The Ultimate Guide to Authentic Cuban Cuisine: Signature Dishes You Must Try at La Casita

If you’ve ever closed your eyes and imagined the warm ocean breeze of Havana, the sound of lively music drifting through open windows, and the irresistible aroma of slow-roasted pork filling the air — well, friend, we have some very good news for you. You don’t need a passport to experience the magic of Cuba. You just need a reservation at La Casita Cuban Cuisine in Coral Gables.

Since 1990, we’ve been serving up the kind of food that makes you feel like you’ve been welcomed into a Cuban grandmother’s kitchen. The kind of meal where you loosen your belt, take one more bite, and then maybe loosen it again. Sound good? Let’s take a delicious deep dive into the authentic Cuban dishes that have kept our guests coming back for over three decades.

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What Makes Cuban Cuisine So Special?

Before we get to the good stuff (the food!), let’s talk about what sets Cuban cooking apart from the rest. Cuban cuisine is a beautiful blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences that have come together over centuries to create something truly unique. It’s hearty, flavorful, and made with an incredible amount of love.

A few things that define authentic Cuban cooking:

• Slow cooking is everything. Cuban dishes are rarely rushed. Meats are marinated overnight and roasted low and slow for maximum flavor.
• Fresh, simple ingredients. You won’t find a lot of complicated sauces or exotic spices here. Cuban food lets the quality of its ingredients shine.
• Sofrito is the soul. This fragrant base of onions, garlic, peppers, and tomatoes forms the foundation of so many beloved Cuban dishes.
• It’s comfort food at its finest. Every plate feels like a warm hug — satisfying, familiar, and deeply nourishing.

At La Casita, we honor these traditions in everything we cook. Our recipes have been lovingly passed down and perfected, bringing the vibrant spirit of Cuba straight to your table.

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The Must-Try Dishes at La Casita Cuban Cuisine

🍖 Lechon Asado — The Crown Jewel of Cuban Cooking

If there’s one dish that defines Cuban cuisine, it’s Lechon Asado — slow-roasted pork marinated in mojo, a citrusy garlic sauce made with sour orange, garlic, cumin, and oregano. The result? Incredibly tender, juicy pork with crispy, golden skin that practically melts in your mouth.

At La Casita, our Lechon Asado is prepared the traditional way — marinated overnight to allow all those gorgeous flavors to soak in deeply, then slow-roasted to perfection. It’s the kind of dish that makes you go quiet at the table because you’re too busy savoring every single bite.

Pro tip: Pair it with our white rice and black beans for the full Cuban experience. Trust us on this one.

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🥘 Ropa Vieja — A Dish With a Beautiful Story

The name Ropa Vieja literally translates to “old clothes” in Spanish — and yes, there’s a charming legend behind it. The story goes that a poor man, unable to afford food for his family, shredded his own clothing and cooked it with so much love that it miraculously transformed into a delicious meal.

Whether or not you believe the legend, one thing is certain: Ropa Vieja is one of the most iconic dishes in Cuban food history. This flavorful dish features slow-braised flank steak, shredded into tender strands and simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce loaded with onions, peppers, garlic, and fragrant spices.

At La Casita, our Ropa Vieja is made just like it would be in a Cuban home — with patience, care, and an abundance of flavor. It’s warm, comforting, and absolutely unforgettable. No wonder it became Cuba’s official national dish!

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🍗 Arroz con Pollo — Homestyle Goodness in Every Bite

Looking for something that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate? Arroz con Pollo is your answer. This classic Cuban staple is essentially chicken and rice taken to a whole new level — tender chicken pieces slow-cooked with saffron-tinted rice, tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and a medley of spices that’ll have you going back for seconds (and thirds).

It’s humble, it’s hearty, and it’s pure Cuban soul food. Arroz con Pollo is the dish Cuban families have been gathering around for generations, and it’s one of our most beloved menu items at La Casita. One bite and you’ll completely understand why.

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🫘 Black Beans & Rice — The Perfect Supporting Cast

No Cuban meal is truly complete without black beans and white rice — known in Cuba as Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians). While these two might seem like simple side dishes, don’t be fooled. When done right, they’re absolutely spectacular.

Our black beans are slow-simmered with sofrito, bay leaves, and just the right touch of seasoning until they’re rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful. Served alongside perfectly cooked white rice, this duo has been satisfying guests at La Casita for decades. Simple? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely.

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🍌 Sweet Plantains — A Little Bit of Sweet, a Whole Lot of Delicious

We’d be doing you a serious disservice if we didn’t mention maduros — sweet, caramelized plantains that are fried to golden perfection. Slightly crispy on the outside, soft and naturally sweet on the inside, these little beauties complement the savory richness of Cuban entrees in the most wonderful way.

They’re the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and honestly? They might just steal the show at your table.

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Why La Casita Is Coral Gables’ Beloved Cuban Dining Destination

We’ve been a Coral Gables landmark since 1990, and in all that time, our commitment to authentic, homestyle Cuban cooking has never wavered. When you walk through our doors and settle in beneath the warm glow of our dining room, surrounded by elegant white tablecloths and the welcoming energy of our staff, something special happens — you feel home.

That’s what Cuban cuisine is all about. It’s not just food. It’s tradition, family, culture, and community served on a plate.

Every dish we prepare at La Casita is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and the same passion and care you’d find in a Cuban home kitchen. Because at the end of the day, that’s exactly what we are — your home away from home.

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Come Experience the Flavors of Cuba in Coral Gables

Whether you’re a longtime lover of Cuban food or you’re curious and ready to explore these incredible flavors for the very first time, La Casita Cuban Cuisine is the place to be. Our menu is a love letter to Cuba — rich with tradition, bursting with flavor, and made with the kind of heart that you can taste in every single bite.

Ready to embark on your Cuban culinary journey? Come visit us at La Casita in Coral Gables and let us bring the vibrant spirit of Cuba to life for you. Make your reservation today — your taste buds will thank you!

¡Buen provecho! 🇨🇺