For an authentic taste of Cuba right here in the United States, visit Versailles, the popular restaurant in Miami. Versailles Restaurant is located on historic Calle Ocho or 8th Street right in the heart of Little Havana. Before dinner, stroll the streets to experience the vibrant Hispanic culture that flavors Miami’s Little Havana. Colorful murals, monuments of heroes, music with a Latin beat and the ever-present aroma of Cuban coffee and cigars make Little Havana a reflection of the large Cuban population in the area.
Versailles is more than just a restaurant. It is known as the gathering place for Cuban exiles to discuss political events of the day and enjoy a cup of Cuban coffee, “café con leche,” with friends. The ornate landmark restaurant offers the authentic Cuban cuisine you would expect in Little Havana. The Miami restaurant features banquet facilities as well as a bakery, takeout area and counter window. Versailles seats over three hundred people and is decorated with etched glass, statues and elaborate chandeliers.
In spite of the ornate décor, prices at Versailles are moderate. A variety of appetizers and starters like chicken or beef empanadas, fried yucca and black bean soup are available for under five dollars. Classic Cuban entrees are served at Versailles, including Cuban roasted pork with garlic, grilled pork chops with citrus, onions and herbs, shrimp in garlic sauce and chicken with yellow rice. Black beans, garlic soup and sweet fried plantains are available as side dishes.
An extensive lunch menu includes an extensive variety of beef, chicken and fish dishes. Grilled mahi-mahi with garlic mojo sauce, Cuban-style ground beef and roasted garlic chicken are featured on the lunch menu. Lunch menu items range from seven to twelve dollars. There is a sandwich menu offering the classic Cubano sandwich with ham and cheese, marinated grilled chicken, thin grilled sirloin and shredded roast pork with onions. All sandwiches are around ten dollars.
Homemade sangria is available by the glass or by the pitcher, as well as mojitos. There is a selection of domestic and imported beer, including many Mexican beers. Dessert lovers will enjoy Cuban flan topped with coconut or guava, rice pudding, tres leches cake and papaya.
Many consider Versailles Restaurant the best Cuban restaurant in Miami. Versailles is located at 3555 SW 8th Street. For further information, call 305-441-2500 or visit the website at versaillescuban.com.
Sharon Penn is a travel and food writer. She wrote this article about Miami Restaurants .
Miami Restaurant Offers Authentic Cuban Cuisine In ‘Little Havana’
