When I first heard of Café La Trova in Miami, FL people kept raving about the live Cuban jazz and expertly crafted cocktails by world-class bartenders. I had to see if the hype was real. Nestled in Little Havana, this vibrant restaurant-bar offers authentic Cuban cuisine, live music, and a festive nightlife vibe.
When I walked into Cafe La Trova, I felt the retro Cuba atmosphere, and I couldn’t wait to see what world-famous Julio Cabrera and Chef Michelle Bernstein, who was born and raised in Miami, but is of Jewish and Latin descent, have come up with. Would the Cuban-style dishes be able to stand out in the city’s culinary scene, or is it just another place in Miami to get Ropa Vieja and a mojito?
After spending an evening there, here’s my full review.
Café La Trova — Reviews
With more than 1,200 reviews on Yelp!, Cafe La Trova has 4.5/5 stars and diners praise amazing food steeping in Cuban culture and the handcrafted cocktails, including the Hotel Nacional, which is made with pineapple juice, apricot liqueur, pineapple rum, and lime juice, and the Coconut Negroni, which features sweet vermouth, Campari, and rum. Of course, people also love the mojito, which is pretty classic, and includes fresh lime juice, bitters, and mint.
TripAdvisor users echo the sentiment, giving it 4.5/5 stars and praising its “festive ambiance,” authentic décor, and top-tier service . Many mention the James Beard–awarded team’s culinary prowess, all calling it one of Miami’s best Cuban spots. The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive across platforms, so we knew this would be an iconic experience. We were NOT let down by any of this hype!
Let’s be honest, a trip to South Florida isn’t complete without getting into some traditional Floridian food. Cuban is on that list, so let’s dive into the menu.
Café La Trova — Menu
At Café La Trova, the cocktails are just as important as the Cuban-inspired small plates and hearty dinner dishes. Some of the standout dishes on the include croquetas, braised beef short rib, and street-style empanadas. All have a contemporary take on traditional classics.
We made reservations, and ordered drinks, and then it was time to look at the full menu. I ended up with the Lechon, paired with steamed yuca, and one of my dining companions had the Picadillo Vegano, which is made of plant based beef, tostones, and a side of white rice. The other had the Cuban sandwich, and he raved about the pork and ham in the dish.
With live music in the evening, it’s a great concept and the perfect blend of artisanal drinks, local food, and of course, fun.
Café La Trova — Dress Code
Expect a smart casual dress code. While there’s no strict uniform, guests typically wear neat jeans, collared shirts, or breezy dresses. The bar area enforces a 21+ age policy, so plan accordingly and get tables outside of the bar if you want kids to join you.
Cafe La Trova Pics
Pics of Cafe La Trova don’t do it justice, but for full transparency, here’s a few of ours from our recent visit:
If you find yourself in this area, check out my list of the other top restaurants in Little Havana. There is a lot of history here and it comes surrounded by culinary gems!
Café La Trova — Location & Hours
Café La Trova
971 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130
(786) 615‑4379
Hours:
- Mon–Thu: 4 pm–12 am
- Fri–Sat: 4 pm–2 am
- Sun: 4 pm–12 am
Overall, the month of May gave us plenty of new experiences to share with you all from South Florida. While we stayed in Miami for business we also enjoyed Caffe Abbracci in Coral Gables, and it was out of this world! We later dined at Catch and Cut in Fort Lauderdale, just 30 minutes north of Miami, and if you like seafood, you’ll have to check that one out.
Final Words
Café La Trova delivers on every front: top-tier cocktails, authentic Cuban cuisine, and live music in a vibrant Little Havana setting. Highlights include Lechon, local fish dishes, empanadas, and festive ambiance. Be sure to reserve ahead and enjoy the 21+ bar scene. If you’re seeking a fun, flavorful evening with Cuban flair, this is a must-visit—just expect it to be lively, not quiet.
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
