Little Havana Food Tour (Self Guided), Miami
Little Havana, the beating heart of Miami’s Cuban-American community, grew out of exile and resilience. After the Cuban Revolution of 1959, thousands of refugees settled in this area west of downtown, transforming a quiet, working-class neighborhood into a thriving cultural enclave. Calle Ocho (or Eighth Street) became its soul — a place where exiles could speak Spanish, sip coffee, and rebuild their lives while preserving the tastes and rhythms of home. Over time, it evolved into a symbol of Cuban identity, political voice, and Miami’s broader Latin American spirit.
Food became the language through which Little Havana told its story. At Versailles Restaurant, often dubbed “the world’s most famous Cuban restaurant,” politicians, poets, and pensioners still debate over cafecitos and pastelitos. Across the street, La Carreta offers hearty comfort — ropa vieja, plantains, and espresso shots pulled from the ventanita — a ritual as social as it is caffeinated. Both restaurants serve as community institutions, their mirrored interiors and Formica counters as much a part of Miami’s landscape as the palms outside.
Along Calle Ocho, the culinary narrative diversifies but never strays far from tradition. El Pub Restaurant has been serving Cuban staples for decades, its walls covered in local history and SanterĂa icons. Sanguich De Miami reimagines the Cuban sandwich with house-cured meats and pressed perfection, bridging nostalgia and new-wave craftsmanship. For something sweet, locals head to Party Cake Bakery for guava pastries or Azucar Ice Cream Company, where flavors like “Abuela Maria” mix vanilla, guava, and cream cheese in homage to Cuban grandmothers.
Markets and artisanal shops add sensory texture to the neighborhood. Los Pinareños Fruiteria, a family-run open-air market, bursts with tropical fruit and old Havana ambiance — sugarcane juice, coconuts, and conversation all flowing freely. Meanwhile, Exquisito Chocolates handcrafts sweets that blend Latin American cacao with local ingredients, showing how tradition continues to reinvent itself.
Evenings hum to a different rhythm. The restored Ball & Chain Live Music Bar, once a 1930s jazz hotspot, now fills the air with salsa, rumba, and mojito perfume, evoking the golden era of Havana nightlife. Just a few blocks away, Casa Juancho Restaurant brings an old-world Spanish flair, its dark wood interior and seafood dishes nodding to the Iberian roots shared across Latin culture.
Together, these places form more than a dining district — they’re chapters in a living history of exile, flavor, and pride, where every bite and note of music keeps the story of Little Havana alive.
Food became the language through which Little Havana told its story. At Versailles Restaurant, often dubbed “the world’s most famous Cuban restaurant,” politicians, poets, and pensioners still debate over cafecitos and pastelitos. Across the street, La Carreta offers hearty comfort — ropa vieja, plantains, and espresso shots pulled from the ventanita — a ritual as social as it is caffeinated. Both restaurants serve as community institutions, their mirrored interiors and Formica counters as much a part of Miami’s landscape as the palms outside.
Along Calle Ocho, the culinary narrative diversifies but never strays far from tradition. El Pub Restaurant has been serving Cuban staples for decades, its walls covered in local history and SanterĂa icons. Sanguich De Miami reimagines the Cuban sandwich with house-cured meats and pressed perfection, bridging nostalgia and new-wave craftsmanship. For something sweet, locals head to Party Cake Bakery for guava pastries or Azucar Ice Cream Company, where flavors like “Abuela Maria” mix vanilla, guava, and cream cheese in homage to Cuban grandmothers.
Markets and artisanal shops add sensory texture to the neighborhood. Los Pinareños Fruiteria, a family-run open-air market, bursts with tropical fruit and old Havana ambiance — sugarcane juice, coconuts, and conversation all flowing freely. Meanwhile, Exquisito Chocolates handcrafts sweets that blend Latin American cacao with local ingredients, showing how tradition continues to reinvent itself.
Evenings hum to a different rhythm. The restored Ball & Chain Live Music Bar, once a 1930s jazz hotspot, now fills the air with salsa, rumba, and mojito perfume, evoking the golden era of Havana nightlife. Just a few blocks away, Casa Juancho Restaurant brings an old-world Spanish flair, its dark wood interior and seafood dishes nodding to the Iberian roots shared across Latin culture.
Together, these places form more than a dining district — they’re chapters in a living history of exile, flavor, and pride, where every bite and note of music keeps the story of Little Havana alive.
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Little Havana Food Tour Map
Guide Name: Little Havana Food Tour
Guide Location: USA » Miami (See other walking tours in Miami)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 10
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Author: DanaOffice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: USA » Miami (See other walking tours in Miami)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 10
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Author: DanaOffice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Los Pinarenos Fruit Market
- Party Cake Bakery
- Azucar Ice Cream Company
- Ball & Chain Live Music Bar
- El Pub Restaurant
- Sanguich De Miami (Sandwich Shop)
- Casa Juancho Restaurant
- Exquisito Chocolates
- Versailles Restaurant
- La Carreta Restaurant
1) Los Pinarenos Fruit Market
If Miami had a fruit stand with a soul, Los Pinareños Fruit Market would be it. Established in 1963 by Guillermina Hernández and her late husband—both originally from Pinar del Rio, Cuba (hence the name, Los Pinareños)—this family-run semi-outdoor market has been in operation ever since. Like a true eclectic island oasis, where the tropical breeze smells like sugarcane, it can easily double as a living postcard of old-school Little Havana: mangos piled high, coconuts cracked open to order, and guanábanas so fresh they could star in a fruit commercial.
Additionally, they sell coffee and organic beverages, too. So don't be surprised if you hear the blenders before you see them—buzzing nonstop as they turn piles of fruit into velvety smoothies and freshly-squeezed juices. The rule here is simple: nothing frozen, nothing fake. Order a batido (that’s Cuban-style “milkshake”), go classic with papaya or mamey, or get adventurous and let the vendor freestyle something based on your mood. The local legend, still, is the guarapo—pure sugarcane juice, pressed on the spot and sweet enough to make your dentist wince...
In case you’re craving something more substantial, don’t be fooled by the market’s modest setup. The family keeps a stash of homemade Cuban sandwiches, tamales, and even tuna salad that could hold its own at a proper café. And of course, no visit ends without a tiny but mighty Café Cubano, made by Guillermina herself—sweet, strong, and poured with the kind of authority that only an abuela (the affectionate Spanish for “granny”) can summon.
Step around back and you’ll find the rest of the family—flocks of chickens, a few fruit trees, and a rotund Vietnamese pig named Tuco (or is it Chucha?) who clearly takes the “eat local” philosophy very seriously...
Additionally, they sell coffee and organic beverages, too. So don't be surprised if you hear the blenders before you see them—buzzing nonstop as they turn piles of fruit into velvety smoothies and freshly-squeezed juices. The rule here is simple: nothing frozen, nothing fake. Order a batido (that’s Cuban-style “milkshake”), go classic with papaya or mamey, or get adventurous and let the vendor freestyle something based on your mood. The local legend, still, is the guarapo—pure sugarcane juice, pressed on the spot and sweet enough to make your dentist wince...
In case you’re craving something more substantial, don’t be fooled by the market’s modest setup. The family keeps a stash of homemade Cuban sandwiches, tamales, and even tuna salad that could hold its own at a proper café. And of course, no visit ends without a tiny but mighty Café Cubano, made by Guillermina herself—sweet, strong, and poured with the kind of authority that only an abuela (the affectionate Spanish for “granny”) can summon.
Step around back and you’ll find the rest of the family—flocks of chickens, a few fruit trees, and a rotund Vietnamese pig named Tuco (or is it Chucha?) who clearly takes the “eat local” philosophy very seriously...
2) Party Cake Bakery
In the sugar-scented swirl of Miami life, there’s one spot where dreams rise higher than the cakes — Party Cake Bakery. Originally rather humble, this bakeshop came to life on May 1st, 1993, when Olga and Juan Montano took a bold leap, leaving behind their cherished jobs — along with the confines of communist Cuba — for a 1,300-square-foot gamble on Miller Drive in the burgeoning west side of Miami. No investors, no fancy marketing, just faith, flour, and two pairs of tireless hands...
The initial years were rough, filled to the brim with challenges and struggles. Olga crafted cakes and assisted customers while Juan practically lived in a haze of dough and oven heat. The family's four boys, caught between nap time and the American dream, slept behind the display cases until the school bus arrived. The payoff came in the form of loyal regulars — locals who couldn’t start a morning without a morning cup of cafecito (the freshly brewed Cuban coffee) and a pastel de carne, the Cuban meat pastry that’s basically edible nostalgia.
Fast-forward a few decades, and Party Cake isn’t just surviving — it’s thriving, offering a delightful mix of pastries and sandwiches to boot. Their empanadas (a type of stuffed turnover pastry) fly off trays, their cakes are edible works of art, and their orange juice tastes like liquid sunshine. The place runs with the efficiency of a family that’s been at it for generations, every “Buenos dĂas” here served with a side of warmth and caffeine, creating an inviting atmosphere for patrons.
Even the bathrooms sparkle — because in the Montanos’ world, cleanliness counts as much as crumb texture. Party Cake Bakery may well be a shop, but it’s also a love letter to hard work, Havana flavors, and the sweet satisfaction of making it big — one guava pastry at a time...
The initial years were rough, filled to the brim with challenges and struggles. Olga crafted cakes and assisted customers while Juan practically lived in a haze of dough and oven heat. The family's four boys, caught between nap time and the American dream, slept behind the display cases until the school bus arrived. The payoff came in the form of loyal regulars — locals who couldn’t start a morning without a morning cup of cafecito (the freshly brewed Cuban coffee) and a pastel de carne, the Cuban meat pastry that’s basically edible nostalgia.
Fast-forward a few decades, and Party Cake isn’t just surviving — it’s thriving, offering a delightful mix of pastries and sandwiches to boot. Their empanadas (a type of stuffed turnover pastry) fly off trays, their cakes are edible works of art, and their orange juice tastes like liquid sunshine. The place runs with the efficiency of a family that’s been at it for generations, every “Buenos dĂas” here served with a side of warmth and caffeine, creating an inviting atmosphere for patrons.
Even the bathrooms sparkle — because in the Montanos’ world, cleanliness counts as much as crumb texture. Party Cake Bakery may well be a shop, but it’s also a love letter to hard work, Havana flavors, and the sweet satisfaction of making it big — one guava pastry at a time...
3) Azucar Ice Cream Company
The Miami sun can be brutal at times—it hits like a spotlight, and you’re the main act. Luckily, there’s one reliable remedy to help you cool yourself down—and that's ice cream. When the heat (or your sugar cravings) starts to cloud your appreciation for the sights and sounds of Little Havana, follow the scent of waffle cones straight down Calle Ocho to Azucar Ice Cream Company—a temple of sweetness crowned by a giant plastic cone you absolutely can’t miss.
Inside, the flavors read like a love letter to Miami itself: over a hundred varieties, from classic chocolate to tropical passions like guava, mamey, and key lime. Their Mantecado—a Cuban take on vanilla—is so rich and velvety it could double as a pillow. But the showstopper is Abuela Maria—a creamy, rum-kissed masterpiece swirling guava, cream cheese, and galletas into something halfway between nostalgia and divine intervention.
Indeed, this is the ultimate spot in Little Havana to go and treat yourself to all sorts of irresistible, only-in-Miami-available ice cream flavors, especially if you're on board with their use of cinnamon. And since the flavors rotate daily, you’ve always got an excuse to come back for “research.” Azucar doesn’t just sell ice cream—it sells happiness by the scoop...
Inside, the flavors read like a love letter to Miami itself: over a hundred varieties, from classic chocolate to tropical passions like guava, mamey, and key lime. Their Mantecado—a Cuban take on vanilla—is so rich and velvety it could double as a pillow. But the showstopper is Abuela Maria—a creamy, rum-kissed masterpiece swirling guava, cream cheese, and galletas into something halfway between nostalgia and divine intervention.
Indeed, this is the ultimate spot in Little Havana to go and treat yourself to all sorts of irresistible, only-in-Miami-available ice cream flavors, especially if you're on board with their use of cinnamon. And since the flavors rotate daily, you’ve always got an excuse to come back for “research.” Azucar doesn’t just sell ice cream—it sells happiness by the scoop...
4) Ball & Chain Live Music Bar
If your day of eating feels a bit uninspired, a cure for that may come in the form of a twist of lime and maybe a splash of rum. And if you like to pair it with quality food, then head straight to Ball & Chain in Little Havana—the kind of place where cocktails and culture dance cheek-to-cheek!
Born in the 1930s and reborn in the 2010s, Ball & Chain has lived through Miami’s many moods. The legend has it that back in the Prohibition era, its owner allegedly got caught “rum running” — which, in plain terms, means sneaking booze past Uncle Sam. But today, the only thing being smuggled here is joy, as mojitos, daiquiris, and Miami Mules flow freely under the glow of neon lights.
Still, even if you’re not a drinker, this spot deserves a visit, especially if you have an ear for good music. Once upon a time, giants like Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole graced its stage — the one shaped like a giant pineapple in the garden. It’s called the Pineapple Stage for this reason and because… well, Miami never misses a chance for a theme.
However, it’s not just the music and drinks that steal the show here. The iconic lounge serves some seriously good food as well. Their extensive menu features over a dozen comfort dishes, including mariquitas (those sweet and crispy plantain chips) and spring rolls (the traditional fillings of pork and cheese wrapped in dough and served with mojo dipping sauce), to mention but a few.
Indeed, on a sultry Miami night, there’s nothing better than a good bite, a cold cocktail, and a live horn section that makes you forget what time it is...
Born in the 1930s and reborn in the 2010s, Ball & Chain has lived through Miami’s many moods. The legend has it that back in the Prohibition era, its owner allegedly got caught “rum running” — which, in plain terms, means sneaking booze past Uncle Sam. But today, the only thing being smuggled here is joy, as mojitos, daiquiris, and Miami Mules flow freely under the glow of neon lights.
Still, even if you’re not a drinker, this spot deserves a visit, especially if you have an ear for good music. Once upon a time, giants like Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole graced its stage — the one shaped like a giant pineapple in the garden. It’s called the Pineapple Stage for this reason and because… well, Miami never misses a chance for a theme.
However, it’s not just the music and drinks that steal the show here. The iconic lounge serves some seriously good food as well. Their extensive menu features over a dozen comfort dishes, including mariquitas (those sweet and crispy plantain chips) and spring rolls (the traditional fillings of pork and cheese wrapped in dough and served with mojo dipping sauce), to mention but a few.
Indeed, on a sultry Miami night, there’s nothing better than a good bite, a cold cocktail, and a live horn section that makes you forget what time it is...
5) El Pub Restaurant
If you spend enough time in Little Havana, gravity will eventually pull you toward El Pub — the neighborhood’s unofficial cafeteria, gossip hub, and caffeine refueling station. It’s where you learn that “dining Cuban-style” doesn’t mean fancy plating or quiet conversation; it means standing, eating, and chatting — all at once — while the smell of fry oil and espresso clings lovingly to your clothes. Of course, if you insist on a chair, they can give you one, too...
You’ll know you’ve arrived in the right place when you spot the six-foot rooster guarding the door like a feathery bouncer, and your nose confirms it with a deep whiff of Cuban coffee and sizzling plantains. While less than memorable on the inside, this Little Havana mainstay has all the markers of a community touchstone: walls decked with faded black-and-white newspaper clippings laminated on wood, celebrity snapshots, and nostalgic posters of Havana before the revolution. It’s not glamorous, but it’s gloriously alive.
The food is classic, unapologetic, and likely fried. A sweet, steamy café con leche that you won't soon forget, along with the authentic Cuban cuisine, is the way of El Pub. Tucking into the bite of stand-bys like fried chicken-stuffed plantains, ham croquettes, and sammies is a safe bet anytime.
Otherwise, you may nosh on Cuban sandwiches pressed to a perfect crunch. Called “empanadas” (each Latin American country has its own version), they come packed with beef, onions, and peppers here — hearty enough to make you question why you ever ordered a salad...Wash it all down with a café Cubano, a tiny shot of espresso (served in plastic thimbles) sweetened with demerara sugar and so potent it could jumpstart a car battery. Indeed, a mugful of this potion equals more than five Americanos’ worth of caffeine, hence it is sometimes called “crack” because of the jolt it gives!
In truth, nobody goes to El Pub because of its fame, but because of its rhythm. The place is thrumming with energy morning, noon, and night, equal parts kitchen and community theater. So, drop in, order a cafecito, and join the chorus (practicing your Spanglish with locals). Otherwise, you may simply revel in the experience not possible to find in any other American city.
You’ll know you’ve arrived in the right place when you spot the six-foot rooster guarding the door like a feathery bouncer, and your nose confirms it with a deep whiff of Cuban coffee and sizzling plantains. While less than memorable on the inside, this Little Havana mainstay has all the markers of a community touchstone: walls decked with faded black-and-white newspaper clippings laminated on wood, celebrity snapshots, and nostalgic posters of Havana before the revolution. It’s not glamorous, but it’s gloriously alive.
The food is classic, unapologetic, and likely fried. A sweet, steamy café con leche that you won't soon forget, along with the authentic Cuban cuisine, is the way of El Pub. Tucking into the bite of stand-bys like fried chicken-stuffed plantains, ham croquettes, and sammies is a safe bet anytime.
Otherwise, you may nosh on Cuban sandwiches pressed to a perfect crunch. Called “empanadas” (each Latin American country has its own version), they come packed with beef, onions, and peppers here — hearty enough to make you question why you ever ordered a salad...Wash it all down with a café Cubano, a tiny shot of espresso (served in plastic thimbles) sweetened with demerara sugar and so potent it could jumpstart a car battery. Indeed, a mugful of this potion equals more than five Americanos’ worth of caffeine, hence it is sometimes called “crack” because of the jolt it gives!
In truth, nobody goes to El Pub because of its fame, but because of its rhythm. The place is thrumming with energy morning, noon, and night, equal parts kitchen and community theater. So, drop in, order a cafecito, and join the chorus (practicing your Spanglish with locals). Otherwise, you may simply revel in the experience not possible to find in any other American city.
6) Sanguich De Miami (Sandwich Shop)
Sanguich de Miami on Calle Ocho is reportedly Miami’s top spot for a Cuban sandwich. Being in business since 2017, this quaint counter-service restaurant has turned the humble process of sandwich-making into an art form. Alongside classic Cuban sandwiches, it offers a choice of made-to-order batidos — thick and creamy milkshakes so good they could probably broker peace talks...
Initially housed in a shipping container, this sleek 750-square-foot restaurant boasts its own indoor seating for 25. Inspired by Cuba’s early 1900s Spanish architecture, it gleams with brass accents, floating quartz-inlaid tables, tiles all over the place, and decorative walls adorned with reeded molding. There’s even a ventanita (the so-called "little window" walk-up counter) for locals who can’t be bothered with doors — because good coffee and gossip wait for no one...
Here, everything is made in-house — the ham is cured, the pork is brined, the pickles are pickled, and the mustard is as artisanal as it sounds. The only thing they don’t make themselves is the crusty bread — but even that is custom-baked in Homestead to their exact recipe. In other words, no corner-cutting, no shortcuts, no apologies...
The menu has been unchanged since day one and is a love letter to Cuba in six sandwiches, namely: the iconic Cubano, the pan con lechón (stuffed with a suckling piglet), and the indulgent pan con croqueta (or “bread with croquette”). The lineup is completed by a few “rebels” such as the pan con bistec (with slow-cooked steak and fried string potatoes), croqueta preparadas, and cream cheese-filled Elena Ruzes.
Add some plantain fries and five kinds of mojo sauce, and you’re officially in sandwich heaven. Finish with a batido milkshake — maybe mamey, guava, or cream cheese — and you’ll understand why this place has the locals lined up in 90-degree heat without complaint. Because the best Cubano in Miami doesn’t just feed you — it flirts with you first...
Initially housed in a shipping container, this sleek 750-square-foot restaurant boasts its own indoor seating for 25. Inspired by Cuba’s early 1900s Spanish architecture, it gleams with brass accents, floating quartz-inlaid tables, tiles all over the place, and decorative walls adorned with reeded molding. There’s even a ventanita (the so-called "little window" walk-up counter) for locals who can’t be bothered with doors — because good coffee and gossip wait for no one...
Here, everything is made in-house — the ham is cured, the pork is brined, the pickles are pickled, and the mustard is as artisanal as it sounds. The only thing they don’t make themselves is the crusty bread — but even that is custom-baked in Homestead to their exact recipe. In other words, no corner-cutting, no shortcuts, no apologies...
The menu has been unchanged since day one and is a love letter to Cuba in six sandwiches, namely: the iconic Cubano, the pan con lechón (stuffed with a suckling piglet), and the indulgent pan con croqueta (or “bread with croquette”). The lineup is completed by a few “rebels” such as the pan con bistec (with slow-cooked steak and fried string potatoes), croqueta preparadas, and cream cheese-filled Elena Ruzes.
Add some plantain fries and five kinds of mojo sauce, and you’re officially in sandwich heaven. Finish with a batido milkshake — maybe mamey, guava, or cream cheese — and you’ll understand why this place has the locals lined up in 90-degree heat without complaint. Because the best Cubano in Miami doesn’t just feed you — it flirts with you first...
7) Casa Juancho Restaurant
If you find yourself in Miami craving a bite with a bit of flamenco flair, swing by Casa Juancho in Little Havana, where the spirit of old Spain is alive, loud, and sizzling. Here, you'll find silky jamón ibérico sliced with reverence, oak-grilled prime beef that practically sighs when you cut into it, and seafood so fresh it probably swam here from the coast of Valencia. And their award-winning paella is so golden it could double as treasure...
The place looks like an old Spanish hacienda, complete with dark wood, hanging hams, and enough charm to make you forget you’re miles from Madrid.
And it’s not just the food doing the talking — the restaurant hums with guitar riffs, clinking glasses, and servers who could out-chat your most talkative relative. Somewhere between the laughter and the seafood platters, you’ll notice the massive wine cellar — one of the largest collections of Spanish wines in the U.S. — quietly waiting to make your evening even livelier.
But, hey! Don’t come here looking for a quiet budget dinner. This is a celebration kind of place — birthdays, promotions, spontaneous Tuesdays — anything worthy of a toast. And even if your wallet sighs a little, remember: the price-to-fun ratio is solid, and that masterful seafood paella is always worth it...
The place looks like an old Spanish hacienda, complete with dark wood, hanging hams, and enough charm to make you forget you’re miles from Madrid.
And it’s not just the food doing the talking — the restaurant hums with guitar riffs, clinking glasses, and servers who could out-chat your most talkative relative. Somewhere between the laughter and the seafood platters, you’ll notice the massive wine cellar — one of the largest collections of Spanish wines in the U.S. — quietly waiting to make your evening even livelier.
But, hey! Don’t come here looking for a quiet budget dinner. This is a celebration kind of place — birthdays, promotions, spontaneous Tuesdays — anything worthy of a toast. And even if your wallet sighs a little, remember: the price-to-fun ratio is solid, and that masterful seafood paella is always worth it...
8) Exquisito Chocolates
Imagine Willy Wonka’s dream come true in Miami — that’s Exquisito Chocolates, the city’s very first chocolate factory, planted right in the heart of Little Havana. Behind the sleek shopfront, a 1,200-square-foot workshop hums away, visible through floor-to-ceiling glass like a live cooking show. Visitors keen on learning every step of the process can even join chocolate-making classes to trace the journey from cacao bean to truffle, ending up gloriously smeared in cocoa dust and pride...
But this isn’t your Swiss chocolatier’s dreamland, no — Exquisito speaks fluent Miami. They “Latinize” and “Miamify” their creations, spinning out bonbons with classic hometown flavors like Café con Leche, Little Guavana (made with fresh Redland guava), and the dangerously good Miami Vice truffle — made of dark chocolate blended with cafecito and dulce de leche. The factory shop display shines with 12 permanent truffle flavors, a lineup of single-origin bars made from cacao sourced straight from partner farms, and whatever other confections the day’s mood may inspire.
And because nothing in Miami goes to waste, even the cacao husks get a second act. Local manufacturers like Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co., Azucar Ice Cream Company, and The Salty Donut have turned Exquisito’s leftovers into secret ingredients — infusing beer, ice cream, and pastries with the subtle magic of chocolate ghosts.
So, if you ever wondered what happens when craftsmanship meets cafecito culture, this is it: a sweet revolution, bean-to-bar, Miami-style...
But this isn’t your Swiss chocolatier’s dreamland, no — Exquisito speaks fluent Miami. They “Latinize” and “Miamify” their creations, spinning out bonbons with classic hometown flavors like Café con Leche, Little Guavana (made with fresh Redland guava), and the dangerously good Miami Vice truffle — made of dark chocolate blended with cafecito and dulce de leche. The factory shop display shines with 12 permanent truffle flavors, a lineup of single-origin bars made from cacao sourced straight from partner farms, and whatever other confections the day’s mood may inspire.
And because nothing in Miami goes to waste, even the cacao husks get a second act. Local manufacturers like Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co., Azucar Ice Cream Company, and The Salty Donut have turned Exquisito’s leftovers into secret ingredients — infusing beer, ice cream, and pastries with the subtle magic of chocolate ghosts.
So, if you ever wondered what happens when craftsmanship meets cafecito culture, this is it: a sweet revolution, bean-to-bar, Miami-style...
9) Versailles Restaurant
If Miami had a throne room for Cuban cuisine, Versailles would be it — golden crown, mirrored walls, and all that razzle-dazzle. Declared the “World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant,” this Little Havana landmark has been the unofficial town hall of Cuban expats in exile (known locally as “El Exilio”) since 1971. You can’t miss it — mostly because every politician with a pulse eventually shows up here for a photo op and a cafecito. It’s not necessarily the best Cuban restaurant in Miami, but it’s definitely the one you’ll still be talking about on the flight home.
If you’re new in town, your first order of business is to grab that iconic shot of sweet, jet-fuel-strength espresso from la ventanita — the outdoor coffee window that often buzzes like a beehive. Pair it with a croqueta or two, and you’ll blend right in with the locals arguing about politics before sunrise. If you’ve got more time — and are in for something more substantial — head inside for a full meal.
Among their staples are the classic Cuban sandwich stacked with sweet ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles (winner with the fast-casual crowd), and the hearty traditional roast pork with a side of rice and beans. On a lighter note, consider vaca frita, the crisped perfection of shredded beef with onions that tastes like victory!
With time, you may know that you’ve become a true Miamian when the waitresses start giving you the Spanish menu and greet you with “mi cielo” (which is “my darling” in Spanish). That’s not just service — that’s initiation...
The place is open until 2:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday (for those post-party cravings that only plantains and pork can fix). It’s equal parts diner, debate club, and cultural museum — just with better coffee.
In essence, skipping a Cubano at Versailles is like skipping the Eiffel Tower in Paris. You haven’t really been to Miami until you’ve stood at that ventanita, elbow to elbow with the city’s proudest octogenarians, sipping history one sugar shot at a time...
If you’re new in town, your first order of business is to grab that iconic shot of sweet, jet-fuel-strength espresso from la ventanita — the outdoor coffee window that often buzzes like a beehive. Pair it with a croqueta or two, and you’ll blend right in with the locals arguing about politics before sunrise. If you’ve got more time — and are in for something more substantial — head inside for a full meal.
Among their staples are the classic Cuban sandwich stacked with sweet ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles (winner with the fast-casual crowd), and the hearty traditional roast pork with a side of rice and beans. On a lighter note, consider vaca frita, the crisped perfection of shredded beef with onions that tastes like victory!
With time, you may know that you’ve become a true Miamian when the waitresses start giving you the Spanish menu and greet you with “mi cielo” (which is “my darling” in Spanish). That’s not just service — that’s initiation...
The place is open until 2:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday (for those post-party cravings that only plantains and pork can fix). It’s equal parts diner, debate club, and cultural museum — just with better coffee.
In essence, skipping a Cubano at Versailles is like skipping the Eiffel Tower in Paris. You haven’t really been to Miami until you’ve stood at that ventanita, elbow to elbow with the city’s proudest octogenarians, sipping history one sugar shot at a time...
10) La Carreta Restaurant
You know a place is serious about coffee when there’s a colorful rooster guarding the door. That’s La Carreta — Miami’s proudly Cuban answer to the eternal question: “Versailles or here?” Sure, Versailles (its main rival) may have the fame, but the locals know where to find the stronger cafecito and the crispier vaca frita.
The original spot on Calle Ocho hums from sunrise to well past midnight, serving authentic Cuban fare — from ropa vieja and picadillo to fried grouper and chicken breast milanesa (that's the Cuban iteration of chicken parmesan). The menu reads like a love poem to abuela’s kitchen, only with a few American curveballs — chicken wings and barbecue ribs, and Spanish-style seafood for good measure. Every plate comes out fast, generous, and unapologetically Cuban.
By day, those in favor of Cuban basics will find here a selection of three to four specials, plus weekday lunch deals featuring breaded pork chops and shrimp creole for a rather moderate price. By night, it’s the final stop for anyone emerging from a salsa club in need of caffeine therapy. The walk-up ventanita stays open until 5 a.m. on weekends, serving pastelitos and those rocket-fuel espressos that can either save your morning (from hangover) or finish your night.
La Carreta isn’t fancy, and that’s the point. It’s where politicians, night-shift workers, and party-stragglers all stand shoulder to shoulder, sipping sweet, dark coffee under the rooster’s watchful eye. Call it comfort, call it culture, or just call it what it is — the taste of real Miami at any hour...
The original spot on Calle Ocho hums from sunrise to well past midnight, serving authentic Cuban fare — from ropa vieja and picadillo to fried grouper and chicken breast milanesa (that's the Cuban iteration of chicken parmesan). The menu reads like a love poem to abuela’s kitchen, only with a few American curveballs — chicken wings and barbecue ribs, and Spanish-style seafood for good measure. Every plate comes out fast, generous, and unapologetically Cuban.
By day, those in favor of Cuban basics will find here a selection of three to four specials, plus weekday lunch deals featuring breaded pork chops and shrimp creole for a rather moderate price. By night, it’s the final stop for anyone emerging from a salsa club in need of caffeine therapy. The walk-up ventanita stays open until 5 a.m. on weekends, serving pastelitos and those rocket-fuel espressos that can either save your morning (from hangover) or finish your night.
La Carreta isn’t fancy, and that’s the point. It’s where politicians, night-shift workers, and party-stragglers all stand shoulder to shoulder, sipping sweet, dark coffee under the rooster’s watchful eye. Call it comfort, call it culture, or just call it what it is — the taste of real Miami at any hour...
Walking Tours in Miami, Florida
Create Your Own Walk in Miami
Creating your own self-guided walk in Miami is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Miami Downtown Walking Tour
Miami—often called “The Magic City,” “The 305,” or “Gateway to the Americas”—has a name with a story. It comes from the Miami River, which itself took its name from the Mayaimi, a Native American tribe once settled around the historic Lake Okeechobee long before the skyline glowed neon. The word Mayaimi means “big water,” fitting for a place where life has always revolved... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Miami South Beach Walking Tour
Visiting Miami you are very likely, at some point, to glide into South Beach (or SoBe). This southernmost neighborhood of the city is one of America’s signature resort districts, celebrated for broad, camera-ready sands, sidewalk cafés that turn people-watching into a sport, designer storefronts that wink at your wallet, and nightlife that has long attracted celebrities and a youthful crowd.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Miami's Art Deco Architecture Tour
The South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach, Florida has long been associated with Art Deco architecture, distinguished for its eye-catching bright pastels. Pops of color combined with the style’s notable geometric lines, sleek curves, chrome accents, window “eyebrows” and fountains abound in the area, but even more so in the historic Miami Beach Architectural District.
More popularly... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
More popularly... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
16 Uniquely Miami Things to Buy
One of America's most iconic destinations, Miami, Florida is a magnet for tourists, both inland and foreign, who come here each year in their millions. Each one of them is determined to pick up something memorable to revive the experience time and time again, that is well worth it. If...
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