Miami is the undisputed home of the Cuban sandwich in the United States. Whether you’re craving a traditional pressed Cubano or a modern chef-inspired twist, the city’s neighborhoods—from Little Havana to South Beach—offer unforgettable bites. The Cuban sandwich isn’t just food here; it’s a cultural icon. Rooted in Cuban-American history and infused with Miami’s vibrant energy, this humble sandwich tells a story of migration, tradition, and innovation. Here’s an extended and detailed guide for tourists looking to experience Miami’s most iconic bite in all its glory.
Little Havana: The Heart of Tradition
No trip to Miami is complete without a walk down Calle Ocho in Little Havana. This neighborhood is alive with Cuban music, cigar shops, and ventanitas (walk-up coffee windows). It’s also the beating heart of authentic Cuban sandwich culture.
🏛️ Versailles Restaurant – Open since 1976, Versailles is more than a restaurant; it’s a cultural institution. Known as the “world’s most famous Cuban restaurant,” its Cubano is the gold standard. Crisp Cuban bread hugs layers of roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles. The sandwich is pressed until hot and crunchy, creating the perfect balance of flavors. Tourists should expect a bustling dining room filled with chatter in Spanish and English, making it a lively introduction to Cuban-American life.
🥪 Sanguich de Miami – This small, stylish gem is beloved by critics and locals alike. What sets Sanguich apart is its dedication to making everything in-house: the pork is marinated and cured by the kitchen, the pickles are brined onsite, and the bread is baked fresh daily. The result is a Cubano with layers that sing in harmony, offering depth and freshness in every bite. It’s cozy, unpretentious, and a must-visit for foodies seeking craftsmanship.
Midtown & Edgewater: Old-School Charm
In these neighborhoods, you’ll find Cuban sandwich shops that feel frozen in time, serving regulars who’ve been loyal for decades.
🧀 Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop – Don’t let its small, unassuming exterior fool you. Enriqueta’s is a Miami institution. Known for its cheesy, pickle-packed Cubanos, this spot serves sandwiches that overflow with flavor. Their Cubano con Croquetas is particularly indulgent, featuring crispy ham croquettes tucked inside the sandwich. Eating here feels like stepping into the daily rhythm of Miami locals—fast-paced, flavorful, and full of charm.
Modern Twists Across the City
While tradition reigns supreme, Miami’s culinary creativity knows no bounds. Chefs have started experimenting with the Cuban sandwich, reinterpreting it in playful ways.
🍖 Proper Sausages (Miami Shores) – This artisanal butcher shop reimagines the Cubano as the “Cubanish.” Instead of Cuban bread, they use a Portuguese muffin, giving the sandwich a new texture and taste. Inside, you’ll find smoked ham, dry-rubbed roast pork, pickles, mustard, cheddar, and mayo. It’s a thoughtful twist that still pays homage to the original.
🔥 Babe’s Meat & Counter (Palmetto Bay) – Part butcher shop, part eatery, Babe’s is famous for its meat-forward menu. Their Cuban sandwich features house-smoked ham and roast pork, lending an irresistible smoky flavor. The rustic setting adds to the experience, making you feel like you’re indulging in a backyard BBQ with Cuban roots.
🥖 Sarussi Subs (Westchester) – Sarussi is not afraid to break tradition. Their sandwich swaps Cuban bread for a massive Italian roll, adds mozzarella, and finishes it with garlic butter and secret sauce. The result is a Cuban-Italian hybrid that’s messy, indulgent, and unforgettable.
🍺 Off Site (Little River) – This nano-brewery proves that beer and Cuban sandwiches are a match made in heaven. Their Cubano is straightforward yet elevated: crunchy bread, Duroc pork, Benton’s country ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles. Pair it with one of their craft lagers for the ultimate Miami food experience.
South Beach: By the Ocean
Tourists flock to South Beach for sun and nightlife, but it’s also home to Cuban sandwich gems.
🌴 Cubatón (Espanola Way) – This lively shop specializes in Cubanos done both classic and creative. Their pork is marinated in garlicky mojo for 14 hours, ensuring a rich, savory bite. For adventurous eaters, there are versions with hot honey or even vegetarian alternatives. The energy of Espanola Way adds to the fun, making it a great stop between beach strolls.
🏖️ Las Olas Café – Perfect for a quick snack before hitting the sand, Las Olas Café is a ventanita-style spot where sandwiches are cut into crispy triangles. It’s a casual, affordable choice beloved by both locals and tourists.
Coral Gables & Coconut Grove
These neighborhoods offer a mix of trendy cafés and family-style restaurants, each adding a unique touch to the Cubano tradition.
☕ Tinta y Café – Known for great coffee and modern Cuban flavors, Tinta y Café serves the “Patria” sandwich, a Cubano variation with mortadella and garlicky aioli. It’s trendy yet comforting, making it a great spot for brunch.
🍽️ Sergio’s Restaurant – A family-run chain that has expanded across Miami, Sergio’s is dependable for traditional Cuban food. Their Cubano sticks closely to the classic formula, pressed just right, and consistently satisfying.
🌙 Mary’s Café (Silver Bluff) – This unpretentious diner doubles as a laundromat, but it’s legendary for serving hearty Cuban sandwiches around the clock. With prices under $6, it’s the go-to late-night spot for locals and students.
Budget-Friendly & Chains
If you’re on a budget or in a rush, Miami still delivers big on flavor.
🐔 Pollo Tropical – This Florida-based fast-food chain serves an affordable Cubano (about $8.49) on soft bread, with pork or chicken options. It’s quick, filling, and reliable.
🍴 Latin Café 2000 – With multiple locations, Latin Café is known for giant portions at low prices. Their Cubanos are generously stuffed, often large enough for two people to share.
Vegetarian & Dietary-Friendly Options
Cuban sandwiches are traditionally meat-heavy, but Miami is adapting to modern dietary preferences.
🌱 Vegan Cuban Cuisine (Kendall) – Miami’s first fully vegan Cuban restaurant serves Cubanos made with plant-based meats and dairy-free cheese. It’s proof that tradition can evolve without losing flavor.
🥗 Cubatón – Beyond their pork specialties, Cubatón offers a vegetarian Cuban sandwich, making it an inclusive stop for groups with mixed diets.
🍞 Gluten-Free Alternatives – While traditional Cuban bread is wheat-based, specialty bakeries like Dora’s in Coral Gables can prepare gluten-free versions on request, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic.
Quick Comparison Table
Name
Neighborhood
Style
Price Range
Highlights
Versailles Restaurant
Little Havana
Traditional
$$
Iconic landmark, bustling atmosphere
Sanguich de Miami
Little Havana
Traditional
$
All ingredients made in-house
Enriqueta’s
Midtown/Edgewater
Traditional
$
Famous croqueta Cubano
Proper Sausages
Miami Shores
Modern
$$
“Cubanish” on Portuguese muffin
Babe’s Meat & Counter
Palmetto Bay
Traditional
$
House-smoked pork and ham
Sarussi Subs
Westchester
Modern
$
Italian-Cuban fusion
Off Site
Little River
Traditional
$
Brewery with top-notch Cubano
Cubatón
South Beach
Modern
$$
Creative Cubanos, veggie option
Mary’s Café
Coconut Grove
Traditional
$
24/7 late-night sandwiches
Pollo Tropical
Multiple
Budget
$
Fast-food Cuban under $10
Latin Café 2000
Multiple
Budget
$
Huge portions, casual dining
Final Thoughts
The Cuban sandwich is more than a snack; it’s a symbol of Miami’s identity. From Little Havana’s historic eateries to modern reinterpretations in trendy neighborhoods, every bite reflects a piece of the city’s culture. Tourists are encouraged to try both the classics and the creative spins to appreciate the full spectrum of flavors. Whether you’re sipping café con leche at a ventanita, grabbing a late-night sandwich at Mary’s, or indulging in a craft Cubano paired with local beer, you’ll quickly learn why Miami takes such pride in this simple yet powerful creation. Every Cuban sandwich here tells a story of heritage, innovation, and community—making it a must-eat experience for anyone visiting the Magic City.