Since Cubans began migrating to Miami, Cuban cuisine has become an essential part of our city’s food scene. Across Miami, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, food stalls, and cafes serving up classic Cubanos, empanadas, and churros. And don’t forget to wash it all down with a mojito for the full experience!
At Miami Culinary Tours, our local expert guides know all about the best places to try authentic Cuban food in Miami. In fact, we even explore Little Havana as part of our Miami Food and Culture Tours!
Feeling hungry? Keep reading for our guide to the best eateries in Miami to savor Cuban cuisine, or feel free to contact us about our tours.
Authentic Cuban food in Miami is deeply tied to the city’s history and its vibrant Cuban community. Home to the largest Cuban diaspora in the US, Miami has preserved traditional recipes and cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations, especially in neighborhoods like Little Havana.
Cuban cuisine is known for its comforting, home-style dishes built around slow-cooked meats, aromatic sofrito, garlic, citrus, and simple seasonings. Classics like ropa vieja, lechón asado, picadillo, and arroz con frijoles form the backbone of many menus, while strong café cubano, flaky pastelitos, and pressed Cuban sandwiches are staples of everyday life.
While modern Cuban-inspired spots exist, the most authentic experiences are often found in long-standing, family-run restaurants where locals gather and tradition takes center stage. We collected some of our favorites in our picks for mom-and-pop joints in the blog Miami's Best Cuban Restaurants.
With that in mind, here are some of the best places in Miami to enjoy truly authentic Cuban food.
There’s no better place to try Cuban food in Miami than Little Havana. This neighborhood sprung up in the 1960s, and locals here have retained their Cuban traditions and culture, especially through food.
The best way to experience the cuisine in Little Havana is on our Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour. We visit all of the best eateries and experience the rich heritage of the neighborhood, stopping along the way to learn about its history, art, and traditions.
Here are just some of the locations we visit:
1548 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
Right in the heart of Little Havana, El Pub Restaurant has been serving up traditional Cuban food for nearly two decades. The diner-style restaurant has a homey, eclectic vibe, with daily specials drawing in both locals and visitors. Their empanadas offer a flavorful explosion, and you’ll find yourself coming back for more.
Beyond empanadas, El Pub’s menu leans heavily into Cuban comfort classics, with staples like ropa vieja, picadillo, lechón, and pressed Cuban sandwiches, all served with traditional sides such as rice, beans, tostones, and yuca. The restaurant also features a classic ventanita, where guests can grab Cuban coffee, pastelitos, and quick bites, making it a true neighborhood fixture on Calle Ocho.
1513 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
Ball & Chain holds an iconic place in the history of Little Havana. Originally opened in 1935 as a saloon, today it’s one of Miami’s most beloved live‑music venues. The space blends vintage charm with a lively contemporary vibe, with live jazz, salsa, and other performances nearly every night.
Alongside the music, Ball & Chain offers a creative cocktail program and a menu of Cuban‑inspired small plates and tapas — perfect for sharing while you soak up the historic atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for dinner with live entertainment or late‑night bites with a vibrant crowd, it’s a must‑experience stop on any authentic Little Havana food and culture visit.
Looking to explore the best of Calle Ocho before and after your meal? Don't miss our Guide to Calle Ocho, Little Havana! It's filled with valuable local tips and insights to help you make the most of your time.
1334 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
This open‑air fruit market in Little Havana is a beloved local staple for fresh produce and Cuban‑style refreshments. Los Pinarenos Fruteria mixes up smoothies and fruit juices using tropical favorites like mango, guava, and passion fruit — perfect for cooling off on a hot Miami day.
In addition to juices, you’ll find fresh coconut water straight from the shell, fruit cups, and house‑made snacks that highlight the vibrant flavors of Cuba. A stop here is especially rewarding during mango season, when the fruit is at its sweetest and most abundant. It’s a simple, refreshing taste of local life that pairs perfectly with a stroll through the neighborhood before it's time to dive back into the best things to do in Little Havana.
3555 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
La Ventanita is a charming walk‑up coffee window tucked into Versailles, often called the “World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant.” Run by a Cuban family since 1971, Versailles offers one of Miami’s most comprehensive Cuban menus, but it’s La Ventanita that always draws a crowd for quick, authentic Cuban coffee.
Here you can grab classics like cortadito, colada, and rich, sweet café con leche — perfect for a pick‑me‑up between bites of croquetas or pastelitos. The casual, convivial setting makes it an ideal stop for a traditional Miami caffeine ritual and a taste of Cuban everyday life in Little Havana.
Little Havana is not the only place to try authentic Cuban food. Miami is replete with Cuban restaurants, ensuring you can enjoy traditional bites wherever you go.
Here are some of our other local favorites:
700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
Located in Miami’s South Beach, Puerto Sagua is a beloved local institution that’s been serving classic Cuban and Caribbean‑inspired fare since 1962. Known for its welcoming, no‑frills atmosphere, this longtime favorite has earned its reputation for hearty comfort dishes that locals and visitors return to again and again.
The extensive menu features standouts like fresh seafood, tender oxtail stew, savory paella, and crispy fried plantains — all prepared in the traditional Cuban style. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch after a morning on the beach or craving an old‑school Cuban dinner, Puerto Sagua delivers generous portions and familiar flavors that celebrate the best of Miami’s Cuban culinary heritage.
186 NE 29th St, Miami, FL 33137
If you’re looking for a standout Cubano or classic Cuban‑style sandwich, Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop in Wynwood is a must‑visit. A beloved local favorite, this casual diner‑style spot crafts generously filled sandwiches with options like slow‑roasted pork, grilled chicken, and marinated steak — all pressed and served with that perfectly crisp exterior Cubanos are known for.
In addition to sandwiches, Enriqueta’s offers other Cuban staples like vaca frita, croquetas, and fresh sides, making it a great choice whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch between Wynwood murals or settling in for a relaxed meal. Its laid‑back vibe and focus on time‑honored flavor have made it a go‑to for both locals and visitors alike.
Check out our picks for the best things to do in Wynwood for even more neighborhood inspiration!
10000 NW 138th St, Hialeah Gardens, FL 33018
In Hialeah Gardens, Jama Benn Jama delivers Cuban BBQ with hearty flavor and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its bright, eccentric décor and casual outdoor seating, this spot is as much about the experience as the food — think juicy, wood‑smoked meats, Latin‑infused sides, and generous portions that keep locals coming back.
The upbeat vibe is amplified by live music and a festive crowd, making it a fun choice for a relaxed dinner or night out with family and friends. Whether you’re savoring slow‑cooked ribs or enjoying ceviche and empanadas with a cold drink in hand, Jama Benn Jama combines Cuban‑American comfort food with the rhythm and spirit of South Florida.
While Miami’s Cuban cuisine offers some of the greatest culinary delights in the city, the fun doesn’t stop there. Join us for a Wynwood Food and Street Art Tour or a South Beach, Miami, Food and Art Deco Tour and experience the incredible diversity of Miami’s food and cultural offerings.
Have any questions about our tours? Then please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
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