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.

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 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).

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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).