Habana con B — Restaurant in Miami

I just came back from dinner there, and this is only the 92nd day this restaurant has been open… When I saw that this place had amassed 65 5-star reviews in under three months, I knew I had to go. I have to say, I almost didn’t want to add to the hype by writing this review because my first instinct is to keep this mom-and-pop a “well-kept secret.” But that’s the selfish part of me acting out, and it’s already “too late” anyway… The reviews are genuine, and they’re only going to be far better than anything I can possibly write here.

I’m a native Miamian, and of Cuban descent, so I’ve been around Cuban restaurants my entire life. Before I read ANY review about “Habana con B,” I thought to myself, “[yawn] Another Cuban food joint in Miami!?”

But that’s NOT what this place is…

For those that have been to Cuba during the heydays (2012 - 2020) of the “Rise of the Paladares” (privately-owned restaurants in Cuba), particularly in Havana, you would know that there were some pretty good places on that side of the Florida Straits, as well (eg. La Guarida, L’Atelier, Doña Eutimia, San Cristobal, Los Mercaderes, etc)…

Habana con B is essentially a paladar from “La Habana” (yeah, the actual city in Cuba) in Miami!

From the decor to the taste of the food, this establishment has succeeded in replicating an authentic Cuban restaurant (paladar) FROM CUBA!

For outsiders (outside of Miami), it’s important to note that present-day Cuba is not necessarily a culinary destination (due to a lack of ingredients, socioeconomic strife, etc). For decades now, MIAMI has been the place for Cuban cuisine… Period.

And it still is.

But that aforementioned handful of restaurants in today’s Cuba were a small glimmer of hope for the evolution of the island nation’s gastronomy.

Now Miami has its own “paladar.”

My criteria is pretty simple when trying Cuban cuisine at a place I’ve never been to before: As an appetizer, I usually want to sample a croquette. The most traditional being ham, and if they have another one (fish or chicken, usually), I’ll try that too for comparison. The homestyle croquettes here are dainty (not the thick, finger-length ones prevalent throughout Miami), and one can order a half-dozen (three ham/three fish).

The ham croquettes were dense and doughy, but also light enough to savor the puréed, subtly smoky ham paste inside of a flawless crumb exterior. They’re served with an optional dipping aioli, and as good as the sauce was, the croquettes were so perfect, they didn’t really need it. With the fish croquettes, I was pleasantly surprised to get hints of bacalao (salted cod) in that creamy interior texture.

Just spectacular!

For good measure, we got to sneak in a taste of the house Ropa Vieja by ordering the empanadas. I was already expecting tomato-based, shredded beef exquisiteness, and it didn’t disappoint.

For the main course, I’m always going to go for the signature protein: Pork!

The roast pork is served with slightly caramelized onions, and judging from how pleased I was with everything up until that point, I just KNEW the meat would have the right amount of moisture and flavor…

No spoiler here: It DID!

But, really, it’s the SIDES that complement the roast pork… The two most important sides that I ALWAYS choose on an initial visit to a Cuban restaurant are the black beans & the white rice.

Folks, I’ve had black beans THOUSANDS of times, but these… they almost made me weep with joy. They had a subtle sweetness that has NOT been replicated in ANY Miami restaurant until now.

I ended with a Cuban espresso (cafecito) that made my body tingle, with just the right balance of acidity and sweetness. This wasn’t Bustelo or Pilón… I can’t say I’ve tried a similar coffee in Miami, either…!

Look, the only thing that I’m trying to say with all of this is that Miami hasn’t seen a place quite like Habana con B until now. I’m confident that we are only weeks away from wait times outside of this restaurant.

Laurent and her family just gave this city a place we didn’t even know we...

This is a duo post.

K: We just left the restaurant and had such an amazing experience. It was my first date with a Cuban man. When he picked me up, he looked into my eyes and asked, "Would you like to eat authentic Cuban cuisine?" He and this restaurant did not disappoint!

F: A truly wonderful overall experience with authenticity added to top it off. From the fantastic service provided to the delicious corvina stuffed croquetas[must try]. We were greeted with a smile which set the tone for an unforgettable time here. The shrimp with creole sauce is a must try as well with white rice and sweet plantains.

K: When we sat down, I was excited to try their croquetas de jamon (my fav) but then I realized it was lent on a Friday. So, I had to tell him that I'm pescatarian for the day 😇. Thankfully, he was patient and flexible! It worked out to our advantage because we were able to try some delicious seafood dishes that I would have never tried before. I am a little weary of eating fish dishes but that fish croquetas 🤤.

F: The croquetas literally [miami accent] melts in your mouth. Please don't forget to try their amazing cafecito to finish off this authentic cuban trip cuisine.

K: The cafecito was so delicious and got us ready to party. But it also turned my date to an un sabelo todo because he thought he knew the brand of the coffee. So I said, "Let's make a bet 😈 if you are wrong, you have to dance by yourself on the dance floor to one song." HE LOST and shaked it to five songs with the encouragement of the amazing workers.

F: They also included an amazing chocolate cake with coffee nibs to celebrate a very special birthday and really top off the night. Thank you to the staff and the owners for providing such an amazing authentic cuban experience cuisine in the heart of little habana. The dominoes table in the middle of the restaurant brought memories as if we were at one of our cuban parties or...

Hidden Gem: A Taste of Cuba Awaits You

From the outside, this restaurant might blend into the background, easily overlooked by passersby. However, as soon as you step through the door, you’re enveloped in the rich aromas of Cuban cuisine and culture. The air is infused with the tantalizing scents of spices and slow-cooked dishes, inviting you to explore further.

Inside, the ambiance transports you straight to the heart of Cuba. The walls are adorned with vibrant displays that celebrate the island's heritage, while the lively music adds a rhythmic pulse to the atmosphere. The tables and chairs exude a homey charm, making you feel instantly at ease as you settle in for your meal.

Even the bathroom, with its rustic decor, tells a story of tradition and warmth, adding to the overall experience. While we waited nearly 45 minutes for our food, the anticipation only heightened our excitement. It’s clear that each dish is crafted with care, freshly prepared in the kitchen to ensure the highest quality.

And the wait was absolutely worth it. With a Google rating of 5/5, the food lives up to its reputation. We ordered the ropa vieja, accompanied by two sides of rice and beans. Each bite was bursting with flavor, a true testament to the culinary expertise behind the scenes. Not only was the meal delicious, but it was also surprisingly affordable, making this hidden gem a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Cuban cuisine.

So, if you’re in the mood for a culinary adventure, don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you. Step inside and discover the vibrant flavors and warm hospitality...