She recommends Sedano’s, a Cuban grocery chain found across the city. Besides its impressive assortment of Latin American goods, “Sedano’s is known for its deli and prepared foods. You can get [Cuban sandwiches] fresh and hot… everything is done to order,” Bernstein says. “If I drive by a Sedanos, I can’t not pull in, order a Cubano [and] do a little shopping.”
Though freshness is part of the attraction, for Bernstein, the authentic Miami experience is the chain’s real charm. “You are so incredibly immersed in this beautiful culture that is very Cuban, of course, but [Miamians are] from everywhere and so you’re immersed in a full Latin-from-everywhere culture, and everybody’s chit-chatting and you’re making friends in line [while] you’re drinking your cafecito [Cuban espresso].”
Website: sedanos.com
Address: 4803 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33134
Phone: (305) 446 5872
Instagram: @sedanossupermarket
2. Best classic Cubano: Luis Galindo’s Latin American Restaurant
Luis Galindo’s Latin American Restaurant has been serving traditional Cuban food since 1974. Operating from two locations – West Miami and University Park – the restaurant is a mainstay of Miami Cuban cuisine. While diners will find dishes like picadillo (ground beef hash with rice) and estofado (a hearty stew), it’s Galindo’s sandwiches that steal the spotlight. “There’s nothing incredibly special as far as ingredients. However, for me, it’s just the perfect amount of everything,” Bernstein says. “I love how they cut their just made lechón (slow-roasted pork) into thick, yummy, juicy chunks. And then they have the super thin slices of the sweeter ham… it’s so incredibly classic.”
