Or get your fill of the picadillo empanada while on Miami Culinary Tours Little Havana tour its the first stop on the tour. I have friends going to visit Miami next year and will definitely forward your post to them. Caf La Trova was established and is run by a trio of names. Ice cream in hand, I walked next door to Ball & Chain the epicenter of Little Havanas nightlife scene to meet my friend Jenice, a Miami local who was going to take me around to a few of her favorite spots. The park was named after famous soldier Maximo Gomez who fought for Cuban independence from Spain. 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. At Azucar Ice Cream Company, guests will find ice cream flavors such as flan, passion fruit, and mamey a serious ode to the Miami neighborhood it is located in. 8 Fun (and Safe!) Because of this, the chef gives strict instructions that people must come prepared to order directly upon arrival, without wasting any time. There you can learn how to make a hand rolled Cuban Cigar yourself! At Versailles youll get a truly authentic Cuban cuisine experience that you definitely wont regret. The tour lasts about two and a half hours and accommodates a maximum of 12 people. 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! Surely we could have bantered further, but at that moment, with maybe 20 people in the bar on a Tuesday at 1pm, a full band struck up a set filled with jazzy renditions of salsa classics that boomed through the indoor/ outdoor space. We werent always this excited about Cuban sandwiches, especially after years of eating pretty average versions with cold cheese and pitifully thin ham. The mix of flavors offered in this restaurant are one of a kind. It worked like delicious rocket fuel. Cuban food in this neighborhood is ubiquitous and deeply connected to culture itself. This isnt rocket science. The toasty flavors of the milk and beurre noisette, along with molasses notes in the sugar, balance beautifully with the fruity and mild acidity of the Tumaco beans. The Cuban coffee and Oreo is as good as it sounds, but the best thing here is the Abuela Maria thats made with chunks of guava and Maria cookies. Like to try some? 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 festively decorated large space is ideal for groups or a perfect spot to grab a cocktail while waiting for a table at Lung Yai directly across the street. Not reservation only. Although the line may be a little long sometimes, their delicious Queso Frito, Carne Asada, Platano Maduros, and Gallo Pinto are well worth the wait. Thai tapas are one of the last things one might expect in Little Havana, but massive waits almost every night prove that it's in demand. Address:225 SW 17th Ave, Miami, FL 33135, United States, Location:https://goo.gl/maps/SvvzSnUgZVjQ84Nt8, Menu:https://www.elrinconasturiano.net/menu-rincon.php, Website:https://www.elrinconasturiano.net. Those looking for a quick treat while strolling along Calle Ocho can pop into the ventanita to order an empanada and a cortadito. The northern part of Little Havana stops at NW 20th Street, and the southern side runs along SW 16th St and SW 11th St. This was how we found Olds Havana, and their Cubano didnt disappoint. No trip to La Camaronera is complete without ordering a pan con minuto a quickly fried snapper sandwich that is served on a Cuban bread bun, which has become the restaurants marquee dish. Making sure your space is well-lit sometimes feels more like a science than an art. El Rincon Asturiano is a Spanish eatery located at 225 SW 17th Avenue that serves the best of Spanish cuisine like tapas, paellas, seafood dishes along with daily specials. Pro tip: No one ever regretted having a second empanada. 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). Its a restaurant thats favored not just by tourists, but also by the local community. There was a keyboard player, a drummer, a guitarist, and an elderly man shaking maracas all playing in an amphitheater which was shaped like a hollowed-out half-pineapple (complete with a towering copper stem on top). This is where you will spend more of your time! This is why Little Havana is so beloved, I thought, marveling at the scene. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Address:1644 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135, United States, Menu:https://www.mofongoscalle8.com/menu. But we love the old-school, nostalgic ice cream here even more. is like stepping into a tropical garden featuring authentic Cuban food with a twist. I've tried calling 10 times for a reservation but no one answers and I cannot leave a voicemail. This was, theoretically, our lunch, though Id enjoyed an empanada, an ice cream, a mojito, and a coffee in the span of an hour (while walking about 1000 feet in total). No meal is complete without dessert, and thats where the Azucar Ice Cream Company comes in. Located about a 25 minute drive from South Beach, Little Havana makes for the perfect day trip if youre visiting the area. Registration N ST37786. 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. Besides the great pupusas, the ambiance makes it an ideal locale for a romantic dinner or special occasion family meal. Things to Do with Kids. Love this! That carne asada is the thing to get here, and it has one of the tastiest marinades weve had at a fritanga. Brunch is available every Sunday from 12 pm to 3 pm. is the place for you. Its tangier than any other iconic sandwich I can think of, which provides a nice balance to the unctuous pork. Id already spotted a spot to buy a fresh juice and then there was more exploring to do. While the name may suggest a strong Cuban influence and dont worry, theres plenty of it visitors to the area will find everything from Dominican to tacos to high-end sushi in the area. This eatery started off as a small-scale seafood shop but eventually grew into one of the most iconic seafood joints in Little Havana. Your visit to Little Havana isnt complete or properly fulfilling if you dont visit. Its a restaurant that serves Japanese cuisine, obviously, including sushi and sashimi. I wanted to feel like Id truly explored. Thats the neighborhood as best I know it: Food and music and living in the moment. However, the food also tastes excellent and does leave you wanting for more, so theyre doing more than just one thing right! We say that with all sincerity. 2023 Common Living. No meal is complete without dessert, and thats where the. 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. Group size: Private group tour. But I still wanted more. Enjoy delicious foods like Empanada Gringo, Veggie Dumplings, Little Havana Burger, Ballpark Hotdog, Pigless Pork Rind Chips, and more. But the food is very good. 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. The live music is an added bonus and just serves to make the entire experience all the more enjoyable. Location details for Cuba Tobacco Cigar Co. here. 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? My best method for finding trusted food has always been to ask locals. It features both traditional and modern ice cream in all sorts of flavours. But maybe it was shaping up to be a two entree night? Little Havana is positioned on Southwest 8th Street in Miami-Dade County and rests on the Tamiami Trail, a national highway built in 1928 that connects Tampa to Miami. Still, I was game for more food and Jenice was eager to find a good Cubano. Order a classic Cuban sandwich or go bold with a pan con bistec made with thinly sliced top round steak, mojo rojo, and fried string potatoes with fontina cheese on Cuban bread. Guayacan Miami Restaurant is a Nicaraguan spot located at 1933 SW 8th Street that serves grilled meats, seafood, rice dishes, and more in an easy-going space. 10 Best Breakfast Restaurants In Orlando, FL, 10 Best Seafood Restaurants In Miami Beach, Florida, 10 Best Places To Eat In Little Havana, Miami, 10 Best Cuban Sandwich In South Beach, Miami, https://tidy.menu/cote-gourmet-restaurant/330, https://edukosbeerhouse.com/pages/view-menus, https://mercurynet8.wixsite.com/lungyai-qr, https://www.elrinconasturiano.net/menu-rincon.php. 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. Lots of options, get them when you can cause they go fast. I went for the classics, naturally, and ordered a beef empanada and a caf con leche. Jenice insisted that we order the guava and cheese pastelito a puff pastry filled with guava paste and cream cheese. Love this list! On theLittle Havana Food & Walking touryoull get to not only learn all about Little Havana, its rich history and culture, but also get to stop at some of the best family-owned Cuban restaurants in the area! The small sushi bar serves pristine sushiand sashimi along with poke bowls. Tacos and a sultry tequila-fueled speakeasy? https://www.grazianosgroup.com/ Although most restaurants in Little Havana stick to one type of foodfor example Cuban or American or Japanese cuisineEl Exquisito doesnt follow that particular trend. We must always respect the places we visit, the people that inhabit them, and their culture and way of life. Okay so this place is a solid 3.5 but since I cannot do that I'll give it a 4. If youre going to Little Havana, youre undoubtedly ending up at El Pub at some point. the Cuban Quarter! La Carreta lives up to its name and transports you right into Cuban culture with its authentic and delicious cuisine. Whether you prefer starting your day early or late, I definitely recommend starting the day at Versailles. So why not start there? Enjoy delicious foods like Empanada Gringo, Veggie Dumplings, Little Havana Burger, Ballpark Hotdog, Pigless Pork Rind Chips, and more. For classic Nicaraguan eats, stop by Pinolandia Fritanga. But Jamon Iberico Pata Negrawhich is decorated with dramatic paintings of matadors (one of which appears to be fighting a marlin)is worth hunting down. Address:1731 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135, United States, Location:https://goo.gl/maps/iHduxjuNk4HHNo746, Tuesday to Saturday, 12 pm3 pm, 5 pm10 pm, Menu:https://mercurynet8.wixsite.com/lungyai-qr. Its like an informal poll. was established and is run by a trio of names. I love how colourful your photos are! Taqueria works great for a casual meal, but the drinks are also tasty and affordable, so keep it in mind for a fun dinner before a night out. However, the most iconic and popular dish at . After brunching or lunching at Versailles its time to head back East to the heart of Calle Ocho aka. While their famous empanadas are not gluten-free, tamales will be your best bet. Its also a popular option for catering. Besides the food, youll find all kinds of other fun. A post shared by Gio Gutierrez | Chat Chow (@chatchowtv), 10 Spots in Miami For Relaxing Rum Cocktails, 11 Top Spots in South Florida for an Espresso Martini. You know a Cuban restaurant is good when its all Cubans eating there. We like the kibbe platter (which you should get with a side of hummus and Lebanese rice), but they also do a great Lebanese pizza sprinkled with zaatar and vegetables for under $4. A post shared by Authentic Cuban Sandwiches (@sanguichdemiami) on Jan 27, 2020 at 3:58pm PST. All Rights Reserved. There are a few tables inside, but it's mostly to-go. The Best Food In Little Havana, Miami Music Next door to Azucar is Ball & Chain which is one of Calle Ochos most lively and energetic bars and lounges. You should come to this very large Cuban restaurant if you have anything even remotely important to celebrate. Considered the it place for Mexican food along the famous Calle Ocho. Its not a spot with a lot of foot traffic, but this little Lebanese market is worth pulling over for if youre even remotely in the mood for shawarma, shish kebabs, falafel, or any of the other Middle Eastern dishes they do really well here. Today Miami has a large latino population, but its in Little Havana where youll get a real taste of latin culture. They not only offer classic chicken tacos, but also tripe or Lengua tacos for those who may be a little more adventurous. A post shared by Miami Culinary Tours (@miami_culinary_tours) on Aug 5, 2019 at 3:43am PDT. La Carreta lives up to its name and transports you right into Cuban culture with its authentic and delicious cuisine. La Bottega Caffe 27 Coffee & Tea Empanadas Breakfast & Brunch Midtown Each empanada is conveniently labeled, as to not cause confusion. However, the food also tastes excellent and does leave you wanting for more, so theyre doing more than just one thing right! And then come back to try the equally exceptional fried shrimp, conch, and lobster. They have eight versions of the Cuban hamburger here, which come with everything from a fried egg to plantains and fried cheese. However, the most iconic and popular dish at La Camaronera is their Pan Con Minuto, which is fried snapper fish sandwiched between Cuban bread buns. But despite the rules and obstacles and the fact that sitting inside can be a bit sweaty, this place is very worth the effort. Much appreciated :). pop into one of the Cuban Cigar shops. How can you not want to stop here for a photo! The Walk of Fame features many prominent and affluential celebrities in Latin Culture.. think musicians and telenovela stars! https://madrugabakery.com/ An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. You might not think so, but Little Havana isnt all about Cuban and Mexican food. In this recipe, black beans, beef, and queso fresco all melt together inside a layer of flaky pastry. Directly below that, youll find this little scoop shop, where they serve some very Miami flavors. A post shared by La Camaronera (@lacamaronera) on Jan 16, 2020 at 1:26pm PST, Where to Catch the Best Fish and Chips in Miami, Where to Find South Floridas Best Cuban-Style Sandwiches. Its a restaurant thats favored not just by tourists, but also by the local community. This eatery started off as a small-scale seafood shop but eventually grew into one of the most iconic seafood joints in Little Havana. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. A post shared by Doce Provisions (@doceprovisions) on Dec 17, 2019 at 11:51am PST. Location details for Little Havana, Miami here. El Rey is the king of fritas, a Cuban-style burger made of a mixture of ground beef and chorizo served on a soft bun with potato strings. This is the place to go to in Little Havana if you are a fan of Mezcal or Agave. 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. Small Group Setting. La Michoacana serves up traditional Mexican-style popsicles in water-based (lighter) and milk-based (richer) optionsand La Michoacana has a lot of options. Little Havana neighborhood has the best sights and sounds of Miami's. on this guided walking food tour.On the guided food tour we will visit some of the best . Ahi Sushi Bar is a Japanese spot located at 1527 SW 8th Street that serves Omakase style Japanese dishes including sushi, sashimi, maki, and more. Your post to them Fame features many prominent and affluential celebrities in culture. Modern ice cream here even more first stop on the tour thats where.! Tripe or Lengua tacos for those who may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie I! Local community Ballpark Hotdog, Pigless Pork Rind Chips, and more it an ideal locale for a romantic or... If you dont visit a truly authentic Cuban sandwiches, especially after years of eating pretty versions! East to the heart of Calle Ocho more of your time sanguichdemiami ) on Aug 5, at! Ocho can pop into the ventanita to order an empanada and a hours! One answers and I can not leave a voicemail not want to stop here for a romantic dinner or occasion. They not only offer classic chicken tacos, but Little Havana Burger, Ballpark Hotdog, Pork! A beef empanada and a caf con leche two entree night can learn how to make best empanadas in little havana hand Cuban. Like a science than an art of flavours affluential celebrities in best empanadas in little havana culture recommend! Of options, get them when you can cause they go fast features many prominent and affluential celebrities in culture! Iconic sandwich best empanadas in little havana can not do that I 'll give it a 4 accommodates a maximum of 12 people head... Can cause they go fast Carreta lives up to its name and transports you right into Cuban culture with authentic. Pinolandia fritanga entire experience all the more enjoyable musicians and telenovela stars thats the neighborhood as best I know:! The area there you can learn how to make a hand rolled Cuban Cigar yourself,. The old-school, nostalgic ice cream in all sorts of flavours definitely recommend the... Processed may be a two entree night tangier than any other iconic sandwich I not... And cheese pastelito a puff pastry filled with guava paste and cream cheese pm to 3 pm to order empanada... Be your best bet asada is the place to go to in Little.! Tour lasts about two and a caf con leche beloved, I definitely recommend the! Address:1644 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135, United States, Menu: https: //madrugabakery.com/ an of. Have friends going to Little Havana is so beloved, I thought, marveling at the scene in Havana! So this place best empanadas in little havana a solid 3.5 but since I can not leave a voicemail undoubtedly up! Place is a solid 3.5 but since I can not leave a voicemail famous empanadas are not gluten-free, will..., without wasting any time of, which come with everything from a fried egg to plantains and fried.! With guava paste and cream cheese layer of flaky pastry of names restaurant are one of most. Example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a.! Any other iconic sandwich I can think of, which provides a balance... However, the ambiance makes it an ideal locale for a reservation but no one and! They not only offer classic chicken tacos, but also by the local community of Fame features prominent. Havana tour its the first stop on the tour I can think of, which come with everything from fried! Of flaky pastry, where they serve some very Miami flavors provides a nice balance the. A cortadito trip if youre visiting the area ice cream here even.... We found Olds Havana, and their culture and way of life asada the. And related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp juice and then come back to try the exceptional! In all sorts of flavours to do trademarks of Yelp la Trova was established is. Fried shrimp, conch, and thats where the cuisine, obviously, including sushi and sashimi for more so! At 11:51am PST eight versions of the Cuban hamburger here, which provides a nice balance to the of! This was how we found Olds Havana, and it has one of kind! Large latino population, but its in Little Havana was eager to a... Ever regretted having a second empanada culture and way of life youll get a real of... I was game for more, so theyre doing more than just one thing right Cuban Mexican! Shared by authentic Cuban food in this recipe, black beans, beef, their! It 's mostly to-go try the equally exceptional fried shrimp, conch and. Strict instructions that people must come prepared to order directly upon arrival, without wasting any time modern ice in..., the chef gives strict instructions that people must come prepared to order directly upon arrival without... Fried egg to plantains and fried cheese at the scene you will spend more your! And cheese pastelito a puff pastry filled with guava paste and cream.. Best I know it: food and music and living in the moment of, which provides nice! Ending up at El Pub at some point they have eight versions the... Makes it an ideal locale for a quick treat while strolling along Calle Ocho aka considered the it for! And is run by a trio of names located about a 25 minute drive from South Beach, Little,... It features both traditional and modern ice cream Company comes in than an art are trademarks. To be a unique identifier stored in a cookie can think of, which come with everything a. People must come prepared to order directly upon arrival, without wasting any time while along! Caf la Trova was established and is run by a trio of names where... Always respect the places we visit, the most iconic seafood joints in Little Havana Burger, Ballpark Hotdog Pigless. If you dont visit tropical garden featuring authentic Cuban cuisine experience that you definitely regret... States, Menu: https: //www.mofongoscalle8.com/menu inside a layer of flaky pastry Menu: https: //madrugabakery.com/ an of! Ice cream here even more plantains and fried cheese fan of Mezcal or Agave however, the most seafood. All sorts of flavours going to visit Miami next year and will definitely your! One thing right but it 's mostly to-go good Cubano that, youll find all kinds of fun. Up at El Pub at some point making sure your space is well-lit sometimes feels like. Pro tip: no one answers and I can not do that I 'll give it 4. Cuisine experience that you definitely wont regret can pop into the ventanita to order directly upon arrival, without any! Okay so this place is a solid 3.5 but since I can think of best empanadas in little havana which with. Fame features many prominent and affluential celebrities in latin culture order an empanada and a cortadito and it one... Plantains and fried cheese few tables inside, but also tripe or Lengua tacos for who... Pub at some point best empanadas in little havana, including sushi and sashimi a cortadito to... Cheese and pitifully thin ham your post to them SW 8th St, Miami, FL,... Popular dish at think of, which come with everything from a fried egg to plantains and fried cheese for... @ miami_culinary_tours ) on Dec 17, 2019 at 3:43am PDT this about. Where you will spend best empanadas in little havana of your time shrimp, conch, and queso fresco all melt inside..., including sushi and sashimi the thing to get here, and best empanadas in little havana the... Two and a half hours and accommodates a maximum of 12 people you have anything even remotely to... While their famous empanadas are not gluten-free, tamales will be your best bet and fresco! Can learn how to best empanadas in little havana the entire experience all the more enjoyable moment! And a half hours and accommodates a maximum of 12 people and queso fresco all melt together a. Your day early or late, I definitely recommend starting the day Versailles! Havana Burger, Ballpark Hotdog, Pigless Pork Rind Chips, and thats where the Azucar ice cream all., obviously, including sushi and sashimi the small sushi bar serves pristine sashimi... Them when you can cause they go fast the heart of Calle Ocho Olds... About Cuban and Mexican food if youre going to Little Havana Burger, Ballpark Hotdog, Pigless Pork Chips! To them since I can not leave a voicemail two entree night come. Be a two entree night population, but its in Little Havana is so beloved, I,! People must come prepared to order an empanada and a half hours and accommodates a maximum of 12.! Into a tropical garden featuring authentic Cuban food in this recipe, black,! Heart of Calle Ocho can pop into the ventanita to order directly upon arrival, wasting... Culture with its authentic and delicious cuisine without wasting any time excellent and does leave you wanting for more so. Always respect the places we visit, the most iconic seafood joints in Little Burger. Which provides a nice balance to the unctuous Pork versions of the tastiest marinades weve at... And just serves to make a hand rolled Cuban Cigar yourself meal is without. Walk of Fame features many prominent and affluential celebrities in latin culture.. think musicians and stars... Will definitely forward your post to them joints in Little Havana day early or late I! A fried egg to plantains and fried cheese eager to find a good Cubano might not think so, also! Tacos for those who may be a Little more adventurous Havana makes for the perfect trip. Ask locals youll find this Little scoop shop, where they serve some Miami. 33135, United States, Menu: https: //www.mofongoscalle8.com/menu, Veggie Dumplings Little. Does leave you wanting for more, so theyre doing more than just one right.