Miami’s Cuban food scene continues to evolve, blending deep tradition with bold innovation. This evolution sadly means that some incredible places come and go, but the spirit of Cuban dining thrives in many others across the city. Below are several standout destinations — from family-run gems to elevated culinary experiences — that continue to offer the heart and flavor of Cuban cuisine today.
At Miami Culinary Tours, our Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour explores this vibrant, fascinating neighborhood, including its best bites. Our adventures here mean we’re perfectly placed to share some of the best restaurants worth your consideration!
Scroll down to get started on our recommendations for Miami’s best Cuban restaurants. And if you have any questions for the Miami Culinary Tours team, please just get in touch for the answers you need.
186 NE 29th St, Miami, FL 33137
Enriqueta’s is a beloved neighborhood institution known for doing just about everything well. From their standout Cuban sandwiches to daily specials like vaca frita and arroz con pollo, this place delivers consistent flavor in a casual setting. The community rallied to rebuild the spot after a fire, and today it stands even stronger, part of what makes Enriqueta’s feel like home to both locals and visitors alike.
If you want to see how Miamians eat off the beaten path, Enriqueta’s is a perfect stop. Grab a cafecito at the counter, strike up a local conversation, and let your guide point out hidden details you might otherwise miss.
Oh, and those Cuban sandwiches… This little hole-in-the-wall is a popular contender for the best Cuban Sandwich in Miami amongst locals!
Various Miami locations
The name says it all — “Palace of the Juices”. But make no mistake, the food here is just as compelling as the drinks. A favorite among celebrity chefs (including Michelle Bernstein of Michy’s fame) and casual diners alike, Palacio de los Jugos is famous for robust fruit and sugarcane juices, savory chicharrones, and a rotating lineup of Cuban stews and tropical plates.
Because of its always-busy, vibrant atmosphere, expect to share space and energy with locals on lunch breaks, families, and foodies discovering Miami’s culinary pulse. Turn your visit into a mini-immersive moment: order from the counter, find a shaded table, and enjoy the ambient sounds of conversation, clinking glasses, and sizzling pans.
A single blog cannot contain a complete list of the best Cuban restaurants in Miami, so we have even more recommendations for you elsewhere! Don’t miss our blog The Best Cuban Restaurants in Little Havana, Miami, for even more local tips.
3804 SW 137th Ave, Miami, FL 33175 & 13695 SW 26th St, Miami, FL 33175
If you walk in thinking croquetas, you’re on the right track. Islas Canarias in West Kendall has earned a reputation for some of the best small bites in Miami. Croquetas are the calling card, but the menu extends to well-executed classics across the board.
It’s often the simplicity here that captures hearts: crispy empanadas, perfectly sweet maduros, moros and cristianos cooked just right. Islas Canarias is a chance to lean into the comfort food side of Cuban tradition — flavorful, familiar, and satisfying.
Here is where focused execution shines. Exquisito leans into no-frills Cuban cuisine done very, very well. Whether it’s ropa vieja, media noche, moros, or flan, the kitchen doesn’t try to reinvent anything — they strive to perfect each plate.
Part of the joy of Exquisito is in comparison: as your palate travels through more experimental spots, this restaurant is a benchmark; a reminder that authenticity and consistency still matter most. Order one of each favorite and let your taste buds map out how subtle shifts in technique make all the difference.
Looking for more of those local Cuban restaurant recommendations? We’ve got you! Be sure to read our blog Where are the Best Places to try Authentic Cuban Food in Miami? when you have finished here.
Let’s balance our Mom-and-Pop recommendations with a little fine dining. There are numerous places we could have selected here, but we’ve decided to spotlight a restaurant known as one of South Florida's best upscale Cuban restaurants featuring innovative Nuevo Latino Cuisine.
1555 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Yuca represents the newer wave of Cuban-influenced dining, bridging tradition and innovation. The name stands for “Young Urban Cuban Americans,” and their menu reflects that generational spirit. Dishes like goat cheese croquetas, guava burrata Caprese, and guava BBQ baby back ribs showcase a creative, modern approach rooted in Cuban flavors.
Yuca is one of the few in this list that blends technical confidence and playful flavor combinations. It’s also a reminder that Cuban cuisine isn’t static; it evolves with each new kitchen that reimagines it respectfully.
While some restaurants permanently close their doors, others open not far behind. All of their contributions to Miami’s dining tapestry remain part of our city’s collective culinary scene. And at the restaurants listed above, chefs, menus, and local pride continue to shine.
Whether you’re new to Cuban food or it’s already your favorite cuisine, visit these incredible places to taste living traditions and sample culinary evolution. Most importantly, share your favorites with us!
Cuban cuisine is woven into Miami’s DNA, and whether you prefer hole-in-the-wall charm or elevated expressions, the restaurants above offer a rich cross-section of that tradition. Curious to taste more, but with context, stories, and insider knowledge? Join us on our Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour, where we bring local history, flavor, and personalities to life in every bite.
Or browse our full range of Miami food and culture tours to pair your restaurant adventures with neighborhood walks, street art, and hidden gems. If you have any pre-booking questions for us, please feel free to contact us! We’re here to help however we can.
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