There’s no better place than Miami to sample the traditional Cuban sandwich. Here are the best spots to do so.

There’s a reason the classic Cuban sandwich is so popular. Pressed between buttered crusty Cuban bread, the traditional version is made with mouthwatering sweet ham, roasted pork, melty Swiss cheese, dill pickles and tangy yellow mustard.

Cuban culture’s huge influence on Greater Miami & Miami Beach makes for a lot of spots to savor this delicacy, and we know ‘em all. You’ll also enjoy plenty of modern, creative spins on the classic. Read on for our guide to finding the best Cuban sandwich in Miami.

Little Havana

Versailles

Since 1971, Versailles has been a local gathering spot in Little Havana for the Cuban diaspora and Calle Ocho’s most famous Cuban restaurant. The décor features golden chandeliers and cut-glass mirrors as a throwback to the Hall of Mirrors of its namesake French palace Versailles. However, the sprawling restaurant has a decidedly casual diner vibe. It’s an ideal place to start your gastronomic journey of the Cubano. Sink your teeth into the classic, made with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, dill pickles and yellow mustard, or try the smaller medianoche. You’ll find every staple of Cuban cuisine on the menu and you can also order your Cuban sandwich from their ventanita (little window) and enjoy it on the go with a sweet, strong café con leche.

Sanguich de Miami

For a newfangled spin on the Cuban sandwich, head to the popular Sanguich de Miami on Calle Ocho. The stylish luncheonette is decked out in Spanish-tile floors, bold green walls and brass fixtures as an ode to Cuba's Spanish-inspired architecture and design. Of course, what keeps locals coming back are its mouthwatering sandwiches. Whether it's the classic Cubano made with spiced ham or the Sanguich de Miami, a Cuban spin on the turkey and ham club, you'll sink your teeth into high-quality ingredients and a "sanguich" made with love!

La Carreta

Founded on Calle Ocho in 1976, La Carreta holds firm to the old Cuban family-style dining traditions and food. Their Carreta special sandwich adds spicy chorizo sausage to the classic Cubano. You can also try their Calle Ocho club sandwich topped with crispy plantain chips. From their famed croquetas to authentic Cuban vaca frita, ropa vieja and boliche, La Carreta serves up classic Cuban flavors that would make abuela proud.

South Beach

The Bazaar by José Andrés at SLS South Beach

For an upscale and avant garde spin on the Cuban sandwich in South Beach, reserve a table at The Bazaar by José Andrés inside the SLS South Beach hotel. The flamboyant Spanish chef and activist has long held court inside the extravagant dining room, which is crowned with an elaborate seashell-encrusted chandelier designed by Philippe Starck. The restaurant specializes in Spanish tapas, but Andrés also created dishes inspired by Miami’s Cuban culture, like the bite-sized, light-as-air Cubano sandwich made with Swiss cheese foam and Iberico ham, honoring Little Havana’s iconic Versailles restaurant.

Puerto Sagua

Head to Puerto Sagua on Collins Avenue for Cuban classics like the Cuban sandwich made with marinated pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard pressed between flaky Cuban bread, or ropa vieja, a savory beef stew marinated with peppers, tomatoes and onions and served with rice, beans and sweet plantains. Don’t leave without a shot of strong, sweet Cuban coffee to get you through your day.

Havana 1957

With locations across South Beach, from iconic Ocean Drive to Lincoln Road and Espanola Way, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll come across Havana 1957 on your adventures. They serve up a classic preparation of the Cubano and medianoche, as well as their signature Havana 1957 sandwich, made with roasted chicken and Cuban gravy, alongside an expansive menu of Cuban favorites.

Coconut Grove

Chug’s Diner

From Michael Beltran and the team behind Coconut Grove’s sophisticated Ariete Restaurant, Chug’s is a down-home Cuban diner inspired by holiday family dinners. The menu serves up unexpected twists on classic dishes, like the Cuban sandwich as an ode to New Orleans’ muffuletta, made with country pate, cornichons and gouda, or the duck medianoche made with duck confit, orange mustard, honey ham, Swiss and housemade pickles. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner inside a sun-filled dining room in the heart of Coconut Grove.

Wynwood

Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop

With a name like Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop, you know their Cubano is going to be delicious. The cafeteria-style eatery in Wynwood is a popular spot where locals go for good, hearty Cuban fare. From Cuban sandwiches and cortaditos to staples like pan con bistec, lechon asado and filete de cherna, this casual spot promises plates large enough to take home for lunch, dinner and maybe even lunch again the next day.