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Cuban sandwiches and empanadas in South Beach

A place where the empanadas are treated with as much care as the Cuban sandwiches instead of being relegated to a side dish.

Based on 813 Opinions
+810
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Updated May 2026
01
Esquina Cubana | Cuban Restaurant Miami Beach image 1
Esquina Cubana | Cuban Restaurant Miami Beach image 2
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Open-air restaurant with covered outdoor seating and heat lamps creates a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere. Authentic Cuban music plays, enhancing the Miami Beach vibe. The setting invites people watching and offers a welcoming, cozy ambiance.

Best bread stands out in the Cuban sandwich, making it very flavorful and excellent overall. The sandwich pairs well with other dishes like empanadas and paella, highlighting its amazing taste.

Empanadas stand out with chicken and beef fillings that deliver solid flavor. They pair well with Cuban dishes and are often enjoyed alongside mango mojitos or spicy margaritas.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the food; it was amazing and delicious."

"I had the best Cuban Sandwich I ever had."

"The empanadas were delicious and perfect with a dipping sauce."

Good to know

1

A 20% service charge is included in the bill.

2

The restaurant is located directly on a busy street.

3

The restaurant is two blocks back from Ocean Drive on the corner of 7th and Washington Avenue.

02
La Caรฑita Beach image 1
Cuban restaurant

Open air setting combines beautiful outdoor patio and spacious seating with a bar that opens onto the street. Atmosphere pulses with authentic Cuban live music and warm, welcoming energy that fills the space. Guests enjoy phenomenal cocktails and excellent Cuban food amid vibrant, 100% Cuban vibes.

The Cuban sandwich features delicious flavors and a nice texture. It pairs well with other dishes like wings and Ropa Vieja.

Empanadas come in flavorful varieties like mushroom polenta, spinach, beef, and chicken. They pair well with drinks like margaritas and Pina Coladas and are consistently delicious and well prepared.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the croquettes."

"I found the empanadas here to be delicious and flavorful."

"I found the Cuban sandwich delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great food and drink specials.

2

Live music is featured during happy hour, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Reservations are recommended for dinner service to avoid long wait times.

03
Havana Beach Restaurant image 1
Cuban restaurant

Open-air seating offers a spectacular ocean view paired with live Cuban music that creates a lively yet calm atmosphere. Guests enjoy authentic Cuban dishes and flavorful mojitos in a beautiful, relaxed setting. The space balances vibrant energy with a comfortable, inviting vibe.

Well prepared with a homemade flavor, the Cuban sandwich offers a great size suitable for one person or sharing. It pairs well with other Cuban dishes and drinks like sangria.

Beef and Cuban empanadas stand out with rich flavors and a satisfying taste. They pair well with mojitos and offer great value for the price.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautiful."

"I had an amazing Cuban sandwich that was authentic and flavorful."

"I found the empanadas to be unbelievably good."

Good to know

1

An automatic 20% service charge is added to the bill.

2

Happy hour runs until 7pm every day with buy-one-get-one-free drinks.

3

Expect a good deal during happy hour with 2 for 1 mojitos.

04
Casa Cubana | Restaurant & Live Music image 1

Cuban restaurant with authentic decor and lively live music that balances energy without overwhelming conversation. The atmosphere feels joyful and intimate, drawing a crowd that appreciates classic mojitos and flavorful Cuban dishes like empanadas and paella.

Cuban sandwich features crispy pressed bread, flavorful pork, and well-balanced layers. Portions come generous, and it pairs well with sides like avocado salad and black beans.

Large, very juicy empanadas come in meat and chicken varieties. They form part of a Cuban platter with ham and cheese croquettes, tostones, and homemade guacamole.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and served in generous portions."

"You have to try the empanadas; they're outstanding."

"I thought the Cuban Sandwich here was excellent and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Live music starts at 7:30 PM on weekends.

2

They have live music on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

Casa Cubana offers nightly Latin music from Thursday to Saturday.

05
Alma Cubana | Cuban Restaurant Miami Beach image 1

Outdoor seating on a waterfront promenade creates a vibrant Caribbean atmosphere with live Cuban music enhancing the experience. The space feels colorful and buzzing yet remains welcoming and comfortable despite being cramped for space.

Offers a delicious Cuban sandwich with a generous portion. The sandwich features thick cheese but sometimes could be heated more.

Cuban empanadas come with a cilantro sauce that adds a fresh kick. They taste delicious and have a strong following among regulars.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and excellent."

"The empanadas here are delicious and flaky."

"I found the Cuban sandwich to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 PM to 7 PM, but confirm with the server.

2

During happy hour, drinks are buy one get one free.

3

Expect additional charges for items like sides and drinks.

06
La Mulata | Cuban Restaurant Miami Beach image 1

Dining room features Cuban-themed decor with live salsa music that energizes the space. Atmosphere stays lively and pleasant, inviting dancing and socializing. Guests enjoy authentic Cuban vibes with a street scene feel and vibrant entertainment.

The Cuban sandwich stands out with its rich flavor and perfect balance of ingredients. It pairs well with other dishes like the beef and cheese croquette and flan.

Crispy, thin crust tops the empanadas, which have tasty fillings like chicken and beef. Fried plantains and avocado salad often accompany these delicious appetizers.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"Yadira's warm personality made our empanada experience amazing."

"I thought the Cuban sandwich was outstanding and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers buy one, get one free drinks.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

3

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during dinner rush.

07
Cortadito Coffee House Washington image 1

Small, cozy coffee shop with authentic Cuban music playing loudly, creating a lively atmosphere. Seating includes intimate two-person tables inside and comfortable outdoor options. Bright, open space with natural light and a Little Havana vibe distinct from typical Miami spots.

Chicken and Cuban sandwiches stand out with rich flavors. The Cuban sandwich pairs well with caramel cortadito and coffee, making for a satisfying combo.

Beef and spinach empanadas stand out with rich fillings and flaky crusts. Pairing them with cafe con leche or zomos complements the savory flavors well.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be great and delicious."

"I loved the breakfast sandwich with fresh ingredients."

"I found the Cuban sandwich here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

There are no restrooms available at Cortadito Coffee House Washington.

2

The ordering kiosk at the front did not allow us to pay.

3

Lattes are pretty pricey at this coffee house.

08
Cuba Cafe image 1
Cuban restaurant

Small space with barstool seating and air conditioning creates a cozy, festive Cuban vibe. Rock and roll music adds energy while the place stays personable and quaint. Limited seating makes it feel intimate but can be crowded.

Authentic Cuban sandwiches stand out with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Options like the avocado hummus Cuban sandwich add a unique twist while maintaining classic taste.

Empanadas stand out with flavorful chicken and beef fillings and a mouth-watering taste. They pair well with coffee and smoothies, making them a go-to choice for a satisfying snack.

People are saying

"I found the smoothies to be delicious and generously portioned."

"I got the empanada every day; they were flavorful and delicious."

"I had the best Cuban sandwich I have ever had."

Good to know

1

You can't eat inside the restaurant; there are only a few seats available.

2

Prices are reasonable, with meals costing around $100 for three people.

3

The smoothie menu is extensive, offering a variety of healthy options.

09
Dulce Cafeteria image 1
Juice shop

Small juice shop with limited bar seating and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere filled with reggaeton music and a Latino vibe. The space feels lively yet relaxed, often busy but comfortable. It offers a friendly environment that feels like entering a home.

Cuban sandwich comes with a solid flavor and pairs well with a colada or refreshing smoothies. Some find it delicious, while others disagree, but it remains a popular choice alongside empanadas.

Empanadas feature fresh ingredients and a crispy bread that stands out. Options like spinach and chicken offer solid, tasty choices at a low price.

People are saying

"Their smoothies are made fresh with real fruit."

"I loved the rich espresso and the Cuban coffee was the best."

"I found the Cuban sandwich here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is available all day at Dulce Cafeteria.

2

The prices at Dulce Cafeteria are considered affordable for the area.

3

Dulce Cafeteria offers a variety of fresh juices and smoothies.

10
Montana's Miami Beach image 1

Scarface-themed decor and a downstairs speakeasy create a distinctive 80s Miami vibe with movie-inspired details. The atmosphere stays lively with live DJ music and cool air conditioning, balancing heat and energy. Outdoor fans and misting systems add comfort, while photo spots enhance the experience.

Fulfilling and unique flavors define the Cuban sandwich here. It consistently comes out delicious and on point, making it a standout choice.

Jumbo and shrimp empanadas stand out with bold flavors and generous size. Shrimp tostones complement the empanadas well, adding to the seafood variety.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and worth every penny."

"I thought the Cuban Sandwich was delicious and on point."

"I loved the empanadas; Sandra's recommendations were top tier."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in front of the restaurant, unlike many places that charge $30.

2

An 18% gratuity is included in the bill, plus a 20% service charge.

3

Happy hour runs before 6 pm with great deals on food and drinks.

11
Puerto Sagua Restaurant image 1
Cuban restaurant

Old-school Cuban diner with classic decor and a peaceful atmosphere offers seating at the bar, outside, or in booths. Soft Caribbean music plays while patrons enjoy authentic Cuban dishes and USB outlets at the tables. The vibe feels like stepping back in time, with a homey and unrenovated charm.

Spectacular Cuban sandwich features succulent shredded beef and a delicious, well-balanced flavor. The sandwich looks amazing and pairs well with Red Bean Soup.

Beef empanadas come out perfectly crispy and packed with flavor. They stand out as a highlight alongside other dishes like pollo asado and Cuban sandwiches.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Cuban food, especially the ropa vieja."

"I thought the Cuban Sandwich was the best I had in Miami."

"The empanadas here are perfectly crispy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Puerto Sagua has been serving authentic Cuban cuisine since 1962.

2

They charge a 4% commission for credit card payments.

3

Cash is needed for payment as some vendors don't accept cards.

12
Playa Cafe image 1
Cuban restaurant

Small Cuban restaurant with intimate counter seating and a jukebox playing Latin hits creates a cozy, homey vibe. The atmosphere stays quiet and casual, reflecting a genuine, local, mom-and-pop feel. Limited seating and simple dรฉcor emphasize an unpretentious, authentic dining experience.

Generous portions of the classic Cuban sandwich come juicy inside and never dried out. The sandwich offers great value with a huge size and tasty fillings that stand out.

Chicken and beef empanadas come with marinated pork options. Tostones and sweet plantains often accompany the empanadas. Wait times can reach 30 minutes for orders including empanadas and smoothies.

People are saying

"The cafe con leche here is made just right."

"The breakfast here is affordable and fills you up."

"I'd come back again and again for these empanadas."

Good to know

1

Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure a table.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially during lunch hours.

3

Prices are affordable compared to other dining options in the area.

13
South Beach Munchies image 1
Cuban restaurant

Small Cuban restaurant offers casual indoor and shaded outdoor seating with lively atmosphere and Latin American empanadas. Outdoor tables attract pigeons flying around, adding to the bustling street vibe. Prices are affordable, making it a local favorite for authentic Cuban food.

Cuban sandwiches come priced around $10 and serve as a solid choice alongside media noche and plantains. They pair well with empanadas from various countries and offer a consistently delicious flavor.

Empanadas come in a great variety from Latin America, including Venezuelan beef, Colombian chicken, and Argentinian styles. They are warm, well seasoned, and paired with a super good sauce that complements them well.

People are saying

"The Cuban food here is authentic and delicious."

"The empanadas here are authentic and delicious."

"I found the Cuban sandwich to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Menu prices start at $10.00, but taxes and tips are added.

2

A 15% service charge is automatically included in the bill.

3

South Beach Munchies is open late at night and early in the morning.

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