Havana Vieja | Latin Restaurant Miami Beach — Restaurant in Miami Beach

TL;DR: Great vibe, but predatory billing and underwhelming food made it feel like a tourist trap.

We were a party of six visiting from out of town and had high hopes for Havana Vieja based on the reviews, but unfortunately, the experience left a lot to be desired. To start, two of our underage girls arrived before the adults and were seated. One of them ordered a virgin cocktail, but the server brought out two drinks—which turned out to contain alcohol. Fortunately, the girl noticed the taste right away, and while it seems like it may have been an honest mistake, it’s still incredibly concerning. The restaurant did make it right by bringing out a smoothie of their choice, comping the drink, and having the manager apologize. As for the food, it was just okay. The Cuban sandwich—something you’d expect to shine at a place like this—was notably underwhelming. The meat was somehow greasy and dry, which I didn’t think was possible. The $30+ salmon dish came with a forgettable medley of steamed veggies and didn’t feel worth the high price. Others at our table enjoyed their meals more, and to be fair, everything came out quickly and the orders were accurate. The atmosphere was definitely a highlight—breezy, vibrant, and perfect for a Miami evening. But then came the check. We were charged an automatic 20% gratuity and shocked to see a $27 charge for water. When I asked the waiter about it, he said the young girls had ordered it. Whether or not that’s true, a seasoned server at a well-established restaurant should never take that kind of liberty—especially with minors. It felt incredibly predatory and left us with a bad taste in our mouths. Again, the manager came out to apologize and removed the charge, but the damage was done. This was our first dinner in Miami, and sadly it set the tone in all the wrong ways. A word of caution to fellow travelers: be vigilant, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to speak up when you notice mysterious fees. The restaurant may look inviting, but the experience felt more like a trap for unsuspecting tourists than a warm welcome to the city.

Update: The restaurant responded quickly and asked for my email to resolve the issue privately. I chose not to engage, as my goal with this review is to warn others about questionable billing practices—not to...

We recently dined at this exceptional Cuban restaurant where every moment exceeded my expectations. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by the warm and welcoming ambiance, and it only got better from there. Our server, Augusto, was an absolute gem—his outstanding service, humor, and charisma elevated the entire dining experience.

The menu boasts an array of delectable Cuban dishes, but the true highlights were the platters. We indulged in a fantastic array of perfectly seasoned meats that were tender and bursting with flavor. The seafood platter was equally impressive, showcasing fresh, succulent shrimp, flaky fish, and other ocean delights that danced on the palate. Each bite was a celebration of authentic Cuban flavors, and the presentation was impeccable.

And let’s not forget the mojitos! These were hands down some of the best I’ve ever had. Perfectly balanced, refreshing, and with a generous muddling of fresh mint and lime—they were the ideal companion to our meal.

What truly made our visit unforgettable was Augusto. Not only was he incredibly attentive, ensuring our glasses were never empty and our needs always met, but his genuine enthusiasm and humor brought such a lively energy to the table. His recommendations were spot on, and he made us feel like we were dining with a great friend. Augusto’s excellent service and delightful personality made this a dining experience we’ll cherish and talk about for years to come.

If you’re looking for authentic Cuban cuisine paired with incredible service and atmosphere, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit. Ask for Augusto—you won’t be...

This restaurant has 4.9 ⭐️ in Miami Beach, a place full of competition, so, you can get to the conclusion that might be good. But in fact, is “The BEST cuban food i’ve eaten” in the US. Honestly, please, go there. I brought my family from Germany to eat cuban food 1st time in America and i was so tense that is not gonna be exactly as i know our food (i’m cuban, btw:)) And they were sooooo soooo happy and surprised!! I love you Habana Vieja cook!!! You are a master chef 🧑‍🍳👏🏾 The Vaca frita! OMG!! I tried the Yuca frita here, is made in a different way than i’m use to, but was so good, i thought it was a nugget. The Ropa Vieja and the Octopus is a must to try. Tostones, the Snapper! My husband ate that whole fish with the hands like a child! I just saw happy adults truly enjoying a foreign top tier meal! Don’t skip the empanadas please! Let’s not forget my Piña colada, not a smoothie full of sugar but a well prepared tropical drink 🙏🏾 Ohh: Tres leches cake to put the cherry on top of your experience of Habana Vieja. We left so terribly full, but also brutally happy!!! Thank u team, from the service at the entrance and Meli our beautiful server, to the cook in the kitchen making this magical food! I mega recommend this place!! I love the...