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Guide to Little Havana

Empanadas for lunch

Made for those who prioritize a quick, handheld lunch without sacrificing the authenticity of their midday meal.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
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Cuban restaurant

Cozy space with stunning vintage dรฉcor creates a welcoming, nostalgic vibe. Live bossa nova music fills the air, adding authentic Cuban charm and warmth. The atmosphere feels like a family gathering, blending peacefulness with lively cultural energy.

A relaxing lunch spot with a focus on Cuban cuisine. Offers a great setting for both regular meals and special occasions.

Homemade empanadas stand out with a rich, savory filling. The beef empanadas are especially notable for their exceptional flavor and quality.

People are saying

"I found the Cuban food here to be amazing and authentic."

"The empanadas here feel like Mom and Dad are cooking them."

"This lunch spot has fantastic, tasty food."

Good to know

1

Live Cuban music is featured every Friday and Saturday night.

2

Expect an intimate atmosphere with performances by local artists.

3

Friday nights showcase a special descarga performance with singer Raciell.

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Live music bar

Live music bar with Cuban music and a Little Havana vibe creates a lively, energetic atmosphere. Open frontage and a shaded courtyard patio offer indoor and outdoor spaces for drinks, cigars, and dancing. Crowd enjoys authentic Latin culture with vibrant music and a welcoming setting.

Lunch offers a full Cuban experience with live music and cocktails creating an amazing atmosphere. Meals range from delicious to indulgently sinful, making lunch feel special and memorable.

Empanadas here stand out for their rich flavor and authentic taste that rivals those from Cuba. They come highly praised for being very tasty and among the best available.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and perfectly made."

"I enjoyed lunch with great live music."

"I thought the empanadas here were amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Live music performances occur every Friday and Saturday night.

3

Salsa classes are offered for free on Wednesdays at 7pm.

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Macondo Coffee Roasters Little Havana Calle 8 image 1

Espresso bar uses sea container design with rustic yet elegant decor that reflects Colombian culture. Atmosphere feels cozy and vibrant, with outdoor turf soccer field adding a playful touch. Space suits both casual visits and working sessions, attracting a friendly, lively crowd.

Full breakfast and lunch menus offer a variety of options. The Healthy Cow sandwich stands out as a filling choice. Coffee from Macondo Coffee Roasters complements the meals well.

Colombian beef empanadas stand out with authentic, home-cooked flavor. They taste fresh and pair well with coffee or soft drinks.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was amazing and unforgettable."

"I found the Colombian empanadas to be amazing and authentic."

"The food and coffee at this lunch spot are excellent."

Good to know

1

The cafe roasts its own coffee on-site for fresh flavors.

2

A full breakfast and lunch menu is available all day.

3

Expect higher prices for coffee and food compared to other cafes.

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Venezuelan restaurant

Venezuelan restaurant offers a cozy, family atmosphere with fresh, inviting decor and pleasant music at perfect volume. The space feels welcoming and peaceful, attracting those who enjoy authentic Venezuelan dishes like cachapas, arepas, and empanadas.

Lunch features a black asado special served with rice, tajada, and salad. Options cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner with solid midday meals.

Empanadas come with thin and crispy dough and are freshly made and perfectly toasted. Varieties include cheese, chicken, and shark, all packed with flavor and highly recommended.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"I found the empanadas to be freshly made and perfectly toasted."

"The food at this lunch spot was delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 3:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays for late-night dining.

2

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

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Sala'o Cuban Restaurant & Bar - Live music image 1

Cuban restaurant with live music and energetic dance performances creates a lively party atmosphere. Beautiful, historic interior blends with outdoor sidewalk seating. Guests enjoy authentic Cuban drinks and excellent traditional dishes amid vibrant entertainment.

Delicious lunch options create a satisfying midday meal. Live performance adds a unique touch to the dining experience.

Crispy, golden empanadas come filled with beef and seafood, offering bold flavors and a generous size. These empanadas stand out for their rich taste and satisfying texture.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is amazing; our server made great recommendations."

"These golden, crispy empanadas are amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features 2 for 1 specials on select drinks.

2

Live music performances occur regularly, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Alfredo offers salsa classes that are fun and engaging.

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El Pub Restaurant image 1
Cuban restaurant

Vibrant Cuban restaurant with live music and colorful murals creates an authentic atmosphere. Outdoor patio adds to the lively vibe, attracting those who enjoy energetic dining experiences. Traditional Cuban dishes and well-crafted mojitos complement the spirited setting.

Lunch offers spinach and cheese empanadas and picadillo with moros and maduros. Sandwiches come highly recommended for quick meals before work.

Empanadas come in spinach and cheese, guava, and carne varieties, each with distinct flavors. The spinach and cheese empanada stands out as a solid choice, often paired with sauce or coffee.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

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

"This lunch spot's meat is delicious, crispy outside and juicy inside."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available in the back of the restaurant.

2

Happy Hour offers $6 mojitos on Mondays.

3

Karaoke night happens every Wednesday, creating a lively atmosphere.

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Small, cozy space with Cuban memorabilia and authentic music creates a relaxed, local vibe. Open 24 hours, it attracts those seeking affordable, well-prepared Cuban sandwiches and homestyle atmosphere. Self-serve sauces and simple setup add to the down-to-earth feel.

Lunch features a hot, fresh Cuban sandwich with flavors reminiscent of eastern Cuban home cooking. The spot offers a simple, easy lunch experience suitable for a quick stop.

Various kinds of take out empanadas are available and consistently good. They pair well with drinks like cordadito and fit into meals from breakfast to dinner.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, tasting like mom's cooking."

"This lunch spot has the best Cuban sandwich, hot and delicious."

"These empanadas are incredibly good value and yummy."

Good to know

1

La Esquina del Pan con Bistec 2 is open 24 hours a day.

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Ajiaco is served every Wednesday.

3

Meals are very affordable, typically around $15.

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Venezuelan restaurant

Venezuelan restaurant with authentic arepas and empanadas stands out for excellent prices and exceptional quality. The space feels like a remodeled bar with a dark, greasy atmosphere. It attracts people seeking authentic Venezuelan flavors despite limited seating and cleanliness concerns.

Lunches come with a CANTINA promotion offering 6 meals for $50 and a weekly plan at $60. The food is very delicious and often recommended alongside breakfast.

Shredded beef and cheese empanadas stand out for their flavor and size. These empanadas taste delicious and pair well with other menu items like burgers with fried cheese.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic Venezuelan."

"I found the empanadas here to be delicious."

"I thought the lunches here were the best in the area."

Good to know

1

Expect limited seating availability during peak hours.

2

Parking is often unavailable near the market.

3

Catering services are available for events.

09
Fonda Sabaneta Calle 8 image 1

Open restaurant space with beautiful Colombian dรฉcor creates an authentic atmosphere. 90s Spanish music plays loudly, energizing the environment. Colombian food stands out, especially empanadas and picada, paired with popular margaritas and cold beer.

Lunch offers a delicious and spectacular experience with options that suit groups well. The spot works great for happy hour and casual midday meals.

Excellent empanadas pair well with the picante, making them a solid choice while having drinks. They stand out as a satisfying snack option here.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and authentic Colombian."

"It felt so cozy, like being at home."

"Ricky at the Lunch Spot went the extra mile for me."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby for easy access.

2

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks.

3

On Wednesdays, enjoy 2 Mojarras for $30.

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El Cristo Restaurant image 1
Cuban restaurant

Exposed brick walls, Cuban flags, and original Cuban art create an authentic Cuban atmosphere with friendly energy and live music that varies from moderate to loud. Crowds from nearby cruise ships often fill the space, especially around the outdoor patio where people enjoy watching street activities. Mojitos and Cuban dishes contribute to a vibrant, culturally rich experience.

Lunch offers super delicious Cuban food with dishes like Ropa Vieja served in perfect portions and complex flavors. Prices stay reasonable with daily lunch specials and happy hours.

Large empanadas come very well-filled with beef or chicken. A spicy sauce accompanies them, and the beef version stands out as really tasty. Two huge chicken empanadas cost $10.

People are saying

"I found the Cuban food here to be authentic and flavorful."

"This lunch spot has delicious Cuban food, especially the sandwich."

"I found the beef empanadas to be the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $74 for two meals, a beer, and a pitcher of sangria.

2

An automatic 18% gratuity is added to your bill without prior notice.

3

Happy hour offers $5 mojitos, margaritas, and beers.

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Cuban restaurant

Small Cuban restaurant with retro diner decor and authentic Little Havana vibe offers a warm, nostalgic atmosphere filled with local energy. Walls display photos of Havana, and the space feels like a family kitchen with friendly staff. The setting combines old-school charm and a casual, welcoming mood.

Cuban Fritas stand out with their special flavor and suitable portion size for lunch. Food options fit well for any time of day, including lunch.

Sweet, flaky empanadas filled with guava offer a perfect fusion of sweet and tangy flavors. Both empanadas are consistently delicious and well worth trying.

People are saying

"The cubano frito sandwich is delicious with perfect texture."

"The Frita burger was the best thing I ate."

"The food here is delicious and made with high-quality ingredients."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult in the area, so plan accordingly.

2

Expect to pay an extra $3 fee for credit card transactions.

3

The prices are reasonable, making it an affordable dining option.

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Supermarket

Supermarket combines Argentinian grocery with a small cafรฉ bar and restaurant featuring an open kitchen. Atmosphere feels cozy and family-oriented, with a friendly and diverse crowd. Offers locally sourced products and unique items not found elsewhere in the area.

Generous portions of non-pretentious Cuban food make lunch here satisfying and affordable. Meals come with two courses and can be enjoyed at a counter inside the grocery store.

Baked empanadas come in a wide variety of flavors with options like beef and ham and cheese. They use puff pastry and serve them fresh and hot.

People are saying

"The food at this grocery store is delicious and freshly prepared."

"You have to try the baked empanadas; they have so many flavors."

"I loved the great breakfasts here."

Good to know

1

The establishment has a market with Latin products, a bakery, and a sit-down cafe.

2

El Nuevo Siglo functions as both a restaurant and an expanded supermarket.

3

The prices at El Nuevo Siglo are very affordable, with great daily specials.

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Little Havana, Miami

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