Cuban cuisine brings together Spanish, African, and Caribbean flavors in ways that make your taste buds do a happy dance. The slow-roasted pork, perfectly pressed sandwiches, and that unmistakable garlic-citrus marinade called mojo have turned Cuban food into an American favorite.
Whether you’re craving a classic Cubano or want to dive into a plate of ropa vieja, these restaurants serve up the real deal. Here is a list of 20 spots where you can find authentic Cuban food that’ll transport you straight to Havana.
Versailles Restaurant (Miami)
The year 1971 was a turning point for Miami’s Little Havana, as Versailles became its very heart and the locals their second home. You instantly feel like you are in Cuba with the Spanish chatter all around and the tavern’s mirror-covered walls.
The lechon asado there has an outer layer so crisp that it breaks into tiny pieces, while the inner part of the meat remains so soft that it can be easily forked.
La Carreta (Miami)
This 24-hour chain started as a single fruit stand in 1976 and grew into a Miami institution. La Carreta nails the basics like nobody else, especially their vaca frita with crispy beef that’s been marinated, boiled, then fried until the edges get crunchy…