If you're craving authentic Cuban cuisine in the Fort Lauderdale area, you're in luck, as the region surrounding Plantation and Fort Lauderdale has become home to numerous family-owned Cuban restaurants, each offering their own take on traditional dishes passed down through generations. From casual food court spots to establishments with live music and dancing, these restaurants provide both longtime residents and newcomers with a genuine taste of Cuban culture.
Here are some of our favorite Cuban dining options near our Plantation apartments and our Davie apartments, so give them a try and see what you think!
Best Cuban restaurants around Fort Lauderdale
Padrino's Cuban Restaurant
Plantation
Tucked away next to the Publix in Plantation, Padrino's represents three generations of Cuban culinary tradition that’s been enjoyed across Southeast Florida for years!
What makes Padrino's special is its deep family history, which began in 1976 when the Padrino family opened their first restaurant in Hialeah, though the roots go even deeper. The family originally ran a small food market and winery in 1930s Cuba before emigrating to the United States in 1968, and their Hallandale location opened its doors in 1981, with the family expanding their reach ever since.
The menu features traditional Cuban dishes including Palomilla (marinated minute steak), Ropa Vieja (shredded flank steak slow-cooked with peppers and onions) and Lechon Asado (roasted pork), while their Cuban combination platters offer a sampling of favorites like tostones, croquetas de jamon and empanadas. The restaurant's bar serves as a focal point of the large, open dining area, where specialty cocktails like the Guava'Rita and house mojitos complement the authentic cuisine.
Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine
Plantation
Operating since 1984, this local chain has established itself as a cornerstone of authentic Cuban food in South Florida. The restaurant has a particularly meaningful origin story, too, as the owners arrived during the 1980 Mariel Boatlift, when 126,000 Cubans fled the communist island in a massive exodus.
For over 30 years, Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine has been serving traditional Cuban dishes with a focus on using the best ingredients available, offering an extensive menu that includes more than 16 appetizer options and main courses featuring chicken, beef, pork, fish, lamb and seafood. The restaurant also accommodates vegan and vegetarian diners, making it accessible to a wider range of customers, while their lunch specials have become particularly popular among local workers looking for authentic, affordable meals.
Don Carlin Cuban Restaurant
Sunrise
Don Carlin Restaurant in Sunrise has built its reputation over the years as a cozy, family-owned establishment that delivers authentic Cuban home-cooked meals with consistent quality — what more could you want?
The restaurant feels like a small Cuban café transported directly from Miami, with its sun-lit interior creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for its hungry guests. Don Carlin has become a favorite among area workers seeking affordable lunch options, and is known particularly for its excellent garlic sauce and generous portions. The menu includes a variety of mouthwatering lunch specials with choices like shredded beef, roast pork, ground beef and their famous lamb shank, plus their popular oxtail dish (rabo encendido).
Cedeño's Cuban Cafe
Plantation
Tucked away inside Broward Mall, Cedeño's Cuban Cafe proves that location doesn't determine authenticity! This family-owned establishment is run by a local firefighter, with Anselmo's legacy continuing through his firefighter sons who maintain the family's commitment to authentic Cuban cuisine.
Despite its mall food court setting, Cedeño's doesn't compromise on quality or authenticity, building a loyal following among mall workers and shoppers. The menu includes favorites like Bistec de Pollo, picadillo, empanadas and Cuban sandwiches, with the restaurant particularly known for excellent Cuban coffee (cortadito), flan and tres leches desserts. What sets them apart is their commitment to generous portions at reasonable prices, with meals that include three complimentary sides.
Cubano's by Mario
Fort Lauderdale
Cubano's by Mario is a locally beloved restaurant with a rich history dating all the way back to 2001. Chef and owner Mario Flores started with his first location on A1A, and the restaurant operated for 17 years as Mario's Catalina before undergoing a rebrand in 2019, though it maintained the same menu, flavors and personalized service that made it famous.
Mario offers something different from typical Cuban establishments, often providing a unique dining experience by cooking for guests without them selecting from a menu, creating a home-like atmosphere where diners feel like family. The Cuban-Spanish fusion menu includes empanadas, paella, red snapper with shrimp and Argentine-style skirt steak, along with signature sangria and mojitos.
Little Cuban Cafe Restaurant
Dania Beach
Located in Dania Beach about eight miles from Plantation, Little Cuban Cafe has built an impressive reputation over the years! The restaurant has been voted the top Cuban restaurant by locals on Google Reviews and ranks among the 25 best Cuban restaurants in the United States, with recipes taken directly from the owners' family cookbooks.
What distinguishes Little Cuban Cafe is its buffet-style approach, allowing customers to mix and match their favorite dishes, plus an outdoor dining area perfect for Florida weather and comprehensive catering services for special events. Everything is made from scratch with love, maintaining family recipes that have been passed down through generations. Cuban breakfast options and sandwiches have become particularly popular among regular customers, alongside traditional favorites.
El Tamarindo Cafe
Fort Lauderdale
El Tamarindo Cafe in Fort Lauderdale has been serving the community since 2003, when the Amaya brothers established this Cuban and Latin American restaurant. Over two decades, they've built a reputation for generous portions at affordable prices.
The restaurant offers more than just traditional Cuban cuisine, with outdoor seating available for those who prefer al fresco dining. The menu goes beyond Cuban fare to include Latin American favorites like lamb shanks, ceviche, paella and churrasco, while Cuban staples like tamales, black bean soup, palomilla and Cuban sandwiches remain customer favorites. Mojitos and tropical cocktails complement the diverse menu offerings. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with specific hours varying by day.
Colada Cuban Cafe
Fort Lauderdale
Colada Cuban Cafe on Federal Highway opened in 2015 as a modern evolution of Cuban dining. The restaurant was established by the owners of the historic Miramar Bakery, which has served Hollywood for over 30 years, bringing their bakery expertise to a fast-casual Cuban concept.
Colada sets itself apart with a unique beverage program that offers craft beer on tap and kegged cocktails alongside traditional Cuban coffee preparations, while maintaining the bakery heritage with all pastries, empanadas, breads and desserts made fresh daily. The menu features both traditional items like croquetas, pastelitos and Cuban sandwiches, as well as modern twists like Cuban French Toast and customizable rice bowls. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Little Havana Restaurant
Deerfield Beach
With a few popular locations scattered around Miami, the Little Havana Restaurant in Deerfield Beach has definitely become a neighborhood institution! The owners describe their mission simply: "It's a family. This is the food we grew up with that our parents and grandparents brought from Cuba," and interestingly, they've found that most of their business comes from other cultural groups who become hooked after trying the cuisine.
The restaurant features a fountain, outdoor patio for cigar enthusiasts and live music on select evenings, creating a complete Cuban dining experience. Popular dishes include ropa vieja, roast pork, their famous lamb shank and traditional paella, all served from recipes taken directly from the family cookbooks.
Havana 1957
Pembroke Pines
Located within the mall at Pembroke Pines, Havana 1957 opened in 2014 as part of the V&E Restaurant group with locations throughout South Florida. The restaurant brings a slice of 1950s Cuba to Pembroke Pines with its carefully curated atmosphere and entertainment.
What makes Havana 1957 unique is its extensive entertainment programming and upscale atmosphere, decorated with antiques and Havana memorabilia. The restaurant features live music Wednesday through Sunday, including "Rumbavana Live Shows" on weekend nights, while Saturday nights host themed parties with dancing, rotating between Glow Party, 50's Party, Carnival and Mojito Night. The Mojito Bar stocks over 120 varieties of rum from around the world. The menu features traditional dishes like roasted chicken marinated in Cuban gravy, Ropa Vieja, roasted pork and Cuban sandwiches, with more unique offerings including yuca fries tossed in truffle oil with parmesan cheese and rosemary.
The cultural experience
What makes these Cuban restaurants special isn't just the food, it's the cultural experience they provide, as many of these establishments are run by families who brought their recipes and traditions directly from Cuba, whether during the Mariel Boatlift of 1980 or other waves of immigration. These aren't just places to eat, they're cultural institutions that preserve and share Cuban heritage with the broader South Florida community.
The variety of dining experiences available means there's something for everyone, from budget-conscious diners who can enjoy authentic meals at food court prices at Cedeño's to those seeking entertainment who can spend an evening at Havana 1957 with live music and dancing. Families looking for a casual meal have numerous options with kid-friendly menus and welcoming atmospheres, while business lunches, romantic dinners and large group celebrations all have appropriate venues within this collection of restaurants.
Making your choice
When deciding which Cuban restaurant to visit, consider what kind of experience you're seeking, as a quick, affordable lunch might lead you to Don Carlin near Sawgrass Mills or Porto Havana's weekday service. If you're planning a special celebration, Havana 1957's live entertainment and upscale atmosphere could be ideal, while those wanting to sample various dishes might prefer Little Cuban Cafe's buffet-style setup that allows for exploration.
Each restaurant maintains its own interpretation of classic dishes while staying true to authentic preparation methods, whether you're craving a simple Cuban sandwich or ready to explore dishes like rabo encendido or paella. These family-owned establishments offer genuine flavors that transport diners to the streets of Havana.
The Fort Lauderdale area's Cuban restaurant scene reflects South Florida's rich cultural diversity and the important role Cuban cuisine plays in the region's culinary landscape, as these restaurants do more than serve food. They preserve traditions, create community gathering spaces and introduce new generations to the flavors and customs of Cuban culture, making them essential parts of what makes South Florida such a unique place to live. Whether you're a longtime resident of our Broward County apartments near Fort Lauderdale or are brand new to the area, exploring these authentic Cuban restaurants offers both delicious meals and meaningful cultural experiences that define the character of our diverse community!
Enjoy!
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Featured photo by Barbare Kacharava on Unsplash
Second photo by Alfredo Burgos on Unsplash
Third photo by Stone Hood on Unsplash
Fourth photo by Hector Falcon on Unsplash
Fifth photo by Wil Carranza on Unsplash
The AMLI Editorial Team consists of a team of writers and editors who work together on blog articles, and may occasionally employ AI tools to assist in developing content.
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