I still remember my first rainy January in Coral Gables: I ducked into La Casita for shelter and a plate of vaca frita that somehow tasted like the kitchen I grew up hearing about. That visit stuck with me—so when the month flips to gray and busy again, I find myself craving warm, slow-cooked food that feels intentional. This post is a short, first-person guide to why La Casita Cuban Cuisine is my go-to for January comfort—what to order, how to host, and the little details that make it feel like home.
Why Cuban Food Hits Different in January
Authentic Cuban food feels like the right reset after the holidays
January always makes me want real comfort—something warm, filling, and full of flavor. After the holiday rush, the days feel shorter, work speeds up again, and I start craving meals that actually satisfy. That’s where Authentic Cuban food stands out. Cuban dishes are built on slow cooking, simple ingredients, and seasoning that goes deep, not just on top.
Homestyle Cuban cooking brings warmth when the days feel colder
When I’m tired of quick snacks and “sad lunches,” I look for Homestyle Cuban cooking that tastes like someone took their time. At La Casita Cuban Cuisine, that’s the point. They’ve been serving Coral Gables since 1990, and you can feel that experience in the way the food comes out steady and consistent—like the classics never went out of style.
As Virginia Otazo, Staff Writer Miami, put it:
“La Casita’s homestyle approach makes it a time-tested favorite on the 8th Street corridor.”
Cuban comfort meals are hearty, seasoned, and made to keep you full
For me, January comfort food needs to do three things: warm me up, keep me full, and taste like it was made with care. Cuban comfort meals check all three boxes. The flavors are slow-cooked and deeply seasoned, and the plates are the kind you remember hours later—in a good way.
- Slow-cooked flavor that feels rich and steady, not rushed
- Hearty portions that make lunch or dinner feel complete
- Classic sides that round out the meal and add comfort
Family-style hospitality turns a quick meal into a real pause
What hits me most in January is how much I need a break. La Casita’s family-style hospitality makes even a quick lunch feel like a small reset. The dining room has a quiet, mature feel—white linen tables, smooth jazz in the background—and it fits the pace I want this time of year. Being on the SW 8th Street Cuban dining corridor also makes it easy to stop in when I’m nearby.
La Casita Cuban Cuisine
3805 SW 8th Street, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Open daily 11 AM–10 PM (Saturday until 11 PM)
January Favorites: Dishes I Keep Ordering
When January feels busy and a little cold, I fall back on the same comfort orders at La Casita Cuban Cuisine in Coral Gables. The menu has a lot—soups, salads, seafood, sandwiches, desserts—but these are the plates I keep coming back to because they taste like a real meal and the portions are usually generous for the price.
Vaca frita Cuban (and I always ask for extra mojo)
The Vaca frita Cuban is my top pick when I want something crispy and savory. The shredded beef has those browned edges that make every bite feel like it was cooked with patience. I’ve seen reviews mention it can be a little dry sometimes, so I do one simple thing: I ask for extra mojo on the side. That extra citrus-garlic sauce fixes it fast and makes the whole plate brighter.
Filete de Pollo: simple, tender, and comforting
When I want a calmer, “home cooking” kind of dinner, I order the Filete de Pollo. It’s tender, well-seasoned, and it tastes like a family recipe that’s been made the same way for years. It’s the kind of dish I order when I don’t want to think too hard—just eat and feel taken care of.
Maria Gonzalez, La Casita Owner: “We keep our recipes close—family flavors that warm you from the inside out.”
Sides that matter: Fried plantains cassava and more
The sides are what make the plate sing for me. I rotate through sweet plantains, fried plantains, cassava, black beans, and mixed rice. If you’ve ever had rice or beans come out a bit off (it happens), it’s worth doing a quick check when you open your takeout—then ask for a swap right away.
Croquetas crispy appetizers (plus a few add-ons I love)
If I’m extra hungry—or ordering for the table—I add Croquetas crispy appetizers and sometimes mini empanadas de carne. For a special night, the lamb shank in red wine is a cozy upgrade that feels made for January.
- Go-to combo: Vaca frita + mixed rice + black beans + fried plantains + extra mojo
- Comfort combo: Filete de Pollo + sweet plantains + cassava
Starting the Year with a Real Meal (Not Another Sad Lunch)
January is when everyone tries to “be good,” and I get it. But I’m not interested in a bland desk salad that leaves me hungry an hour later. I want a real meal that keeps me focused through the afternoon. That’s why I lean on La Casita Cuban Cuisine in Coral Gables—homestyle Cuban food made with fresh, high-quality ingredients that actually feels like care on a plate.
Lunch specials menu: built for busy weekdays
When my schedule is packed, the Lunch specials menu is the easiest win. It’s practical for weekday meals, and the best part is that lunch specials come with a choice of sides, so I can build a plate that fits my appetite instead of settling for whatever is “light.” I often pick a main dish with mixed rice and sweet plantains to stay fueled without feeling weighed down.
Virginia Otazo, Staff Writer Miami: “La Casita offers dependable lunch specials that suit locals and office workers on 8th Street.”
Vegetarian friendly options (and gluten-free when possible)
Eating well shouldn’t mean skipping flavor. When I’m dining with friends or coworkers who have different needs, I appreciate that La Casita offers Vegetarian friendly options and can help with gluten-free options when possible. I always recommend asking when you order—small adjustments can make a big difference, and it’s nice to leave lunch feeling energized, not disappointed.
Takeout delivery options when I can’t step away
Some days, I can’t leave the office or I’m running between errands. That’s when the Takeout delivery options matter. I can still get a warm, satisfying meal without losing time, and it beats grabbing another “sad lunch” from a convenience store.
Hours (Monday–Friday): 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Hosting in January? Make It Easy (And Delicious)
January fills up fast—office lunches, team meetings, family drop-ins, and those small celebrations that still deserve a real meal. When I’m hosting, I don’t want to cook, guess portions, or worry about timing. I lean on La Casita Cuban Cuisine because they make group orders simple, and the food feels warm and taken care of.
Takeout delivery options that keep plans stress-free
If I’m feeding people at home or at work, I use their takeout delivery options (plus pickup if I’m nearby). It’s an easy way to bring Cuban comfort food to the table without juggling a grocery run and a stovetop. La Casita also offers catering, which helps when the guest list grows or the schedule gets tight.
My go-to for meetings: individual boxed lunches
For office meetings, I order boxed lunches because they’re neat, predictable, and everyone gets a solid meal without a messy setup. It’s also easier to label meals and handle dietary needs when possible.
Luis Alvarez, Event Planner Miami: “Boxed lunches from La Casita save the day—easy to distribute and reliably satisfying.”
Family-style Cuban meals for casual gatherings
For game nights or family get-togethers, Family-style Cuban meals are my favorite move. Platters make sharing easy, and nobody has to “pick” the perfect entrée—people just serve what they want and go back for seconds. If you’re planning a small celebration, this is the simplest way to feed a group and still make it feel special.
Appetizer tower platter: my crowd-pleasing add-on
When I want the table to look fun right away, I add an Appetizer tower platter with bites like croquetas and mini empanadas. It keeps everyone happy while the main dishes get served, and it’s perfect for mixing office and family crowds.
- Services: Dine-in • Takeout • Delivery • Pickup • Catering
- Group options: Individual boxed lunches, family-style platters, appetizer add-ons (croquetas and more)
- Planning tip: Ask about catering lead times and share any dietary needs (including vegetarian or gluten-free requests when possible).
Come Dine with Us in Coral Gables — Atmosphere & Practicals
A calm, classic Family dining experience
When I want a real meal in a setting that feels relaxed, I come back to this Coral Gables restaurant for the atmosphere as much as the food. I love the White linen tables and the smooth jazz in the background—it keeps everything calm and unhurried. It’s quieter and more mature than a lot of louder spots, which makes it easy to talk, take your time, and actually enjoy dinner.
Virginia Otazo, Staff Writer Miami: “The setting at La Casita—white linens and soft music—gives it a classic, grown-up charm.”
It’s also the kind of place where table service still matters. Whether I’m stopping in for a weekday lunch or sitting down with family on the weekend, the experience feels welcoming and steady—exactly what I want in January when I’m craving comfort and a little extra care.
Address, hours, and what to expect
You’ll find us at 3805 SW 8th Street, Coral Gables, FL 33134. We’re open daily, with Saturday hours running later for an easy dinner plan:
Monday–Friday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Practically speaking, it’s simple to plan a visit. We’re wheelchair accessible, and parking is available, which helps when I’m meeting a group or bringing family. We offer dine-in table service, and we serve alcohol if you’d like to pair your meal with a drink. La Casita Cuban Cuisine is also Hispanic/Latinx-owned, and that pride shows in the hospitality and the homestyle flavors.
If you’ve been meaning to treat yourself to something warm and authentic, this is my sign to you: come in, settle into those white linens, and let January feel a little more delicious.
TL;DR: La Casita Cuban Cuisine (est. 1990) serves authentic Cuban food and homestyle comfort in Coral Gables—ideal for January lunches, family dinners, and group catering with takeout/delivery.