Super 7: Little Havana Restaurants
From Cuban Classics to Thai Surprises, These Spots Prove the Neighborhood's More Than Tourist Traps
Sanguich de Miami
This Michelin Bib Gourmand winner started in a shipping container and now draws lines around the block for their decadent Cuban sandwiches. The Cubano features pork marinated for a full week in garlic and spices, plus house-made pickles and custom Cuban bread that somehow stays crispy for hours. Everything is made from scratch, right down to the mustard.
Pro Tip: Skip the classic and go straight for the Croquetta Preparada. It's their signature Cubano with croquetas that dissolve into the sandwich like melted cheese. The chicharrones are fried to order and worth the extra few bucks. @sanguichdemiami // 2057 SW 8th St, Little Havana
Cafe La Trova
James Beard winner Michelle Bernstein and world-famous cantinero Julio Cabrera created the rare restaurant that feels like a party but actually serves delicious food. The Cuban-inspired menu hits all the right notes, from perfect empanadas to stellar ropa vieja, while Cabrera's cocktails earned the bar a spot on North America's 50 Best list.
Pro Tip: Hit happy hour and post up at the bar to watch Cabrera's team work their cantinero-style craft. Live music starts early and only gets louder, so come hungry and ready to stay a while. @cafelatrovamiami // 971 SW 8th St, Little Havana
La Camaronera
This family-owned seafood institution has been frying fish for decades, but everyone comes for one thing: the pan con minuta. It's a lightly fried snapper sandwich on Cuban bread that's become legendary among locals. The Garcia brothers have been perfecting this simple formula since 1973, and it shows.
Pro Tip: Order the pan con minuta and nothing else on your first visit. It's what they do best and why people drive across town. Grab a side of plantain chips if you're still hungry. @lacamaronera // 1952 W Flagler St, Little Havana
Lung Yai Thai Tapas
Thai tapas in the heart of Cuban Miami sounds like a weird combo — until you taste chef Bas's khao soi and realize location doesn’t matter at all. The tiny spot packs nightly, and for good reason, the food is some of the best in town and completely unexpected. Just know the rules: you get exactly one shot to order for your entire table, so study the menu beforehand and come prepared.
Pro Tip: Arrive early or be ready to wait on the sidewalk. Bas is notorious for his no-second-chances ordering policy, but the tom yum and green curry are worth memorizing the menu for. @lungyaithai // 1731 SW 8th St, Little Havana
El Rincon Asturiano
This low-key Spanish gem has exposed brick walls, jamón hanging from the ceiling, and servers who've been here since the '80s. The paella is excellent, but locals order the gambas al ajillo and chorizo a la sidra. It's perfect for groups and feels authentically Spanish without the South Beach attitude or prices.
Pro Tip: Bring a crowd and order the seafood paella for the table. The longtime servers know exactly what you need and when to pace the wine service. @elrinconasturiano // 225 SW 17th Ave, Little Havana
Palma
This tasting menu-only spot rotates its nine-course menu every 10-15 days, showcasing techniques like grilled fish with sauce albufera and aged oolong ice cream cake. At $115, it's still an great deal for this level of cooking in Miami. The minimalist space and serious kitchen make it feel like fine dining's best-kept secret.
Pro Tip: Book ahead for the nine-course experience, but check their Instagram for Sunday pop-ups that change themes weekly. Previous iterations included natural wine bars and bánh mì concepts. @eat.palma // 240 NW 8th Ave, Little Havana
El Rey de las Fritas
The king of fritas serves Miami's most iconic Cuban burger: ground beef and chorizo with potato strings on a soft bun. At $5 each, you can afford to work your way through the menu variations, from double patties to plantain-topped versions. It's fast, cheap, and exactly what a frita should be.
Pro Tip: Start with the original frita to understand what all the fuss is about, then try the one with fried egg. Wash it down with a mamey milkshake that tastes like drinking liquid key lime pie. @elreydelasfritas // 1821 SW 8th St, Little Havana