A bubbling mix of cultures, South Florida is a gastronomic destination with no shortage of excellent Cuban restaurants to choose from. Here you will be spoilt for choice to find your favourite Cuban dishes, including Cuban sandwiches, lechon asado, croquetas and cafecito, and no trip to the area is complete without a taste of its culinary offerings. While it's hard to narrow it down to just a few, here are some of the best Cuban restaurants in South Florida.
Credit: facebook.comVersailles, MiamiVersailles, Miami
Versailles, Miami (Nearby hotels)
A culinary landmark in Little Havana, Versailles is a Cuban restaurant that has been delighting visitors with its delicious cuisine since 1971. With chandeliers and gold mirrors, this restaurant offers an extensive menu of classic Cuban cuisine. Nosh on ham croquetas, Medianoche sandwiches, Cuban coffee and hearty portions of rice and black beans, or visit the open-air takeaway window and pick up your morning guava pastries and Cafe Cubano.
Credit: Brule LakerEnriqueta's Sandwich Shop, MiamiEnriqueta's Sandwich Shop, Miami
Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop, Miami (Hotels nearby)
A small restaurant in Wynwood, Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop is a Cuban cafeteria-style restaurant with lots of classic staples. From tosadas (buttered Cuban toast) to empanadas and pan lechon sandwiches, wash down your hearty meal with a papaya batido (milkshake) or a side of fries. The Cuban sandwich is the highlight of the shop, topped with classic items like ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and adding a unique touch with croquettes.
Credit: facebook.com El Ray de las Fritas, Miami El Ray de las Fritas, Miami
El Ray de las Fritas, Miami (Nearby hotels)
Serving hungry patrons since 1976, El Ray de las Fritas has expanded to three locations across Miami. Famous for its Cuban-style burgers, order one of these delectable dishes and you'll find beef, pork and chorizo pâté topped with fries and stuffed between two slices of Cuban bread butter. Affordable and delicious, it's no surprise why this has been a Miami staple for decades.
Credit: facebook.comEl Exquisito, Miami
El Exquisito, Miami (Nearby hotels)
A family-run restaurant in Little Havana, El Exquisito began as a small 16-seat café. Its popularity continues to grow, now large enough to seat 100. Serving Cuban cuisine since 1974, it is a notable restaurant that has received high praise for its tamales and pork dishes. The menu here is wide and varied with something to satisfy any palate, from black bean soup to Cuban steak, fried pork chunks and bacalao fish stew.
Credit: facebook.comIslas Canarias, MiamiIslas Canarias, Miami
Islas Canarias, Miami (Hotels nearby)
Located in Little Havana, Islas Canarias is considered the place to be for crispy ham croquettes with béchamel sauce. A small, non-drinking place with normally one line out, the food here is inexpensive and the dining room is inviting. Pair your large fried croquetas with some hot ropa vieja (beef stew) and flan made with egg yolks and cinnamon syrup for a meal you won't soon forget.
Credit: facebook.comLarios on the Beach, South BeachLarios on the Beach, South Beach
Larios on the Beach, South Beach (Nearby hotels)
With its prime location on Ocean Drive, Larios on the Beach is owned by celebrities and Miami residents Gloria and Emilio Estefan. An internationally renowned restaurant, this upscale eatery serves award-winning Cuban cuisine and some of the best mojitos in town. Add a gorgeous view of South Beach's Ocean Drive and a "Triple C" menu of guilt-free Cuban staples, and you'll begin to understand why this place is so popular. Order a favourite like Lechon and Vaca Frita, or go for the grilled grouper and vegetarian black beans.
Credit: facebook.com El Tucan, Miami
El Tucan, Miami (Nearby hotels)
It's not just a meal at El Tucan, it's dinner and a show. Miami's trendiest club, here you'll be immersed in the glitz and glam of 1940s Havana with a variety of shows on offer, a modern cabaret experience in Miami's Brickell district. There is a range of musical styles on show here, from Latin to up-and-coming DJs and an 11-piece Latin orchestra. If that's not enough to keep you entertained, tasty Cuban cuisine by celebrity chef Jean Paul Lourdes is also on the menu.
Credit: facebook.comSergio's, MiamiSergio's, Miami
Sergio's, Miami (Nearby hotels)
A great place for late night dining with 24-hour service on weekends, Sergio's opened in 1976 and has now opened several locations around Miami. Originally a sandwich shop, it has turned into a hotspot for indulging Cuban cravings, from Cuban sandwiches to Paolomilla's grilled steak and Cuban-style chicken fajitas. If you have the room for dessert, be sure to try the Tres Leches, which combines pound cake, condensed milk, and whipped cream for a delicious sugar rush.
Credit: facebook.com La Rosa Restaurant, MiamiLa Rosa Restaurant, Miami
La Rosa Restuarant, Miami (Nearby hotels)
Serving Cuban cuisine since 1970, La Rosa Restaurant has been a local favourite for years. Using high quality meats and dishes made to order, you are sure to find consistently good food here. Some of the highlights of the menu include vaca frita de carne Angus (fried Angus minced meat), sopa de pollo (chicken soup) and bistec empanizado (breaded steak) as well as the much-loved paella that is cooked by the owner himself.
Credit: a.a.sabnisHavana Harry's, MiamiHavana Harry's, Miami
Havana Harry's, Miami (Nearby hotels)
A great introduction to Cuban cuisine, Havana Harry's is in a bright and airy space with a solid crowd every day of the week. You'll find generous portions of authentic Cuban delicacies, from vaca frita (fried meat) to masitas de puerco (fried pork chunks) and vaca frita de pollo (shredded fried chicken). They also have great breakfast options, with tasty ham and cheese empanadas just waiting to indulge. Desserts are equally delicious, as your taste buds will delight in the milkshakes on offer, stacked with ice cream, biscuits, pieces of cake, Nutella and dulce de leche.
Credit: Phillip PessarLa Carreta, Multiple LocationsLa Carreta, Multiple Locations
La Carreta, Multiple Locations (Hotels nearby)
Although it has multiple locations throughout South Florida, La Carreta is still a favourite for its consistent Cuban cuisine and grandmother-style 'abuela' cooking. A classic staple for your cafecito and croqueta cravings, the Little Havana location is famous for its colourful rooster statue outside. You'll find all the classics on their menu, with plenty of specials throughout the week offering generous portions on plates.
