Best Cuban Food near me in Orlando, FL

Where to find Cuban food in Orlando

Orlando does not have one Cuban neighborhood the way Tampa and Miami do, so the best spots are scattered. Black Bean Deli is on Orange Avenue in Winter Park, a short drive north of downtown. Otto's High Dive sits on East Robinson Street in the Milk District, the strip of bars and restaurants east of downtown near Lake Underhill Road.

Zaza's has several locations around the county, including Waterford Lakes, Curry Ford Road and a terminal at Orlando International Airport, which is useful if you want one last cafecito before a flight. North of the city, Don Patron covers Apopka from its spot on Main Street.

If you are choosing just one, go by the occasion. Black Bean Deli is the classic counter for a sandwich and coffee, Otto's is best for a sit-down dinner or brunch with rum cocktails, Zaza's is the easiest stop on the go, and Don Patron fits a Friday night with friends.

What to order for Cuban food

Start with a Cuban sandwich: roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles and mustard pressed on Cuban bread. The media noche is the same idea on a softer, sweeter egg bread. A frita is a Cuban-style burger, and croquetas and empanadas make good snacks.

For a sit-down meal, picadillo, seasoned ground beef with rice and beans, is a classic plate at Black Bean Deli. Finish with flan or tres leches cake and a cafe con leche or a shot of Cuban coffee, which is strong and sweet.

Tips for Cuban food in Orlando

Go early for a sandwich. Black Bean Deli and Zaza's open for breakfast, and the lunch rush fills small dining rooms fast. Otto's is busiest on Sunday for the pig roast, so arrive near opening or expect a wait, and street parking in the Milk District is limited on weekend nights.

Don Patron recommends reservations on Friday and Saturday, when DJs play and the crowd stays late. For groups or office lunches, Zaza's and Otto's both offer catering, and Otto's also runs a mobile bar for events.

A Cuban sandwich travels well for a picnic, but eat it soon, since the pressed bread softens as it sits. In the summer heat, keep takeout out of a hot car and pick an early lunch to beat the midday crowd.

About this list

Every place here is a locally run business in Orange County with its own website, which we checked for hours, menus and contact details. We leave national chains off our best-of lists and favor places with a clear specialty.

This page covers 4 Cuban restaurants in Orlando. You'll find them in Milk District and Downtown Apopka, spread across Orlando, Winter Park and Apopka.

What comes up again and again on their menus and websites: Cuban sandwich, Media noche and Cuban coffee.