How about some Cuban food without leaving Miami? Little Havana is where most Cubans in Miami live and work. From Ropa Vieja and other Cuban staples to freshly caught fish and sweet pastries, this area has some of the city’s finest Cuban restaurants. Here, we’ll give you a taste of the top 10 Cuban restaurants in Little Havana. Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, you shouldn’t miss out on seeing these places.
Prepare to immerse yourself in Cuba’s colorful history and fascinating culture via the tastes and scents of its food.
Versailles Restaurant
Versailles Restaurant deserves to be the first on our list of the 10 Best Cuban Restaurants In Little Havana. It is a place where you can get a sense of history. Since 1971, residents and visitors alike have been flocking to this family-run business.
In addition to serving traditional Cuban dishes like Arroz Con Pollo, Versailles also serves Cafecitos and pastries from the adjacent bakery. The etched mirrors and glittering chandeliers in the restaurant’s decor are eye-catching.
The vast menu features authentic Cuban cuisine that is guaranteed to satisfy any hunger. The wait may be lengthy, but the meal is always delicious. Let’s move on to the following subtopic, La Carreta since we’re on the subject of delicious cuisine.
La Carreta
La Carreta, located on Calle Ocho and guarded by a bright rooster monument, has a wide selection of Cuban, American, and Spanish-inspired meals. Everything from Ropa Vieja and Palomilla to Vaca Frita and chicken breast Milanesa is available.
La Carreta’s dedication to serving the greatest Cafecito in town, however, sets it apart from the competition. The Cuban espresso served at La Carreta in Miami is so amazing that just one sip will make you feel like you’re in Havana. If you’re not a coffee fan, that’s okay. There’s something for everyone in La Carreta.
You have to taste their Paella and Croquetas, which are influenced by Spanish cuisine, as well as their American specialties like chicken wings and spare ribs with barbecue sauce.
El Cristo
The dedication to quality and service that has made El Cristo a Miami institution for over half a century is evident from the moment you walk through the doors. As soon as you step in, your mouth will start watering at the sight of the Guava and cheese pastries and the perfume of the freshly made Cuban coffee.
El Cristo has a friendly, welcoming environment, and the service is usually excellent. Any time of day is a good time to eat at El Cristo. You can find something to eat whether you’re hungry in the morning, during lunch, or in the evening. And if you’re in need, takeaway and catering are always viable options.
El Cristo is a hidden treasure in Little Havana, offering a delicious fusion of Cuban and American cuisine.
Ball & Chain
When you enter Ball & Chain, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the jazz’s heyday and the excitement of Calle Ocho. This historical place has been hosting great performers like Billie Holiday, Count Basie, and Chet Baker for almost 80 years. Live music, tasty drinks, and authentic Cuban food are what keep residents and tourists coming back to the Ball & Chain.
You can feel the warmth of Little Havana as you enjoy a plate of traditional Ropa Vieja or a plate of luscious Lechón Asado. Feel at ease in the welcoming company of the helpful personnel and the bright, cheery surroundings.
And as night falls, the Ball & Chain comes alive with salsa, jazz, and blues, bringing home the idea that freedom is more than an idea; it’s a sensation shared by a group of people over a shared meal.
Puerto Sagua
At Puerto Sagua, you can enjoy the delicious aromas of traditional Cuban food in a relaxed setting where the staff treats you like family. This restaurant has been dishing up fried plantains, pressed Cuban sandwiches, Ropa Vieja, and fried whole snapper to the good people of South Beach since 1968.
Their Cuban coffee, however, is the true show-stopper and will have you feeling like you’re in Havana. With each mouthful, you can taste the love and history that went into making it.
If you’re a fan of Cuban food, you really must make the trip to Puerto Sagua.
Havana 1957
At Havana 1957, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the glamorous Cuba of the 1950s. When you walk in, you’ll hear the infectious rhythms of Salsa and smell mouthwatering Cuban cuisine.
The restaurant’s lively environment will transport you to Havana with its brightly colored décor and old posters. Havana 1957 provides not just a cultural but also a culinary experience.
Some of the meals on the menu include Ropa Vieja, Arroz Con Pollo, and Vaca Frita, all of which are cooked in accordance with traditional Cuban ways and use only the freshest ingredients.
The crew, in keeping with the theme of the restaurant, wears authentic Cuban clothing. Treat yourself to the Cuban flavor you’ve been seeking with Havana 1957.
Chug’s Diner
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time when you visit Chug’s Diner for some excellent Cuban sandwiches and a relaxing ambiance. Chefs Michael Beltran and Monika Dominguez deserve all the praise for this outstanding Cuban restaurant.
The hanging plants and comfortable benches make this a great location to relax and take a break from the rush of daily life. Try the Oxtail Ajiaco, a traditional Colombian stew known for its healing properties. Don’t leave without trying one of their massive sandwiches on Cuban bread. Chug’s Diner is one of the popular Cuban restaurants in Little Havana and for good reason.
Doce Provisions
After stuffing yourself with traditional diner food at Chug’s, it’s time for a change of pace at Doce Provisions, where you can sample some fusion dishes inspired by other cultures. The chefs at this Miami-themed eatery take great satisfaction in utilizing only the finest, locally sourced ingredients in their one-of-a-kind creations. You can expect an unforgettable dining experience with Chef Owners Justin Sherrer and Lisetty Llampalla at the helm.
When you enter Doce Provisions, you’ll be instantly whisked away to a place where taste is king. The menu features a variety of items that combine the finest of Cuban and American cuisines. You can find something to satisfy your appetite, whether it’s a traditional Cuban sandwich or something a little more daring, like octopus tacos. The meticulousness of Doce Provisions is what separates it from the competition. You’ll be dreaming about the exquisite presentation and well-balanced tastes of each dish long after you’ve finished eating.
Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina
Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina on Calle Ocho is the place to go for a taste of Cuba before the revolution. The retro furnishings and tunes will take you back to a more carefree and passionate moment in Cuba’s history.
Tourists and locals alike go to the eatery in quest of Miami’s authentic Cuban culture. The traditional Cuban cuisine served at Old Havana is a monument to the city’s long culinary history, and its deep, robust flavors speak for themselves.
You may get lost in a sea of flavor, from traditional delicacies like Ropa Vieja and Picadillo to their world-famous Cuban sandwich. One of their classic Mojitos, crafted with fresh mint and lime, is a great choice if you’re in the mood for something light and zesty.
Sanguich de Miami
In 2017, a tiny shipping container served as the basis for what is called now Sanguich de Miami. There is always a wait to get inside this trendy restaurant with its emerald green walls, colorful flooring, and shiny brass accents.
They all want the same thing: a perfect Cuban sandwich prepared with pig butt that has been marinated in garlic and spices for a week and then squeezed between two pieces of perfectly grilled, homemade bread.
Lechon, with soft shredded pig doused in garlic-cilantro aioli, is a heartier but equally tasty option. Croquetas, which come in the form of thick batons, are very impressive as a pre-sandwich snack. This restaurant concludes our list of the 10 Best Cuban Restaurants In Little Havana.
Conclusion
You have successfully located the best 10 Cuban restaurants in Little Havana.
Any of these restaurants, from the timeless Versailles Restaurant to the hip Doce Provisions, will serve you a dinner you won’t soon forget.
Little Havana is a must-see for every culture-seeker, whether they are in town for business or just passing through.
Indulging in some of the finest Cuban food available is a great way to get a taste of Cuban culture.
If you’re hungry, you should definitely visit one of these fantastic eateries.
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