Best five Cuban croqueta places in Miami

Miami is well known for its sunny weather and varied cultures. Whether you’re an adventure seeker who loves to discover new local places or a foodie who enjoys trying different foods and flavors, Miami sure has a lot to offer. And Cuban croquetas are among the area’s most popular appetizers. Here are the best five Cuban croqueta places to try in the Miami area.

Croquetas islas Canarias. (Claudia Morales/SFMN)

Islas Canarias Cafe, Restaurant and Bakery
3804 SW 137th Ave
Miami, Fl 33175
(305) 559-0111

Established in 1977, this family-owned and operated restaurant has long offered to its customers some of the best Cuban croquetas in town. At Islas Canarias, you can find a delicious menu of the best traditional cuisine. Try the three assorted ham, chicken, and fish(bacalao) croquetas, the last one is a favorite among Cubans. You can enjoy these for only $1.30 each.

Versailles croquetas. (Claudia Morales/SFMN)

Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine
3555 SW Eighth St.
Miami, FL 33135
(305) 444-0240

Versailles calls itself “the world’s most famous Cuban restaurant.” And it is a food adventure that both locals and tourists can enjoy in Florida. The restaurant has been serving some of the tastiest Cuban croquetas in Miami for four decades. The appetizer plate includes ham, chicken and codfish creamy ones served with cilantro sauce. In case you’re running late for work or just don’t have the time to sit and enjoy lunch or dinner, Versailles has a little “ventanita” where you can get your favorite pastries and keep going.

Dos Croquetas Bar. (Claudia Morales/SFMN)

Dos Croquetas
10505 SW 40th St
Miami, Fl 33165
(305) 912- 3672

Want to visit a different kind of bar? Dos Croquetas bar has everything you need. From freshly crafted croquetas and pastelitos to exquisite “lit” slushies that include seven percent alcohol. These cost $3.05 Monday to Friday all day long. You can pick from a variety of flavors including guavarita lemonade, jupiña margarita and mixed slushy. “When it comes to croquetas,” one of the most recommended options is the croqueta flight + sauces which consists of 6 to 12 flavors that you can mix and match. The abuelita’s traditional Cuban ham croqueta will take you on an imaginary culinary trip to Cuba. Flavors include medianoche, 305, mac and cheese and roasted chicken. These “croqueta-flights” vary in price between $11.99 and $23.99.

Pinecrest Bakery croquetas. Photo courtesy of Pinecrest Bakery.

Pinecrest Bakery
12101 S Dixie Hwy
Pinecrest, Fl 33156
(786) 732- 2269

This 24/7 family-owned Cuban bakery has been on the local’s preference since 2012 when it first opened. On its menu, you can find a succulent selection of croquetas. Whether you decide to try the traditional ham or the caseras (homemade) croquetas, Pinecrest Bakery will stay on your “foodie list” as one of the best Cuban bakeries in Florida. Prices vary from $1.05 to $1.89.

CAO Bakery & Cafe. (Claudia Morales/SFMN)

CAO Bakery & Cafe
1973 NE 163RD ST
Miami, FL 33162
(305) 816-6197

This Cuban bakery and cafe has amazing pastries options all day long. The “house croquetas” are on the top favorites of locals. The deep-fried croquetas are not too greasy and you can pick between a delicious ham or chicken flavor that is light seasoned. Each croqueta has a price of $1.25 and they offer a catering option for big parties.

Claudia Morales is a junior FIU student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Digital Communications/Broadcasting. She obtained an associates degree in Mass Communications/Journalism from Miami Dade College. She served as a photographer for The Reporter, the student newspaper at Miami Dade College. She also studied abroad in France and Italy, where she acquired knowledge about globalized media.