8 Best Cuban Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale

Creamy and strong café con leche. Delicious ropa vieja. A properly pressed Cuban sandwich. While Fort Lauderdale doesn’t flaunt quite the same Cuban saturation as Miami or Tampa (the latter’s claim to the Cuban sandwich throne still sparks debate), Broward County’s seaside sister has carved out a flavorful Cuban scene of its own.

From old-school family legacies to humble strip mall cafés, these spots prove that SoFlo’s 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.

Corinto Restaurant

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 café 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.

Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine

A South Florida institution with deep family roots, Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine traces its story to the Mariel Boatlift of 1980, when the Vilariño 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’s as warm as the café con leche that should accompany every meal. 2807 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-564-1370; lasvegascubancuisine.com.

Little Cuban Cafe Restaurant

A local favorite that channels the rhythm of Havana with every plate, Little Cuban Café serves homestyle fare that’s quick, fresh, and doesn’t 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 – 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.

Little Havana Restaurant

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 – croquetas, empanadas, and arroz con leche – 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.

Mario’s Catalina Restaurant

Equal parts hidden gem and neighborhood legend, Mario’s 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’s menu spans Cuban and Spanish classics, and every little touch is a winner – from its sangria to chimichurri sauce to, OMG, that tres leches. 6250 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 954-563-4141; marioscatalinarestaurantfl.com.

Ody’s Cuban Cafe

A Davie staple that captures the heart of Cuban home cooking, Ody’s Cuban Café visibly thrives on warmth and authenticity. Family-run and flavor-forward, it’s 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 – a true community hub for anyone craving traditional Cuban in Broward’s western reaches. 4153 SW 47th Ave., Davie; 954-581-0083; odyscubancafe.com.

Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant

A household name in South Florida’s Cuban dining scene, Padrino’s 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’s proud legacy. Expect classics like ropa vieja, vaca frita, and arroz con pollo — all rooted in recipes passed down since Diosdado and Candida Rosa Padrino’s 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.

Sunshine Bakery

Sunshine Bakery might look like a pastry shop at first glance, but it’s secretly one of Fort Lauderdale’s 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 café con leche and the pastelitos that taste just like Havana mornings. Whether you’re 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.