According to the article, every state has a sandwich that's special to its identity, and Florida is known for its classic Cubano. It might seem like a simple sandwich, but a true Miamian knows it goes way beyond the Cuban bread, lechón, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles. (Read this epic story on the history of Florida's Cubano sandwich here.)
While it's up for debate on which Cuban restaurant, bakery, or deli in Florida truly makes the best Cuban sandwich, Tasting Table elected the classic Versailles Restaurant as the place that serves the most iconic Cuban sandwich in Florida. Plus, New Times has ranked the spot in its list of 10 Best Cuban Sandwiches in Miami.
The publication backs up its choice with this: "Versailles Restaurant claims that it is the world's most famous Cuban restaurant. It has been serving Cuban dishes since 1971, attracting many celebrities and politicians. Florida residents agree that Versailles is one of best places in Florida to sample the iconic Cuban sandwich. Versaille Restaurants Cuban is made with sweet ham roast pork, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles on Cuban bread. Don't stop there, though; the sandwich menu features the Versailles Special; ham roast pork, Swiss cheese and Spanish sausages, the Spanish baguette; serrano ham, manchego, and cantimpalo chorizo, and a good old grilled cheese."
Besides the Signature Cubano, Here's What to Order at Versailles
Craving another sandwich other than the Cubano? Try the iconic Elena Ruz sandwich made with medianoche bread and the perfect ratio of turkey, cream cheese, and strawberry marmalade.The best appetizers range from yuca croquettes stuffed with picadillo to bigger plates like the "Versailles Combo," which includes ham and beef empanadas, ham and chicken croquettes, and yuca fries served with cilantro sauce. As for mains, the menu offers a variety of signature dishes such as vaca frita, ropa vieja, and picadillo a la Cubana. For dessert, you can't go wrong with guava pastelitos.
Pro-tip: anyone who wants to avoid the tourist-filled dine-in lines at the restaurant can opt to go next door to Versailles Bakery for pastries, cortaditos, empanadas, croquetas, and even sandwiches.
Versailles. 3555 SW Eighth St., Miami; 305-444-0240; versaillesrestaurant.com.
