Miami's Best Croqueta Spot Opens at Dadeland Mall Food Court

Miami's best croquetas have just arrived to Dadeland Mall in Kendal. Islas Canarias photo

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For the past 50 years, only one family-run restaurant in Miami has been synonymous with delicious, house-made croquetas, and it's none other than Islas Canarias.

The Cuban restaurant founded in 1977 by the late Raul and Amelia Garcia has been a Miami staple at its original location in Tamiami and later in Kendall.

Now, those who are closer to South Miami, Pinecrest, and Palmetto Bay no longer have to make the deep trek to Kendale Lakes or Tamiami to get their hands on the famous croquetas — Islas Canarias has just opened an express restaurant called Islas Canarias Cuban Express at the food court inside Dadeland Mall.

According to local food blogger George Arango of Mr. Eats 305, who shared the news in an Instagram Reel, the express restaurant is serving its fan-favorite croquetas, as well as brand new menu items such as bowls, sandwiches, and Cuban burritos.

"This is a game changer," says Arango.

@mr.eats305 Miami’s favorite croqueta is now available in Dadeland Mall food court (which seems to be stepping it up with yet another great addition) 👀🤯🔥 @Islas Canarias Cuban Express not only has the OG Croquetas but added new flavors and menu items like bowls, sandwiches, and their cuban burritos 🇨🇺🤤 This is a game changer, what are your thoughts? 🤔 - #MrEats305 #MrEatsApproved #MrEats #MiamiFood #miamieats #Miami #DontTakeABiteWithoutMe #MiamiFoodMap #islascanarias #islasexpress #miamicroquetas #dadelandmall #dadelandmallfoodcourt #kendall #kendallfood #cubanwrap #cubanburrito ♬ En Barranquilla Me Quedo - Joe Arroyo & La Verdad

Not only will you find the original croquetas at the express restaurant, but the express spot has launched brand new croquetas, including a kimchi pork croqueta, a gluten-free "OG" croqueta, a buffalo cauliflower croqueta, and a serrano ham croqueta.

Plus, fans of the Cuban burrito will be thrilled to know their favorite burrito filled with Cuban vaca frita, maduros, and rice is just a quick detour on their way to attack the sales at Macy's or Zara.

click to enlarge

The Cuban burrito at Islas Canarias Cuban Express inside of Dadeland Mall is a vaca frita dream.

Screenshot via TikTok/@mr.eats305

Islas Canarias is currently run by the late founders' daughter, Nancy Andrade, along with her children Eileen and Jonathan Andrade (Eileen is an acclaimed chef widely known for her restaurants Finka Table & Tap, Amelia's 1931, and Barbakoa by Finka). The founders' family recipes from Cuba have been preserved throughout the years under the careful watch of said children and grandchildren.

Now, Jonathan, creator of Islas Canarias Cuban Express and COO of Canarias Foods Corp., is determined to bring the legacy of his family into the next generation with the first of many Islas Canarias Cuban Express locations in Miami, with the first being at Dadeland Mall.

Although this express spot lacks the casual yet elegant ambiance of the flagship restaurant in Tamiami, it definitely carries the same delicious croquetas fans have craved for generations.

Islas Canarias Cuban Express. At Dadeland Mall's dining pavilion (food court), 7535 N. Kendall Dr., Miami; simon.com. Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.