Versailles Restaurant
The self-styled 'world's most famous Cuban restaurant,' a Little Havana gathering place since 1971.
The call
Worth it if you're watching the budget and you only have one day.
Short answer
Is Versailles Restaurant worth it?
Versailles Restaurant deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
Mirrored walls, strong cafecito at the walk-up window, and a buzz of Spanish conversation that doubles as Miami's unofficial Cuban-American town square.
- 02
More cultural pilgrimage than fine dining.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You're watching the budget
Versailles Restaurant earns the spend, even on a tight budget.
You only have one day
Short trip or not, keep Versailles Restaurant.
You're traveling with kids
With kids, Versailles Restaurant is an easy yes.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Versailles Restaurant is an easy yes.
Think twice if
The main downside would spoil the experience
More cultural pilgrimage than fine dining.
The plates that decide it
- Cuban coffee at the ventanita — the essential ritual; order a cortadito or colada to share
- Ropa vieja or lechón asado — reliable Cuban staples
- Pastelitos and a media noche — solid casual bites
Plan it well
- Cost
- Inexpensive to moderate
- Allow
- 1–1.5 hours
Sources and method (2)
- Versailles was founded in 1971 by Cuban exile Felipe A. Valls Sr. and seats about 370; it is the social and political hub of Miami's Cuban-American exile community. en.wikipedia.org ↗
- It received a James Beard Foundation 'America's Classics' award in 2001. en.wikipedia.org ↗
- versaillesrestaurant.com ↗