6 Florida Cuban Sandwich Spots That Are Good & 6 That Are Absolutely Iconic
Florida has turned the Cuban sandwich into more than just a quick bite – it’s a cultural icon layered with history, flavor, and plenty of pride.
In Tampa, you’ll find versions stacked with salami, while Miami keeps things classic with perfectly pressed, no-nonsense originals. Across the state, hungry crowds line up at countless spots to grab this golden, crispy, flavor-packed masterpiece.
Out of all the choices, these 12 standouts – six local favorites and six time-honored legends – truly capture the heart of Florida’s Cuban sandwich tradition.
1. Black Bean Deli – Orlando / Winter Park
Family tradition meets sandwich perfection at this beloved Orlando staple. The Cuban arrives perfectly pressed, with layers of ham, succulent roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard creating that classic flavor profile we all crave.
With multiple locations across the Orlando area, Black Bean Deli has built its reputation on consistent quality and fair prices. Their Cuban bread achieves that ideal balance – crispy exterior giving way to a soft, flavorful interior.
2. Bodega on Central – St. Petersburg
Tucked away in St. Pete’s vibrant EDGE District, this unassuming walk-up window serves award-winning Cuban sandwiches that locals line up for daily. The magic happens when that press hits the bread, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.
Don’t miss grabbing a fresh juice from next door to complete your meal. What Bodega lacks in size, it more than makes up for in flavor, earning its reputation as one of Tampa Bay’s must-try sandwich spots.
3. Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop – Miami
Hidden between Edgewater and Wynwood, Enriqueta’s embodies Miami’s no-nonsense approach to Cuban cuisine. I stumbled upon this gem during a sweltering summer afternoon, and that first bite of their Cuban sandwich instantly transported me to sandwich heaven.
The unpretentious counter service, lightning-fast preparation, and wallet-friendly prices keep locals coming back decade after decade. Their medianoche (midnight sandwich) on sweet egg bread is equally worthy of your attention.
4. Las Olas Café – Miami Beach
Just a block from South Beach’s famous sands sits this tiny Cuban haven with a devoted local following. Their Cuban arrives with a side of crispy plantain chips that perfectly complement the sandwich’s savory profile.
Order a cafecito to complete the authentic experience. Las Olas proves that sometimes the most memorable food experiences come from the smallest, most unassuming places – a welcome respite from South Beach’s flashier establishments.
5. Cuban Coffee Queen – Key West
Key West’s beloved Cuban Coffee Queen serves a sandwich as colorful as the island itself. Their Cuban Mix delivers the classics – pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, mustard – but locals know to “Crown it” with lettuce, tomato, and onion for an extra flavor dimension.
My first visit coincided with a breathtaking sunset, and that sandwich-sunset combo remains one of my favorite Florida memories. With four locations scattered across the island, you’re never far from their generous portions and friendly service.
6. 5 Brothers Grocery & Sandwich Shop – Key West
What began as a corner grocery in 1978 has evolved into a Key West institution where locals gather for their morning café con leche and Cuban sandwich fix. The tiny shop exudes old-world charm that perfectly matches its handcrafted offerings.
During my last visit, the owner shared stories of feeding generations of Key West families while preparing my sandwich. Remember, they close mid-afternoon, so plan your visit accordingly – this is strictly a breakfast and lunch affair.
7. Columbia Restaurant – Tampa
Stepping into Columbia’s historic Ybor City flagship feels like entering Cuban sandwich royalty. Their Original Tampa Cuban proudly features the city’s signature addition, Genoa salami, alongside traditional ham, roast pork, Swiss, pickles, and mustard on La Segunda bread.
Founded in 1905, Columbia helped establish Tampa’s Cuban sandwich style that continues to spark friendly rivalry with Miami purists.
The restaurant’s Spanish-tiled dining rooms provide a fittingly grand setting for enjoying this cornerstone of Florida culinary history.
8. La Segunda Central Bakery – Tampa Bay
The bread makes the sandwich, and since 1915, La Segunda has been baking Tampa’s definitive Cuban loaves. Their distinctive palmetto leaf-topped bread creates the foundation for countless Cuban sandwiches across Tampa Bay.
Visiting their Ybor bakery, I watched in awe as bakers shaped hundreds of loaves by hand – a tradition unchanged for generations.
Beyond supplying restaurants, their retail cafes serve exceptional pressed Cubans that showcase their bread’s perfect texture and flavor.
9. Brocato’s Sandwich Shop – Tampa
Since 1948, Brocato’s has been serving Cubans so massive they barely fit in their wrappers. The sandwiches emerge from the press blazing hot, a warning the staff cheerfully issues with every order.
Prepare for potential lines, but the wait showcases why this East Tampa landmark has thrived for 75+ years. I still remember burning my mouth on my first Brocato’s Cuban because I couldn’t wait to taste it.
Pair yours with their famous devil crab for the complete Tampa experience.
10. Sanguich de Miami – Miami
This Little Havana gem revolutionized Miami’s sandwich scene by applying craft techniques to traditional Cuban sandwich making.
Their house-cured meats and artisanal approach created a new benchmark that earned national recognition from food critics and celebrities alike.
The secret weapon? Their lard-brushed bread achieves an otherworldly crispness when pressed. Their croqueta preparada, a Cuban sandwich with croquettes inside, deserves equal attention for sandwich enthusiasts seeking something extraordinary.
11. Versailles – Miami
No Cuban sandwich journey is complete without visiting “The World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant.” Since 1971, this Little Havana landmark has served as Miami’s unofficial Cuban embassy, community gathering spot, and sandwich destination.
Their classic Cuban exemplifies Miami’s style – no salami, just perfectly balanced ham, roast pork, Swiss, pickles, and mustard on pressed bread.
During my first visit, an elderly gentleman told me he’d been eating the same sandwich weekly since the 1970s, the ultimate testament to Versailles’ consistency.
12. Puerto Sagua – Miami Beach
Step back in time at this South Beach institution that’s been serving authentic Cuban comfort food since the 1960s. The diner-style counter provides the perfect perch to watch your Cuban sandwich being assembled and pressed with practiced precision.
While South Beach has transformed countless times around it, Puerto Sagua remains steadfastly unchanged – a culinary time capsule.
The no-nonsense approach and consistent quality have made it a sanctuary for locals seeking respite from the area’s trendier establishments.