Miami’s relationship with Cuban food runs deeper than mere trend or convenience. It is a culinary heritage woven into the very fabric of the city, from the bustling streets of Little Havana to the upscale dining rooms of Coral Gables. For locals, these restaurants are a taste of home, a connection to family recipes passed down through generations.
For visitors, finding the best Cuban restaurants in Miami is essential to understanding the city’s soul. It is about more than just eating; it is about experiencing the rhythm, warmth, and passion of a culture that has shaped South Florida. The aroma of roasting pork, garlic, and freshly brewed café con leche is the true scent of the Magic City.
However, not all Cuban food is created equal. While many spots serve generic versions of the classics, a select few elevate the cuisine to an art form. Whether you are looking for a quick ventanita coffee, a towering Cuban sandwich, or a sophisticated take on ropa vieja, Miami offers a depth of choice unmatched anywhere in the United States.
This guide focuses on the establishments that consistently deliver authenticity and quality. We have evaluated them based on the integrity of their ingredients, the skill of their preparation, and the atmosphere that accompanies the meal. You will find legendary institutions alongside modern interpretations that respect tradition while pushing boundaries.
To compile this list, we considered decades of local reputation, consistency in the kitchen, and the ability to serve both the Cuban exile community and curious newcomers with equal respect. The result is a definitive guide to the spots that define what it means to eat Cuban food in Miami.
Here are the top destinations to experience the best of the island’s cuisine, from the perfect medianoche to the most succulent lechón asado.
Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina
| Address | 1442 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (786) 518-2196 |
For our first visit, this restaurant exceeded all of our expectations! From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was incredible with a live band that made the experience even more enjoyable. The food was absolutely delicious, and the drinks were just as amazing.
A special shoutout to our waitress, Sheilla, who provided exceptional customer service from start to finish. She gave us great recommendations, and every single one was spot on—we weren’t disappointed at all!
If you’re looking for a fun night out with fantastic food, great music, and outstanding service, this is the place to be. I highly recommend giving this restaurant a try, and don’t leave without sampling every flavor of their mojitos—they’re all worth it!
I came to this place without any previous information and I was told the sandwiches are to die for. And guess what, that was totally correct.
I tried the Guapo sandwich, which was definitely heavenly. The others also loved all their food. I had a taste of their Cuba Libre, which also was nice.
Our server was polite, fast and very helpful.
I would definitely come back and eat more Guapo sandwiches if I ever visit Miami again.
We visited Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina during our trip to Little Havana and had a really nice experience. The atmosphere and service were very good, with a lively Cuban vibe and beautiful outdoor seating that made the experience feel very authentic and relaxing.
We tried the Cuban sandwich, a breaded fish sandwich, croquetas, and coconut mocktails. The coconut mocktails were especially delicious and refreshing. The food overall was good and enjoyable, although nothing very extraordinary.
What really stood out was the ambiance and the experience of being in Little Havana with the music, energy, and tropical setting around us.
Definitely a nice place to stop while exploring the area!
We had a great lunch at Old Havana! The food was delicious both the slow-roasted pork shank and the Cuban sandwich were full of flavor and cooked perfectly.
A special shout-out to our server, Sheilla, who was incredibly kind, friendly, and attentive. She made our dining experience even better with her excellent service.
The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a meal. We’ll definitely be coming back the next time we’re in Miami!
If you are in little Havana, this place was fantastic. Great atmosphere, the team are super friendly and attentive and the food was delicious. Liena had great suggestions and the result was delicious.
The mojito was great and we had 3 Bloody Mary's they were that good.
Highly recommend.
Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine
| Address | 3555 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (305) 444-0240 |
We visited this place during our trip to Miami and treated it as one of the must-see spots recommended by many people. It was very busy, with a great atmosphere. The food was nice and offered some interesting flavors. Our dishes were served very quickly. The prices were reasonable, and the portions were generous. We definitely recommend it and would happily come back to try more of the menu.
Really enjoyed our experience here! The food was delicious and everything we ordered was very good. The service was also excellent — the staff were friendly, attentive, and made us feel very welcome.
We tried several dishes and desserts, and everything was enjoyable. Great place to experience Cuban food in Miami. Would definitely recommend and come back again! ❤️
My colleagues and I came here on a Thursday afternoon, and we thought this place got great vibes and had very affordable prices. The decorations indoors were very glamorous with chandeliers, lots of mirrors, and spacious seating. The menu was so huge that it was guaranteed that there would be something for everyone. We agreed that the next time we meet up, we would choose this place again.
In terms of food, the taste wasn't necessarily the best, but it was still pretty good and definitely worth it for the price. The paella had pretty conventional tastes in terms of the rice, as it was clear that there was some tomato sauce flavoring the rice. The rice was a bit sticky, in a sloppy way. The ropa vieja had a good amount of beef which was great, and it was tender enough with good flavor, but I wish black beans were included with the dish. My colleagues ordered the classic dish and the vaca frita, and both looked like they got an abundant amount of food, which was a plus for sure, for very affordable prices. They had good things to say about the dishes overall. The catalonian style meatballs was a Thursday special dish and was also very affordable.
Overall, even though this spot doesn't have the most outstanding taste for its food, its food still has pretty good flavor, and this establishment is definitely worth returning to because of its affordability and vibes. People can easily find what they want here and have a good time with their friends.
Everything was amazing! The food was absolutely delicious, fresh, flavorful, and the portions were generous. The espresso was exceptional ☕️—rich, smooth, and one of the best I’ve had in a long time. The service and atmosphere made the experience even better. Great authentic Cuban food, amazing coffee, and a wonderful overall experience. I will definitely be coming back! ❤️☕️
This was our first time ever trying Cuban cuisine, and we really enjoyed the experience at Versailles! The food was delicious and something different for us.
Being from South India, it was actually interesting to see some familiar ingredients and sides like yuca and plantains. It gave us a little connection to the food even though the cuisine is completely different. We usually love spicy food, so the only thing we personally missed was a little more heat and spice. 😄 Other than that, everything we tried was really good.
The restaurant was busy even though we visited late at night, and it had a nice local Miami/Cuban vibe. One small challenge for us was communication, as some of the staff we interacted with primarily spoke Spanish, so ordering took a little extra effort. But it didn’t take away from the overall experience.
Really glad we tried authentic Cuban food while visiting Miami. Definitely a memorable first experience with Cuban cuisine, and we would happily come back!
Havana Vieja - Cuban restaurant
| Address | 944 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:45 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:45 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM |
| Phone | (786) 739-9749 |
We were looking for some authentic Cuban food during our short visit to Miami and wow did we find it here! The best chicken empanadas I have ever tasted. Soft, juicy, and delicious. My wife got the fried Red Snapper and I got the Ropa Vieja. Absolutely delicious! Some of the best food I have ever eaten. Gise was our waitress and was very friendly and helpful with our meal choices. You can’t go wrong here!
I had an amazing experience enjoying authentic Cuban food. Everything we tried was absolutely delicious. The Ropa Vieja was full of flavor and cooked to perfection. The sandwich trio was a great way to sample different Cuban sandwiches, and the picadera platter was outstanding, with a wonderful variety of items to share. What made the experience even better was the exceptional service. Julian, our waiter, made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. He was friendly, attentive, and truly went above and beyond. Pedro, the manager, is a wonderful person who clearly cares about both the customers and the quality of the restaurant. What impressed us the most is that we visited this restaurant last year and had the exact same outstanding experience. The consistency in both the food and service is remarkable and shows their commitment to excellence. The food, atmosphere, and hospitality were all spectacular. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for authentic Cuban cuisine and outstanding service. We will definitely be coming back!
What a wonderful evening. The food was seriously life giving and the staff was more than amazing - they helped us find the next spot we were going and gave us so many recs. Augustino was particularly wonderful, it started sprinkling and he moved our table of 9 to a sheltered area. Highly recommend
Our first time eating there and we absolutely loved it! The food, the service, the atmosphere were all great! Especially the food. We got the appetizer platter and Cuban sandwich and a delicious refreshing salad. We had lunch there so it wasn’t crowded or hectic it was fast fresh service. Our waiter Jordan, he was very hospitable. Definitely recommend Havana Vieja restaurant.
If you want to experience the true heart and soul of Cuban cuisine, you must visit Havana Vieja. From the moment you walk in, you can truly feel the love pouring from the kitchen and the staff.The food prepared by Chef Andrew was absolutely exquisite. Every single dish was packed with authentic, rich flavors that left us wanting more.To make the night even better, the service provided by Enrique and Augusto was top-notch.They were attentive, welcoming, and made us feel like family.Also, the drinks were amazing. Everyone needs to visit this incredible restaurant. We cannot recommend it enough!💜💜💜💜💯
Little Havana - Cuban Restaurant in Miami Beach
| Address | 1051 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:45 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:45 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 11:45 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11:45 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:45 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:45 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM |
| Phone | (786) 829-7351 |
The food was okay, but it could have used a little more flavor. The portions were very small, and the drinks were overpriced for what you get.
Unfortunately, the service was disappointing. Our waitress came across as a bit standoffish, and the bartender was outright rude. When we went to the bar, she didn’t greet us, make eye contact, or even acknowledge that we were standing there. She walked away and never returned with the ice, leaving us waiting until our waiter, who was already busy, came over and asked if we needed anything. Meanwhile, the bartender was standing behind the bar watching TV instead of helping customers.
Overall, the experience could have been much better. The bar, in particular, would benefit from having someone friendlier, more attentive, and more customer-focused working there.
On a block full of gimmicky restaurants that all have the same menu, Little Havana is the real deal. It was the only restaurant that pulled us in because the food smelled good. The music isn’t too loud and fits the atmosphere, the food is great, and the servers are attentive without being pushy. This is a great spot to make your nice dinner of the trip when you visit Miami Beach.
The food and the service was amazing!!! Ask for Bel because she will make sure you feel at home. I will be coming back!!! The lobster dish was excellent and the yellow rice and plantains were delicious!!
Little cuban restaurant tucked away from the busy streets of Ocean Blvd and Washington Ave. Food is great, service was slightly slow, speak clear or point at the menu, some servers might have difficulty understanding. We were here late Aug and it was hot and humid, open air restaurant with some big fans to circulate the air. I think each tables should have a small overhead fan.
it was a great experience. the food was decent and the portions were decent for the area and the price.ni wish it was had different spices bc some of the food was rather salty. shannon did an amazing job serving us.
Marabu Restaurant
| Address | 701 S Miami Ave Fl 4, Miami, FL 33131 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (786) 598-8012 |
Truly impressed with this restaurant. I read it was one of the best in Miami and I was completely skeptical that this was true. Wow! Yes it is VERY GOOD. everything we ate was delicious. It was very nicely presented. As a matter of fact, so good that I completely forgot to take pictures to show you. Go check them out, it is worth it. Best part of all was the price point especially for the fact that this place is in Brickell City Center. Highly highly recommend this place, truly authentic and delicious Cuban food.
They were able seat us on short notice. The waiter Tomas was refilling our waters regularly without being asked. I wanted my boyfriend to try Cuban food for the first time and he was impressed with the yucca side that came with his braised pork. I had roasted chicken and it was excellent. Both meats we had were a little on the dry side. My classic mojito was more sour than sweet. Overall highly recommend for the nice vibe and ambiance.
From beginning to end we were transported to Cuba. The music, vibe and deco instantly sends you from a mall in Miami to Cuba. Our waitress, Marcia from Venezuela, was friendly and enthusiastic about the menu and making sure our evening was fun. We started with mojitos and a Margo-no-rita. Sugar cane and mint leaves spill out of the top of the delicious mojitos. My wife said she didn’t miss the alcohol in the Rita and would order it again. We moved on to ham croquettes and empanadas. The croquettes are flavor bombs with the lime salt sending them to the next level. The empanadas are good and full of meat filling. We had 4 different entrees and shared bites of them. My smoked pork was a tad dry but the smokey presentation offset the texture. We did have to move the smoker off the table as it got eye irritating. I would have also liked a plate to move everything to after the wow factor. (I should have asked for one). My wife’s fried fish was served whole in chunky bites. The batter clung to the fish, so you know it was cooked correctly. Flavored well it was great on its own. She thought the chili oil sauce had an Asian flare which felt off theme. Our friends dishes were the flank steak (good size and flavor) which was cooked to his required doneness, and the Marabu Charcoal pork. Both dishes were delicious with their sauces.
Marcia suggested a fiery sauce if we liked heat. We told her to bring it and it did not disappoint. Heat at all levels left a good lingering heat for minutes. It was good with everything.
We skipped dessert as we were full and chose to window shop in the mall to walk off a full belly.
Highly recommend, ask for Marcia and we will be back.
During my time in Miami I was looking for a nice place with a good atmosphere and good Cuban food.
If you are looking for a good location, nice bar and atmosphere, then this is your place. If your focus is good Cuban food, then it’s not your place.
The food was just ok, I knew it would be a risk as it was outside a traditional place. The service was also just ok, they were very busy and didn’t have enough staff.
The pork and fish were very dry and over cooked. Their rice and beans were average. Appetizers were average. The best food was their yuca and tres leches, a modern version. I would return for drinks and atmosphere, but not for the food if craving Cuban.
Good experience with this bar/restaurant specializing in cuban cuisine, with various options as the fried Snapper and Grilled Norwegian Salmon, with good smoked salmon croquetts and sweet potato 🥔 roasted. For drinks I recommend the Traditional Mojito.
Esquina Cubana
| Address | 710 Washington Ave Apt 1, Miami Beach, FL 33139 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:45 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:45 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:45 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:45 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:45 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:45 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM |
| Phone | (786) 304-4549 |
While on a quick visit to Miami Beach, we were looking to try Cuban food and saw that Esquina Cubana had decent ratings. When we got there, it was a cute outdoor restaurant which is a departure from some of the fancier restaurants and hotels in the area. We even though it was fairly humid, the fans helped to keep it comfortable. The ambiance was authentic and Cuban but the noise from the traffic was a bit annoying. The service was great and attentive which is nice when the 20% tip is automatically added to the bill. We had the empanadas to start and they were flaky and crispy with a delicious meaty filling. 8/10. For entrees, we had the crispy pork 7/10, roja vieja 9/10, half roasted chicken 9/10, braised beef 8/10 and the fried snapper 10/10. The flan was exceptionally tasty 10/10. Definitely worth a visit if you want some authentic Cuban food.
This charming little Cuban restaurant is such a hidden gem! The atmosphere is warm, cozy, and full of character, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal. The food was fresh, flavorful, and made with careevery bite tasted authentic and satisfying. Christian was welcoming, attentive, and made us feel right at home. If you're looking for a cute place with great food and friendly service, this is definitely worth a visit. I can't wait to come back!
Was walking to another location for lunch and stumbled upon this place. Very quaint local hole in the wall setup and ambience. Got the mango mojito...bigger size of course! And the Paella!
It took some time for the food to come out...as every Paella order takes anywhere. The food was absolutely delicious! Fresh and hot and huge portions. Can be easily split between 2 people.
Next time I would like to try it in the evening. Sitting in the patio with the ocean breeze sipping on some sangria would be incredible!
Came here with my mother and this was easily the best meal we had in South Beach all week! The margaritas and Cuban coffee were perfect and the guava juice was a great N/A option. All of the food was delicious; chicken empanadas, avocado salad with blackened shrimp, whole red snapper, and tres leches to share. The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating, and was a very cozy corner spot to sit in the sun. I wish we weren’t leaving tomorrow otherwise we definitely would be back!
Cristian was kind, knowledgeable about the dishes we asked about and provided attentive service all throughout our meal!
The ropa vieja empanadas were well-made and the sauce paired beautifully with it. The cortadito was exceptional! There was a sweetness to it that rounded out the strong flavour very nicely.
The music was wonderful and it was great sitting on the patio in the sun! Even though we were right on the corner of the intersection, we could still hear each other perfectly and converse.
And the food we ordered came out quickly and tasted wonderful! Everything was priced on the higher side so do be prepared for that 🙂
La Mulata | Cuban Restaurant Miami Beach
| Address | 1443 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:45 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:45 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:45 PM |
| Phone | (786) 745-7854 |
Simply fantastic!
I have to highlight the Cuban bread here because it was the best we had while we were visiting.
I recommend the Tostones. And you can add the Lechon, which is the pulled pork. Slow cooked, delicious!
The service here is unmatched. The young lady that took care of us did an exceptional job making recommendations.
My wife really enjoyed the bacon egg and cheese sandwich on soft Cuban bread. So I highly recommend that for breakfast.
Quick note: if your aim is breakfast here then you’re gonna wanna get here before noon. If you went out the night before, that may be easier said than done.
🇨🇺
We had an amazing experience. The staff were absolutely amazing, so friendly and accommodating. We were a group of 6, and we had certain dietary requirements among us. We had Gabriel serving us and he was fantastic at showing us which dishes were available, and even offering to change the paella to be vegan. The dish was huge and easily fed 2-3 people, and tasted delicious.
We highly recommend, even for the meat dishes that some of us had, and will definitely be coming back.
La Mulata was an amazing experience from start to finish. The food was absolutely outstanding, every dish was full of flavor, fresh, and beautifully prepared. The paella was definitely the highlight of the meal. The portion was generous and easily enough to feed two people, making it an incredible value as well as an amazing meal! Our server Lany was incredibly attentive, friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout our visit. Lany made us feel like family and was so hospitable! The atmosphere was one of my favorite parts of the experience. The restaurant has such a unique and beautiful design that creates a warm, inviting, and memorable ambiance. If you're in Miami and looking for delicious food, exceptional service, and are in need of something new to try, I highly recommend La Mulata!
The food & the atmosphere here is 10 of 10. Berta & Alfredo treated us like family. We had the Red Snapper & the Vaca Frita & both were DELICIOUS. You could taste how fresh the fish was & how the food was seasoned with love.
We will definitely be back!
Absolutely phenomenal! I was visiting Miami Beach on a business trip and ended up eating here 4 times during the week because I just couldn't get enough. My friends accompanied me for 3 of those 4 visits! They had never tried Cuban food before, and they were raving about it every single time. Everything was just brutal! The Combo Appetizer is an absolute must, pure madness. For the main courses, the Lechón Asado a la Guajira and the Crispy Pork Chunks were spectacular. I ordered the Vaca Frita and switched it up with Moro rice (congris), and it was a total game-changer. A massive shoutout to the manager Gabriela for keeping everything running so smoothly, Lany for being an incredible, attentive waitress, and Alfredo the bartender for fixing up amazing drinks. Whether you are a Cuban craving a taste of home or someone who has never tried it before, this is the place.
La Cañita Bayside
| Address | Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd #219N, Miami, FL 33132 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (305) 392-0811 |
This place was so worth my efforts of figuring out Miami public transportation during my 10 hour layover. 2 train rides and one short walk later we arrived. Our server Chris was extremely amicable, and gave us great suggestions on the menu. We enjoy every dish we had, with my #1 favorite being the ox tail. I was skeptical as the menu is a little pricier than what I typically choose to dine on, but it was worth every dollar!
Brenda provided absolutely amazing service at Cañita Restaurant! From the moment we sat down, she made us feel welcomed with her warm personality, positive attitude, and attention to every detail. She was friendly, professional, and made sure our entire dining experience was perfect from beginning to end. It’s rare to come across someone who truly goes above and beyond, but Brenda did exactly that. Her energy, kindness, and outstanding customer service made our visit unforgettable. If you’re dining at Cañita, ask for Brenda—you’ll be in amazing hands! Five stars all the way!
I really got the true taste of Cuban food here. Yumi was the absolute best server with her knowledge of beer and the cuisine itself. The calamari was off the chain and the chef special, praws scampi was to die for. I'm from New Orleans, so food and culture is VERY big with us and I must say I was very impressed with the food, service, and culture here. 5 star rating and I will be back.
Since we were in Miami, we were craving Cuban food, and found La Cañita Bayside near Bayside Marketplace after stalking Google Review.
We ordered the pork and the fish, and my favorite was definitely the fish of the day. The coconut rice was amazing, super flavorful, rich coconut taste, with toasted shredded coconut on top. I kept wondering how they make the rice that good because I love coconut. Still thinking about it.
Balcony seating = bay views + giant cruise ships casually parked outside like it’s no big deal. Very Miami.
Is it pricey? Yes. But food was good, vibes were nice, and we left full and happy. No regrets.
The service was great as expected at this price point. The food was very good although the beef a bit dry. The seafood rice dish was well prepared and fresh but a bit diminutive compared to price. The cocktails were also a little over complicated for my palette. Too many different flavors that clash instead of compliment. All in all a good meal. My only real complaint would be the extremely loud and over-bassed music. It eliminates any chance of conversation and creating a shared experience.
Havana Beach Restaurant
| Address | 740 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:45 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:45 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:45 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:45 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:45 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:45 AM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:45 PM |
| Phone | (305) 731-3647 |
The food was delicious. The Ropa Vieja was really good as was the lechon. Extremely pricy, but that's on par for the area. Maia did fair but she let us know they are having issues with the tap water so we had to get a bottle, which ended up being 12 dollars!!!!! They should have simply given us the water. I saw another server give another patron a glass of water and he didn't have to pay for it... So I feel like she forced us to get the water so she could get more $ on the tip. Which is disingenuous. When I mentioned to her that they should have let us have the water, she acted like she didnt understand me. And she didn't see it from my prospective at all... I wish the lemonade was fresh and not concentrated, that would have been great it was also $10. They should also not let people smoke while sat, it ruined other people's experience. Ultimately I would not be back, which is unfortunate because the food really was delicious. But vastly over priced.
Food was great. Amazing flan! 🤤 Service was great as well. Yail was very helpful and kindly advised us the best Cuban dishes. Thank you!
“Maia was very adorable and made sure I was comfortable throughout the entire experience. She paid attention to every detail and checked that nothing was missing. Her kindness and attentiveness really stood out and made everything feel welcoming and enjoyable. Great service”.
We celebrated New Year’s Eve dinner at Havana Beach Restaurant on the iconic Ocean Drive, and it turned out to be the perfect way to ring in 2026. After walking away from another nearby restaurant due to disappointing service, we were delighted by the warm, welcoming hospitality from the moment we arrived. The staff were friendly, attentive, and genuinely eager to make our evening special.
Although they couldn’t locate our reservation at first, it wasn’t an issue—they had plenty of tables available and even let us pick our favorite spot. We settled in for several hours, savoring the vibrant atmosphere as we waited for the midnight fireworks.
The food was outstanding. We started with one of their generous shareable platters, featuring fresh, flavorful items that were perfectly prepared.
Our mains—the classic Ropa Vieja (shredded beef in a rich tomato sauce) and another shredded steak dish—were both tender, authentic, and absolutely delicious.
The drinks were spot-on, with our server happily customizing them to our preferences and offering plenty of flexible options from the menu. A special shoutout to their fresh pico de gallo—it was bright, zesty, and addictive!
To end on a sweet note, we enjoyed the creamy tres leches cake with a hint of cinnamon paired with bold espresso shots.
The location couldn’t have been better: right on Ocean Drive, which was pedestrian-only for the New Year’s festivities, creating a lively, festive vibe.
This evening at Havana Beach created lasting memories—exceptional service, delicious Cuban cuisine, and an unbeatable holiday atmosphere. Highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We had a wonderful time. The food is amazing, you're on the sidewalk and you can hear the buzz of the beach and see the action. Matias was our server, and the service was excellent.
Habana con B
| Address | 1005 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (786) 359-4057 |
What a great find! The place is very nicely decorated and felt homey. Our waitress (the owner) was amazing. She had great recommendations and was so friendly. The food was delicious. I had ropa vieja and flan for dessert. The tres leche cake was also great. I highly recommend eating here!
We found an absolute gem 💎 of a restaurant! An authentic “experiencia Cubana” with warmth from the moment you step at the door, to enter!
The setting looks like a beautiful family home, in the heart of Havana, with wooden tables and chairs that remind us of the stories that our grandparents, great grandparents and even great great grandparents have told us, through the years.
We were told it’s just like when furniture gets passed on from generation to generation…That’s exactly how this amazing place looks and feels like home!
The food is exceptional and the flavors really make this place stand above all other places we have visited, here in Miami.
They have live Music on Saturdays, which really adds even more authenticity to this place.
Please, take a nice walk into Little Havana and don’t forget to stop in “HABANA con B” to try all of their dishes…Make absolute sure, to leave room for Dessert…The best Flan 🍮 we’ve ever had!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nico & Gisele
I hate to even draw anyone’s attention to this place because I don’t want to have to wait for a table next time I visit! This place is OUTSTANDING. The owner (Lauren) is the host and server and she’s incredibly sweet and (rightfully so) quite proud of the food they are able to serve to their guests. I was able to enjoy the shrimp stew (her mom’s recipe) with rice and sweet plantains. The first bite blew me away with how layered the flavors were—suffice to say I cleaned my plate. And I cannot forget the malanga appetizer with honey and mustard sauce. Condiments do not usually wow me, but I think I could have ate the sauce in spoonfuls. Mojitos were perfect — not too sweet, just the way I like them. The atmosphere is 10/10 — I felt like I was a guest in their home. It’s a truly bespoke experience that is hard to come by so don’t skip it if you’re in Miami, even if you aren’t staying nearby— it is so worth the uber ride!
I've been loving Cuban food for 30 years. The best I've ever had is in Miami. The ham croquettes here are literally THE BEST I have ever had.
The waitress/hostess is the most absolute sweetest woman I've ever met and EVERYTHING on the menu is spectacular.
This place is DELICIOUS! My partner and I ordered apps, drinks, a meal (each), dessert and coffee. It felt like every bite and sip was infused with LOVE. Lauren was an absolute delight, her parents were the ones in the back cooking, I truly felt like I was eating at a loved ones home. The decor is beautiful, the attention to detail with everything was top tier. There has been a ton of time and effort put into this restaurant. I want to go back right now!!
La Terraza Little Havana
| Address | 1440 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (786) 518-2196 |
Great music and atmosphere. Love the outdoor seating. The service is super slow though. It took almost an hour to get our food after we ordered. We also kept asking for our water to be refilled. Some of the employees didn’t speak English. We did enjoy our dinner though. The food is excellent! The live music was great and had me dancing in my seat! Recommend this place!
The atmosphere was way too loud — my watch kept warning me about noise levels over 90 dB (and sometimes 100dB) due to the live band. The sandwiches were okay, but nothing special, and the salads were bland with mostly plain greens and very little variety. Prices felt too high for the quality of food. Also, be warned: there’s a photographer walking around taking pictures of guests and then trying to charge for them. The constant camera flashes were annoying and distracting. Overall, not worth it.
Live music, lovely patio, decent service. Delicious Cuban sandwich! And tostanos!
All I can say is WOW, what an amazing place to eat at. The food here was absolutely flavorful and was a great firest time eating Cuban food.
The atmosphere here was wonderful and the live band was so great to listen to. As you can see In my pictures, there decide here was cool to check out. Lots of old pictures here.
The service was also great!! The people were all nice and helpful when going through the menu items and recommendations.
If you are in the area, you need to stop by and check this place out!!
Nice place to have a great Cuban experience.
Actually I am realizing that I always come back to this place. Because the food is really good.
The decor is amazing!!! the food is very tasty and fresh. The atmosphere is great.
You can listen to music inside, the band and live music is nice but is very loud… if you like that you can stay inside the restaurant and enjoy the place but if you like a more relax ambience you can go to La Terraza to have some drinks and share some food too.
This time I ordered masitas de cerdo and the chicken al horno! Mmmmmm La yuca al vapor and maduros are the most delicious sides.
You should try it.
Havana 1957 Ocean Drive
| Address | 1410 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (305) 763-8671 |
Havana 1957, and especially our server LuLu, really delivered. From the standout Mojitos (we picked passion fruit) to the showpiece Cuban chicken, we thoroughly enjoyed the warm hospitality here. Thanks, LuLu, for your extra special energy and attentiveness in helping us navigate a torrential storm during dinner service. Book now, you won't regret it!
For the price, this was disappointing. My wife ordered the lechón, and while the flavor was good, the portion was extremely small. It was served in what looked like a small to-go container and looked nothing like the picture on the menu. I also watched them use a ladle to portion each serving, which explained why everyone was getting such a small amount.
My sandwich was served cold, and it came with what looked like only a tablespoon of chips. Between the tiny portions and the price, it just didn’t feel like a good value.
The food itself was tasty, but they really need to improve the portion sizes to match what they’re charging. This was at Super Con.
Good flavors were pretty good, portion size for the price could definitely be better, Didn’t like that I ordered and pointed to the half picture of sangria, which is the only option for a picture on the menu other than a single glass, when the bill came, we were charged for a FULL pitcher for $20 more… full pitcher wasn’t even on the menu. So bill was $200 for 3 people To have tiny appetizer, 2 meals and one Cuban sandwich. Plus tip is included on every bill at 20% automatically and server tried to get more tip.
We have never tried Cuban food. Call us creatures of habit. I was very excited to try, knowing we would be in Miami. What a PLEASANT surprise. The roast chicken was amazing. The flavors were all over the place, but in a good way. Rice and black beans definitely rounded out the meal. Sweet plantains...WOW! I have never tasted anything like those before. The servings are large and definitely shareable if you do not have a large appetite. Only disappointment was they ran out of Mich Ultra..FIFA CUP so will not hold against and the service was really slow. Waitress only checked on us once. It was a little loud, and you could not hear much of what the waitress was saying, but again world cup..10/10 would definitely come again only not during a big event..
Stop at the sidewalk host stand. The food, atmosphere and service was great. Fun music but not live. Eclectic decor. Photography available for extra. Cocktails are beautiful.
Casa Cubana 🇨🇺 | Cuban Restaurant & Live Music
| Address | 1342 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | (786) 448-6232 |
Super tasty food! We dined in on a Monday afternoon so it was slightly empty, but got great service from our server Andy. Very authentic food. You can really taste the old country. Portions are plentiful, I took almost half my food back home with me. Overall recommend 10/10
I had an amazing experience at this Cuban restaurant! The atmosphere was warm and vibrant, and the staff made me feel welcome right away. The food was full of authentic Cuban flavor — from the perfectly seasoned seafood to the delicious sides, every dish tasted homemade and full of soul.
The mojitos were refreshing💜
Casa Cubana has a fun atmosphere, but the overall experience left me with the same frustrations I had at Limoncello, which makes sense since they appear to be run by the same ownership group.
I had the ropa vieja, which I’d rate a 6/10. It had decent flavor, but it was too salty for my taste. I also tried the guacamole, also a 6/10 — it was creamy and enjoyable enough, and the plantains it came with were definitely the best part.
One thing to know going in: the upselling feels very heavy here too. Just like at Limoncello, there was a strong push toward extras, and they’ll also bring over items from Casa Cubana/Limoncello like bread and wine, which adds to that feeling. The payment process has the same issue as well: 20% gratuity is already included, but the online payment flow seems to prompt another 20% tip unless you manually choose a custom tip and enter $0. That feels unnecessarily sneaky.
Also worth noting: live music was advertised to start at 7:30 PM, but it didn’t actually get going until closer to 8:30 PM.
Overall, Casa Cubana has a lively setting, but between the salty food, the constant upselling, the confusing tip setup, and the delayed music, it did not quite live up to expectations.
Food was VERY good. I had the octopus and I loved it. My husband had garlic shrimp and he was super happy. Miguel was our server and he was SIMPLY THE BEST (like the song!) My cocktail was out of this world. Thank you guys!
Incredible. The Ropa Vieja and sangria were amazing. The Spanish music they had playing (no live music while I was here) was so fun, and the server, Fidel, was wonderful! 100% would return back here.
Alma Cubana
| Address | 650 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:45 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:45 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:45 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:45 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:45 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:45 AM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:45 PM |
| Phone | (786) 278-4198 |
Definitely get the paella and seafood catch. These were great for our 8-person group. We made a reservation and ate around 830pm. I think we ordered too many appetizers because we should have saved room to devour the seafood. Sangria and margarita pitchers were the right call.
Rey was a phenomenal server. He the dinner a great experience for me and my girlfriend and had great recommendations on the menu. No glaze but everything he recommended us was at least a 9/10 and I was surprised by how delicious the food was here. Highly recommend. Great for World Cup viewers and tourists.
Really really liked Luke the bartender ! Was a little worried about $28 meal for steak until I got it!!! Holy amazing!!! His company was great! Left overs in box... could have split this meal easily highly recommend. The strip is overwhelming skip the others and come here.
Stumbled across this place and so glad we did. Delicious micheladas, really perfect steak tacos with cilantro and onion. Lovely service! Our server, Chavely, treated us so well we lucked out getting her. Thanks!
SCAM! With a 4.9 rating we had high expectations. Ended up being the worst meal with the worst service! First we got sat down and the place was empty. They have a 2 for 1 drink special which we took and since we had a bachelor party crew they said they would upgrade our size to super…. Spoiler alert they did not. Then we got nachos which I attached pics with craft dinner cheese for $24 plus $8 for fake chicken which we are pretty sure we had to go to the bathroom right after. We also got the calamari which was bare with like 10 pieces. Then we got the tacos which were ok and the cubano which was the only saving grace and best value at $22. The servers don’t give a shit about you though and why would they when you mandate to give them 20 percent tip which is the biggest scam as well along the strip. Plus taxes you’re paying like 35 percent on your bill. Also the drink super watery and full of sugar, so it’s ok. You’ll end up paying it for somewhere else. In the end we spent $100 percent person which is ridiculous. In my opinion go a block or two over pay half the price with better food and then go to the strip to enjoy.
Sala'o Cuban Restaurant & Bar - Live music
| Address | 1642 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (305) 642-8989 |
Deborah was our server, she was very attentive but not overwhelming. The food was great better than anticipated. We also had stuff plantains, and yuka fries, all very good. My husband had the churassco and I had the octopus. I had 2 Mojitos passion fruit and he had 2 coronas. Alfredo the host was really nice and welcoming. Always kept coming by to see how we were doing.
It's a place with great atmosphere and vibe. The staff were friendly and polite and Mabel made us feel great. The oyster shot was great. The house salad was just very dry, with a few cherry tomatoes. The steak sandwich was a little thin with dry bread and a bit of souse and onions. Very basic like taste and experience. A bit surprised by the very high rating of the place, but our experience was more on the average side.
Best experience and Best Cuban food in Miami! Was greeted by the amazing Alfredo gave me a salsa lesson. He made learning salsa so easy. I made it just before 2x1 happy hour was over. Mojitos were perfect for this hot summer day! I had empanadas, avocado salad, and the star of the show was the fried red snapper…so damn good. Laura Martinez was my server and she served me with a smile. I highly recommend Sala’o
Great place! Even on a Tuesday night it was packed with live music and people dancing. Deborah was our waitress, and she was amazing—friendly, attentive, and provided excellent service. The entire staff was welcoming, the food was delicious, and I’ll definitely be back!
Our family had the best night at Sala'o on our last evening in Miami. From appetizers and drinks to entrees, every dish was fantastic. Our server, Samantha, was outstanding — warm, attentive, and her recommendations were perfect. The live band and DJ created a lively, fun atmosphere that thrilled our children (both musicians themselves), and we found ourselves really enjoying the music. We would have stayed all night if not for an early departure the next morning. Highlights were the PAPA'S PILAR El Pilar and the churrasco; my Filete de Pargo a la Plancha was cooked to perfection. Sala'o is now at the top of our list for the next trip to Miami. Highly recommended.
How to Choose the Perfect Cuban Restaurant in Miami
With so many options available, the choice can feel overwhelming. Understanding what distinguishes a truly great Cuban restaurant from a mediocre one will significantly enhance your dining experience. These tips will help you navigate the culinary landscape like a local, ensuring you spend your money on meals that are worth every calorie.
1). Look for the Sound of the Plancha
A great Cuban sandwich requires a hot, well-seasoned press. If you walk into a restaurant and hear the distinct sizzle and press of bread being flattened on a cast-iron plancha, you are likely in the right place. The bread should be crisp on the outside but soft enough inside to soak up the juices of the pork and the butter.
2). Prioritize the Daily Specials
While menus are important, the best Cuban food is often found on the chalkboard or announced verbally. Ask about the “especial de la casa.” Dishes like ox tail (rabo encendido), breaded steak (bistec empanizado), or fresh fish prepared “a la plancha” often reflect what the chef does best on any given day.
3). Judge by the Beans, Not Just the Meat
Anyone can roast a pork shoulder, but it takes skill to make a perfect pot of black beans. The consistency should be thick and creamy, not watery, with a deep, savory flavor that hints at cumin, bay leaf, and green pepper. A restaurant that takes pride in its frijoles negros usually takes pride in everything else.
4). Embrace the Ventanita Culture
For the most authentic experience, skip the sit-down table for a moment and stand at the walk-up window (ventanita). This is where you will find the best cafecito, croquetas, and pastelitos. It is a social hub where you can observe the rhythm of the neighborhood while paying a fraction of the price of a formal meal.
5). Check the Crowd
A great Cuban restaurant in Miami is rarely empty, especially during lunch hours or late at night after the clubs close. Look for a mix of multi-generational families, construction workers, and business executives. If the clientele is diverse and the line moves fast, it is a testament to the food’s universal appeal and efficiency.
The beauty of Miami’s Cuban food scene lies in its refusal to stand still. While the classic dishes remain sacred, many of the city’s best chefs are now exploring the intersection of Cuban flavors with modern techniques and global ingredients. This evolution ensures that the cuisine remains vibrant and relevant for a new generation of diners.
Ultimately, the best Cuban meal is the one shared with friends and family, accompanied by loud conversation and perhaps a shot of strong espresso. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, exploring these restaurants offers a delicious education in history, resilience, and the joy of eating well.
