More than that, Id soaked up some of the local culture centered on music and food. Its tangier than any other iconic sandwich I can think of, which provides a nice balance to the unctuous pork. Stop in for some Cuban-inspired ice cream before heading over to eat tacos and then salsa dancing the night away. And having found all that under one roof seems like reason enough to celebrate. Please enter a valid email and try again. The small sushi bar serves pristine sushiand sashimi along with poke bowls. A post shared by feeling.hoppy (@feeling.hoppy) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:20pm PST. From Mexican to Spanish you will find many restaurants that serve delicious food. Most of Little Havana is super walkable so you can easily get around on foot. Before we get started, if youre headed to Miami you might also want to check out these posts: And Ive also created a free printable checklist for you with all of Miamis top activities, attractions and sights so you can keep track and be sure you dont miss anything during your trip! 8 Fun (and Safe!) Versailles. Cuban food in this neighborhood is ubiquitous and deeply connected to culture itself. Follow the pink stars and see if you can spot any names you recognize, including mr. Pitbull himself. One empanada not to be missed is the Cheesy Gaucho made with ground beef, three kinds of cheese, black beans, corn, diced bacon, and chimichurri. If its your first time visiting the area I definitely recommend booking a walking tour so you can really get the most out of your experience! The restaurant has all the markers of a community touchstone from the black and white newspaper articles laminated on wood, written about the restaurants early days, to framed photos of the owners with celebrities (The Rock gets prime position). Its not a proper visit to Little Havana (or Miami) until a frita has been ordered. Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina accepts credit cards. Same goes for food. You can see it in the precise, practiced movements of the man making your empanada or the woman dropping an iron press down on your sandwich. Today Miami has a large latino population, but its in Little Havana where youll get a real taste of latin culture. They go because the air smells like fry oil and espresso. It is important to keep in mind when visiting Little Havana that while it is really neat to see and experience the Latin culture there this is in fact many peoples homes. The best thing to order at Doce Provisions is the Lechon Asado buns with sour orange-achiote, grilled pineapple confit, paired with Aji Amarillo. Cubans began migrating to Miami in the 1950s but the real surge started happening when Castro came into power. Many of the locals speak English, especially at the local restaurants, bars, and shops. Because of this, the chef gives strict instructions that people must come prepared to order directly upon arrival, without wasting any time. Thats the neighborhood as best I know it: Food and music and living in the moment. It stands out among the many Mexican food restaurants placed in Little Havana largely due to its affordable and delicious tacos. Dubbed the Worlds Most Famous Cuban Restaurant, its the iconic place to go for a Cuban food fix. The neighborhood of Little Havana is bordered by Douglas street on the west side and SW 4th Ave and the Miami River to the east. Plus, El Mago does have El Rey beat when it comes to flan, and its worth coming here just for that alone. The magic of Little Havana is found in its vibe. There are a few picnic-style tables in a paved courtyard in front of the restaurant, but its also perfectly acceptable to tear into your carne asada while hunched over the hood of your car (theres an ample parking lot next door exclusively for customers). For the team at MENU its a little bit of both. However, the Tumaco Milk made with Colombian beans, brown butter, unrefined cane sugar, and caramelized milk is nothing short of orgasmic. info@miamiculinarytours.com. Place the empanada over on a flat surface and cover with a moist paper towel, then proceed to form the rest of the empanadas. But no one goes to El Pub just because its famous. Mi Rinconcito Mexicano is an old-school Mexican spot located at 1961 SW 8th Street that serves Mexican fares like burritos, tacos, and more in unpretentious surroundings. Its a restaurant that serves Japanese cuisine, obviously, including sushi and sashimi. Besides the great pupusas, the ambiance makes it an ideal locale for a romantic dinner or special occasion family meal. So I wandered. If you only stick around there, chances are youll end up with a plate of stale rice and a very bad mojito. But at that moment a band came on, people started dancing, and the energy of Little Havana pulled me out of my thoughts once again and back into the energy-filled present. El Pub Restaurant's Picadillo Empanada One of the oldest restaurants in Little Havana, El Pub, serves authentic Cuban food in the heart of Little Havana. Calle Ocho (Eighth Street) is the centre of Cuban life & culture in Little Havana, Miami. If youre looking for street-style Mexican food in Little Havana. Considered the it place for Mexican food along the famous Calle Ocho, Taquerias El Mexicano is a go-to spot for Miami culinary tours and locals alike. 1000 5th St #200, Miami Beach, FL 33139 This restaurant gives you the best of both worlds by combining the beautiful design and aesthetic of the Palace of Versailles in France with classic Cuban cuisine. https://miami.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-little-havana-miami, https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/florida/articles/the-10-best-restaurants-in-little-havana-miami/, https://www.timeout.com/miami/restaurants/best-little-havana-restaurants-miami, https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/neighborhoods/little-havana. One of the best empanadas is the caprese thats stuffed with fresh housemade mozzarella and tomatoes inside a wonderful flaky baked crust. At Versailles youll get a truly authentic Cuban cuisine experience that you definitely wont regret. Caf con leche still in hand, I trotted across Calle Ocho to Azucar Ice Cream Company, which is marked on the outside by a massive plastic ice cream cone facade. Enjoy delicious foods like Empanada Gringo, Veggie Dumplings, Little Havana Burger, Ballpark Hotdog, Pigless Pork Rind Chips, and more. However, the most iconic and popular dish at . We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Its a butterflied snapper filet thats lightly fried and arranged in sandwich form with Cuban bread, onions, ketchup, and tartar sauce. There are plenty of Cigar shops to visit along Calle Ocho but the #1 based on my research is Cuba Tobacco Cigar Co. It serves country glam rancher-strikes-it-rich realness with chandeliers, royal blue accent walls, and flat-screen TVs in the hacienda-like space. La Camaronera. The mix of flavors offered in this restaurant are one of a kind. Since you only really need a day in Little Havana I dont think its necessary to stay in a hotel nearby. That carne asada is the thing to get here, and it has one of the tastiest marinades weve had at a fritanga. Step 3. I love this post! Stay away from the more common taco variations like carne asada or al pastor (which are just alright) and instead go for the less common (at least in Miami) versions like oreja, lengua, and tripe, which this place excels at. Oops. Although Little Havana is the Cuban area of Miami, and the locals here do speak Spanish with each other, you do not need to be able to speak Spanish to enjoy visiting Little Havana. In Miami, if youve got pastries, youre likely to also have an empanada or two on the menu. They even have a selection of homemade sweets, including buuelosfried dough balls enriched with cheese and crema that are drowned in a caramel syrup. A post shared by Little Havana Explorers (@littlehavanaexplorers) on Mar 21, 2015 at 10:40am PDT. Grab a mamey shake to wash them down for the full experience. Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina. But if you, like many Miamians, grew up coming here, then youre probably just excited for the croquetas, masitas de puerco, and flan. El Cristo is known for its plating and serving, which is even better than the food. Delapazr. Make sure to visit the adjacent general store to pick up a traditional homemade drink like tamarind with chia seeds. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The menu also boasts an impressive list of fish dishes like fried shrimp and Corvina steak. To stay on-brand. The location is designed with a cafeteria-style vibe, and its open 24 hours a day. A post shared by El Rey de las Fritas (@reydelasfritas) on Oct 30, 2019 at 9:01am PDT, 10 Fantastic Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Miami. But the neighborhood is also big and diverse and extends way beyond the part of Calle Ocho where the sidewalks are permanently clogged with tourists who cant figure out how to light their cigars. Ours is made with churrasco steak. Or you can share a banana split with friends on one of those tiled concrete tables under Palaces awning. The places on this guide will definitely steer you towards some of the best Cuban food in the city, but they also include great Thai, some incredible Mexican food, classic Salvadoran, and a lot more. One of the highest rated walking tours you can do of Little Havana isthe Little Havana Food & Walking Tourwhich is rated 5 stars and has almost 4000 people who have rated it! One of the standout spots is Taqueria Viva Mexico, which offers street-style tacos at an affordable price. Steve Bramucci races around Little Havana in Miami, on a search for the best empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, and pastelitos. Music is everywhere, especially along the busiest stretch of the famed Calle Ocho, between 17th Ave and 13th Ave. Its played live and ingrained into the fabric of the neighborhood. Below are 20 of the best restaurants in Little Havana, Miami you will find. At. Tacos and a sultry tequila-fueled speakeasy? Located about a 25 minute drive from South Beach, Little Havana makes for the perfect day trip if youre visiting the area. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Plus, living at Common means that you have a built-in sense community that you wont find anywhere else. El Salvador is famous for pupusas, which many historians believe originated in the country (Honduras disputes the claim), and El Atlacatl serves some of Miamis best. A mere $10 gets a massive plate of gallo pinto, carne asada, queso frito, a side salad, and platano maduros. This dish was it. While their famous empanadas are not gluten-free, tamales will be your best bet. Much appreciated :). The neighborhood of Little Havana is bordered by Douglas street on the west side and SW 4th Ave and the Miami River to the east. Thanks for all the tips Kirsten! Reservations can be made online via our website. Be sure to make a reservation in advance, as it fills up quickly. Stay tuned for news on our upcoming Miami homes! Also, pastries with cheese are never a bad idea. , you can find the best sushi youll probably ever have in your life. @madrugabakery, One of the oldest restaurants in Little Havana, El Pub, serves authentic Cuban food in the heart of Little Havana. Id have to have Ropa Vieja, of course. Howeveragain like Ahi Sushi Miamithe restaurant does experience long waitlists each day. The chicken is seasoned to perfection, folded into a gorgeous dough, and baked fresh daily. Above each table is another ring of men, this group standing and speculating on the action. Before racing off to the next stop, I also ordered chicken croquettas. is that everything on the menu is prepared in-house. Protip: stop in for happy hour to enjoy them at a discounted price. Although Little Havana has become a highly visited tourist attraction it is more importantly the home of many and needs to be treated as such. Miamis very first chocolate factory is in the heart of Little Havana. Start with an original and work through the menu, adding cheese, egg, double patties, or even plantains for extra sweetness. Id already spotted a spot to buy a fresh juice and then there was more exploring to do. is known for its plating and serving, which is even better than the food. Mofongos Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant located at 1644 8th Street that serves Puerto Rican dishes & cocktails in a warm & artful vibe. A 2.5 Hour Walking Tour. They offer a variety of condiments and additions to cater to your tastes. We would tell you to come here if it was the only thing they sold, but they also make other great sandwiches you should try eventuallyespecially the self-titled Sanguich de Miami, which is a delicious mash-up of a BLT, turkey sandwich, and a Cubano. The elote paletaa popsicle made with milk and sweet cornwill make you rethink corn as being a savory-only thing. They not only offer classic chicken tacos, but also tripe or Lengua tacos for those who may be a little more adventurous. Whereas many of the spots in the early half of my tour were well known by tourists, even if they were also beloved by locals, Yisell Bakery is truly for the residents of the neighborhood. You literally cant miss it. They serve solid staplescarne asada, gallo pinto, and queso fritobut the real attraction is the huge variety of dishes you may not see at other fritangas, like achiote-rubbed pork cutlets, white rice, and rich Nicaraguan refried beans, or a bowl of Indio Viejo. Lots of options, get them when you can cause they go fast. Things to Do with Kids. If youre planning on visiting Miami soon and looking to spend a day in Little Havana, this guide is for you! Highly recommend you try.more, We went to this place for the first time yesterday, we've been looking for a place to buy empanadamore, Get $10 OFF* on your first purchase! All rights reserved. What started as a simple fish market and wholesale seafood shop has now become one of Miami's most iconic spots for a fish sandwich. Tiki finally made its way to Calle Ocho, and at Casa Tiki, guests can sip on classic Polynesian cocktails with a Latin twist. The 16 Essential Thai Restaurants in Miami. When craving Cuban food for lunch, it's likely a Cuban sandwich is going to be the go-to. Try the best empanadas in townmore, Hey Yelpers, I hope all is well to whomever is reading this! A post shared by STEPH | miami (@themiafoodie) on Mar 19, 2019 at 4:22am PDT. The toasty melty sandwich is made with pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on pressed Cuban bread. In these lives, there seem to be a few constants. The game isnt for neophytes or interlopers, its for the locals who give their time to it on the daily. Making sure your space is well-lit sometimes feels more like a science than an art. Something went wrong. Copyright 2020 Miami Culinary Tours. The best thing to order at Doce Provisions is the Lechon Asado buns with sour orange-achiote, grilled pineapple confit, paired with Aji Amarillo. Lung Yai might just be the hardest table to get in Little Havana, especially on the weekend when waits can hit around two hours (you can order a beer while you wait on the sidewalk, though, which helps). If youre having trouble finding Azucar among the Calle Ocho sensory overload, just look for the giant ice cream cone sculpture. These include James Beard award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein, chef and restauranteur David Martinez (her husband), and Julio Cabrera who is quite famous for his cocktails. Stop into la ventanita (an outdoor ordering window) for a quick cafecito or croqueta, or sit inside and order a full meal. Ahi Sushi is right on the busiest part of Calle Ocho and only about the size of a very nice walk-in closet. This culinary tour through Little Havana is one of the best food tours in Miami that combines food, art, and culture. Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina 2012 reviews Claimed $$ Cuban, Bars Open 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Hours updated 1 month ago See hours See all 3541 photos Write a review Add photo Save Menu Popular dishes View full menu $16.95 Ropa Vieja 71 Photos 131 Reviews $17.50 Vaca Frita 62 Photos 113 Reviews $12.95 Ceviche 66 Photos 103 Reviews $8.95 However, although these are the parameters of the entire neighborhood of Little Havana, most tourists visiting Little Havana will stay along the famous strip of Calle Ocho and in the Cuban Quarter. Im taking you there later to try their most famous flavor., I flashed a smile. It has a big, wood-accented dining room with Nicaraguan landmarks etched into the mirrored ceiling. Oh, I wish I could get in a game, I said to Jenice. What Versailles is to Miamis Cuban community, El Atlacatl is to Miamis Salvadoran community: an icon. They offer a variety of classic and unique pairings that bring together traditional ice cream with Cuban flavor. @grazianosgroup, A bakery known for milling its own flour is bound to know its way around pastries of all kinds. At Domino park youll see groups of local and smartly dressed older men (mostly) and women playing intense games of dominoes and smoking on Cuban Cigars. Even the McDonalds has been designed to fit the local aesthetic. This eatery started off as a small-scale seafood shop but eventually grew into one of the most iconic seafood joints in Little Havana. Another popular choice, and Cuban classic, is the sweet fried Plantain waffles with Guava, pickled peppers, and sriracha honey. 442428267. Clearly! In this recipe, black beans, beef, and queso fresco all melt together inside a layer of flaky pastry. At that weird junction where Calle Ocho becomes a one-way street is a storefront with the words we make chocolate painted on the stucco above it. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. Dominoes is a very popular game in Cuba, so of course its a major pass time in Little Havana. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Explore the 5 main blocks of Miami's Little Havana and learn about the culture and history of this unique neighborhood with a local guide. bacon, small onion, plantains, Hellmann's or Best Foods Light Mayonnaise and 1 more Cuban Black Bean Stew Miles-MeredithThompson fresh ground black pepper, limes, cloves, pork hocks, sweet pepper and 11 more When the band took a break, Jenice and I wandered down the Little Havana Walk of Fame to Domino Park. A 2.5 Hour Walking Tour. Just dont forget to pair it with a Mamey shake, or youre totally missing out! The menu features delicious French dishes like Foie Gras Festival, Bourgogne escargots, Trout almondine, Vegan Tajine Couscous, Steak au poivre, Beef tartare, and more. Now, onto the guide of how to spend a perfect day in Little Havana, Miami! Be the first to get expert restaurant recommendations for every situation right in your inbox. If you dont feel like dancing the night away at Ball & Chain why not catch a film across the street at the historic Tower Theatre? If youre looking for street-style Mexican food in Little Havana, Taqueria Viva Mexico is the place for you. Does Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina take reservations? The Azucar Ice Cream Company menu features Mamey, passion fruit, rum-spiked, flan, and a variety of other unique flavors you wouldnt automatically associate with ice cream, but nevertheless is wholly delectable! Its a speakeasy that offers an aesthetically pleasing venue, with the ambiance determined by their live music performances. The stunning setting on the rooftop is complemented by comfortable patio furniture and umbrellas for shade. But we prefer to keep it simple with the original: spiced meat, onions, a Cuban bun, and enough potato sticks to create a tiny replica of the Eiffel Tower. Address: 1701 W Flagler St #101, Miami, FL 33135, United States Location: https://g.page/EdukosBeerHouse Timings: Tuesday to Thursday, 4 pm-10 pm Friday & Saturday, 1 pm-10 pm Sunday, 11 am-6 pm The paleteria is located in a sort of Mexican variety store where you can pick up some basic ingredients as well as a limited selection of tacos and tortas. Also be sure to grab a hunk of Nicaraguan-style cheese from the cooler or a baggie of cultured cream to take home for your next Taco Tuesday. Thanks for sharing! If you dont realize that I can eat ice cream twice in one day, then you really dont get me.. is unique in that its the one and only rooftop restaurant and bar in all of Little Havana. Love this list! A post shared by Versailles Restaurant (@versaillesmiami) on Jan 24, 2020 at 8:13am PST, 14 South Florida Tourist Traps That Are Actually Good, By submitting your email, you agree to our, The 19 Restaurants Worth Seeking Out in Little Havana, Sign up for the Los Altos has a full bar with a variety of spirits and cocktails to cater to everyones tastebuds and simply isnt a place you want to skip! Renting with Common gives you access to amazing neighborhoods within major U.S. cities for an attainable price. This was how we found Olds Havana, and their Cubano didnt disappoint. El Cristo serves breakfast (Cuban coffee, anyone? A post shared by Miami Culinary Tours (@miami_culinary_tours) on Aug 5, 2019 at 3:43am PDT. We werent always this excited about Cuban sandwiches, especially after years of eating pretty average versions with cold cheese and pitifully thin ham. Continue with Recommended Cookies. They have eight versions of the Cuban hamburger here, which come with everything from a fried egg to plantains and fried cheese. This restaurant serves El Rey, affectionately called the King of Fritas, which is a Cuban take on the classic burger. Empanadas & Cuban coffee at Le Pub Cuban empanada Cuban coffee Our first stop was Le Pub, one of the most famous Cuban restaurants in Little Havana. So if youre moving to the area soon, this list is some of the best of the best to enjoy on any occasion. Still, I was game for more food and Jenice was eager to find a good Cubano. Locals know every visit deserves an order of guarapo (sugar cane juice) made to order. This is the place to go to in Little Havana if you are a fan of Mezcal or Agave. You can eat it under a giant painting of Celia Cruz while sitting on a bench made out of guayaberas, just in case you didnt already know you were in Little Havana. They have also recently launched a brunch menu that includes Mexican pizza as a delicious addition! Fried plantains? Feel free to reach out anytime and lets keep in touch onInstagram&TikTok! Your visit to Little Havana isnt complete or properly fulfilling if you dont visit. This Calle Ocho shop nails every aspect of the Cuban sandwichfrom the crunchy bread down to the homemade pickles and perfect amount of mustard. They not only offer classic chicken tacos, but also tripe or Lengua tacos for those who may be a little more adventurous. They have solid tacos, but there are also more exciting things on the menulike the gorditas, which are basically shrunken arepas you should order with pork. Indulge in a Fantastic Tamal From El Pub Restaurant in Miami. I dont take the advice of the first local I meet, either, I keep going until some place comes up a few times. Its also a popular option for catering. Since I hadnt eaten prior, I was still in the need of breakfast and a coffee. Among all the Cuban coffee options the cortadito, the colada, and the cafcito the caf con leche is the least bitter and has the most milk added. For your troubles, youll get some of the best Thai food in the city, including a fantastic khao soi with crispy noodles, beautifully fried chicken wings, and more curries and noodle dishes that are tasty enough to justify everything you went through for your seat. How can you not want to stop here for a photo! An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Next door to Azucar is Ball & Chain which is one of Calle Ochos most lively and energetic bars and lounges. The ice cream was almost-custardy and ultra-silky. Start with the anchovies in vinegar and piquillos peppers filled with codfish. is a go-to spot for Miami culinary tours and locals alike. The menu features unique Japanese dishes like Salmon Avocado, Hamachi Ponzu, Salmon Avocado Roll, Spicy tuna, Hamachi, Ahi roll, and more. Each day of the week has a specials menu, so you can always try something different. Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook if you arent already! Learning how to make cigars is so cool, and your photos (and outfits) are beautiful ? Feel free to subscribe to my weekly newsletter to get my blog posts, updates, and special offers delivered right to your inbox , Where to Stay in Chicago: The Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park, Best Lake Country Wineries The top 6 Favourite Vineyards from a Local. The Cuban Quarter (which is the main area of Calle Ocho) with the most things to see and do runs between 13th and 17th. The rice was cooked in chicken broth and filled with grilled peppers and onions. A restaurant that feels like a party isnt usually the kind of place we want to eat at, but Cafe la Trova is the best spot in Miami to have a big, loud, and fun dinner that actually tastes good. La Carreta, which literally translates into oxcart in English, is inspired by the carts used to move sugar cane from the farms and plantations in Cuba, in the old days. The Best 10 Empanadas near Little Havana, Miami, FL Sort:Recommended Offers Delivery Offers Takeout 1. Keep it simple with an order of chicken tacos, or get brave with lengua or tripe. Using your. After brunching or lunching at Versailles its time to head back East to the heart of Calle Ocho aka. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Little Havana Miami Culinary Tours depart daily at 11 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM. Palace Cafe & Dairy is reminiscent of the old-school Dairy Queens with concrete tables outside, except that Palace Cafe serves Cuban and Dominican food, too. Enjoy tastings from the best family-owned establishments on Calle Ocho, serving traditional Cuban food and coffee. Pinolandia is one of Miamis most iconic fritangasa style of Nicaraguan fast-casual restaurant cherished by the whole city for its affordable food and huge bricks of fried cheese. We say that with all sincerity. Love this! For classic Nicaraguan eats, stop by Pinolandia Fritanga. There you can learn how to make a hand rolled Cuban Cigar yourself! Due to the serving sizes, Sanpocho is a restaurant best experienced with a group, unless youre superhuman and can tuck away more food than the average Joe. Directly below that, youll find this little scoop shop, where they serve some very Miami flavors. 10 Best Things to Do on Florida's Space . Or get your fill of the picadillo empanada while on Miami Culinary Tours Little Havana tour its the first stop on the tour. They accept walk-ins as well. Whether you prefer starting your day early or late, I definitely recommend starting the day at Versailles. This is the place to go to in Little Havana if you are a fan of Mezcal or Agave. As an inexperienced Cuban coffee drinker, this was definitely the right go for me. However, the food also tastes excellent and does leave you wanting for more, so theyre doing more than just one thing right! As the only rooftop in Little Havana, this lush tropical garden is a must-visit for tapas, cocktails, and views of Brickells skyline.