Unearth The Voyage
Florida and Cuba share more than just warm Caribbean waters. The Sunshine State has become home to some of the most authentic Cuban dining experiences outside of Havana itself.
From family-run cafeterias serving up perfect cafecitos to elegant restaurants where classic recipes have been passed down through generations, these spots capture the soul of Cuban culture through their food, atmosphere, and hospitality.
1. Versailles Restaurant – Miami
Walking into Versailles feels like stepping through a portal to 1960s Havana. The mirrored walls, ornate chandeliers, and bustling energy create an atmosphere that’s been drawing crowds since 1971.
This Little Havana landmark isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a cultural institution where locals debate politics over strong Cuban coffee and tourists discover what authentic Cuban cuisine really tastes like.
The menu reads like a love letter to traditional Cuban cooking. Ropa vieja simmers to tender perfection, lechon asado arrives with crispy skin that crackles under your fork, and the maduros hit that perfect sweet spot.
Every dish comes in portions generous enough to share, though you might not want to.
Service moves at a brisk pace, matching the restaurant’s lively vibe. Servers navigate the packed dining room with practiced ease, balancing trays of steaming plates and tiny cups of espresso.
The bakery counter near the entrance tempts with rows of pastelitos and flan, perfect for taking home. Weekend mornings bring lines out the door, but the wait gives you time to soak in the neighborhood’s vibrant street life.
2. La Carreta – Miami
The giant oxcart perched on the roof isn’t just decoration – it’s a promise. La Carreta has been delivering solid Cuban comfort food across multiple Miami locations since the 1970s.
Each spot maintains that same welcoming vibe where families celebrate birthdays, friends catch up over late-night meals, and everyone feels like a regular.
Their vaca frita deserves special mention. Crispy shredded beef gets piled high with sautéed onions, creating a texture contrast that keeps you reaching for another bite.
The Cuban sandwich comes pressed to golden perfection, with layers of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles melding into something greater than the sum of its parts. Rice and beans arrive as they should – the beans thick and savory, the rice fluffy and perfectly seasoned.
Open 24 hours at some locations, La Carreta becomes a gathering spot for night owls and early risers alike. The counter seating offers prime people-watching real estate, while booths accommodate larger groups.
Prices remain reasonable despite the restaurant’s popularity, making it easy to order extra croquetas or another round of tostones without breaking the bank.
3. Sanguich – Miami
Chef-driven Cuban sandwiches might sound like a contradiction, but Sanguich proves the concept works beautifully. This Coral Gables spot takes the beloved Cuban sandwich and elevates it without losing its soul.
The space itself feels refreshingly modern – clean lines, bright lighting, and a menu board that makes ordering easy even for first-timers.
Their signature sanguich uses slow-roasted pork that’s been marinated for hours, creating layers of flavor that standard versions can’t match. House-made pickles add tang, while premium ham and Swiss cheese complete the ensemble.
Each sandwich gets pressed until the bread achieves that ideal combination of crispy exterior and soft interior. Vegetarian options show the same attention to detail, proving that Cuban flavors work beyond traditional meat preparations.
The sides deserve equal attention. Yuca fries come out golden and crispy, served with a garlic mojo that’s addictive enough to warrant ordering extra.
Sweet plantain chips offer a lighter alternative. Counter service keeps things casual, but the quality rivals sit-down establishments.
Grab your order and head to nearby Coral Gables park for an impromptu picnic, or stake out one of the few indoor tables.
4. Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina – Miami
Stepping through the doors means entering a carefully crafted time capsule. Old photographs line the walls, vintage furniture fills the space, and the lighting creates an intimate atmosphere that encourages lingering.
This isn’t a theme restaurant trying too hard – it’s a genuine homage to pre-revolution Havana’s golden age of dining and nightlife.
The kitchen turns out classics with noticeable finesse. Masitas de puerco arrive perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy within, served with a citrusy mojo that brightens every bite.
Their arroz con pollo goes beyond the basic version, with chicken that’s been seasoned throughout and rice cooked in flavorful stock. Even simple black beans taste like someone’s grandmother has been stirring the pot all day.
The bar program matches the food’s quality. Mojitos come muddled to order with fresh mint and real cane sugar, while daiquiris showcase quality rum rather than hiding it under syrup.
Weekend evenings often feature live music – traditional son cubano that fills the room without overwhelming conversation. Reservations help during peak times, though the bar always welcomes walk-ins ready to enjoy a drink while waiting for a table.
5. Havana 1957 – Miami Beach
Prime real estate on Miami Beach could easily mean tourist-trap territory, but Havana 1957 delivers authenticity alongside its ocean breezes. The restaurant occupies a beautifully restored building that captures the glamour of Cuba’s pre-revolutionary era.
Indoor seating offers air-conditioned comfort, while the patio lets you enjoy your meal with salt air and people-watching.
Menu highlights include their churrasco, a perfectly grilled skirt steak that arrives sizzling and tender. The chimichurri served alongside adds herbaceous brightness without overpowering the meat’s natural flavor.
Seafood options reflect Miami Beach’s coastal location – whole fried snapper comes crispy-skinned and flaky, while shrimp enchilado swims in a tomato-based sauce with just enough heat to keep things interesting.
Service strikes that difficult balance between attentive and unobtrusive. Servers know the menu thoroughly and offer helpful suggestions without pushing expensive items.
The wine list goes beyond the expected, featuring Spanish and South American bottles that pair beautifully with Cuban flavors. Dessert means choosing between traditional flan, tres leches cake, or guava and cheese – an impossible decision that often results in ordering multiple desserts to share.
6. Puerto Sagua – Miami Beach
No frills, no pretense, just honest Cuban cooking that’s been satisfying Miami Beach locals since 1962. Puerto Sagua occupies a modest corner location that you might walk past without noticing – until you see the steady stream of regulars heading inside.
The interior hasn’t changed much over the decades, and that’s exactly how customers like it.
Breakfast here means serious business. The Cuban omelet arrives stuffed with ham, peppers, onions, and cheese, accompanied by buttery toast and strong coffee that jolts you awake.
Later in the day, the bistec empanizado (breaded steak) draws crowds – a thin cutlet pounded tender, breaded, and fried until golden. Sandwich options include a Cuban that holds its own against fancier competitors, plus a medianoche that’s perfect for lighter appetites.
Counter seating puts you in the middle of the action, where you can watch cooks work the flat-top with practiced efficiency. Booth seating accommodates groups, though space is limited during lunch rush.
Prices remain remarkably reasonable considering the prime location just blocks from the beach. Cash is preferred, though cards are accepted.
The lack of parking can be challenging, but nearby meters and garages provide options.
7. La Teresita Restaurant – Tampa
Tampa’s Cuban community has deep roots, and La Teresita has been feeding them since 1972. This sprawling establishment combines cafeteria-style service with sit-down dining, creating a uniquely efficient system that keeps crowds moving while maintaining quality.
The building itself has become a Tampa landmark, its distinctive sign visible from blocks away.
Order at the counter and watch as your meal comes together before your eyes. The devil crab, a Tampa-Cuban specialty, combines crab meat with spices and breadcrumbs, then gets deep-fried until crispy.
Traditional dishes like picadillo and boliche shine here, each prepared in large batches that somehow maintain home-cooked flavor. Their Cuban sandwich sparked debates about Tampa versus Miami style – this version includes salami, setting it apart from southern Florida interpretations.
The adjoining bakery operates separately, tempting customers with fresh bread, pastelitos, and elaborate cakes. Grab a few guava pastries for later – they’ll disappear quickly once you get home.
Weekend mornings see lines forming, but they move surprisingly fast. The adjacent market sells Cuban groceries, making it easy to stock up on ingredients for your own cooking experiments.
Parking is plentiful, a rarity among popular Cuban restaurants.
8. Black Bean Deli – Orlando
Orlando’s theme parks get all the attention, but locals know Black Bean Deli is the real attraction. This unassuming spot in a strip mall serves Cuban food that rivals anything you’ll find in Miami.
The cheerful yellow walls and Cuban memorabilia create a welcoming environment that immediately puts you at ease.
Portions here border on ridiculous – in the best possible way. The Cuban sandwich barely fits on its plate, stuffed with generous amounts of roasted pork, ham, and cheese.
Their palomilla steak gets pounded thin, pan-fried, and topped with grilled onions that add sweetness to the savory meat. Sides come family-style, meaning your rice and beans could easily feed two people.
Don’t skip the tostones, which arrive hot and perfectly salted.
The owner often works the dining room, checking on tables and making sure everyone’s happy. This personal touch transforms a simple meal into a genuine experience.
Prices remain incredibly reasonable – your biggest challenge will be finishing everything on your plate. Takeout is popular, especially during lunch when nearby office workers descend for their Cuban food fix.
Call ahead during peak times to skip the wait, or embrace it and enjoy a cafecito at the counter.
9. Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar – Orlando
Sophistication meets tradition at this Pointe Orlando destination. Cuba Libre recreates 1950s Havana with stunning attention to detail – vintage photographs, period furnishings, and even a replica of a classic Havana street corner complete with a sugarcane press.
The space feels transportive without veering into kitsch, maintaining elegance throughout.
The menu explores Cuba’s culinary diversity beyond standard offerings. Ceviche showcases fresh fish in citrus marinade, while empanadas feature unique fillings like picadillo and ropa vieja.
Their take on vaca frita incorporates Asian influences, reflecting Cuba’s Chinese immigrant community. Traditional dishes remain available for purists, each prepared with quality ingredients and careful technique.
Sharing plates encourage exploration, letting you sample multiple flavors throughout your meal.
The rum bar deserves its own visit. Over 80 varieties line the shelves, from everyday mixing rums to aged sipping varieties that rival fine whiskeys.
Bartenders craft cocktails that go beyond basic mojitos – try the Papa Doble daiquiri or a Cuba Libre made with premium ingredients. Happy hour brings deals on both drinks and appetizers.
Live music on weekends adds energy without overwhelming conversation. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons when Orlando’s restaurants fill quickly.
10. Pipo’s Cafe – St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg’s Cuban food scene might surprise visitors, and Pipo’s Cafe stands as proof that authentic flavors thrive here. This family-run spot treats every customer like a neighbor stopping by for a meal.
The modest space fills quickly during meal times, with regulars claiming their favorite tables and newcomers quickly feeling welcomed into the fold.
Home-style cooking defines the menu here. The ropa vieja tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, beef shredding apart at the slightest touch and soaking up the tomato-based sauce.
Their Cuban sandwich earns praise from Miami transplants, no small feat considering how seriously people take their Cuban sandwiches. Daily specials often feature dishes that aren’t widely available elsewhere – oxtail stew, tongue in sauce, or braised lamb that falls off the bone.
Coffee culture runs strong at Pipo’s. The ventanita (walk-up window) stays busy all day with locals grabbing cafecitos and cortaditos.
A tiny cup of Cuban coffee costs less than fancy chain offerings while delivering far more flavor and caffeine punch. The attached market sells Cuban groceries and prepared foods for taking home.
Parking can be tight, but the residential neighborhood makes street parking usually available within a block or two.
11. Cubans Be Like Restaurant – Fort Myers
The playful name hints at the restaurant’s personality – this is Cuban food for a new generation while respecting old traditions. Fort Myers’ Cuban community might be smaller than Miami’s or Tampa’s, but Cubans Be Like proves quality isn’t determined by population size.
The contemporary space features bright colors and Cuban-inspired artwork that feels fresh rather than dated.
Traditional recipes get thoughtful updates here. The vaca frita maintains its crispy texture but adds unexpected garnishes that complement rather than compete.
Mofongo, borrowed from Cuban-Caribbean fusion, gets executed perfectly with mashed plantains forming a savory base for your choice of protein. Even simple rice and beans show careful attention – each grain of rice separate, beans seasoned just right, everything cooked to proper texture.
The menu accommodates various dietary preferences without compromising flavor. Vegetarian versions of classic dishes use creative substitutions that work surprisingly well.
Portion sizes allow you to order multiple items without feeling overwhelmed, encouraging exploration of different flavors. Service moves at a relaxed pace matching Fort Myers’ laid-back vibe.
Weekend brunch adds Cuban twists to breakfast favorites, making it worth setting an alarm on Saturday morning. The restaurant’s growing popularity means calling ahead for dinner reservations makes sense.
12. Zaza Cuban Comfort Food – Orlando
Comfort food means different things to different people, but at Zaza, it means the kind of Cuban cooking that makes you feel like family. This Orlando establishment focuses on the dishes that Cuban grandmothers have perfected over generations – nothing fancy, just honest food prepared with care and served with warmth.
The dining room feels like someone’s home, decorated with family photos and Cuban touches that create instant coziness.
Their approach to classics emphasizes flavor over flash. Lechon asado gets roasted until the exterior develops deep caramelization while the interior stays moist and tender.
Black bean soup arrives thick enough to coat your spoon, each bowl seasoned with just enough cumin and garlic to awaken your taste buds without overwhelming them. The tostones come with multiple dipping sauces, letting you customize each bite.
Zaza’s commitment to comfort extends beyond the food. Staff members remember regular customers’ preferences and greet everyone with genuine smiles.
Prices reflect the restaurant’s neighborhood location rather than tourist-area markups. The intimate size means tables fill up quickly during dinner service, but the wait rarely exceeds reasonable limits.
Takeout maintains quality surprisingly well, making it a solid choice for enjoying Cuban comfort food in your own home.
