Cuban pizza isn’t as popular as, say, ropa vieja. It’s not in the league of moros, plátanos maduros or cafe Cubano. But what makes it a sought-after dish, particularly in Hialeah, are toppings like sliced bananas, sweet plantains, shrimp, lobster, guava and picadillo studded with salty green olive rings and sugary raisins.
(Lea la version de esta historia en español aqui.)
If just that description makes you hungry, then read on to learn about the best places to grab a pie in our subtropical center of el sabor de la isla.
Polo Norte Restaurant
2050 W 56th St.
Hialeah
(305) 825-2600
Raul Busquet is the founder and owner of all five locations of Polo Norte across Miami-Dade. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Cuban food. Busquet says that Cuban-style pizza has included the same flavors since 1994. The restaurant serves personal and family-size pies. The prices for the personal option range from $6.50 to $11.95. The family-size pizzas go between $14.75 and $28.95. Polo Norte offers different toppings from the traditional jam, pepperoni or Hawaiian to shrimp, lobster, ripe plantain, and guava dessert pizza. Customers can dine in, pick up or take out within delivery distance.
Tio Colo
8051 W 24 Ave. Hialeah
(855) 846-2656
Tio Colo is a small family takeout business. The store is located in a strip mall close to the Palmetto Expressway and Interstate 75. We recommend a GPS to find the location because it is hidden among other stores. Tio Colo is a very popular spot for ice cream sandwiches and shakes as well. However, the generously topped pizzas with the soft middle and crunchy edges keep people returning. The staff is friendly, and the service is very quick. Personal pizza prices range from $5 to $8, and family size goes for $13 to $18.
Cuban pizzas at Pa Comer Cuban Pizza ( photo courtesy of Elizabeth Borges, owner)
Pa Comer Cuban Pizza
455 W 23rd St. Hialeah
(786) 431-1029
The pizzeria is located only one block west of the intersection of Red Road and West 23rd Street in Hialeah. The prices start at $6 for a cheese pie, and each additional topping costs $1.50. The fresh-tasting dough loaded with cheese from center to edge makes the pizzas very appealing to the palate. They only sell personal-size. It’s a small location with a capacity for six people, but offers takeout and delivery.
El Palenque Pizzeria
801 E 25 St. Hialeah
(786) 444-0889
You can enjoy a variety of flavors at this location: napolitana (cheese), ham, chorizo, mushrooms, pepperoni, chopped onions, beacon, Hawaiian, vegetables and mixta. They only offer personal-size, and the prices range from $5 to $8. Each additional topping costs $1. They are open 24 hours and offer takeout. It’s located inside a gas station, but don’t let that fool you — this is the real thing.
Rey’s Pizza
2908 West 3rd Avenue, Hialeah
(305) 887-3762
Rey’s Pizza is open 24 hours and has nine locations in Miami. Highlights include the picadillo and banana. Prices start at $7.25 for personal-size pies and at $15.70 for the large variety. Additional toppings include extra cheese, chorizo, picadillo, shrimp, vegetables and sauce. Topping prices range from 50 cents to $3 for personal-size pizzas. Customers can dine in, pick up or order through Uber Eats.
