Key West’s strong connection to its island neighbor Cuba is evident in the cuisine served at Cuban restaurants.

Typical meal at Cuban restaurants include roast pork and rice, as pictured here
Roast pork, served with plantains, yellow rice, cuban bread, and sangria is a popular Cuban meal at El Siboney.

Just 90 miles off the Florida Coast yet a world away, Cuba is a land of history and mystery, all of which is revealed in its incomparable cuisine.

More mild than wild, this traditional island cooking relies on somewhat muted spices and lengthy simmering rather than the hot chiles found in other Latin cuisines. If you like it hot, you will find an assortment of peppery sauces on the table to bring up the burn.

You will always be offered an abundance of fresh local seafood and the traditional pork preparations, usually served with plantains and the Cuban staple of black beans and yellow rice.

Most of these eateries are very family friendly, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual setting with no reservations necessary.

Once you discover our very own version of “island soul food”, you will go back again and again.

Sandy’s Cafe

Coffee and Cuban sandwich shop popular with locals looking for an affordable to-go meal If

El Meson de Pepe

Cuban restaurant located on Mallory Square serving traditional cuisine. The cuisine of Cuba quickly became

5 Brothers Grocery & Sandwich Shop

Pressed sandwiches on Cuban bread and strong Cuban coffee at this local’s favorite. 5 Brothers

El Siboney

Traditional Cuban cuisine from this neighborhood institution. One could say that Key West is surrounded