Cylinders of cold bechamel rich with diced jamón ibérico, breadcrumbed and deep-fried to a crackling shell. Madrid's most-ordered tapa, the test of any tasca.
Where to eat it: 7 restaurants across 2 cities.
Spanish croquetas evolved from French croquettes brought to Madrid courts in the 19th century; Spanish cooks deepened the bechamel and folded in ham, the bones from which give a long-simmered stock. Javier Bonet's Sala de Despiece in Chamberi (originally on Ponzano, moved to Alonso Cano in 2024) helped redefine the modern small-batch Madrid tapa; older tabernas at Casa Mariano, La Tape and dozens of vermuterias serve the canonical bar croqueta daily.
Common allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Egg
Tip from the editors. The bechamel must cook long enough that it pulls cleanly from the pan; a short cook leaves the croqueta gluey inside. The defining cue is a glossy mass that holds the shape of the spoon for 2 seconds.
Sala de Despiece in Madrid's Chamberi runs the room like a butcher's counter: stainless steel benches, white tiles and the meat carved in front of you.
Signature: Steak tartare, Lomo en manteca, Tuetano asado
Order: The lomo en manteca (pork loin in lard) and the bone marrow roasted with capers. Glass of Mencia by the glass.
Tip: Walk-in only; arrive before 13:30 for lunch or 20:30 for dinner. The bar stools are the seats locals want.
La Tape on Calle San Bernardo in Madrid is the wine-bar-and-tapas room since 2015, with 80 by-the-glass references, a focused daily-changing tapas pizarra.
Signature drink: By-the-glass wines
Food: Tapas, small plates
Tip: Walk-in. Closed Sundays. The corner terrace seats 14; the inside bar is the standing-room scene.
Islas Canarias in West Miami past Tamiami is a family Cuban diner that has hosted ham croquetas since 1977, defended as the city's reference by Miamians.
Why locals love it: Out in West Miami past Tamiami, this family Cuban diner has hosted ham croquetas since 1977 that ninety-five percent of Miamians defend as the city's reference.
Tip: Order the croquetas by the dozen. The full breakfast plate with palomilla and platanos goes for around fifteen dollars.
Ariete in Coconut Grove is Michael Beltran's Michelin-starred Cuban-American room on Main Highway, with a Saturday and Sunday brunch that runs the kitchen.
Order: Beltran's biscuits with whipped lardo and the omelette of the day
Tip: Book three weeks out. The bar takes walk-ups at 11am sharp; the dining room is full by 12:15.
Chug's Diner in Coconut Grove is Michael Beltran's Cuban-American counter at 3444 Main Highway, the 2025 Bib Gourmand pick for breakfast plates and weekend.
Order: Pan con bistec breakfast with eggs and crispy potatoes
Tip: Mornings before 10am beat the queue. Order the pan con bistec breakfast and a cortadito.
Versailles in Miami is the 1971 Cuban institution at 3555 SW 8th Street, open until midnight every night and 1am on weekends with the ventanita pouring.
Try: Cuban full plates and ventanita cafecito
Tip: Weekend 1am closing on the dining room; the ventanita stays open later. Order vaca frita and a cortadito.
Vicky Bakery in Miami is the family-owned Cuban panaderia chain founded 1972, with Miami Lakes at 13925 NW 67th Avenue pouring pastelitos and cafecito.
Try: Pastelitos and cafecito
Tip: Guayaba con queso is the classic; the croquetas restock through the day. Goldbelly ships nationwide.
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