this lovely locale also has delectable breakfast food.
They have an old-Miami diner vibe here, complete with the giant bottle of vinegar and peppers to pour on any of your Cuban cuisine as you sit at the small counter, as well as wood paneling and warm service.
7. Islas Canarias
While Islas Canarias is often busy, it's for a good reason. With affordable pricing and Cuban food to make your grandmother proud, the establishment also boasts an exceptionally warm dining room and hospitality experience. Hidden in an old shopping mall, it is said some of the best dining places in Miami are in buildings that seem otherwise abandoned.
There is also some good word of mouth around town about the croquetas: ham croquettes that are highly popular in the area. They also have shakes with traditional Cuban flavors like mamey and trigo.
8. Havana 1957
When you're searching for date ideas in Miami, hit up Havana 1957 for traditional Cuban food in Miami's South Beach. There are a few different locations for this particular restaurant and they each have their draws.
The Ocean Drive location features live music regularly, while the Espanola Way location is known for their marvelous mojitos and its proximity to the Art Deco district. Spend a day with your feet in the sand at the beach or with your head in the clouds as you enjoy a step back in time at this authentic local eatery.
9. El Palacio de Los Jugos
El Palacio de Los Jugos, also known as El Palacio or simply Palacio, for short, was established in 1977 by Apolonia Bermudez – and is still managed by her descendants. Delight in the best Cuban recipes prepared with traditional delicacies and local fruits.
The restaurant has expanded into a shop, as well, where you can purchase tropical fruits, eggs, cheeses and more. This bodega-style eatery is notorious for their classic Cuban deep fried pork rinds called “chicharrones”.
10. My Ceviche
Even the take out food stands in Miami offer authentic Cuban cuisine. My Ceviche began in 2012 as a South Beach cevichería next to an international hostel.
They have since spread throughout Miami. My Ceviche Brickell in the financial district. So if you're in town on business or you work every day in that region of the city, grab an authentic Cuban bite for lunch.
11. Versailles
Possibly the most well-known and somewhat upscale Cuban restaurant in Miami is Versailles. These popular spots (there are a few) have well-priced food and a comfortable diner feeling. They also sometimes feature Cuban bands at events like Ball and Chain for dancing out back.
Versailles is a fantastic option if you’re looking for indoor activities in Miami for Adults. Who wouldn't love to spend an evening absorbing local music and culture?
12. Latin Café 2000
A vibrant experience awaits you when you visit Latin Cafe 2000, which has been family owned and operated since 1998. Their signature dishes are the epitome of traditional Cuban food – including their shareable portion sizes.
They have also crafted some Cuban-inspired delectable recipes for those with health-conscious appetites and – at some locations – scrumptious Cuban-inspired cocktails.
Best Cuban Sandwiches in Miami
13. Cuento Sandwiches
Cuento means “story” in Spanish, and this Cuban sandwich shop embodies Cuba’s heart and soul. It’s all about bringing people together to celebrate life and literature – just take a peek at the tomes lining their walls.
The decorations speak directly to the Cuban heritage and history of Miami. Food is more than nourishment here, it is a journey of love and sharing traditions and time. Time stands still for no one and Cuento does not shy away from altering the classics. Innovating fusion styles of cuisine for even greater taste with locally sourced ingredients.
14. Sarussi Subs
Sarussi has been around for over forty years and was featured multiple times on television programs, but that hasn't taken their focus away from promoting authentic Cuban culture and family connection.
While they'll tell you all about how their now-famous “Original Sandwich” is made, they're keeping the ingredients of the secret sauce a mystery. You'll have to take a trip down to the shop to taste it.
15. Breadman Bakery
Breadman is a bakery in the Hialeah neighborhood with an exceptional Cuban sandwich, involving intensely crunchy bread and a generous portion.
Take note of the address for your next Cuban sandwich craving. The Hialeah region of Miami is vibrant and home to a variety of Latin cultural hot spots. You won't want to miss a visit to this part of town.
16. Off Site
Speaking of getting away from Little Havana, step into the Little River neighborhood to visit Off Site, a nano-brewery with a full menu, including a crispy Cuban sandwich involving aged ham, house pickles and lechon.
Among the brewed items, they have fruity seltzers on tap, as well as a variety of beverages if beer isn't your go-to. You'll love filling up with the delectable treats at this modern gourmet eatery.
17. Sanguich
If you're hoping to find something a little more upscale with a traditional Cuban sandwich, look no further than Sanguich. This shop's mission is to keep family legacies and the ideals of pre-revolutionary Cuba alive with Arsenio Rodriguez music and homemade dishes that won't disappoint.
Take a walk in the Cuba of your grandparents or great-grandparents as you enjoy the cuisine crafted at this perfect spot for Cuban food in Miami.
Best Upscale Cuban Restaurants in Miami
18. MesaMar
Seafood and upscale eating are certainly a pair that have gone together for a long time. MesaMar is a seafood restaurant of fusion Cuisine, including Cuban, located in Coral Gables, just seven miles from downtown Miami.
According to MesaMar regulars, this hot spot is known as “the gem of the Gables”. It’s small, cozy and full of attentive staff.
19. Marabú
Travel to the Cuban countryside through the rich and smoky flavorful dishes at Marabú, a site established in 2020. This restaurant pays homage to the homeland through gourmet cuisine and the elegance of Cuban cities like Camagüey and Pinar del Rio.
It even includes an upscale bar inspired by Havana with a twist on traditional Cuban cocktails. If you're not sure where to start with the menu, the friendly and experienced staff can guide you for a Cuban culinary experience you'll never forget.
20. Havana Harry's
Visit Havana Harry's for a comforting Cuban cuisine experience, perfect for celebrations. While this is the type of place considered an upscale Cuban restaurant in Miami, the design is charmingly rustic with wood accents and dark corners.
The menu is incredibly authentic, though there are other Latin American dishes from beyond Cuba, and there are some creative updates to old favorites like the tres leches.
21. Social 27
Dive into the time warp when you spend an evening at Social 27 Cuban Supper Club. Designed as an homage to the supper clubs of the 1940s and 50s in Cuba, there are cocktails and food all the way through to the nightclub, with live music regularly.
The vibrant culinary experience and creative Cuban-inspired fare can be enjoyed in a lush, tropical designed ambience.
What is a popular Cuban food? Clearly ceviche tops the list, as there are even restaurants named after it. Other favorites include The Cuban sandwich with crispy bread and ropa vieja, involving tender shredded meat.
If you’re looking for something extravagant for your special day, check out our guide to having the best birthday dinner in Miami. Remember, if you’re looking for the most famous Cuban streets in Miami. Check out the Westchester neighborhood or the somewhat more tourist focused Little Havana. Either way, you'll have a blast at any of these delightful spots.
For even more fun things to do in Miami, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
