Casavana

Casavana is owned by the Garcia brothers who owned the original Latin American restaurant and who have been in the restaurant industry for over 30 years.  After several ventures in the restaurant industry such as Pollo Tropical, Pollo Dorado, Sergios and others, they launched the Casavana Restaurant chain with 4 locations.

They serve authentic Cuban cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  They are extremely well priced especially since their portions are huge, and their meals are delicious.

Go with a big appetite, because you will receive a very generous portion. Or better yet, ask for a to-go container and take a portion for next day's lunch.  Then you'll be able to enjoy it twice as many times!!!

Casa Larios

The ever-popular Casa Larios has two locations.  One is in South Miami and the other is near Mall of the Americas on West Flagler Street.  Rumor has it that Gloria and Emilio Estefan used to dine at the original Casa Larios off of Flagler (they've moved from their original locale).  They loved their food so much they went into business with them and opened Larios on the Beach close to 20 years ago.  I can't personally confirm that story but it was a very strong rumor, so I tend to believe it's true.

Casa Larios is an upscale Cuban restaurant.  The South Miami location has a full bar, extensive wine list and live entertainment on weekends.  They are very accommodating and don't take offense to requests for substitutions, etc.  They offer a large selection of appetizers, soups, salads, meat, steak, chicken or seafood entrees, sandwiches, and desserts.  Additionally they are open for breakfast and can accommodate large groups.

One of my favorite appetizers is the Tostones Rellenos ( fried plantain stuffed with shrimp enchilado).  Mouthwatering!!!!

La Carreta

Ever popular, La Carreta, is another must-visit restaurant in Miami.  It's almost a landmark.

Known for its Cuban cuisine, La Carreta serves a large variety of popular Cuban dishes. 

There are several locations in Miami and Broward counties.

They offer various authentic Cuban meals such as:
Sandwiches, tamales, croquetas, picadillo, vaca frita, bistec de palomilla, bistec empanizado, enchilado de camarones,  and much, much more.

They have a great breakfast menu, and breakfast meals are always served with "tostada cubana" and you can't go wrong if you add a "cafe con leche" to drink with your meal. 

Check out their website for menus and locations near you.

Try is and you'll like it!

Versailles Restaurant

Open 24 hours every day, Versailles is a Miami attraction.  Its great for a midnight snack or any other meal, any time of the day.

Famous for its Cuban food and also because the media flocks to Versailles for reactions from the residents of Miami whenever anything big happens involving Castro or Cuba in the news.

Versailles offers a typical Cuban menu, however, somehow just knowing you are at Versailles makes the meal taste extra special.  The decor is stuck back in the 70's, with mirrored walls and green nylon covered chairs and boring tables.  The decor is insignificant, what is important is getting a true taste of Miami Cuban.