Today I want to share with you a Miami staple–Cuban pastries! You can find a Hispanic bakery on nearly every corner in South Florida.
There’s nothing like starting your day with a cafecito and a baked good to remind you that you’re on vacation.
My personal favorites are the empanadas. I actually make them at home, though not as large. And I would be remiss if I didn’t pay tribute to the croqueta.
You may be asking, what’s a croqueta?
They’re small, bite-sized snacks of ground ham that have been coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried to perfection.
It’s one of the most delectable ham concoctions known to man, and you can’t leave Miami without trying at least one.
It’s a savory snack common in Hispanic households and easy to afford when you’re on vacation, coming in at $1 or less each.
Forget Pringles–you can never eat just one croqueta.
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If you want to get your hands on some of the best baked goods in Miami, here are 5 places to start:
1) Karla Bakery
If you’re driving around Little Havana and looking for a place to get good Cuban pastries, look no further than Karla Bakery.
Located right off Flagler Street, they’re affordable, authentic, and sooooo yummy. I cannot stress that last part enough.
I relish the whole experience, from finding the place (I always get lost) to taking my time with selecting my treat(s).
There are many pastry options available, from cakes to meat pies, so feel free to take a box to-go!
2) Versailles Restaurant
Another popular place for tourists to visit is Versailles Restaurant.
This is one of Miami’s most iconic locations and is often featured in movies and TV shows.
If you want to stop by for a little chisme to-go, order from the ventanita (outside window) and sip a Cuban coffee while you watch life unfold on 8th Street.
3) Isla Canarias
Locals endorse croquetas from Isla Canarias, with just a hint of lemon or lime.
The croquetas at Isla Canarias are fatter than most, perfect if you have a voracious appetite.
Even better, at roughly a dollar a piece they won’t break the bank.
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4) Sergio’s Restaurant
Another popular option is Sergio’s.
They have every filling you can imagine, from the typical meat and chicken options to guava or spinach pastries.
They also have a window so you can order to go, or sit inside for a more expansive dinner menu.
Sergio’s is a South Florida staple; so much so that they have a cafe in Fort Lauderdale Airport.
5) Vicky Bakery
Finally, if you’re looking for a quality bakery with locations all throughout the South Florida area, head to Vicky Bakery.
Their pastries are affordable and authentic.
If you walk into party with a platter of mixed goods from Vicky’s, you’ll be the most popular person there.
So there you have it folks, and introduction to all that is Cuban pasteles, or as I call them, pastelitos!
Make sure to grab a few if you’re ever in Miami.
Till next time, safe travels!
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YUMMM all of this looks so amazing! I’m so happy to be back in Latin America (I’m in Nicaragua currently) where foods like this are always available. Pastelitos were entirely different in Venezuela, much more like an empanada, and you’re so right, it changes in every country so I can hardly keep track of what’s what! But it usually doesn’t matter because like you said it’s all SO DELICIOUS! Healthy, ehhhh not so much, delicious, yes! Thanks for making me hungry 😉
Yes! The bread too, that changes from country to country and I love seeing the variations 🙂 Sounds like you’ve had an amazing sampling of Latin America, hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Nicaragua!
WOW! I had no idea these were a thing and now I find myself toying with the idea of a Miami trip JUST to enjoy them. Totally digging your scrumptious descriptions, and I think I’ll be craving a lemon pastry all day. And yes, I also think it’s sad I’ve never experienced a croqueta. Time to fix that.
No time like the present! I see a trip to Miami in your future haha 😉
Oh wow! This looks so delicious. I relly enjoyed reading this post, as I’m planning to go to Miami to look for all the best Cuban things availabel there. This will be a great help 🙂
So happy to hear that Anete! Have a great time in Miami and eat lots of great food!
OMG. Cuban pastries look awesome! I love anything deep fried, stuffed with sweet or savoury – I will have one of each!
Really, you just described my four basic food groups haha. So glad you liked the post Megan!
This really made my mouth water! I had a lot of empanadas in Argentina and absolutely love them, I’ve never thought to try making them at home but maybe I should?
You absolutely should Louise! You can buy the dough from your local supermarket, most likely they’ll sell the Goya brand in the frozen foods section. So easy to make and you can freeze them for later! One of my favorite quick meals 🙂
Gawd, pastries are my favourite type of comfort food. I could eat them all day, I’ve tried a cuban pastry before – so it’ll my aim to see if I can source them locally (UK)!
I hope you can find some! If not, I sense a business opportunity because these bad boys sell themselves haha 😉
I’ve never been to the Miami area, but this list of local favorites is very tempting! I think I would want to try Karla’s Bakery. Thanks for the suggestions!
That’s a great choice Delilah! Usually my go-to 🙂 and you’re very welcome!
Cuban pastries in Miami must be a delight to find. Thanks for the guide! Often when we go to a place, we expect to have the dishes of that place. But stumbling upon cuisines from different parts of the world anywhere comes as a welcome choice for us travelers.
Glad you enjoyed it Neha! These are definitely a Miami staple, worth a try if you’re ever in the area! 🙂
Oh wow, I am craving croquettes SO badly now! I adore Cuban food and I pass through Miami on my travels quite a bit. I have bookmarked this for future reference (MIA here I come)
Enjoy Rosie! You can’t go wrong with any place I mentioned, and totally take some back with you to snack on the plane! 🙂
Yum! My mouth is watering. I love empanadas too and your wonderful round-up has me dreaming of a trip to Miami ASAP. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Megan! So glad you share my love for empanadas and delicious baked goods haha 🙂
I know nothing about Cuban food, I need to check for it in Paris !
Looks tempting
I’m sold! 🙂
They look incredible especially the ham epanada ??? now I’m super hungry yum yum
Mmmm, they all look super tasty, thanks for sharing.