While it might be one of the most concentrated hubs for this cultural cuisine, the best Cuban restaurants in America extend well beyond the borders of Miami. From New York all the way to the West Coast, we wanted to hear from our readers as to where the 25 best Cuban restaurants in America are.
The enchanting blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean cuisines melts together to form the base of what is Cuban cuisine. And, there’s nothing like biting into a tasty Cuban tamale, indulging in a Medianoche, or preparing to devour a mouthwatering grilled pork feast with your family.
If you’re not drooling yet then you’re about to be. Check out the 25 places in America where our readers think whip up some of the best Cuban food in the country, ranked according to authenticity, taste, and ambience. Your tastebuds are about to go on a journey all the way to Havana and back.
Looking for other tasty Latin food suggestions? Check out our list of the 25 Best Puerto Rican Restaurants in America.
Best Cuban Restaurants In America
How do these rankings work?
25th. Rincon Criollo – Houston, Texas
Texas, in general, is a state full of Tex-Mex and some of the best authentic Mexican food in the country. However, there’s one small spot in Houston where you’ll find impeccable Cuban dishes: Rincon Criollo. Offering an expansive menu that extends to include salads and dishes suitable for kids, flavours here taste just as if they’ve been sourced straight from the streets of Havana.
Check out The 7 Best Breakfast Spots In Houston
24th. Florida Cafe – Las Vegas, Nevada
Okay, so we know this is going to create some waves, but numerous people thought Florida Cafe in Vegas served more authentic food than some restaurants in Miami and New York. Perfectly cooked tostones and flavourful chicken rice were some fan favourites, with nearly everybody noting just how authentic it all tastes. This makes sense, as chef Sergio Perez has worked tirelessly to bring a taste of Cuba to Vegas ever since he moved to the States over 20 years ago.
Check out Las Vegas Foodie Bucket List: 21 Dishes To Try Before You Die
23rd. Que Rico! Cuban Cafe – New Orleans, Louisiana
Cuban food might not be what you immediately think of when you think of the New Orleans foodie scene. However, Que Rico! Cuban Cafe is bringing Cuban culture to Louisiana in a flurry of flavour and style. Cuban tamales are pretty hot here, and we can’t argue with the fact that they’re some of the best in America. But, really, everything on the menu here is tantalising and delicious.
Check out 7 Of The Best Dive Bars In New Orleans
22nd. Cuban Island Cafe – Bonaire, Georgia
Where do Cubans go in Georgia when they’re craving a taste of home? Cuban Island Cafe in Bonaire. This quaint little cafe has perfected the art of combining traditional flavours to create modern, delectable dishes that everybody loves. While their menu is pretty extensive, it’s a great idea to start with their Cuban Tour dish. You’ll be able to sample a variety of traditional meat dishes, such as Lechon Asado, Ropa Vieja and Picadillo.
Check out The 25 Best Burgers In Georgia, USA
21st. Havana Harry’s – Miami, Florida
Havana Harry’s is where you go if you’re looking to enjoy a full night out paired with some tantalising Cuban food and music. Cosy little nooks are tucked away in corners of the restaurant, and the rustic decor makes it feel trendy and inviting. While the restaurant might seem a little modern and mainstream, the food features the same authentic, traditional tastes you’d expect of any great Cuban restaurant in America.
Check out The 7 Best Places For A Cheat Meal In Miami
20th. El Cochinito – Los Angeles, California
Looking for the absolute best Cuban sandwich in America? It’s at El Conchinto. Really, they just won a competition for the best Cuban sandwich in the country. So, it’s worth heading here just to get a taste of excellence. However, don’t forego sampling other menu items as well. Their Lechon Asado is particularly savoury, but really anything you get here is going to taste like abuela’s cooking.
Check out The 7 Most Instagrammable Cafes In Los Angeles
19th. Cafe Habana City – Lafayette, Louisiana
What was once the first mojito bar in Louisiana is now one of the best Cuban restaurants in America. Cafe Habana City was opened by a first-generation immigrant Cuban family who has worked hard to preserve the flavours and rich heritage that makes Cuban cuisine so delicious. If authentic is what you’re after, then it’s hard to beat this place. Three generations of passionate Cubans craft dishes daily.
Check out The Most Instagrammable Spots In Louisiana
18th. El Artesano Restaurant – Union City, New Jersey
New Jersey is full of quality Cuban eateries, but El Artesano Restaurant is quite arguably one of the best. It’s been owned and operated by the Alfonso family since 1974. And, while they serve everybody’s favourite dishes, they’re best known for their Cuban sandwiches. Order one and a few empanadas on the side, just be sure to save room for some churros.
Check out The 25 Best Burgers In New Jersey
17th. Havana Cafe – Dallas, Texas
A Cuban musician-turned-chef is behind the irresistible food at Havana Cafe in Dallas. Head here early to enjoy the freshly-made sofrito as you sample Cuban tastes, starting with the classic Ropa Vieja and working your way through to rice and pork. Our pro tip is to visit on a Friday when you can relax with some tasty, hand-crafted mojitos and the sounds of live music in the background.
Check out The 7 Best Breakfast Spots In Dallas
16th. El Mago de Las Fritas – Miami, Florida
If you’ve never tried a Cuban burger before then you’re in for a truly tasty treat at El Mago de Las Fritas. Cuban burgers, which are made up of ground beef or chorizo and then topped with potato sticks, are the specialty here. They’ve perfected this age-old recipe and know how to season the beef and pork to create such a delightful explosion of traditional flavours. You’ll be addicted after just the first bite.
Check out The 7 Best Vegan Restaurants In Miami
15th. Plantain District – Kansas City, Missouri
Get to rollin’ and make your way to Plantain District, one of the best Cuban restaurants in America that just so happens to be on wheels. This famous Missouri food truck is known for taking their Cuban roots and infusing the cuisine with international flavours. They use only fresh, natural ingredients to craft some of the tastiest Cuban dishes you’ll try anywhere in the country. Definitely start with the Cuban sandwich.
Check out 7 Of The Best Bars In Kansas City
14th. Cafe La Trova – Miami, Florida
Cuban croquetas are one of life’s most decadent treasures and Cafe La Trova in Miami serves them nearly just as good as what you’d find on the actual island. This restaurant is one of Miami’s hottest spots where friends and family gather to sip cocktails and enjoy live music. It’s this combination of vibrant culture and exciting entertainment that makes the spot so hot. But, it’s the Cuban food, and the croquetas more specifically, that keep guests heading back for more.
Check out The 7 Best Places For A Cheat Meal In Miami
13th. The Latin Pig – Dallas, Texas
In terms of trendy, The Latin Pig is certainly one of the trendiest Cuban restaurants in America. Glass chandeliers hang over the cosy booths in a place that’s reminiscent of an upscale Havana diner. The food is just as authentic as the decor, with Picadillo, Lechon Asado, and numerous other dishes filled with flavours you’d only expect to find in your grandmother’s kitchen. If you’re not sure where to start, order the entrée sampler. It’s a great introduction to the wonderful flavours of Cuban cuisine.
Check out The 7 Best Ice Cream Parlours In Dallas
12th. Doña Habana – Boston, Massachusetts
While this trendy Boston restaurant works to pay homage to the essence and spirit of Cuban women, their menu works to inspire hundreds of hungry eaters looking to get a taste of true Cuba. A few dishes stuck out amongst numerous readers, with the Arroz Imperial Con Maduros and Cuban pork tamale being top favourites. The owners also manage the Puerto Rican hotspot Vejigantes, so stop by for other flavourful fares there as well.
Check out The 7 Best Brunch Spots In Boston
11th. La Teresita Restaurant – Tampa, Florida
This family-run eatery specialises in serving a full menu of Cuban delights, ranging from tasty yuca appetisers and black bean soup on through to the famous Lechon Asado and delectable Ropa Vieja. While the latter is a favourite amongst the locals, we suggest heading here hungry to sample more than one thing on the menu. Take your tastebuds on a tour through Cuba and order one of everything. You won’t regret it.
Check out The 7 Best Burgers In Tampa
10th. Rincon Criollo – New York City, New York
Rincon Criollo in Queens is perhaps one of the most authentic Cuban restaurants in America. This charming little diner was once featured on Guy Fieri’s famous Food Network show the food is just that good. Despite all of the fame and attention, the service and ambience remain laidback and unpretentious. Expect to be treated like family here, and expect to enjoy a family-style meal that’s brimming with local flavours. It’s home to some of the best Cuban food in all of New York City.
Check out The 7 Most Instagrammable Cafes In New York
9th. La Carreta – Miami, Florida
While it’s perhaps due to the sheer convenience of numerous locations across Miami, La Carreta beat out hundreds of other Cuban restaurants in America to take the No. 9 spot. If you’re from Miami, you likely know it as a city staple in terms of Cuban food, both for full meals and tasty treats. Head to the coffee window to order a Cuban cafecito and some sweet pastelitos in the morning. Then, visit again for lunch to enjoy a lunch full of plantains, rice, beans and more.
Check out The 7 Best Breakfast Spots In Miami
8th. El Floridita – Los Angeles, California
Tucked away in a small strip mall in Hollywood you’ll find one of the best Cuban restaurants in America. We’re talking about El Floridita, a local institution that’s been serving hot, tasty plates of Arroz con Pollo and Masitas de Puerco to hungry guests for over 30 years. The restaurant itself feels quaint and cosy, and the food that comes out smells just so authentic and mouthwatering that you’ll immediately feel as if you’ve been transported to a family home in Cuba.
Check out 7 Spots For The Best Sushi In Los Angeles
7th. Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar – Waltham, Massachusetts
Authentic Cuban food doesn’t have to come from a local family diner. Case in point, Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar in Boston. This trendy, upscale restaurant serves traditional dishes with a modern twist. Expect to enjoy all of your Cuban favourites but with a fine-dining flair. To top off the experience, they serve world-class cocktails that pair perfectly with everything from their golden empanadas to the Bistec Encebollado.
Check out The Most Instagrammable Spots In Massachusetts
6th. International Bakery Cuban Dulceria – Carrollton, Texas
Looking for the best Cuban sweets in Texas? Head to the International Bakery Cuban Dulceria. It’s owned and operated by two sisters, Rita and Sara Vasquez, who specialise in crafting creative, tasty pastries for hungry guests. From cream-filled, caramel pastries to meringues and dulce de leche, this place is a dessert lover’s dream. However, it’s their famous Medianoche that’s got everyone buzzing. Order more than one, as you’re going to want to take some home to enjoy later.
Check out The 25 Best Ice Cream Parlours In Texas
5th. Papi’s Cuban Grill – Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia is actually home to one of the largest populations of Cubans in America, after states such as Florida and New York. So, it comes as no surprise that Papi’s Cuban Grill in Atlanta is home to some of the best Cuban food in the country. This restaurant originated with just a family recipe, and they’ve kept it going ever since. From the delightful blend of spices in their Vaca Frita to the delectable sweetness of the golden-brown maduros, there’s nothing here that’s not deliciously full of flavour.
Check out The 7 Best Places For Brunch In Atlanta
4th. Versailles Cuban Food – Los Angeles, California
While not at all related to the Versailles Restaurant that takes the No. 1 spot, Versailles Cuban Food in Los Angeles is without a doubt one of the best Cuban restaurants in America. Serving up food that’s just about as authentic as it gets, Versailles specialises in their Famous Pollo Versailles. It showcases juicy roasted chicken marinated in the restaurant’s original garlic Mojo sauce. Are you drooling? We are.
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3rd. Victor’s Cafe – New York City, New York
So, hear us out here. There are so many great Cuban restaurants in New York, but this survey revealed that when it comes to the most consistent authentic dishes, Victor’s Cafe reigns supreme. Particularly, locals love how deliciously authentic their black bean soup and maduritos taste when compared to their abuela’s recipes. Stop by to try for yourself and let us know which tastes better: Victor’s or your own family’s recipe.
Check out The 7 Best Vegan Restaurants In New York
2nd. 90 Miles Cuban Cafe – Chicago, Illinois
Numerous locals tipped us off to the fact that 90 Miles Cuban Cafe, despite being located in Chicago, serves up quality dishes that taste like they’re straight from the coast of Miami or even Cuba itself. Authenticity runs through the veins of the kitchen at this Logan Square hotspot, easily making it one of the best Cuban restaurants in America. They even offer Cuban brunch and an all-you-can-eat pig roast. Yes, please!
Check out The 7 Best Brunch Spots In Chicago
1st. Versailles Restaurant – Miami, Florida
While every family will have their opinion about the best Cuban restaurant in America, it’s widely regarded that Versailles Restaurant is at least perhaps the oldest. Despite there being so many quality Cuban restaurants in Miami, Versailles Restaurant wins out in terms of flavour and authenticity. From their delectable Ropa Vieja to the mouthwatering way in which their fried sweet plantains practically melt in your mouth, there’s nothing here that’s not going to evoke sensations of Cuba.
Check out The 7 Best Ice Cream Parlours In Miami
That’s the stupidest list I’ve ever seen. La Carreta higher on this list than Havana Harry’s. Not that La Carreta is bad, I had a great sandwich there 2 days ago, but there is only one Havana Harry’s and it’s better. Que comé pinga! Versailles is number one tho.
I am surprised that the Columbian in Ybor City didn’t make the list. But #11 is named after my fiance’s Aunt’s patron saint. The original owners kept the name after they bought the property from his Abuelo, he once own the strip center there on Columbus. I don’t consider Cuban food authentic, unless a Cubano is preparing it, we have a lot of people of Puerto Rican ethnicity posing as Cubans here in Florida, opening restaurants, and the food is ok but not authentic to Cubans, but other people don’t know the difference.
Columbia in Ybor City is so bad; it’s actually an embarrassment. This list would have no credibility if it had included that restaurant
Absolutely agree! Worst Cuban food ever!!! And expensive as hell!
This list is garbage. I live in Miami and Versailles isn’t NEARLY the best cuban restaurant in town. This just happens to be the place where all the media goes when they want to get political reactions to current events. The opinions expressed there are primarily from the older generation of cuban residents in Miami and don’t reflect much of the younger generations views. As for the restaurant, the decor is tacky and the food is average at best. La Carreta is also on this list, and it is ok, but not great. Havana Harrys is also on the list and is good with HUGE portions, but still not amazing. It makes me wonder if the people that complile these lists have ever even been to these places or if they are going off reviews and online comments to make these rankings (probably the latter).
What are you a Cuban food connoisseur and political expert. If it weren’t for the old folks none of us would be here.
I feel that La Casita has better quality food than Versailles. Service and food quality have gone down over the years and this is coming from an authentic Cuban not a tourist who went to the much better known and advertised Versailles to say they tried Cuban food.
Little Havana in Baltimore
Check it out
The fact that you have La Teresita from Tampa on the list, absolutely kills this entire list for me. Can’t trust it.
Im from Tampa, I love La Teresita and i wish we had MORE cuban restaurants.
The Colombian Restaurant in Ybor is over-priced trash compared to it.
From Tampa. Columbia is not trash. I like Carmines in Ybor as well. Tampa makes authentic Cuban sandwich invented in Tampa, the best.Cuban bread and Miami bread is usually not baked like it or as good. But. Gotta find good place, some aren’t up to par. Some make a bad Cuban sandwich, starting w/bread. Imho.
Tampa keeps making claim to the Cuban sandwich. But that is simply not true. Cuban sandwich has a long history in Cuba and was influenced by Americans occupying. It’s our cuban-American version of a Spanish bocadillo- the mustard and pickles are the American influence as those are not part of our cuisine. Sorry Tampa – all you did was add salami to an otherwise perfect sandwich invented in cuba
La Teresita is Freakin Awesome!!!! Reminds of the old days at La Palma on 8 St & near 57 Ave!
Artesano in Unión city is definitely not the best in Jersey
You left out MOJITOS in Norcross GA.
A lot better than Papi’s.
Vincentes in Detroit is really good.
Thanks for including my favorite Rincon Criollo of Queens NY. Just to let you know they opened one in Long Island with the same exact flavor and caring staff.
You forgot Havana Restaurant
West Palm Beach, Florida
Don’t forget Rancho Alegre Cuban in Savannah, GA!
They mention several restaurants in Miami, yet they left out 1 of the best, La Rosa.
Not only that, but La Rosa is the ONLY 1 building of its kind, and its in Miami.
(meaning its not a chain or has a duplicate building, built elsewhere)
I agree with this one!
Cubanos by mario in ft lauderdale gets my vote.
I have personally dined at 5 of the listed restaurants on this list at marios tops them all
Have you gone to all of these places with a Cuban person? How did you rank these?
Don’t agree with #7. Gustazo in Waltham is de intent not authentic Cuban!
Boston– El Oriental de Cuba!
The Columbia in Ybor City (Tampa) is my favorite. Great, authentic food. My grandmother was born in Ybor, my father and his brothers were raised in Ybor, one of those brothers (my uncle Julian) was a waiter at The Columbia before WWII. I’ve eaten there many times. Love the food and the atmosphere.
Ok just a note here… Anyone that serves “Picadillo” with carrots and accompanied it with “Arroz Amarillo” automatically gets their CUBAN ID revoked… like ahora mismito! They used to pull this crazy stunt at “La Caridad” in the upper west side of NYC. The place is Chino Latino owned like real Chinese from the Chinatown in La Habana. One day I go in there and I ask the waiter what gives… out comes a Chinese dude and breaks out into a perfect Cuban accent asking if I was Cuban. He proceeds to tell me, “Yeah I know it’s crazy, but these crazy Americans for some reason got it in their heads that yellow rice is a Cuban thing… and then they put black beans on it! Can you imagine that?” Thankfully he said… “No te preocupes hermanito yo te traigo un a ración de arroz blanco con los frijoles negros.
So yeah… #13 “The Latin Pig” In Dallas TX is automatically disqualified!!!!
And to see that not a single Cuban restaurant from either Hialeah nor San Juan Puerto Rico made the list??? Who the hell wrote this thing???
Caballeros… This list está equivocada!!!
Miami’s top Cuban places…
1. Mi Riconcito Latino (Coral Way & 67 Ave)
2. La Casita (on 8th near Douglas Entrance)
3. Sergios (any of them, but I like Coral Way)
4. Islas Canarias (On Bird)
5. El Morro Castle (Saguecera o Hialeah)
6. La Palma (best croquetas y empanadas de Guayaba)
7. Sarussi – Best spin on a Cuban sandwich (Coral Way)
8. El Rey de la Frita – Best Frita (Calle Ocho)
9. Río Crystal (Lila’s was better though)
10. Latin American Café – Best Sándwich Cubano EVER! (long gone… but not forgotten, and I mean the one on Coral Way in the turtle shaped building with los jamones hanging from the ceiling!)
11. Btw not sure if it still exist but hands down the best steak sandwich was on the corner of Flagler across from the old Firestone Building (now a Walgreens) it was literally a walk up stand. Freakin awesome. Probably gone by now… Best Cuban bread in the world was El Polar (long gone on Douglas across from Coral Gables Hospital.
Man I miss my magic city… And I miss some of the old school places I grew up with!
Ohhhhh I almost forgot… La Rosa on NW 7 St!!! Freakin excellent old school. My dads old buddy who was our pest control guy said that is the only restaurant he would eat at…never ever saw a single cockroach. It to be mistaken with my favorite Cuban Bakery… La Rosa on Flagler and LeJeune Rd. My favorite used to be El Arte on Bird! Best Pastelitos de Guayaba EVER! But it got replaced by a Navarros! De madre!
Try Touch of Havana on Hallendale Blvd.That is Cuban!!
Versailles in LA is one of the worst Cuban restaurants in LA. I do not recommend it if you know what Cuban food tastes like. Portos is a treasure. It is a bakery, so I only recommend the baked goods and sandwiches. The papa rellena and croquettas are lacking though because they mass produce them and use little meat.
Any self respecting Cuban knows the list is bogus, when they list Versailles #1. It may be #1 tourist trap for first time tourist to Miami. Its similar to calling Taco Bell the best Mexican Restaurant
Thanks for the information on where to find good Cuban food! We have been meaning to try a new restaurant. I wonder if there’s a good Cuban restaurant in our area.
I really loved dining at Chug’s especially Duck media noche which was really delicious.