Last Updated on February 21, 2024
Are you looking for the absolute best Cuban Sandwiches in Florida? We’ve got you covered.
Did you know the first Cuban Sandwich was likely made in Cuban Cafes in Tampa and Key West? You can learn all about the history of Cuban Sandwiches in this book.
Authentic Cuban Sandwiches in Florida
Celebrate the flavors of Cuba by picking up a Cuban Sandwich from one of our favorite restaurants across the state.
Columbia Restaurant, which now has six other locations besides its original one in historic Ybor City, is definitely at the top of this list.
In fact, we wrote a whole article on them: 5 Historical Facts About Columbia Restaurant.
Table of contents
- Authentic Cuban Sandwiches in Florida
- 1928 Cuban Bistro – Jacksonville , FL
- Bodega on Central – St Petersburg , FL
- Brocato’s Sandwich Shop – Tampa , FL
- Chicas Cuban Cafe – Deland, FL
- El Leoncito – Titusville, Viera, & Cocoa , FL
- El Meson de Pepe Restaurant & Bar – Key West , FL
- Fernandez the Bull – Naples & Key Largo , FL
- Habana’s Boardwalk – Tallahassee, FL
- JJ Chago’s – Navarre , FL
- Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine – Miami , FL
- More Cuban Restaurants in Miami, Tampa & Key West
- What makes a good Cuban sandwich?
1928 Cuban Bistro – Jacksonville, FL
1928 Cuban Bistro in Jacksonville was named after owner Rebecca Gonzalez’s grandfather. 1928 was the year that he was born in Cuba. They serve authentic and delicious Cuban food, “cafecitos”, pastries, and more.
They pride themselves on great service. Plus, they truly have one of the best Cuban Sandwiches around! Visit one of the three locations in the Jacksonville area.
For more information, visit the official 1928 Cuban Bistro website.
1928 Cuban Bistro Bay Meadows Address: 3928 Baymeadows Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32217
1928 Cuban Bistro Saint Johns Address: 160 Shops Boulevard, Saint Johns, FL 32259
1928 Cuban Bistro Ortega Address: 6331 Roosevelt Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32244
1928 Cuban Bistro Jacksonville Beach Address: 1500 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach, FL, 32250
1928 Cuban Bistro Fernandina Beach Address: 122 South Eighth Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Bodega on Central – St Petersburg, FL
Bodega on Central owner Chef George wanted to create a restaurant inspired by Latin America and fresh ingredients. The locals in St. Pete love Bodega on Central, which is how we heard about it.
They’re known for having one of the best Cuban Sandwiches in town and a fresh juice bar!
NOTE: Their second location in Seminole Heights is no longer open.
For more information, visit the official Bodega website.
Bodega Address: 1180 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Brocato’s Sandwich Shop – Tampa, FL
Brocato’s Sandwich Shop in Tampa has been open since 1948. They’ve been serving customers delicious sandwiches of all kinds, including one of the best Cuban Sandwiches in town.
It began as a grocery store and then a meat market before becoming today’s Tampa staple.
For more information, visit the official Brocato’s website.
Brocato’s Address: 5021 E Columbus Dr., Tampa, FL 33619
Chicas Cuban Cafe – Deland, FL
The Chica’s Cuban Cafe slogan is ‘Mi casa es su casa’! You certainly feel you’re at home at CHICAS Cuban Cafe in downtown Deland. The cafe offers the authentic flavors of Little Havana.
In addition to having incredible Cuban sandwiches, they have delicious Cuban coffee and fresh pastries delivered directly from Miami. A few tips: Ask about the daily specials and reserve a table online.
This restaurant should not be missed. It’s located on the main street in The Historic ARTISAN Downtown Hotel.
For more information, visit the official Chica’s Cuban Cafe website.
Chica’s Cuban Cafe Address: 215 S Woodland Blvd., Deland, FL 32720
El Leoncito – Titusville, Viera, & Cocoa, FL
Now located in Titusville, Viera, and Cocoa, El Leoncito began as a small Mexican restaurant in Whittier, California.
Miguel and Bertha Sanchez then relocated to Titusville, where they added Cuban food to the menu. Michael Sanchez, their son, has taken over and runs the restaurant.
While everything on the menu is delicious, especially the Cuban Sandwich. You can also wash it down with one of their famous margaritas.
For more information, visit the official El Leoncito website.
El Leoncito Titusville Address: 4280 S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL 32780
El Leoncito Viera Address: 5360 Stadium Pkwy, Rockledge, FL 32955
El Leoncita Chaparral Address: 1341 N Cocoa Blvd, Cocoa, FL 32922
El Meson de Pepe Restaurant & Bar – Key West, FL
El Meson de Pepe Restaurant & Bar is located in the Old Town neighborhood of Key West. It has been serving guests amazing food for over 30 years. Chef Pepe Diaz and his family pride themselves on excellent quality food.
They also need to preserve the Cuban Conch Heritage in Key West. Oh, we should mention the restaurant’s backdrop is Mallory Square, known for its unbelievable sunsets.
For more information, visit the official El Meson de Pepe Restaurant & Bar website.
El Meson de Pepe Restaurant & Bar Address: 410 Wall St., Mallory Square, Key West, FL 33040
Check out this article if you want to spend a weekend in Key West.
Fernandez the Bull – Naples & Key Largo, FL
Fernandez the Bull Cuban Cafe has three locations: two in Naples and the other one in Key Largo. Since 1985, they’ve served authentic Cuban dishes, some with a twist.
They also have five kinds of Cuban Sandwiches from traditional to the “Naples” and a full bar full of flavorful concoctions.
For more information, visit the official Fernandez the Bull website.
Fernandez the Bull Immokalee Address: 1201 Piper Blvd., #10, Naples, FL 34110
Fernandez the Bull Pine Ridge Address: 3375 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples, FL 34109
Fernandez the Bull Key Largo Address: 101429 Overseas HWY, Key Largo, FL 33037
Fernandez the Bull Bonita Beach Address: 3250 Bonita Beach Rd, #207, Bonita Beach, FL 34134
Habana’s Boardwalk – Tallahassee, FL
Habana’s Boardwalk in Tallahassee serves authentic and delicious Cuban cuisine made by Cuban cooking methods.
Since Erick was originally from Havana, he wanted to bring the flavors of Cuba to North Florida.
Grab the Flan or the Tres Leches cake after you try one of their delicious Cuban Sandwiches.
For more information, visit the official Habana’s Boardwalk website.
Habana’s Boardwalk Address: 2819 Mahan Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32308
If you want to check out other things to do in Tallahassee, don’t miss this article.
JJ Chago’s – Navarre, FL
JJ Chago’s in Navarre is a coffee shop known for its delicious Cuban coffee. You can order coffee in many different flavors. While they may look small outside, don’t let that fool you.
JJ Chago’s food and drinks are a must-have for locals or visitors. They also have a breakfast and lunch menu, including one of the best Cuban Sandwiches.
Just get there early because they close at 1 pm.
For more information, visit the official JJ Chago’s Facebook page.
JJ Chago’s Address: 8476 Navarre Pkwy., Navarre, FL 32566
Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine – Miami, FL
Versailles Restaurant in Miami‘s Little Havana is known as the “World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant.” They have been serving happy customers since 1971.
Versailles became a hangout for Miami’s Cuban residents. Similarly, today it remains at the heart of the Miami community.
Many delicious dishes are on the menu, but you can’t go wrong with anything you order. In addition to the beloved Cuban Sandwich, the menu has multiple options, including a great sample and amazing Cuban coffee.
For more information, visit the official Versailles Restaurant website.
Versailles Restaurant Address: 3555 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33135
To discover more delicious Cuban food and culture, visit Little Havana in Miami or Ybor City in Tampa.
In addition, take a look at our list of amazing adventures you can have in Miami.
More Cuban Restaurants in Miami, Tampa & Key West
- La Sagunda Bakery in Tampa and St. Pete
- Columbia Restaurant (multiple locations)
- The Floridian in Tampa
- Enriquetas Sandwich Shop in Wynwood (Miami)
- Islas Canarias in Miami
- Sanguich de Miami in Little Havana (Miami)
- 5 Brothers in Key West
- Cuban Coffee Queen in Key West
- Sandy’s Cafe in Key West
What makes a good Cuban sandwich?
An authentic Cuban sandwich will include the following:
- Slices of mojo pork (typically a pork shoulder cooked slowly in a mojo sauce and packed with flavor)
- Mild, smoked ham
- Gouda or Swiss cheese
- Pickles
- Mustard
- Cuban bread
- Sliced in half diagonally
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