Molina’s Ranch has been proudly serving its customers for over 30 years. Begin with appetizer selections of bacalao (codfish) fritters, or shrimp stuffed tostones (fried plantains) and continue on to mains including a whole fried snapper with fries, or masitas de puerco (fried pork chunks) with moros and yuca. Don’t leave without trying a flan for dessert. 

The modest eatery has a fan following that rivals all other restaurants due to its no nonsense menu offering big flavors and generous portions at small prices. While Cuban sandwiches are the popular choice here, those with heartier appetites can opt for house special bistec a caballo (steak, ham, two eggs, and choice of fries or salad) or one of the daily specials, which alternate with one or two dishes each day. (Enriqueta’s is open for breakfast and lunch daily, but closed on Sundays.)

South Beach’s resident Cuban restaurant since 1968, it features variety of well-priced dishes. Start with the house combo, which offers a tamale, two croquetas, two tostones, and plantain chips for a taste of its most popular starters. The house specialty is seafood so make sure to try the paella, but all the traditional Cuban dishes are available along with daily specials and desserts.

A standout in a sea of Cuban restaurants on Calle Ocho, start the meal with items to share like yucca fries, pork tamale, and empanadas. Move on to the ropa vieja, which technically translates to dirty clothes, but is actually braised and shredded flank steak stewed in a sofrito and tomato base served over white rice with plantains on the side. Compliment the meal with dessert or a cocktail from the full service bar.

Established in 1974 by the Coro family, El Exquisito promises patrons a taste of abuela’s cooking. Favorites include the potaje de chicharos (split pea soup), fabada (Spanish bean soup), pounded and grilled chicken breast, and picadillo (think ground beef hash). Most dishes are served with choice of two sides including white rice and beans, the combination moros rice, sweet or fried plantains, fries, yucca, and veggies.

Brought to you by the Vilariño family behind Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine, La Casita is a Little Coral Gables favorite for Cuban food. Enjoy daily specials such as arroz imperial (think chicken and rice plus ham, mayo, and cheese) with maduros (sweet plantains), and fish fillet cooked to order with choice of sides for under $10. Go ahead and splurge on a carafe of sangria or the popular Cuban sodas; Materva, Jupiña, and Ironbeer.

Combining traditional Cuban food with modern American touches, Sergio’s has created a niche for itself in the community. On the menu, patrons will find the expected breakfast dishes, sandwiches, appetizers, entrees, and desserts including the La Flaca (skinny girl) menu for those who want to sacrifice calories but not flavor. Sergio’s currently has seven locations throughout South Florida from Pembroke Pines to West Kendall.

This Miami staple has been serving Cuban food since 1977, and is best known for its croquetas — but it offers up much more. Tempt the appetite with starters like mariquitas (fried plantain strips) served with garlic mojo or malanga fritters and continue on to mains such as the vaca frita  (shredded and flash fried flank steak) or bistec empanizado (breaded beef steak) served with choice of two sides. Make sure to leave room for the buñuelos (rolled, twisted and deep fried root mash). For those with limited time, the neighboring sister café and bakery will have guests in and out in less than an hour.

With roots from Guines, Cuba, the 40+ year old Cuban restaurant on Bird Road is known for its palomilla steak topped with a mountain of crispy fries, as well as its black beans. Other options include grouper fingers, tasajo (jerked beef), roasted pork, and milanesas (breaded steak or chicken with tomato sauce and melted cheese). Dessert selections include traditional flans, dulces con queso (preserves with cream cheese) and guava shells.

Since opening in 1995, Havana Harry’s offers Cuban food with contemporary flair. Enjoy all meals here from breakfast to dinner with daily specials. Feast on a variety of stuffed tostones, sandwiches, and mains, as well as Harry’s combination entrees like the Havana trio featuring churrasco, lobster, and shrimp. If there’s still room, order one of its over the top desserts like the tres leches overload.  

Coconut Grove’s newcomer in the Cuban food game is featuring some old-school classics and updated classics. Menu highlights include Chug’s breakfast with Cuban favorite white rice and fried eggs, the duck media noche, the Big Phil frita (Cuban Burger) with bacon, barbecue sauce, and fried onions, and abuela’s plates served with white rice, black beans, bananas, and choice of protein like rabo encendido (oxtail).