Looking for a sublime Cuban meal near you?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Cuban restaurants around Miami, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to meet your needs.
1. Versailles Restaurant
Topping the list is Versailles Restaurant. Located at 3555 S.W. Eighth St. in Alameda, the iconic spot is the most popular Cuban restaurant in Miami, boasting four stars out of 3,661 reviews on Yelp.
Known as "The World's Most Famous Cuban Restaurant," Versailles has been serving up fresh Cuban cuisine for almost five decades, the restaurant says on its website, becoming the "gathering place and unofficial town square for Miami's Cuban exiles."
The menu features starters like assorted empanadas (beef, chicken and ham); yuca croquettes with cilantro sauce; and tropical ceviche with fresh fish cured in lime, jalapeños, diced avocado and more. Chef's specials include Cuban-style macaroni; and shrimp au gratin sauteed in garlic, white wine and cream. (You can view the full menu here.)
2. Doce Provisions
Next up is Little Havana's Doce Provisions, situated at 541 S.W. 12th Ave. With 4.5 stars out of 469 reviews on Yelp, the Cuban all-day spot has proven to be a local favorite.
The family-owned restaurant comes courtesy of chefs Justin Sherrer and Lisetty Llampalla and features artisanal dishes made using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
Come try offerings like Key lime pie waffles; shishito peppers with lime and smoked sea salt; and the El Cubano — a sandwich consisting of smoked pork loin, salami, homemade pickles, mustard and Swiss cheese. (You can check out the full menu here.)
3. Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina
Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina, located at 1442 S.W. Eighth St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the traditional Cuban bar and restaurant 4.5 stars out of 465 reviews.
Expect to find a "havanera" atmosphere, complete with music and authentic Cuban dishes like deep-fried empanadas and hand-made croquettes.
Thirsty? Specialty and classic cocktails are on offer as well such as the Cuba Libre with light rum, lime and Coca-Cola; and the Little Havana Mule mixed with premium blend Klir Red, ginger beer and lime. (You can view the full menu here.)
4. Caja Caliente
Caja Caliente, a family-run food truck and Cuban spot that offers tacos and more, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 216 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2634 N.E. Second Ave. to see for yourself.
Owner Mika Leon, who made her start as a food blogger in NYC, joined the Miami food truck scene in April 2016 and has since expanded her business to a larger truck, with outdoor seating to boot.
On the menu, look for Cuban specialties like Lupita's Pan Con Lechon with black bean pico, stick fries, cotija cheese and spicy mayo. (See the full menu here.)
5. La Carreta
In Alameda, check out La Carreta, which has earned four stars out of 557 reviews on Yelp. You can find the Cuban all-day spot at 3632 S.W. Eighth St.
Established in 1976, this family-owned eatery "continues to be a staple of the old Cuba's family dining traditions of 'abuela-style' and famously authentic Cuban espresso," says the restaurant on its website.
Come try offerings like the Carretero breakfast — fried or scrambled eggs served with two croquettes, ham, bacon or sausage — or one of the restaurant's fresh Cuban pastries. (See the full menu here.)
