Here in Miami, the sun is hot, the drinks are cold, and the croquetas are, quite simply, the crispy bites of heaven you never knew you needed. If you’re unfamiliar with these golden, deep-fried wonders, think of them as the snack equivalent of Miami itself: packed with flavor, unapologetically bold, and always a little indulgent.
Also read: A Rollicking Culinary Ride Through Miami’s Iconic Cuban Eateries.
Hailing from Spain, croquetas found their tropical twist when Cuban grandmothers got their hands on them, turning simple bechamel and ham into bite-sized miracles, now a Miami staple. The name derives from croquer, meaning “to crunch,” for their crispy outer layer.
In a city obsessed with frita burgers and pastelitos, croquetas also steal the show, offering everything from traditional jamón to offbeat variations like lobster and mac ‘n’ cheese. You’ll find them at Cuban bakeries, trendy sandwich joints, and even chic tapas bars.
Every year, Miami celebrates Croqueta Day, which honors places like Sergio’s, a Cuban restaurant famous for serving its 20 millionth croqueta last year.
Here are our picks for the best places to savor the croqueta magic.
Image Courtesy: https://www.sergios.com/
Sergio’s
3252 SW 22nd St, Miami, FL 33145
Cuisine: Cuban, specializing in creative croqueta varieties
Cost: $$
Sergio’s is a beloved Cuban restaurant in Miami that offers an innovative twist on the classic croqueta. From traditional ham to unique flavors like chicken and chorizo, Sergio’s croquetas are a crispy delight with a perfectly seasoned, creamy filling. The restaurant combines a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere with a modern touch, making it a favorite among locals and visitors. It offers indoor and outdoor seating, with plenty of nearby parking, making it an ideal spot for a satisfying croqueta fix.
Also read: From Gator Bites to Cuban Classics and Peruvian Delights – Top Dishes to Try in Miami.
Islas Canarias
13695 SW 26th St, Miami, FL 33175
Cuisine: Cuban, specializing in classic ham croquetas
Cost: $$
Islas Canarias is a legendary Miami institution that serves some of the most iconic croquetas in the city. Their ham croquetas are perfectly crispy on the outside with a creamy, ham-filled interior that has earned rave reviews for decades. The crowd is a mix of locals and tourists, and the atmosphere is casual and bustling, with a drive-thru for convenience. It’s accessible via several bus routes, with a laid-back vibe perfect for a quick meal.
Dos Croquetas
10505 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33165
Cuisine: Cuban, with modern twists on classic croquetas
Cost: $$
A croqueta bar for the modern foodie, Dos Croquetas offers creative flavors like mac ‘n’ cheese, Mexican street corn, and Buffalo chicken, alongside traditional ham. The vibe here is young and trendy, attracting a crowd that loves to snap Instagram shots of their colorful dishes. Open daily, this spot is popular for its Croqueta Flights, allowing you to try multiple flavors. Located in Kendall, it’s accessible via bus routes and has ample parking.
La Casita
3805 SW 8th St, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Cuisine: Cuban
Cost: $$
La Casita is a classic Cuban restaurant in Coral Gables known for its rich, perfectly breaded ham croquetas. The space is cozy with a homely ambiance, drawing families and regulars alike. It’s perfect for a laid-back meal with friends, with plenty of indoor seating. It’s located near public transportation with several bus routes passing by.
Also read: The Best Fritas Cubanas in the Magic City Miami.
Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop
186 NE 29th St, Miami, FL 33137
Cuisine: Cuban
Cost: $
Enriqueta’s is a Wynwood gem known for its hearty Cuban sandwiches and croquetas, especially the chorizo variety. This no-frills spot is a favorite for locals grabbing a quick bite before work, offering both indoor seating and a ventanita for takeout. The food is affordable, and the atmosphere is casual with a friendly, working-class crowd. It’s a short walk from Wynwood’s bus routes.
Image Courtesy: https://chugsdiner.com/
Chug’s Diner
3444 Main Hwy, Miami, FL 33133
Cuisine: Cuban-American diner fare
Accepts Apogee Indigo Payment
Cost: $
Chug’s Diner, located in Coconut Grove, is a laid-back spot famous for its ham croquetas. These are made with high-quality ingredients and have a homemade, comforting taste. It’s a family-friendly place with an all-day menu that draws in both locals and visitors. The diner is easily accessible via bus lines in the Coconut Grove area.
Doce Provisions
541 SW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33130
Cuisine: Cuban-American fusion
Cost: $$
This chef-driven spot in Little Havana offers artisanal croquetas, with the chorizo croquetas being a standout. The restaurant has a cool, rustic vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a perfect spot for weekend brunches. The crowd is mixed, having both traveler foodies and locals. It’s accessible by the Little Havana trolley and bus lines.
Vicky Bakery
445 E 49th St, Hialeah, FL 33013
Cuisine: Cuban bakery
Cost: $
This iconic bakery has been serving up crispy ham croquetas since the 1970s. The vibe is nostalgic, and stepping inside feels like being transported back in time. The crowd is mostly locals, enjoying fresh Cuban pastries and croquetas throughout the day. Vicky Bakery is easily accessible via bus routes in Hialeah.
Also read: A Cuban Food Tour in Miami: A Spicy Adventure.
El Floridita Seafood Restaurant
8399 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33155
Cuisine: Cuban seafood
Cost: $$
Known for their lobster croquetas, El Floridita is a family-friendly seafood restaurant with Cuban and Spanish influences. The space is casual but inviting, often filled with regulars enjoying both seafood and croquetas. It’s located in Kendall, with public transport options like local buses nearby.
Sanguich Little Havana
2057 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
Cuisine: Cuban sandwiches
Cost: $$
This trendy Cuban sandwich spot in Little Havana serves up croquetas as part of its modern, Instagrammable menu. Known for its fresh, handmade croquetas, it attracts a younger crowd and has a lively, casual atmosphere. Public transport via bus lines in Little Havana makes it easy to reach.
