The 25 Best Cuban Restaurants in America
The diversity of eateries in the US is unrivaled in the world. With this diversity comes numerous cuisines with unique origins. One of the best cuisines in the US food scene is Cuban food.
The influence of Cuban food on the US population is enormous. From New Jersey to little Havana, Cuban favorites have always been popular with the American masses. They are considered fit for almost every situation: date nights, celebrations, family nights out, etc.
If you happen to be a Cuban food enthusiast or if you want to try out Cuban options, you should be aware that not all Cuban restaurants serve delicious, authentic Cuban cuisines. Authentic Cuban cuisines are a perfect blend of African, Spanish, and Caribbean cuisines. Take a bite out of a yummy Cuban tamale, and you’ll get my drift.
We have compiled a list of the best Cuban restaurants in America to save you the disappointment of dining in shoddy, over-hyped faux Cuban restaurants. You can try these restaurants for the best Cuban favorites ranging from tender Ropa Vieja to flaky Bunuelos. In this article, we are going to discuss the 25 best Cuban restaurants in America.
Versailles
3555 SW 8th Street, Miami, Florida 33135
(305) 444-0240
Versailles’ worldwide popularity as a Cuban restaurant is unrivaled. It tops our list as the best restaurant in America. This Cuban food haven has been dishing out affordable Cuban favorites from Little Havana since 1971. That makes it perhaps the oldest Cuban restaurant in the US. Good service and delicious food are among the arsenal that Versailles has used to win global popularity and top ranking. Their most recommended foods include their Cuban sandwich, the Plato de vlandas y vegetales vegan option, and Cuban roast pork. You should also consider their mojito or roasted chicken with some classic garlic sauce. And, if you want a mouth-watering serving of sides to chow down, try their fried, sweet plantains.
La Carreta
3632 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135
(305) 444-7501
La Carreta is one of the best Cuban food spots in Miami. This restaurant was originally founded in Calle Ocho, Little Havana, in 1976, and it has continued to be a favorite for Cuban immigrants and Miami locals ever since. If you want a restaurant that serves authentic Cuban espresso and other favorites in true “Abuela” Cuban traditional dining style, you should try La Carreta. La Carreta’s ropa vieja is considered a must-try even by critics. You don’t want to leave this restaurant without treating yourself to this insanely tasty delicacy. They also have good tacos, fajitas, nachos and salads, and other dishes and specials you can enjoy.
90 Miles Cuban Café
Logan Square, 2540 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 227-2822
90 Miles Cuban Café offers you a unique Cuban dining experience in Chicago. This restaurant definitely ranks among the best Cuban eateries in America. It is owned and run by the Gonzalez family, who made their journey into America on a shrimp boat in 1980. They opened the restaurant in 2008 and have been providing Chi-Town with quality Cuban fare ever since. You can get tasty dishes ranging from appetizers to specialties in 90 Miles Cuban Café. Some of their most recommended include Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, and ropa vieja. They also have vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free options if you need a special diet.
Papi’s Cuban Grill
1375 Rock Quarry RD Ste 201, Stockbridge, GA 30281-7677
(770) 506-9664
Papi’s Cuban Grill trusses its claim of offering a true Cuban taste with authentic Cuban staples. This Cuban restaurant is the pride of Reynaldo “Rey” Regalado, who immigrated with nothing but the dream of bringing the Cuban culture and cuisine into America. By 2002, his dream had come true, and since then, his restaurant continues to be a favorite spot for most Cuban food partakers. The favorites in Papi’s Cuban Grill include their ropa vieja and their Cuban sandwich. Their palomilla, grilled tilapia, and plantains are also a must-try. They have vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, and vegan options for anyone that needs a special diet.
Dona Habana
811 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02118
(617) 708-1182
This restaurant got its name from a revered Cuban Santeria’s mystical character known as Dona Habana. She was considered as the perfect representation of the dignity accorded to women in the Cuban culture. If you want an enticing Cuban fare, try the Dona Habana restaurant. Among the favorites you may like include their rancho guajiro, which is slow-roasted and onion-smothered roasted pork, and vanilla caramel flan. You may also try their habanero fillets and beef empanadas. The restaurant also contains a bar with excellent drinks. If you need a vegetarian-friendly special diet, Dona Habana has got you covered.
Little Cuban Café
3433 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(754) 216-1266
Little Cuban Café offers Cuban delicacies in Fort Lauderdale. This cozy spot may contain “little” in its name, but the range of Cuban dishes is extensive- stuffed tostones and Cuban croquettes being their most recommended.
Apart from the recommended dishes we’ve mentioned above, you may also try their delicious ropa vieja, fried plantain, or churrasco. And, if you want a nice kick, order their Café con Leche. If you need a special diet, try this restaurant’s vegetarian-friendly option.
Doce Provisions
541 SW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33130
(786) 452-0161
Doce Provisions is one of Miami’s latest favorites spots for anyone who wants to experience urban dining at its best. They offer a range of quality cuisines prepared using traditional ingredients that have been locally sourced.
A must-try at Doce Provisions is their tres leches; they are very delicious. You can also go for either their po’boy shrimp tacos or Cuban sandwich. Doce Provisions also avails vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, and vegan options special diets.
1958 Cuban Cuisine
301 South Ave West, Westfield, NJ 07090
(908) 232-3187
The 1958 Cuban Cuisine offers you an authentic Cuban experience to Westfield at comparatively affordable prices. The restaurant’s chef is Cuban, and he delivers nothing but the best Cuban favorites. The most recommended dishes at 1958 Cuban cuisine include their flan, tres leches, and café con leche. They also serve outstanding avocado-stuffed oxtail known as aguacate relleno and papa relleno. Don’t leave without trying their slow-roasted pork and authentic lechon asado. The ambiance at this restaurant is great for date nights, family dining, and entertaining.
My Cuban Spot
488 Carroll Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 855-1941
Not only is My Cuban Spot a favorite spot for NYC residents, but it also deserves ranking with the best Cuban restaurants in the US. It may have a simple setting, but it offers better Cuban dishes than most showy restaurants in the country. My Cuban Spot menu consists of highly recommended dishes like Cuban sandwiches, delicious fried plantain, and slow-roasted pork. The portions served are large and very pocket-friendly. You should make sure you have tried their Cuban burger, Oink Oink Babe, and peccadillo before leaving.
El Cochinito
3508 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 668-0737
El Cochinito restaurant serves traditional Cuban favorite dishes with a touch of home-style in Los Angeles.
This restaurant has roots in Cuban history that run as far back as the 1950s. It offers table service, takeout, and alcohol. The most recommended favorites in El Cochinito include their Cuban sandwich and ham. The best part is, their dishes are insanely affordable. You can try a large serving of ropa vieja or marinated palomilla steak dish and leave without a single regret. You may also find their lechon sandwich and pork chops very delicious.
El Mago De Las Fritas
5838 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL
(305) 266-8486
If you want the best Cuban sandwiches or hamburgers in Miami, try El Mago De Las Fritas. This Cuban restaurant has earned such a reputation that its owner Ortelio “El Mago” Cardenas will have a whole street named after him. El Mago is well known not only for his culinary skills but also for his relentless dedication. He always goes the extra mile to ensure his customers get the best service in Miami. El Mago’s Frita a Caballo is a must-try for anyone who happens by this restaurant. You can also give your meal an extra kick with their Habanero sauce or café con leche. They also have amazing perros, pastries, desserts, and drinks. Their daily specials provide a variety of choices for any interested diners.
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
9101 International Dr Pointe Orlando, Orlando, FL
(407) 226-1600
Very few things can compare to the experience of enjoying a Cuban dish and quality rum. Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar offers you a chance to enjoy this unparalleled experience and much more. This Cuban restaurant has a beautiful ambiance that is made even more aesthetic by salsa dancing most nights (this has sadly been put on hold due to Covid-19). It has a Havana-styled outdoor setting and knowledgeable staff. Their most recommended favorites include the pineapple guacamole appetizer and mama amelia’s empanadas.
Mi Cuba Café
1424 Park Road NW, Washington, DC 20010
(202) 813-3489
Mi Cuba Café serves Washington DC residents with traditional Cuban favorite dishes and drinks. If you haven’t tried this restaurant’s trademark Cuban sandwich or congri and tostones, please do. Other recommended Cuban favorites at MCC include their guava and cheese empanadas, vaca frita, and picadillo.
They also have a wide variety of scintillating drinks, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and chicken you can choose from. If you want something simple, you can start with their coffee.
Guantanamera
939 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10019
(212) 262-5354
Guantanamera is a lively Cuban restaurant located in New York. It was opened in 2005, and it has been serving Cuban fare in a vibrant Old Havana-styled setting since then. The lovely décor of Guantanamera, which features tables lighted with candles, exposed brick walls, and Havana-styled murals makes this restaurant a perfect spot for a romantic night out. Among the services you will in Guantamera are catering, party, lunch, dinner, and rum options. Their most recommended favorites include rabo encecido and sopa frijoles. They offer their new customers a 10% discount. If you need a special diet, Guantanamera has got you covered with vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, and vegan options.
The Latin Pig
3131 Custor Road #165, Plano, TX 75075
(972) 985-9760
The Latin Pig restaurant got opened in 2012; it boasts a unique ability to provide customers with delicacies from Cuba, Puerto Rica, and Havana. The Latin Pig gets adored for its tasty oxtails, congri, and tostones. If you want a Cuban sandwich that contains an authentic taste of the Caribbean, try what The Latin Pig has to offer.
This restaurant also offers vegetarian-friendly options for special diets and accepts various payment methods, including MasterCard and visa. Don’t pass on the Cubano flan if you happen to visit the Latin Pig.
El Nuevo Fruitlandia
3077 24th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 648-2958
El Nuevo Fruitlandia is one of the best options for anyone who wants a perfect blend of Cuban and Puerto Rican cuisines in San Francisco. It has been serving the community of San Fran for more than 50 years. This Cuban restaurant has numerous diverse Cuban favorites- tapas, empanadas, mofongo, vaca frita, ropa vieja, and coffee.
Their tostones, white sangria, and empanada maduro are the most recommended options. You must also give their excellent picadillo a la Havana served with rice and ground sirloin seasoning a try.
Cuban Island Restaurant
2910 Florida A1A, Indialantic, FL 32903
(321) 241-4886
When it comes to serving authentic Cuban favorites, Cuban Island Restaurant is definitely the best restaurant on Highway A1A. This restaurant has such Cuban favorite dishes as ropa vieja, Cubano, and flan on its menu. The most recommended favorites include fried pork, beef empanadas, and shrimp ceviche.
If you need a special diet, you can chow down on either their vegetarian-friendly, vegan, or gluten-free options. The atmosphere of this restaurant is filled with music and conversation. Therefore, get ready for a lively night any time you decide to visit.
They also offer full bar service for anyone that imbibes. Don’t forget to try their vaca frita as you enjoy your time there.
Havana Station
722 SE 10th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214
(971) 277-5800
Havana Station is located in the recesses of Morrison Market. It is one of the best Cuban restaurants in Portland. This restaurant is owned by Ariel Cruzata- a Cuban immigrant who got taught by his great aunt the art of making delicious Cuban food using fresh ingredients. From a simple Cubano sandwich to a plateful of ropa vieja, Havana Station makes delicious food. If you want a mind-blowing culinary experience, try this restaurant’s picadillo a la Habana or masas de cerdo fritas. The atmosphere, décor, and service of this restaurant make it great for an exotic date night. Other recommended favorites in Havana Station restaurant include their Cuban sandwich, fried plantains, and croquettes. Most people have also complimented their large servings and excellent customer service.
Isla Cuban-Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar
30 Centerpointe Drive, Suite 12, La Palma, CA 90623
(714) 735-8597
This restaurant is another ideal spot for anyone that enjoys delicious Cuban food and quality rum. As a family-owned establishment, Isla got its flavors from Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic and is now a favorite spot in La Palma. Isla Cuban-Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar blends great food and drinks with live performances and great music to ensure you enjoy an experience like no other in La Palma. If you haven’t tried their Lomo Saltado or Chicharron de Pollo con Papas, or even their Mandala tequila, you are missing out. You can also go for their masitas de Puerco or ceviche camaron y mango for a great dining experience.
Carlos Poco Loco
1809 Adams Street, Toledo, OH 43604
(419) 214-1655
If you happen to have a craving for insanely tasty Cuban food and you are somewhere within the vicinity of Toledo, pop into Carlos Poco Loco and chow till you fall. Carlos Poco Loco is one of the most addictive Cuban restaurants in America. Most people try various dishes in this culinary goldmine and get hooked for good. Carlos Poco Loco is famous for its delicious cazuela-style roasted pork. It also other recommended dishes including, their Cuban tamales and tacos. Their drinks and service are also satisfactory. Prices are average, and the general setting is lovely.
Manolito
508 Dumaine Street, New Orleans, LA 70116-3312
(504) 603-2740
Manolito café and bar is located in the French Quarter. It serves Cuban delicacies every day to its clients. Next time you’re in New Orleans, and you feel like enjoying a Cuban dish with a superb cocktail for accompaniment, make sure you have tracked down, and enjoyed, what this little gem has to offer. The services you can expect to find at Manolito include table, seating, and alcohol service. The must-try favorites of this restaurant include their daiquiri, mojito, ropa vieja, or shrimp ceviche. Their lechon asado and yucca fries are also insanely good. The ambiance is lovely, and the service in Manolite is commendable. If you want a quaint hole in the wall to enjoy a meal and a drink, consider Manolito an ideal one.
Café Piquet
5757 Bissonet Street, Bellaire, TX 77401
(713) 664-1031
Café Pique is the perfect Cuban restaurant for a friends’ or family hangout. This restaurant has been a favorite in Houston for 18+ years. It is a family-owned establishment that prepares traditional Cuban cuisines using authentic recipes from Cuba. From appetizers to Entrees, Café Piquet won’t fail to amaze your taste buds.
The most recommended delicacy in Café Piquet is their Red Snapper. You can also go for either of their award-winning pan con croquetas or sandwich de policia sandwiches. Don’t miss the opportunity to try their tasty empanadas or papa rellenas too. They also have delicious ropa vieja, picadillo, and pernil asado.
International Bakery Cuban Dulceria
2662 N Josey Ln 228, Carollton, TX 75007
(972) 242-3797
International Bakery Cuban Dulceria is one of the best Cuban bakeries in the US today. This bakery has been a favorite in the Carrollton area for a long time. It serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch as well.
If you want life-changing guava and cheese turnover, look no further than this bakery. Its napoleons and cappuccinos are also legendary. Their sandwiches are arguably the best in Carrollton.
The setting at this Cuban restaurant includes cultural music played at low but audible levels to allow diners to converse comfortably.
Rincon Criollo
40-09 Junction Blvd., Corona, NY 11368
(718) 458-0236
Rincon Criollo is a Cuban restaurant that has been up and running since 1976. It has origins in Cuba. That is where the first Rincon Criollo restaurant got started by the Acosta brothers. Some of the classics offered by this restaurant include lechon asado, ropa vieja, and picadillo. You can also find such tasty sides as yua con mojo, fried plantains, and Moros y Cristianos. This restaurant’s atmosphere and extensive menu make it a perfect spot to celebrate a birthday, share a romantic dinner, or treat yourself to a flavorful Cuban cuisine. Make sure you have also tried their oxtail dish. Plus, they serve alcoholic drinks.
Que Rico
2814 N. Southport, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 975-7436
Finally, we have the Que Rico restaurant located in Chicago. This Cuban restaurant got started by a mother and her daughter back in 1994. It has continued to impress clients ever since. You’ll find Que Rico in an old Vallarta-style building that makes anyone feel like they’ve taken a trip down memory lane. This particular trip, however, is accompanied by delicious Cuban favorites. All the dishes at Que Rico are prepared from scratch using fresh ingredients. Their kinds of beef and pork get slow-cooked to unimaginable tenderness, and their salsa and tortillas are always fresh. Their carne asada is reputedly the best in Chicago. You can also enjoy delicious fajitas and enchiladas at Que Rico.
