Miami, that glitzy diva of the Sunshine State, ain’t just about sunbathing and neon dreams. Here, the rumba doesn’t just dance—it struts, sashays, and sways through every alley. The heady scent of Cuban coffee doesn’t just waft—it seduces, pulling you into a sultry dance with the ocean’s salty kiss. And honey, those tales of passion, grit, and gastronomic wizardry? They’re not just whispered—they’re belted out like a diva’s high note. Miami’s pulse? Unapologetically Cuban, and home to some of the best Cuban food in Miami.
Miami mornings are incomplete without the sweet fragrance coming out of Cuban bakeries, like La Carreta and Pinecrest Bakery, where flaky pastries filled with guava and cheese are a must-try. From Little Havana’s vivid murals, dripping with stories of yesteryears, to the fiery banter at Domino Park, and those guitar licks that make the night weep, Miami is a love letter to every Cuban soul. And if you’re craving a bite of Cuban food in Miami without hopping on a plane, Miami’s your culinary stage.
Here are a few of the best places to experience the Cuban food scene in Miami:
Image Courtesy: Versailles Restaurant
1. Versailles Restaurant
3555 SW 8th St, Miami, Florida 33135
305-444-0240
Cuisine: Cuban
Versailles Restaurant
Versailles isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a time machine. The chandeliers dripping with crystal teardrops and the marble floors gleaming under their light transport you to another era. The menu is full of classic Cuban dishes, like the Cubano sandwich, arroz con pollo, and ropa vieja. The moment you step in, the glitz and glamour of old Havana wrap around you like a sultry summer evening. The chandeliers don’t just light up the room; they set the mood, casting playful shadows that dance with the reflections in the ornate mirrors. The crowd is a flavorful blend of eras: vintage souls with tales of Cuba etched in their eyes, and the city’s young, edgy crowd, hungry for authentic experiences. Spanish ballads and modern beats fuse, creating a soundtrack that’s both nostalgic and now. And as I nestled into a window seat, Miami’s pulsating streets played the perfect backdrop to this Cuban symphony. The waiter, channeling the charm of a bygone era, introduced me to the iconic Cuban sandwich, a melody of flavors that had my taste buds dancing the cha-cha. This hearty sandwich is made with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, and is pressed until the bread is crispy. It is said to have originated in Key West in the late 19th century, when Cuban cigar workers would bring the sandwich with them to work.
Image Courtesy: La Rosa Restaurant
2. La Rosa Restaurant
4041 NW 7th St, Miami, Florida 33126
Cuisine: Cuban
Accepts Apogee Indigo Payment
La Rosa Fine Cuban Cuisine
La Rosa is where elegance meets nostalgia. Every corner tells a story, every artifact a testament to Cuba’s grandeur. The ambiance is a blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication: crystal chandeliers, vintage photographs, and contemporary art pieces that whisper tales of Cuban heritage. The crowd is a canvas of emotions: families marking milestones with hearty feasts, lovers sharing secret glances and whispered dreams, and old friends rekindling memories over shared dishes. The air is thick with a blend of Spanish and English, laughter, and the soft clinking of glasses in a toast to the good times. As I settled into a plush corner, the menu promised a journey through Cuba’s rich culinary landscape. The empanadas? A burst of tradition and taste. The lamb shank? A masterclass in flavor and finesse.
Image Courtesy: Sergio’s
3. Sergio’s – Bird Road
9330 SW 40th St, Miami, Florida 33165
Cuisine: Cuban
Accepts Apogee Indigo Payment
Sergio’s Restaurants
Sergio’s on Bird Road is Miami’s cultural kaleidoscope. The decor is a riot of colors and textures, where modern art pieces flirt with traditional Cuban motifs. Murals tell tales of Cuba’s vibrant streets, while contemporary fixtures add a touch of urban chic. The crowd is as diverse as the city itself: young professionals sealing deals over mojitos, families sharing stories and meals, and elderly patrons savoring the familiar taste of Cuban brew. The energy is electric, a buzz that’s uniquely Miami. Perched at the bar, I had a front-row seat to this cultural extravaganza. The bartender, with moves as smooth as his mixes, crafted a cocktail that was a carnival in a glass.
Image Courtesy: Sergio’s
4. Sergio’s – Coral Way
3252 SW 22nd St, Miami, Florida 33145
Cuisine: Cuban
Accepts Apogee Indigo Payment
Sergio’s Restaurants
Sergio’s on Coral Way is where the city comes to unwind. The ambiance is a soothing blend of warmth and style: soft lighting, plush seating, and walls adorned with memories of Cuba. The crowd is a mix of the city’s heartbeats: regulars who’ve found their second home, and newcomers eager to discover Miami’s Cuban soul. The air is filled with animated conversations, hearty laughter, and the soft strumming of a guitar playing Cuban classics. As I sank into a booth, the world outside faded, replaced by the rich tapestry of stories and flavors that Sergio’s promises. The dishes? A tribute to Cuban home cooking, each bite a blend of tradition and love.
Image Courtesy: El Sazon Cubano
5. El Sazon Cubano
7305 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, Florida 33141
Cuisine: Cuban
Accepts Apogee Indigo Payment
El Sazon Cubano
El Sazon Cubano is where the beach vibes meet culinary artistry. Nestled close to Miami Beach, the restaurant is a tropical haven. Palm trees sway to the rhythm of the ocean, while the interiors transport you to a Cuban fiesta. The crowd is a vibrant mix: sun-kissed beachgoers shaking off the sand, locals sharing tales over aromatic coffee, and tourists capturing memories. With the ocean playing a serene backdrop, I found a spot that offered both a view and a vibe. The menu was a journey through Cuba’s culinary heritage, with dishes that spoke of history, passion, and flavor. As the sun dipped into the ocean, the flavors of my meal lingered, a promise of many more culinary adventures to come.
The Cuban community in Miami is the largest in the world outside of Cuba. Many Cuban immigrants brought their recipes with them when they came to Miami, which helped to shape the city’s unique culinary identity. Come and experience it for yourself.
