Top five cortaditos in South Florida

A timeless Cuban classic, the cortadito is a perfect choice for those who love their coffee strong. The mix of strong espresso and steamed milk has been cherished for generations and expresses the true essence of Cuban coffee culture. Its perfect blend of flavors will leave you craving more.

When looking to try the famous cortadito, here are the top five Cuban restaurants to visit in South Florida.

An old, front-page copy of the Miami Herald displayed at La Carreta. (Gabriela Fuentes / Caplin News)

La Carreta
Various locations
Cortadito Price: $1.85

This restaurant has different locations strategically placed in highly populated and frequented areas such as Calle Ocho, Miami International Airport and Kendall. Its reputation is built on the foundation of exceptional service and affordable prices with a cultural experience. Focused on traditional Cuban cuisine, this establishment is the ultimate destination for cortadito lovers.

A cortadito served at Versailles Restaurant. (Gabriela Fuentes / Caplin News)

Versailles Restaurant
3555 SW 8th St
Miami, FL 33135
(305) 444-0240
Hours: (Monday – Thursday, Sunday) 8 a.m. – 12 a.m.; (Friday and Saturday) 8 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Cortadito Price: $1.85

For over 50 years, Versailles Restaurant has been delighting Miami diners with its authentic Cuban cuisine. Founded by Felipe A. Valls in 1971, this timeless classic’s prime location adds to its allure, seating up to 370 guests and consistently packed with both tourists and locals. 

“I usually come in the morning to drink my cortadito since this restaurant reminds me a lot of Cuba,” said Jose Lazaro, 35, a regular customer. “It has the best prices and, clearly, a Cuban like me cannot live without a good cortadito.”

A cortadito serve “to-go” at Sergio’s Restaurant. (Gabriela Fuentes / Caplin News)

Sergio’s Restaurant
9300 NW 77th Ave
Hialeah Gardens, FL 33016
(305) 362-1234
Hours: (Monday – Thursday, Sunday) 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.; (Friday and Saturday) 6 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Cortadito Price: $1.25

Sergio has nine locations throughout South Florida and offers some of the best cortaditos at a great price. The restaurant also offers quick and easy online ordering and pickup. It was founded in 1975 with a focus on Cuban authenticity and a philosophy of cooking simple, fresh and homemade.

A cortadito served at Three Palms Cuban Cafe. (Gabriela Fuentes / Caplin News)

Three Palms Cuban Cafe
11500 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33181
Hours: 24/7
(305) 891-0046

Three Palms Cuban Café is a family-owned restaurant hailing from a small town in Cuba. It is well known for its authentic Cuban cuisine, particularly its cortadito, and its 24/7 schedule that sets it apart from other similar establishments.

“I always come every morning to drink a cortadito,” shared Alicia Hernandez, a regular customer. “One of the things I like most about this restaurant is that they serve me with the same enthusiasm every day.”

A cortadito served at El Tropico. (Gabriela Fuentes / Caplin News)

El Tropico Cuban Cuisine
17020 Collins Ave.
Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
Hours: (Monday – Friday, Sunday) 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.; (Saturday) 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.)

El Tropico offers fast service and a must-try cortadito for every customer. The rich cultural heritage of Cuba is reflected in the restaurant’s diverse cuisine, and its cortadito captures the unique essence of Cuban coffee.

Gabriela Jelisse Fuentes Villafañe was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She moved to the United States when she was 12 years old. She is currently majoring in Broadcast Journalism, concentrating in Spanish. She hopes to be part of big Latino TV channels like Univision or Telemundo.