{"id":24202,"date":"2025-10-28T20:45:12","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T20:45:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/24202\/"},"modified":"2025-10-28T20:45:12","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T20:45:12","slug":"8-best-cuban-restaurants-in-fort-lauderdale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/24202\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Best Cuban Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"\"
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe best Fort Lauderdale Cuban restaurants are Padrino’s, Mario’s Catalina, Ody’s Cuban Cafe, Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine, and Little Cuban Cafe.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Mario\u2019s Catalina Restaurant photo by \u5fa1\u9716 via Yelp<\/p>\n

Creamy and strong caf\u00e9 con leche. Delicious ropa vieja. A properly pressed Cuban sandwich. While Fort Lauderdale doesn\u2019t flaunt quite the same Cuban saturation as Miami <\/a>or Tampa (the latter\u2019s claim to the Cuban sandwich throne still sparks debate<\/a>), Broward County\u2019s seaside sister has carved out a flavorful Cuban scene of its own.<\/p>\n

From old-school family legacies<\/a> to humble strip mall caf\u00e9s, these spots prove that SoFlo\u2019s Cuban roots reach well beyond Calle Ocho. Here are eight of the best Cuban restaurants in and around Fort Lauderdale that deliver big on sabor, soul, and a side of nostalgia, all in alphabetical order.<\/p>\n

\"\"Corinto Restaurant is one of the best Cuban spots in Broward<\/p>\n

Corinto Restaurant<\/p>\n

A teal-painted gem tucked away in a quiet corner of Oakland Park, Corinto Restaurant feels like discovering a secret breakfast club that happens to serve some of the best Cuban comfort food in the area. Morning regulars come for the caf\u00e9 cubano and loaded burritos, while lunch crowds load up on traditional plates and daily specials. The atmosphere is easygoing, intimate, and on-the-fly, all beautifully balled into one. 4390 N. Dixie Hwy., Oakland Park; 954-563-8800; facebook.com\/corintorestaurant<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine is a great Cuban spot in Fort Lauderdale<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine photo<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine<\/p>\n

A South Florida institution with deep family roots, Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine traces its story to the Mariel Boatlift of 1980, when the Vilari\u00f1o family arrived from Cuba with little more than determination and recipes worth keeping. Their Fort Lauderdale outpost continues the legacy with dishes like yuca frita, tamal con lechon, and tostones served crisp and golden. Expect a lively, family-friendly vibe, generous portions, and service that\u2019s as warm as the caf\u00e9 con leche that should accompany every meal. 2807 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-564-1370; lasvegascubancuisine.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"Little Cuban Cafe Restaurant is a go-to spot for Cuban food in Fort Lauderdale<\/p>\n

Little Cuban Cafe Restaurant photo<\/p>\n

Little Cuban Cafe Restaurant<\/p>\n

A local favorite that channels the rhythm of Havana with every plate, Little Cuban Caf\u00e9 serves homestyle fare that\u2019s quick, fresh, and doesn\u2019t sacrifice the sabor. The buffet allows diners to mix and match Cuban staples like yuca, maduros, and stewed meats, while strong coladas keep the energy flowing throughout the day. The vibe is casual and communal \u2013 outdoor tables, lively chatter, and the occasional breeze carrying the scent of all the goodness. 3433 Griffin Rd., Fort Lauderdale; 754-216-1266; littlecubancafe.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"Little Havana Restaurant serves the best Cuban food in Deerfield Beach<\/p>\n

Little Havana Restaurant photo<\/p>\n

Little Havana Restaurant<\/p>\n

It may sit just north of Fort Lauderdale proper, but Little Havana Bar & Grill is worth the short drive. The sprawling menu covers all the Cuban staples \u2013 croquetas, empanadas, and arroz con leche \u2013 but locals rave about the lamb shank, which falls off the bone after a long, flavorful braise. The space hums with Latin jams and mojito clinks. 721 S. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach; 954-427-6000; littlehavanarestaurant.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"Mario\u2019s Catalina is a beloved Cuban restaurant in Broward<\/p>\n

Mario\u2019s Catalina Restaurant<\/p>\n

Equal parts hidden gem and neighborhood legend, Mario\u2019s Catalina is where passion for Cuban cuisine and white-tablecloth service beautifully mesh. Owner Mario is known to greet diners himself, adding a personal touch to an already intimate experience. The restaurant\u2019s menu spans Cuban and Spanish classics, and every little touch is a winner \u2013 from its sangria to chimichurri sauce to, OMG, that tres leches. 6250 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 954-563-4141; marioscatalinarestaurantfl.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"The best Fort Lauderdale Cuban restaurants are Padrino\u2019s, Mario\u2019s Catalina, Ody\u2019s Cuban Cafe, Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine, and Little Cuban Cafe.<\/p>\n

Ody\u2019s Cuban Cafe<\/p>\n

A Davie staple that captures the heart of Cuban home cooking, Ody\u2019s Cuban Caf\u00e9 visibly thrives on warmth and authenticity. Family-run and flavor-forward, it\u2019s a spot where the regulars gather for heaping plates of ropa vieja, fried plantains, and black beans that taste like your favorite abuela made them. The atmosphere is unpretentious and inviting \u2013 a true community hub for anyone craving traditional Cuban in Broward\u2019s western reaches. 4153 SW 47th Ave., Davie; 954-581-0083; odyscubancafe.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"You can\u2019t go wrong with Padrino\u2019s for Cuban food in Fort Lauderdale<\/p>\n

Padrino\u2019s Cuban Restaurant photo<\/p>\n

Padrino\u2019s Cuban Restaurant<\/p>\n

A household name in South Florida\u2019s Cuban dining scene, Padrino\u2019s has been serving island flavors for nearly five decades. What began as a small market in 1930s Cuba has grown into a multi-generational restaurant empire, with the Fort Lauderdale location certainly continuing the family\u2019s proud legacy. Expect classics like ropa vieja, vaca frita, and arroz con pollo \u2014 all rooted in recipes passed down since Diosdado and Candida Rosa Padrino\u2019s early days in Hialeah. The lively space often features live music on Fridays, and the food remains as comforting and consistent as ever. There are spots in Plantation, Dania Beach, and Hallandale Beach, too. 1135 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 954-210-8989; padrinos.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"Sunshine Bakery makes authentic Cuban pastries like guava pastelitos<\/p>\n

Sunshine Bakery <\/p>\n

Sunshine Bakery might look like a pastry shop at first glance, but it\u2019s secretly one of Fort Lauderdale\u2019s best Cuban spots. Run by a fourth-generation family of bakers, the menu blends Cuban and Argentine flavors in everything from buttery pastries to hearty sandwiches. Locals rave about the caf\u00e9 con leche and the pastelitos that taste just like Havana mornings. Whether you\u2019re grabbing lunch or catering a party, Sunshine Bakery delivers comfort, flavor, and family tradition in every bite. 2621 Davie Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-584-1202; sunshinebakeryflorida.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The best Fort Lauderdale Cuban restaurants are Padrino’s, Mario’s Catalina, Ody’s Cuban Cafe, Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine, and…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":24203,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[1016,249,251,250,2278],"class_list":["post-24202","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-fort-lauderdale","tag-cuba","tag-fort-lauderdale","tag-fort-lauderdale-headlines","tag-fort-lauderdale-news","tag-lists"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24202","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24202"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24202\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24203"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24202"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24202"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24202"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}