★★★★★
Best Cuban food we had on our Miami Beach trip. The ropa vieja melted in my mouth and the live band made the whole night. Sat right on Ocean Drive — perfect spot.
Latin & Cuban · South Beach · Miami
Alma Cubana | Cuban Restaurant
Miami Beach
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The place
Alma Cubana is a Cuban restaurant on Ocean Drive in the South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach, Florida, at 650 Ocean Dr. The kitchen serves traditional Havana-style dishes including ropa vieja, lechón asado, vaca frita, and pressed Cuban sandwiches, alongside fresh mojitos and Cuban espresso. The dining room opens directly onto Ocean Drive with sidewalk seating facing Lummus Park and the beach. Live Cuban music and salsa performances run most evenings. The restaurant offers takeout, delivery through major apps, and accepts walk-ins as well as reservations. It holds a 4.9-star Google rating from more than 11,000 reviews, making it one of the highest-rated Cuban restaurants in Miami Beach. Phone: (786) 278-4198.
Alma Cubana sits on one of the most-photographed blocks of Ocean Drive, with open-air seating that looks across Lummus Park to the sand. The room channels old Havana with arched windows, pastel walls, and nightly live Cuban music that pulls in both locals and South Beach visitors looking for an authentic island meal without leaving the strip.
Start with the croquetas de jamón and tostones, then anchor the table with ropa vieja, lechón asado, or vaca frita — the kitchen's most-praised plates on Google. The Cuban sandwich (pressed with mojo pork, ham, Swiss, and pickles) is a reliable lunch order, and the seafood paella and camarones al ajillo work well for sharing. Wash it down with a classic mojito, a guava daiquiri, or a shot of café cubano, and finish with flan de leche or tres leches.
Reservations are accepted and recommended on weekends and during peak season, though walk-ins are seated when tables open. Public parking is available in the 7th Street Garage and metered spots along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue. The patio is dog-friendly, takeout and delivery are offered via the restaurant's site and major delivery apps, and the venue is wheelchair-accessible from the Ocean Drive sidewalk.
Open-air patio on Ocean Drive facing the beach
Live Cuban music nightly
Reservations accepted and recommended
Takeout and delivery available
What to expect
Ocean-Drive sidewalk patio with live Cuban music most nights, generous portions of Havana-style classics like ropa vieja and lechón asado, strong mojitos, and friendly bilingual service. Expect a lively, tourist-heavy crowd in season — arrive before 7pm for a quieter table.
Then come for the photos
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The shop, in frames
Sponsored · Florida Hidden Spots
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What people are saying
★★★★★
Authentic flavors and huge portions. Our server explained every dish, mojitos were strong, and the lechón was incredible. Will be back next visit.
★★★★★
Cuban sandwich and croquetas were excellent. Loved the open patio and the music. A little pricey because it's Ocean Drive, but worth it for the vibe and quality.
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Frequently asked
Does Alma Cubana take reservations?
Yes — reservations are accepted and recommended on weekends and during peak South Beach season. Walk-ins are seated when tables are available.
Is Alma Cubana dog friendly?
Yes — well-behaved dogs are welcome on the open-air Ocean Drive patio, which is the standard outdoor seating area.
Where do I park near Alma Cubana?
The closest public lot is the 7th Street Municipal Garage, about two blocks away. Metered street parking is available along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, and valet is offered at several neighboring hotels.
What are the most popular dishes at Alma Cubana?
Google reviewers most often mention the ropa vieja, lechón asado, vaca frita, pressed Cuban sandwich, croquetas de jamón, and the house mojito.
What are Alma Cubana's hours?
The restaurant is generally open daily from 8:00 AM to midnight, with Friday and Saturday extended to 1:00 AM. Hours can vary seasonally — call (786) 278-4198 to confirm.
Does Alma Cubana offer takeout or delivery?
Yes — takeout is available by phone or in person, and delivery is offered through the official site at almacubanamiamibeach.com as well as major third-party delivery apps.
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Closest spots by distance
Other places to fold into the same trip — measured straight-line from Alma Cubana | Cuban Restaurant Miami Beach.
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