Cuban ham croquetas with thick bechamel, breaded and deep-fried, the cocktail-hour bite served by the box at every Cuban panaderia and the bar opening at Ariete.
Where to eat it: 5 restaurants across 1 city.
Croquetas crossed from Spain to Cuba in the 19th century, then to Miami after 1959. The Cuban-American croqueta differs from the Spanish original in shape (oblong, never round) and in filling, leaning lightly on smoked ham. Islas Canarias on SW 26th Street is widely defended as the city's reference; Ariete and Chug's Diner do refined versions.
Common allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Egg
Tip from the editors. The bechamel must chill fully before shaping; warm dough will burst in the fryer. Salt is the most-skipped step; taste the bechamel before chilling.
This is the TableJourney editorial recipe, modelled on the canonical bistro / counter version. The first place to try the dish in its city of origin is below.
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 at its most curious.
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 brunch in the Grove.
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 cafecito to the queue.
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 all day.
Try: Pastelitos and cafecito
Tip: Guayaba con queso is the classic; the croquetas restock through the day. Goldbelly ships nationwide.
More cities are in research. Want croquetas de jamon covered somewhere specific? Tell us where you want to eat.