Cuban Food in Miami: What to Eat, Where to Go

Cuban cuisine has been a staple in Greater Miami and Miami Beach since 1959 – the year hundreds of thousands of Cuban exiles began settling in the area, immediately following the Cuban Revolution. Many families opened cafeterias, bakeries and walk-up windows (ventanitas) to make themselves feel at home and feed their tight-knit community. 

Today, visitors from far and wide travel to Miami to experience Cuban culture in its tastiest forms: rice and beans, sandwiches, lechón, pastelitos, cafecitos and so much more. Here are our picks for the best Cuban restaurants in Miami, from traditional to contemporary, and even a few recognized by the MICHELIN Guide.

Versailles

A Little Havana landmark since 1971, MICHELIN-recommended Versailles is arguably the most famous Cuban restaurant in the world. The casual, spacious dining room, adorned with elaborate chandeliers, is a place frequented by locals, celebrities and politicians. 

In addition to serving Cuban classics, from vaca frita (fried beef) to the Cuban sandwich, this expansive restaurant has an adjoining bakery where you can enjoy a cafecito with a sweet or savory pastelito (pastry).

While you’re there, chitchat with Cuban locals at the ventanita (a window where you can buy coffee to-go) or enjoy late-night discussions over coffee and a snack. 

La Carreta

Founded in 1976 on Calle Ocho in Little Havana (across the street from rival Versailles), La Carreta is a go-to for locals looking for authentic dishes that feel like abuela (grandma) made them. 

Enjoy traditional dishes such as Picadillo a la Cubana (ground beef cooked with onions, peppers, olives, raisins and tomato sauce) and Boliche (Cuban-style pot roast stuffed with chorizo, and cooked with onions, peppers and wine).

La Carreta has nine locations, including at Miami International Airport and in Hialeah, where you’ll also find a huge ventanita for grabbing a Cuban cortadito (sweetened espresso) to go. 

Café La Trova

MICHELIN-recommended Cafe La Trova opened in 2019 but is already a treasure on Little Havana’s famous Calle Ocho. The delectable food is by James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein, while master mixologist Julio Cabrera’s team of cantineros (bartenders) work in unison to crafted award-winning cocktails like the Buenavista (Bombay Sapphire gin, cucumber, mint, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, sugar).

Live Trova musicians serenade you all night with uplifting Cuban rhythms as you feast on dishes such as the acclaimed skirt steak Ropa Vieja (a Cuban shredded beef classic) and other examples of fine Cuban dining, like branzino with spinach, dill, leaks and mascarpone and Arroz con Pollo (chicken with rice). It all makes for a quintessential Miami dining out experience. 

Morro Castle

Open since 1966, Morro Castle in Hialeah is one of the oldest Cuban cafes in the area. This family-owned diner serves authentic Cuban staples, such as bistec de palomilla (thinly sliced fried steak) and arroz moro (mixed black beans and rice). But you can also try the croqueta sandwiches or a frita, a Cuban-style burger that consists of a beef and pork patty topped with fried potato sticks, sandwiched in a soft bun.

Sit at a booth or the lunch counter and choose from a variety of milkshake flavors, including mamey, papaya and trigo (wheat).

Chug’s Diner

Chug’s Diner in Coconut Grove has received multiple MICHELIN Bib Gourmand designations for its quality and value. Here, you can enjoy chef-owner Michael Beltran’s fusion of Cuban and American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner while you sit in one of the cozy booths. 

For breakfast, try the lechón hash with Cuban roast pork, mojo onions and fried eggs. For lunch, the frita patty melt and the lechón ramen for dinner hit the spot. Don’t miss the happy hour specials, especially the 99 cent martinis (Wednesday to Sunday, 6pm to 7pm).

Islas Canarias Restaurant

Family-owned-and-operated Islas Canarias Restaurant & Bar, located north of Kendale Lakes, prides itself on traditional dishes from the family’s original recipes and a throwback 1950s Cuba vibe. 

The restaurant is known throughout Miami for its croquetas (creamy, deep-fried delicacies of minced ham, chicken or fish coated in breadcrumbs). Also try the wide variety of Cuban breakfast options, such as the Desayuno Guajiro (Cuban-style tamale, fried pork chunks, two eggs, sautéed potatoes, coffee and Cuban toast). 

Havana 1957

Havana 1957 has four locations in South Beach, and one in Pembroke Pines, all of which decorate the walls with vintage memorabilia and prints of works by Havana’s legendary artists. Try the Enchilado de Mariscos (seafood stew with Florida lobster tail, shrimp, homemade criolla tomato sauce, served with white rice and sweet plantains), or Lechón Asado (roast pork).

Drop in for happy hour on Monday to Friday from 4 to 6 pm, and sip a mojito at the mojito bar, which stocks more than 120 varieties of rum from around the world. The Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road, and Pembroke Pines locations offer live music on certain nights for a complete Cuban experience.

La Mulata

Family-run La Mulata is a great option for Cuban food in South Beach, located on Espanola Way, that’s quickly become a local favorite since its opening in 2024. This is the place to go when you are in the mood to celebrate, thanks to its vibrant atmosphere. You’ll even hear live music every weekend – meant to transport you back to 1950’s Cuba. 

Try the grandma-style Ropa Vieja (shredded beef cooked with onions, peppers and red wine) or the Paella Habanera.

Sazon Cubano

Sazón Cubano is the go-to spot for Cuban food in Miami if you’re in North Beach. It’s been around for two decades, but the renovated space has a relaxed yet sophisticated coastal vibe, a perfect fit for any occasion.

Choose a table in the main dining room or covered outdoor patio (which offers live music on the weekends), or grab a Cuban sandwich, cortadito or pina colada from the ventanita (with ample seating) adjacent to the restaurant. Make sure to try the citrusy Vaca Frita (shredded, crispy flank steak) or Pargo Frito Entero (whole fried snapper).