La Niña Restaurant — Restaurant in Marathon

I am a big fan of Cuban cuisine, growing up in a Cuban household I have had just about every dish in the cook book not just at home but many excellent Cuban restaurants around the country especially in Miami, Tampa, and Union City, NJ. Leaving Key West the other day we decided to stop for lunch at La Niña in Marathon Key a local Cuban spot on Route 1 North. I wasn't expecting much at first and was hoping it was at the very least authentic. I ordered the roast pork sandwich, a Cuban sandwich, a corn tamal, and a guava shake for my fiancé and I. We ate in the car right outside the restaurant, when we opened the to ho containers we were surprised to see the sandwiches were quite big, and nice looking, however when we took that first bite we both looked at each other and seriously could not believe our taste buds! We both insisted we take a bite of each others sandwiches and again could not believe how incredibly delicious they were! I can honestly say those sandwiches were by far the absolute BEST OF THE BEST, much better than any sandwich I've ever had in my life anywhere, forget about anyone that claims to have the best Cuban sandwich in the state, the prize definitely goes to La Niña Cuban Restaurant in Marathon Key, Florida 10/10 for sure! If you are driving down to the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park, Marathon, or on your way to Key West do yourself a favor and STOP HERE!!! You will not understand until you experience it for yourself ❤️ All cooking is done on sight, they bake their own Cuban bread (absolutely delicious) the staff is super nice, friendly, and attentive. They have a nice variety of selections, fresh shakes, and desserts too, you simply can't keep driving and miss this place. After we finished our meal I went back and ordered more food to go and I was happy I did, been thinking about this place for days now and looking forward to returning very very soon. Muchísimas gracias a todos en La Niña Restaurante, ustedes son lo mejor de li...

My family and I visited during our trip to Marathon. If you’re in the area- make sure to stop here. The food is authentic Cuban, delicious, budget friendly, with good variety and filling portions. The food: We ordered - Mahi filet, whole fried yellowtail, fish chunks (also mahi) , tostones, and chicken. Each main brings 2 sides. The mahi filet was cooked perfectly, the side of Moros and French fries, or rice and beans with sweet plantains, absolutely delicious. The fried fish chunks were a larger portion than expected (not pictured- oops!) Battered and fried to perfection. The chicken dish felt like home- the chicken wasn’t dry, the skin crispy, the seasonings on point. The whole fried yellowtail- expertly salted, perfectly fried. Not overdone. Another larger than expected portion. Finished it off with a Cuban coffee. Not too sweet, not burnt or bitter. We Can't wait to check this place out for breakfast.

About the restaurant:

The restaurant inside is fairly small, with much of the food and kitchen visible. Limited seating. Everything is clean. The service is spectacular. The outdoor area offers additional seating with plenty of fans for the heat. It’ll still be warm, but a cold Materva helps. No alcohol or beer being served, but don’t worry. The food alone brings more than enough to the table (literally).

10/10 - we will definitely...

I heard so much about this place, had to check it out. Just a small place with a couple of indoor tables and 8 outdoor picnic tables, covered. The food is local cuban, the portions very generous. If you love lots of good food at a reasonable price, you'll be talking about it too. Get in the Marathon vibe because the service is slow and chaotic. You can order inside, At the window or at the table and everyone is trying their best to figure out which is fastest. Parking is very limited, restrooms are sub par and a trip to get too (length and experience). Roosters are right there with you outside. The school bus stop for the mobile home park is right in front so if you're going for cuban coffee or Cafe con Leche in the am don't be put off by the dozens outside in the morning. Btw, either coffee is the best i had in Florida. The Cuban sandwich is a winner and the bread they serve is one of a kind and sought out. Any of their Rice (and beans) are perfectly cuban, and the Meats are falling off the bone good. Lots of locals. Get in the vibe and bring patience. No beer but you'll want to take home a large lemonade, as is, or for a mixer back at the ranch. Watch your bill, tips are included in it....