Jama Benn Jama — Restaurant in Hialeah Gardens

Upon stepping into Jama Benn Jama, you are immediately transported to a vibrant Cuban oasis nestled in the heart of Miami. As the aroma of garlic, lime, and slow-roasted meats wafts through the air, it's clear that this restaurant is a sanctuary for those seeking an authentic Cuban culinary experience.

From the moment you are greeted by the warm, inviting staff, it's evident that hospitality is at the core of Jama Benn Jama's ethos. The colorful decor, with its bright mosaics and rustic charm, reflects the lively spirit of Cuba itself. Cuban music gently plays in the background, setting a rhythmic tone that makes it impossible not to tap your feet.

The menu is a delightful journey through Cuba's rich culinary landscape. Each dish is crafted with care, showcasing traditional flavors with a contemporary twist. The Tostones Rellenos—crispy fried plantains stuffed with savory fillings—are a must-try starter. They offer a perfect balance of texture and taste that sets the stage for what's to come.

A standout main course is the Ropa Vieja. This classic Cuban dish features tender shredded beef simmered in a tomato-based sauce with bell peppers and onions. It's served alongside white rice and sweet plantains, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The beef is so succulent and well-seasoned that each forkful seems to tell its own story of heritage and meticulous preparation.

No review of Jama Benn Jama would be complete without mentioning their legendary Cubano sandwich. Layers of juicy roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard are pressed between slices of buttery Cuban bread until crisp and golden brown. It's an iconic street food staple elevated to new heights within this restaurant's walls—a testament to their commitment to quality ingredients and techniques.

If you have room for dessert—and you should make room—the Flan de la Casa is an exemplary finish to your meal. Silky smooth with just the right amount of sweetness, this custard dessert topped with caramel is a love letter to the simplicity and elegance of Cuban sweets.

The beverage selection at Jama Benn Jama complements every meal exquisitely. Whether you opt for a classic Mojito, expertly mixed with fresh mint and zesty lime or choose from their selection of Cuban beers, your thirst for island libations will be quenched.

Service throughout the meal remains attentive without being intrusive; servers are knowledgeable about both the menu and Cuban cuisine in general. They are happy to share stories about the dishes or recommend personal favorites which adds an intimate touch to the dining experience.

In conclusion, Jama Benn Jama stands as a beacon of Cuban culture in Miami. From its exuberant ambiance to its soulful food offerings, this restaurant doesn't just serve meals—it celebrates an entire heritage on a plate. Whether you're well-acquainted with Cuban cuisine or venturing into it for the first time, Jama Benn Jama promises an unforgettable experience that will have you planning your next visit before you've even...

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit Jama Benn Jama in Hialeah Gardens, FL, a place I had eagerly anticipated visiting after following them on social media for some time. We traveled from out of town and convinced my local family to join us for my husband's birthday celebration.

Upon arrival, I was immediately struck by the restaurant's unique and rustic ambiance, rich with Cuban flavor and originality. The decor was impressive and visually captivating, with plenty of Instagram-worthy spots in the outdoor area. I enthusiastically took numerous photos, excited by the promising atmosphere.

However, the experience quickly took a downturn due to the disappointing service. The wait times were excessively long, with over 15 minutes just to receive our drinks. Several menu items were unavailable, leaving most of my children without anything to eat. Throughout our visit, no one checked on us, we had no water, and no plates were provided for our appetizers. When the food finally arrived, it was brought out sporadically, with no apologies or explanations, and one plate was delivered every ten minutes or so.

Despite raising a concern once about tables that arrived after us being served first, our server responded with a condescending attitude rather than addressing the issue. We specifically requested that the children's meals be expedited, as they were extremely hungry after waiting for so long, but this was met with indifference.

Regrettably, what was meant to be a joyous celebration turned into an ordeal, and I ultimately did not eat. The food itself was underwhelming, especially considering the excellent Cuban cuisine available elsewhere in Miami. While the live music and outdoor ambiance were commendable, the absence of alcoholic beverages contributed to a lack of vibrancy. Furthermore, the bathrooms were, filthy and could be smelled from the outside sitting area.

Jama Benn Jama has tremendous potential given its unique setting and lively atmosphere, but the severe deficiencies in customer service and overall experience are significant drawbacks. I sincerely hope the owner takes these issues seriously and makes necessary improvements. Until then, I cannot see myself returning or recommending this...

If I could give this place zero stars I would. This place is nice to drive by, park, take photos and KEEP GOING. I don’t recommend spending money eating at this overpriced restaurant with greedy owners. The food is NOT good and they serve skimpy portions. The servers at this restaurant are so nice but overworked in the heat and sun and they look miserable. The owners are RUDE to customers and yell at their employees in front of everyone. They are insensitive and highly focused on the appearance of the restaurant versus the services and food they offer. God forbid you’re having a good time with your family and are there when you’re done consuming food, the owner will personally come to kick you and your family out. This place is not welcoming to families with children and is driven by all the money they charge you on overpriced food. They don’t even have high chairs. My recommendation is that you take advantage of the decor (parking is inconvenient but free) and go around the corner to so many other truly amazing Cuban spots that you’ll find have way better pricing. Unlike others I always leave great elaborate reviews of places I visit but I also like to give honest reviews of bad places like this.

UPDATE: the owner responded to this describing an event That had NOTHING to do with me. I went to his restaurant with my baby, husband and sister in law (hence why I mentioned high chairs and speak about the inconvenience it is to come here with families). We don’t smoke nor did we stay for over we four hours OR drink. Seems like the restaurant repeatedly has these incidents so I can understand why it would be easy to get confused. In the owner’s response he claims I included false information. I’m stating my opinion and facts about my visit. ZERO STARS to the restaurant and negative five stars for CRM.Please scroll down to see the owner’s detailed response of another event that is...