Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
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.
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.
5 editor picks for Croquetas de jamon in Miami, ranked by editorial score. All Miami signature dishes · Croquetas de jamon across every city.
Also in: Madrid.
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.
TipOrder 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, holding a star four years running since 2022.
OrderThe croqueta de jamon to open, then whatever the chalkboard says is being aged that week.
TipTuesday burger night is a hard ticket; book the brunch service if you want the kitchen at full curiosity.
Versailles in Miami is the Calle Ocho Cuban institution that has poured cafecito since 1971 and remains Little Havana's political water cooler at 3555 SW 8th.
OrderVaca frita with maduros and a cafecito at the walk-up ventanita.
TipThe dining room queues at lunch; the ventanita pours cafecito from 8am and pastelitos run all day.
Chug's Diner in Coconut Grove is Michael Beltran's Cuban-American counter at 3444 Main Highway, a 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand pick for daytime Cuban classics.
OrderThe pan con bistec breakfast plate with eggs and crispy potatoes.
TipMornings beat midday on the queue; sit at the counter for the kitchen view.
Vicky Bakery in Miami is the family Cuban panaderia chain founded in 1972, with the Miami Lakes location at 13925 NW 67th Avenue carrying the founding recipe.
TipMornings are pastelito-hot; afternoons restock the croquetas. Goldbelly ships nationwide if you can't visit.
Croquetas de jamon makes more sense with someone from Miami explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Guided tour · 2h 30m
Experience the thriving culinary scene of Miami's Little Havana and enjoy tasty, authentic Cuban cuisine. Learn about local history and culture as you explore one of M...
Guided tour · 2h 30m
Explore Wynwood, Miami, and discover one of the largest open-air museums in the world, known for its street art. Taste your way through this neighborhood while learnin...
Guided tour · 2 hours
Discover the vibrant heart of Miami on a guided tour of Little Havana. Learn about the history of the Cuban diaspora, see colorful art, and savor a "secret" tropical treat.
