We’ve had this forever debate with Tampa on who does a proper “Cubano”... they or we?
Tampa likes to throw some salami on theirs, while here in South Florida, we keep it simple.
Ham, (mojo) roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on pressed Cuban bread, like you’d do a panini. If you’ve lived here for even just a few months, you knew this already though!
But, enough of the Miami vs. Tampa fuss though, because we already know the correct answer 😜.
Instead, let’s focus on a few of MY favorite Cuban Sandwiches north of Havana (in no particular order)!
• Versailles Cuban Cuisine - 3555 Southwest 8th Street, Miami 33135
I know I said “no particular order”, but, I had to start with “The World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant”. Located in the heart of Miami’s Cuban Community on Calle Ocho, if you’re going to trademark that line, you BETTER be churning out a damn good Cuban Sandwich!
As delicious as it is traditional, Versailles starts with fresh baked Cuban bread loaded with sweet ham, slow roasted pork, Swiss cheese and all the pickles and yellow mustard you could ask for. It’s finished off on a sandwich press that’s coated with a generous helping of butter.
Legendary since 1971, they even ship their famous sandwich anywhere in the U.S. through Goldbelly.
• Havana Harry’s - 4612 South Le Jeune Road, Coral Gables 33146
Routinely crowned Miami’s best Cuban sandwich by various food magazines and websites, it’s evident in your first bite. This popular Coral Gables eatery packs loads of ham, pork, swiss cheese, mozzarella cheese, mustard and pickles on Cuban Bread.
I know what you’re thinking... mozzarella cheese?! A girl who is both Cuban and Italian introduced me to Havana Harry’s and just like her, this sammie combines the best of two worlds! Not entirely traditional, but oh the melty goodness, with the mozzarella giving you a cheese pull and flavor you don’t get with other Cubanos.
• Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine - multiple locations (see website)
With locations from Doral to Plantation, Las Vegas focuses on traditional Cuban food at each, including a killer Cuban sandwich.
The Vilariño family, like so many, came to South Florida during the Mariel Boat Lift in 1980, when 126,000 Cubans traveled by boat to start their new lives here. Their first restaurant location is here in Hollywood, by the radio station, so I’ve had my fair share of meals there, and never once been disappointed.
A no-nonsense Cubano, Las Vegas combines Serrano ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, roast pork and mayonnaise on some of the crispiest, toastiest Cuban bread I’ve ever had. The mayo is an interesting touch, but it works!
Who am I missing? What’s YOUR fave?
Send me an email 📧➡️ HERE!
¡Buen provecho! 😋