Versailles Restaurant, Miami

Declared the “World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant,” Versailles really dominates Little Havana's culinary scene. This serious Miami institution that has been the unofficial town hall for El Exilio (Cuban expats in exile) since 1971 and is the one that is very hard to miss when cruising down 8th Street. While it may not be the best Cuban restaurant in town, it is definitely the most iconic. You can tell it because every presidential candidate shows up here for a cafecito at some point, and because you’re always going to wait a bit, even though it’s an enormous place.

If you are from out of town, you should come here for your very first shot of cafecito at least. And if time is in shortage, order it at la ventanita (an outdoor ordering window) along with some croquettas. Otherwise, if you are in for something more substantial, sit inside and order a full meal of some of their staples like Cuban sandwich with classic fixings, such as sweet ham and Swiss cheese – winner with the fast-casual crowd, or a traditional hearty Cuban-style roast pork with rice and beans on the side. On a lighter note, consider vaca frita, medianoche, some croqueticas, or pastelito.

With time, you may know that you have become a true Miamian if waitresses start giving you the Spanish menu and greeting you with “mi cielo”.

The place is open until 2:30am Friday and Saturday, making it ideal for late night comfort food.

Why You Should Visit:
An iconic place to go for a Cuban food fix.
The most famous coffee window in the city, swarming with ex-pats and adorable octogenarians sipping their daily cafecito.
If you haven't tried a Cubano at Versailles, you can hardly qualify as having been to Miami at all.