Photo by The Louis Collection
Audio By Carbonatix
Little Havana’s restaurant scene in Miami is getting another dose of Cuban nostalgia from the bygone era leading up to the revolution. Gastronomica Miami, the team behind Sala’o, Old’s Havana Cuban Bar + Cocina (one of New Times‘ 12 Best Cuban Restaurants in Miami), Ciao Havana, and CosaNostra Nightclub, is opening El Cuban Diner at 1620 SW Eighth St. on Thursday, October 30. (The restaurant is currently in its soft opening, so if you walk by, it’s open.)
The space, formerly home to Ciao Bella Italian and El Santo, resembles a 1950s diner with Cuban influences: red vinyl booths, chrome stools, vintage Coca-Cola signs, and colorful tile accents. Neon lights glow above the bar, old-school posters line the walls, and the servers wear uniforms inspired by bygone eras. However, it’s essential to note that most Cuban establishments in Havana between the 1940s and mid-1950s didn’t resemble this one or have menus that resembled this spot.
Photo by The Louis Collection
Comfort Food, Cuban-Style
El Cuban Diner’s menu is a mash-up of diner fare and Cuban home cooking. There’s the frita Cubana, a chorizo-spiced burger piled with shoestring potatoes, and the pan con lechón, stuffed with roast pork and mojo. The “El Clásico Hot Dog” keeps things simple with mustard, sauerkraut, and sweet caramelized onions, while options like the tuna melt sandwich and prosciutto sandwich round out the comfort-food lineup.
Those in a heartier mood can grab one of the Cuban bowls, which include choices such as ropa vieja, vaca frita, churrasco, “Pollo Criollo,” roast pork, and “Salmon Tropical,” served with rice, black beans, and tostones or sweet plantains. For something lighter, consider salads like the Caesar or the “Prosciutto & Burrata,” or opt for a pizza (Margherita, prosciutto, ham, pepperoni), or pasta dishes like “Penne al Pesto Genovese” or mac and cheese, made with three kinds of cheese.
Photo by The Louis Collection
The Sweet Finish
Desserts seem to be straight out of abuela’s recipe box, with “Maracuyá Cheesecake,” arroz con leche, flan Cubano, and torrejas con helado (a Cuban take on French toast with ice cream). And yes, there are milkshakes, or better yet, malteadas, in flavors like “Strawberry Maria Cookie,” “Chocolate Coconut & Oreo,” banana split, and “Chocolate & Corn Flakes.” Ice cream floats and Cuban coffee drinks round out the options.
At the bar, expect the classics: mojitos, Cuba Libres, El Presidente cocktails, and a few twists that mix rum with diner-era nostalgia. The restaurant will open with a grand opening party on Thursday, October 30, featuring bounce houses, neighborhood activities, and special offers on its opening day.
El Cuban Diner. 1620 SW Eighth St., Miami; elcubandiner.com. Opening Thursday, October 30.
