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Miami’s Top Cuban Restaurants

Where to find the best of the best

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In Miami, the Cuban food scene is second only to abuela’s cooking. The aroma of fresh garlic, onions, peppers, and tomatoes cooking is a common thread that ties this cuisine together. And with daily specials and catering services available, it’s an affordable indulgence. Here are the top 16 best bets for Cuban food in Miami, listed geographically from north to south, each with its own unique flair.

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Jama Benn Jama

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Transport yourself to a vibrant Cuban wonderland bursting with whimsical decor and sentimental relics at this Hialeah Gardens gem, affectionately dubbed “Cuban Disneyland.” Bask in the Miami sunshine while savoring classic Cuban barbecue fare, all offered at unbeatable prices between $12.99 and $13.99. Indulge in picadillo, pork chops, hearty oxtail, and the perfectly crispy vaca frita. And don’t even think about skipping the flan de coco, a decadent treat that will transport your taste buds straight to Havana.

Molina's Ranch Restaurant

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For more than three decades, Molina’s Ranch has been serving its loyal customers in the heart of Miami. Start with appetizers like the crispy bacalao (codfish) fritters or shrimp stuffed tostones (fried plantains) before digging into standout mains such as the whole fried snapper with fries or the masitas de puerco (fried pork chunks) with moros and yuca. Make sure to save room for dessert, and indulge in a flan not to be missed.

Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop

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Enriqueta’s is a modest Cuban restaurant in Miami that boasts a loyal following for its affordable, flavor-packed menu. Though the Cuban sandwich is a crowd favorite, heartier options include the house special bistec a caballo (steak, ham, two eggs, and choice of fries or salad) and daily specials that rotate one or two dishes each day. Don’t forget to check out Enriqueta’s for breakfast and lunch daily (closed Sundays).

Puerto Sagua

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Since 1968, Puerto Sagua has been a staple Cuban restaurant in South Beach. The restaurant offers a range of affordable dishes, including the popular house combo featuring a tamale, two croquetas, two tostones, and plantain chips. While seafood is the house specialty, diners are encouraged to try the paella and the selection of traditional Cuban dishes, daily specials, and desserts.

El Palacio de los Jugos

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For those searching for authentic Cuban cuisine, look no further than this Miami staple with multiple locations throughout the city. The restaurant’s unique buffet-style setup provides many options, from soups to rice to beans and more, all sold by the pound. Don’t miss out on their freshly made fruit juices, including mamey, papaya, and sugarcane, to complement the flavorful meal.

Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina

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Nestled amongst a sea of Cuban restaurants on Miami’s central Cuban hub, Calle Ocho, this spot stands out for its shareable starters, including yucca fries, pork tamales, and empanadas. The braised and shredded flank steak dish, ropa vieja, stewed in a sofrito and tomato base and served over white rice with plantains on the side, is a must-try. End the meal on a sweet note with dessert or a refreshing cocktail from the full-service bar.

La Casita Restaurant

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Nestled in Little Coral Gables, La Casita has become a beloved Cuban eatery thanks to the Vilariño family, known for their work with Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine. Sample daily specials like the arroz imperial (a hearty chicken and rice dish with ham, mayo, and cheese) paired with sweet plantains or the freshly cooked fish fillet served with a choice of sides, all for under $10. Treat yourself to a carafe of sangria or try one of their popular Cuban sodas, including Materva, Jupiña, and Ironbeer.

Caja Caliente

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Chef Monica Leon’s Cuban tacos have quickly become a favorite in South Florida. These tacos are a local specialty with fillings ranging from chicken to gator. But that’s not all the restaurant has to offer. Diners can also indulge in croquetas, bowls, quesadillas, and empanadas, all pair perfectly with the restaurant’s signature herby green sauce. Don’t forget to order extra.

Sergio's Restaurant

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Sergio’s has carved out a unique space in the community by blending classic Cuban fare with contemporary American influences. The menu features all the customary breakfast items, sandwiches, starters, mains, and desserts, along with a “La Flaca” menu, which offers low-calorie options without sacrificing flavor. With seven locations scattered throughout South Florida, from Pembroke Pines to West Kendall, there’s always a Sergio’s nearby.

Islas Canarias Restaurant

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Since 1977, this Miami staple has been dishing out classic Cuban fare, with a cult following for its croquetas, but that’s just the beginning. Kick things off with mariquitas (fried plantain strips) paired with garlic mojo or malanga fritters before moving onto mains such as vaca frita (shredded and flash-fried flank steak) or bistec empanizado (breaded beef steak) with two sides. Don’t forget to save space for the bunuelos (deep-fried twisted root mash). If time is of the essence, guests can pop into the neighboring sister cafe and bakery for a quicker experience.

Finka Table & Tap

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At Finka, diners can savor modern Cuban cuisine infused with Asian flavors from the kitchen of chef Eileen Andrade. The menu features inventive dishes like the arroz con pollo fritters, Cuban fried rice, and the guajiro tray with pork chunks, rice, beans, and sweet plantains. Guests can pair their meal with craft cocktails boasting playful names or choose from a selection of local draft and bottled beers.

Rio Cristal

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Established more than 40 years ago, this Cuban restaurant from Guines offers diners on Bird Road an array of tasty dishes. Don’t miss the palomilla steak (steak marinated in garlic and lime juice and pan-fried, served with crispy fries) and the restaurant’s signature black beans. Other standouts include grouper fingers, tasajo (jerked beef), roasted pork, and milanesas (breaded steak or chicken with tomato sauce and melted cheese). Save room for dessert and indulge in traditional flans, dulces con queso (preserves with cream cheese), or guava shells.

Havana Harry's

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Since its establishment in 1995, Havana Harry’s has been known for its modern take on traditional Cuban cuisine. Guests can savor various dishes, including stuffed tostones, sandwiches, hearty mains, and Harry’s combination platters, such as the Havana trio, consisting of churrasco, lobster, and shrimp. Those with a sweet tooth won’t be able to resist the restaurant’s decadent desserts, such as the indulgent tres leches overload.

In Coconut Grove, diners flock to this Cuban restaurant for updated and classic dishes. Among the menu highlights are Chug’s breakfast featuring white rice and fried eggs, the duck medianoche, and the Big Phil frita (a Cuban burger with bacon, barbecue sauce, and fried onions). For heartier fare, try the “abuela’s plates,” which come with white rice, black beans, bananas, and a choice of protein, such as rabo encendido (oxtail).

El Rinconcito Latino Cafe

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Nestled in West Kendall, Rinconito is a beloved spot for Cuban cuisine, with service available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. The restaurant is known for its daily specials such as ajiaco, arroz con pollo, tamal en cazuela, vaca frita, and ropa vieja, among other flavorful dishes. In addition, Rinconito offers a diverse selection of Cuban sandwiches, including the Miami Sandwich with pressed Cuban bread, ham, turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo.

Jama Benn Jama

Transport yourself to a vibrant Cuban wonderland bursting with whimsical decor and sentimental relics at this Hialeah Gardens gem, affectionately dubbed “Cuban Disneyland.” Bask in the Miami sunshine while savoring classic Cuban barbecue fare, all offered at unbeatable prices between $12.99 and $13.99. Indulge in picadillo, pork chops, hearty oxtail, and the perfectly crispy vaca frita. And don’t even think about skipping the flan de coco, a decadent treat that will transport your taste buds straight to Havana.

Molina's Ranch Restaurant

For more than three decades, Molina’s Ranch has been serving its loyal customers in the heart of Miami. Start with appetizers like the crispy bacalao (codfish) fritters or shrimp stuffed tostones (fried plantains) before digging into standout mains such as the whole fried snapper with fries or the masitas de puerco (fried pork chunks) with moros and yuca. Make sure to save room for dessert, and indulge in a flan not to be missed.

Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop

Enriqueta’s is a modest Cuban restaurant in Miami that boasts a loyal following for its affordable, flavor-packed menu. Though the Cuban sandwich is a crowd favorite, heartier options include the house special bistec a caballo (steak, ham, two eggs, and choice of fries or salad) and daily specials that rotate one or two dishes each day. Don’t forget to check out Enriqueta’s for breakfast and lunch daily (closed Sundays).

Puerto Sagua

Since 1968, Puerto Sagua has been a staple Cuban restaurant in South Beach. The restaurant offers a range of affordable dishes, including the popular house combo featuring a tamale, two croquetas, two tostones, and plantain chips. While seafood is the house specialty, diners are encouraged to try the paella and the selection of traditional Cuban dishes, daily specials, and desserts.

El Palacio de los Jugos

For those searching for authentic Cuban cuisine, look no further than this Miami staple with multiple locations throughout the city. The restaurant’s unique buffet-style setup provides many options, from soups to rice to beans and more, all sold by the pound. Don’t miss out on their freshly made fruit juices, including mamey, papaya, and sugarcane, to complement the flavorful meal.

Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina

Nestled amongst a sea of Cuban restaurants on Miami’s central Cuban hub, Calle Ocho, this spot stands out for its shareable starters, including yucca fries, pork tamales, and empanadas. The braised and shredded flank steak dish, ropa vieja, stewed in a sofrito and tomato base and served over white rice with plantains on the side, is a must-try. End the meal on a sweet note with dessert or a refreshing cocktail from the full-service bar.

La Casita Restaurant

Nestled in Little Coral Gables, La Casita has become a beloved Cuban eatery thanks to the Vilariño family, known for their work with Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine. Sample daily specials like the arroz imperial (a hearty chicken and rice dish with ham, mayo, and cheese) paired with sweet plantains or the freshly cooked fish fillet served with a choice of sides, all for under $10. Treat yourself to a carafe of sangria or try one of their popular Cuban sodas, including Materva, Jupiña, and Ironbeer.

Caja Caliente

Chef Monica Leon’s Cuban tacos have quickly become a favorite in South Florida. These tacos are a local specialty with fillings ranging from chicken to gator. But that’s not all the restaurant has to offer. Diners can also indulge in croquetas, bowls, quesadillas, and empanadas, all pair perfectly with the restaurant’s signature herby green sauce. Don’t forget to order extra.

Sergio's Restaurant

Sergio’s has carved out a unique space in the community by blending classic Cuban fare with contemporary American influences. The menu features all the customary breakfast items, sandwiches, starters, mains, and desserts, along with a “La Flaca” menu, which offers low-calorie options without sacrificing flavor. With seven locations scattered throughout South Florida, from Pembroke Pines to West Kendall, there’s always a Sergio’s nearby.

Islas Canarias Restaurant

Since 1977, this Miami staple has been dishing out classic Cuban fare, with a cult following for its croquetas, but that’s just the beginning. Kick things off with mariquitas (fried plantain strips) paired with garlic mojo or malanga fritters before moving onto mains such as vaca frita (shredded and flash-fried flank steak) or bistec empanizado (breaded beef steak) with two sides. Don’t forget to save space for the bunuelos (deep-fried twisted root mash). If time is of the essence, guests can pop into the neighboring sister cafe and bakery for a quicker experience.

Finka Table & Tap

At Finka, diners can savor modern Cuban cuisine infused with Asian flavors from the kitchen of chef Eileen Andrade. The menu features inventive dishes like the arroz con pollo fritters, Cuban fried rice, and the guajiro tray with pork chunks, rice, beans, and sweet plantains. Guests can pair their meal with craft cocktails boasting playful names or choose from a selection of local draft and bottled beers.

Rio Cristal

Established more than 40 years ago, this Cuban restaurant from Guines offers diners on Bird Road an array of tasty dishes. Don’t miss the palomilla steak (steak marinated in garlic and lime juice and pan-fried, served with crispy fries) and the restaurant’s signature black beans. Other standouts include grouper fingers, tasajo (jerked beef), roasted pork, and milanesas (breaded steak or chicken with tomato sauce and melted cheese). Save room for dessert and indulge in traditional flans, dulces con queso (preserves with cream cheese), or guava shells.

Havana Harry's

Since its establishment in 1995, Havana Harry’s has been known for its modern take on traditional Cuban cuisine. Guests can savor various dishes, including stuffed tostones, sandwiches, hearty mains, and Harry’s combination platters, such as the Havana trio, consisting of churrasco, lobster, and shrimp. Those with a sweet tooth won’t be able to resist the restaurant’s decadent desserts, such as the indulgent tres leches overload.

Chug's

In Coconut Grove, diners flock to this Cuban restaurant for updated and classic dishes. Among the menu highlights are Chug’s breakfast featuring white rice and fried eggs, the duck medianoche, and the Big Phil frita (a Cuban burger with bacon, barbecue sauce, and fried onions). For heartier fare, try the “abuela’s plates,” which come with white rice, black beans, bananas, and a choice of protein, such as rabo encendido (oxtail).

El Rinconcito Latino Cafe

Nestled in West Kendall, Rinconito is a beloved spot for Cuban cuisine, with service available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. The restaurant is known for its daily specials such as ajiaco, arroz con pollo, tamal en cazuela, vaca frita, and ropa vieja, among other flavorful dishes. In addition, Rinconito offers a diverse selection of Cuban sandwiches, including the Miami Sandwich with pressed Cuban bread, ham, turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo.

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