Craving Caribbean food?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Caribbean spots around Miami, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to satisfy your cravings.
1. Versailles Restaurant
Topping the list is Versailles Restaurant. Located at 3555 S.W. Eighth St. in Alameda - West Flagler, the Cuban and Latin American spot, which offers coffee and tea and more, is the most popular Caribbean restaurant in Miami, boasting four stars out of 3,905 reviews on Yelp.
Known as "The World's Most Famous Cuban Restaurant," Versailles has been serving up fresh Cuban cuisine for almost five decades, according to the restaurant's website.
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 sautéed in garlic, white wine and cream. (You can view the full menu here.)
2. Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina
Next up is Shenandoah's Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina, situated at 1442 S.W. Eighth St. With 4.5 stars out of 527 reviews on Yelp, the bar and Cuban spot has proven to be a local favorite.
In this retro-themed spot, expect authentic Cuban food in an atmosphere as colorful as the tropical mojitos--live Cuban music, black-and-white photos and vintage memorabilia. The menu features authentic Cuban dishes like deep-fried empanadas and hand-made croquettes, plus lechón asado (Cuban roasted pork) and ropa vieja made by hand.
This spot also serves up specialty and classic cocktails, Cuba Libre (made 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.)
3. Doce Provisions
Little Havana's Doce Provisions, located at 541 S.W. 12th Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the Cuban and breakfast and brunch spot, which offers sandwiches and more, 4.5 stars out of 493 reviews.
Courtesy of chefs Justin Sherrer and Lisetty Llampalla, the family-owned restaurant features artisanal dishes made using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
Try the classic El Cubano — a sandwich layered with smoked pork loin, salami, Swiss cheese, mustard and homemade pickles. Save room for desserts like Abuela's Flan or Guayaba Con Queso Empanadas. (You can check out the full menu here.)
4. Della Bowls
della bowls, a vegetarian and Caribbean spot that offers juice and smoothies and more, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 273 Yelp reviews. Head over to 56 N.W. 29th St. to see for yourself.
"Healthy bowls of happy," proclaims a sign on this spot's food truck. Judging from the smile on Yelpers' faces, that saying rings true.
The menu offers seven bowls-- including build-your-own, the popular southwest with pico de gallo and forbidden, which comes loaded with coconut black rice, broccoli, sweet potato and a gold sauce. Thirsty? Try this spot's Almond Joy Smoothie, which is made with almond butter, almond milk, pumpkin pie spice, dates and other good stuff. View the full menu here.
5. Caja Caliente
Last but not least, check out Caja Caliente, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 236 reviews on Yelp. You can find the food truck and Cuban spot, which offers tacos and more, at 2634 N.E. Second Ave.
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 Lechón with black bean pico, stick fries, cotija cheese and spicy mayo. (See the full menu here.)
