12 Best Cuban Sandwiches In Florida That Aren’t In Miami
When it comes to Cuban sandwiches, Miami often steals the spotlight, but Florida’s love affair with this classic goes way beyond the city’s borders.
From small towns to coastal gems, some lesser-known spots are crafting Cuban sandwiches that pack just as much punch, flavor, and nostalgia.
If you’re ready to explore beyond the usual hotspots, these hidden treasures prove that the best Cuban sandwiches aren’t just a Miami thing, they’re a Florida-wide obsession.
1. Brocato’s Sandwich Shop – Tampa
Family-owned since 1948, Brocato’s serves up what locals consider Tampa’s definitive Cuban. The line out the door speaks volumes about their reputation.
Their sandwich follows the Tampa tradition with genoa salami alongside the classic ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.
Each bite delivers the perfect crunch-to-softness ratio that only decades of perfecting can achieve.
2. La Teresita – Tampa
Forget fancy dining – La Teresita’s no-frills counter service delivers Cuban sandwich perfection that keeps locals coming back for generations.
This Tampa institution started as a small grocery before expanding into the bustling restaurant it is today.
Their Cuban comes pressed thin as paper, with the ideal meat-to-bread ratio. The sandwich arrives wrapped in wax paper, piping hot with melted Swiss oozing from the sides.
3. Columbia Restaurant – Tampa (Ybor City)
Florida’s oldest restaurant claims to be ground zero for the Cuban sandwich’s American evolution. Founded in 1905 in historic Ybor City, Columbia blends history with culinary excellence.
Their Cuban follows the traditional Tampa recipe, complete with Genoa salami – a nod to Italian immigrants who worked alongside Cubans in Ybor’s cigar factories.
The bread comes from La Segunda Central Bakery, another century-old Tampa institution.
4. Black Bean Deli – Orlando
What began as a tiny Winter Park cubbyhole has blossomed into Orlando’s Cuban food headquarters.
Black Bean Deli’s sandwich stands out with its intensely marinated mojo pork that undergoes a 24-hour flavor transformation.
The bread arrives with that distinctive crispy exterior while maintaining a pillowy interior.
Owner Andres Corton refuses to cut corners, importing authentic ingredients and maintaining traditional cooking methods passed down through generations.
5. Otto’s High Dive – Orlando
Hidden inside a food hall in Orlando’s Milk District, Otto’s brings unexpected flair to their Cuban. The sandwich artist behind the counter presses each creation with theatrical flourish, timing it perfectly.
Their twist? A schmear of cilantro-lime aioli alongside traditional yellow mustard.
The bread develops a shatteringly crisp exterior while protecting the melty interior. Bonus points for their house-made pickles that pack the perfect vinegar punch.
6. Zaza Cuban Comfort Food – Orlando
Grandmother’s recipes reign supreme at this Central Florida gem where everything tastes homemade.
Their Cuban arrives gloriously pressed, with bread sourced from a local bakery that follows old-country methods.
The secret weapon? Their 12-hour roasted mojo pork shoulder that practically dissolves on your tongue.
Owner Danny’s grandmother watches over operations, ensuring no sandwich leaves the press without meeting her exacting standards.
7. Cuban Sandwiches To Go – Orlando
Sometimes the most unassuming places hide culinary treasures. This tiny takeout window serves what many Orlando locals consider the city’s most authentic Cuban.
The owner, Carlos, uses his grandmother’s bread recipe, baking fresh loaves daily. Each sandwich receives a generous portion of slow-roasted pork marinated in his secret mojo.
Nothing fancy here – just decades of tradition pressed between perfectly crisp bread.
8. 1928 Cuban Bistro – Jacksonville
Named for the year owner Rebecca’s grandmother fled Cuba, this Jacksonville hotspot honors family legacy through food.
Their Cuban comes wrapped in checkered paper, pressed until the exterior develops that signature crackle. Rebecca’s grandmother’s mojo recipe elevates their roast pork to legendary status.
The sandwich achieves perfect harmony – salty ham, tangy pickles, sharp mustard, and rich Swiss cheese, all nestled in bread with the ideal chew-to-crunch ratio.
9. The Cuban Place – Jacksonville
Locals whisper about this unassuming strip mall joint where Jacksonville’s Cuban community gathers for a taste of home. The sandwich press has been seasoned by years of use, imparting subtle flavor to each creation.
Their bread arrives crispy yet yielding, sourced from a bakery that uses traditional palm fronds during baking.
Owner Miguel insists on hand-slicing every ingredient – nothing pre-packaged touches his masterpieces.
10. Havana Jax Cafe – Jacksonville
Stepping into Havana Jax feels like teleporting to pre-revolution Cuba. Their Cuban sandwich arrives on a metal press that keeps it warm throughout your meal.
The bread comes from their in-house bakery where they follow century-old techniques. Their mojo-marinated pork shoulder roasts slowly overnight, developing complex flavors.
Family photos line the walls, reminding diners that each sandwich represents culinary heritage preserved through generations.
11. 90 Miles from Cuba – Jacksonville Beach
Beachgoers flock to this shoreline spot where the Cuban sandwiches rival the ocean views. Named for the distance between Cuba and Florida, this eatery honors the journey many Cubans made seeking freedom.
Their sandwich features house-roasted pork shoulder that marinates for two days in a family mojo recipe.
The bread develops a distinctive crust from their well-seasoned press. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and creamy textures.
12. Mambos Cuban Cafe – Jacksonville Beach
Salsa music fills this vibrant beach cafe where the Cuban sandwich comes with a side of hospitality. Owner Elena greets regulars by name while pressing each sandwich with practiced precision.
Their version features bread baked fresh each morning using a recipe Elena’s grandfather brought from Havana.
The pork marinates in sour orange juice, garlic, and oregano before slow-roasting. Locals debate whether it’s the bread or the pork that makes their Cuban superior.