Alma Cubana | Cuban Restaurant Miami Beach

Food was bomb. Insanely good. I had the Ropa Vieja and it was 10/10. Must try if you’re in South Beach. Ask for Milo, she was great

Amazing food. Super friendly staff. Paz was super helpful and help with menu recommendations. 10/10 would recommend.

Alma Cubana – South Miami Beach Alma Cubana is truly a gem in the heart of South Beach! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was vibrant, warm, and full of energy. The manager, Alessandro, went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect! His professionalism and hospitality set the tone for an exceptional evening. Our server, Mario, delivered top-of-the-line service!!! So attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about every dish and drink on the menu. He made us feel right at home and added such a personal touch to our experience. The food and cocktails were absolutely amazing, full of authentic Cuban flavor and beautifully presented. Every bite and sip felt like a little celebration of the culture. If you’re looking for a place with incredible food, unbeatable service, and that true Miami Beach charm, Alma Cubana is a must-visit.

The food is great and of good portions. Cuban sandwich is delicious but I would prefer it to be heated a bit more with the thick cheese. Cuban coffee is not what you expect since it is American coffee prepared in Cuban style. Note they add 20 percent of service fee to your bill.

john chong

Superb South Beach experience! The reviews and the meals did not disappoint. I would have taken photos of the meals but they didn’t stay on the plates long enough. The family finished all the plates and we had nothing left but full stomachs and happy memories. Our waiter was so friendly and everyone was so attentive. The view at sunset in January is ridiculously under appreciated. Michel was amazing. Ask for him and he’ll take care of you. Glasses were never empty and we always had what we needed and when we needed it. His recommendations for dinner were perfect. Thanks again Michel!!!!

Abby Ledbetter

The service was 10/10! The waiter/waitresses were super kind. We came in a big group, and gladly accommodated us! (The one thing I’d say is there was a guy that came to do magic in front of us, obviously tip fishing. But it was entertaining!) The portion sizes are small and a bit pricey even for Miami, but the taste is out of this world! The atmosphere is fantastic, music always playing and a very decorated patio and into seating.

Benyamin Haghi

We had a fantastic experience at Alama Restaurant in Miami Beach. We ordered the Cuban sandwich and ropa vieja, and both dishes were absolutely delicious—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. The Cuban sandwich was crispy and well-balanced, and the ropa vieja was tender, rich, and full of authentic Cuban flavor. What really made the experience stand out was our server, Miguel. He was incredibly friendly, attentive, and professional, making us feel genuinely welcomed from start to finish. His recommendations and service truly elevated our meal. Highly recommend Alama if you’re looking for great Cuban food and excellent service in Miami Beach. We’ll definitely be back!

Holly Martin

Food was good! But there were a lot of hidden fees. Fries additional $8 (they ask which side wanted, did not communicate that it cost extra). Large water bottle provided upon arrival was $10 (they did not communicate this prior). Food and atmosphere were good but be prepared for hidden fees. The napkins were good quality.

Elizabeth Feist

Paola was the best server at Alma Cubana. She had amazing recommendations for me and was so great. I loved the atmosphere and people watching. The mojito and flan were my favorites.

Vishal Shivdasani

What a fun meal event! My only meal in Miami was Cuban at Alma Cubana on the SoBe strip. The fried pork was excellent. Please be sure to request Paula as your server… she was fabulous!. Good ambience and music! A huge win and a great find!

Jessica Jeon

Mario is the best server. He makes us so comfortable on everything. I asked his name first to recommend him! Food is also great. We spent a great time here.

Brett Sundstrom

What a relaxing morning overlooking the South Beach park and boulevard. Our breakfast was a culinary delight! We ordered the yogurt and granola with fresh fruit along with an order of avocado toast with an over medium egg. The guacamole was so fresh and the toast a delightful multigrain bread. Our server Alfredo was wonderful. Lovely break from our morning walk.

Shardaey Chrystine

Alma Cubana – South Miami Beach Alma Cubana is truly a gem in the heart of South Beach! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was vibrant, warm, and full of energy. The manager, Alessandro, went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect! His professionalism and hospitality set the tone for an exceptional evening. Our server, Mario, delivered top-of-the-line service!!! So attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about every dish and drink on the menu. He made us feel right at home and added such a personal touch to our experience. The food and cocktails were absolutely amazing, full of authentic Cuban flavor and beautifully presented. Every bite and sip felt like a little celebration of the culture. If you’re looking for a place with incredible food, unbeatable service, and that true Miami Beach charm, Alma Cubana is a must-visit.

Leslie Segovia

Restaurant had good vibes, our server Santi was great! He kept checking on us and made sure we were taken care of! Would deff come back for the food and service.

Josh Betanzos

Food was bomb. Insanely good. I had the Ropa Vieja and it was 10/10. Must try if you’re in South Beach. Ask for Milo, she was great

Siyi Zhang

The food is great and of good portions. Cuban sandwich is delicious but I would prefer it to be heated a bit more with the thick cheese. Cuban coffee is not what you expect since it is American coffee prepared in Cuban style. Note they add 20 percent of service fee to your bill.

Denise Ramon

We had such a wonderful experience here! The food was delicious, full of authentic Cuban flavors, and everything came out fresh and perfectly cooked. What made our visit truly special was our waiter, Isa. He was incredibly attentive, friendly, and helpful with recommendations—he made us feel so welcome from the moment we sat down. Isa went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed, and his warm personality added so much to the overall experience. If you’re in the area and craving amazing Cuban food with top-notch service, this is definitely the place to go. Ask for Isa—you won’t be disappointed!

Martin Varbanov

The brunch was delicious and beautifully presented. The service was warm, attentive, and welcoming. Thank you for such a lovely experience.

Alma Cubana in South Beach was exactly what we needed close to midnight on Valentine’s Day. The place was still buzzing, colorful, and fun without feeling chaotic. It felt easy to walk in with the family, settle in, and enjoy a late night meal without pressure. We ordered a mix of dishes to get a feel for the menu. The Caesar salad with grilled chicken was fresh and well balanced, crisp lettuce, nicely seasoned chicken, not overly dressed. The chicken empanadas were warm and flaky, great for sharing. The chicken sandwich was juicy and comforting. The filet mignon had a good sear, though my daughter felt it leaned a bit on the dry side. The lemonade stood out, made with fresh lime juice and not sweet at all, clean and refreshing, easily one of the better ones I’ve had. Service really elevated the experience. Mario was exceptional. He noticed I was cold and moved the heater closer to our table without us even asking. Thoughtful touches like that make a difference. Such a solid late night option in South Beach, especially when you’re out with family and want something lively but still comfortable. More on social media: @ratedbymaryam

This was a cute restaurant that is connected to the hotel we were staying at which was really convenient. The atmosphere in the restaurant was a little dark inside. There is plenty of outdoor seating. The food was good and their kitchen was fast. They had a wide range of adult beverages to choose from. They are related to several other restaurants on the same street. We were given a coupon at the end of dinner to try one of the others which was really nice. We would eat here again.

Rob and Jen Go

This was a cute restaurant that is connected to the hotel we were staying at which was really convenient. The atmosphere in the restaurant was a little dark inside. There is plenty of outdoor seating. The food was good and their kitchen was fast. They had a wide range of adult beverages to choose from. They are related to several other restaurants on the same street. We were given a coupon at the end of dinner to try one of the others which was really nice. We would eat here again.

Xander Dumas

This is a lovely place right across from the beach. The staff are wonderful. The food is meh. The empanadas were too oily and lost flavor. The chicken I ordered was good but nothing I could not make at home. The highlight was the rice and beans. You must try their rice and beans. The plantain was well done and yummy. I budgeted myself before I went to this restaurant and knew I would be spending a good amount, but I didn't expect the bill I received was for food that tasted like Sunday dinner back home. I recommend to people who have never had Cuban or Latin food.

Okay… it says 4.9 stars, and I honestly don’t understand how they got that rating. Later I realized it was sponsored so that explains a lot. The food was just okay. The drinks were bad, especially the mojito. I could honestly make a better one myself and paying $30 for that? No way. What really bothered me was the service. When the manager came over and we asked if we could tip in cash instead of having it included, he said no and claimed it was a “Miami rule.” That’s simply not true. I also work in a restaurant, and that was a straight-up lie. So… if you have nowhere else to go, sure, you’ll have an okay experience. But honestly, there are many better places, go find one of those.

The atmosphere and food were acceptable, and the portions were very large—one dish was enough for two people. However, they charged for water without prior notice and automatically added a 20% service charge. We also requested a different table and were told it was reserved, yet no one ever came. Overall, I would not recommend this place.

Wonhee Kim

Okay… it says 4.9 stars, and I honestly don’t understand how they got that rating. Later I realized it was sponsored so that explains a lot. The food was just okay. The drinks were bad, especially the mojito. I could honestly make a better one myself and paying $30 for that? No way. What really bothered me was the service. When the manager came over and we asked if we could tip in cash instead of having it included, he said no and claimed it was a “Miami rule.” That’s simply not true. I also work in a restaurant, and that was a straight-up lie. So… if you have nowhere else to go, sure, you’ll have an okay experience. But honestly, there are many better places, go find one of those.

Fatemeh Ramezani

The atmosphere and food were acceptable, and the portions were very large—one dish was enough for two people. However, they charged for water without prior notice and automatically added a 20% service charge. We also requested a different table and were told it was reserved, yet no one ever came. Overall, I would not recommend this place.

I stopped at a restaurant at sunset for a drink. I ordered a beer and said that for now I didn’t want to eat. From that moment on, the service was terrible — it felt like they just wanted me to leave and they weren’t friendly at all. Before I even finished my beer, the waitress came and brought me the bill without asking if I wanted anything else. I was planning to have another drink and order food, but that kind of energy really pushed me away, which is a shame because that’s their attitude instead of making guests feel welcome.

I had dinner at ALMA CUBANA on January 27th at 6:30 PM. The restaurant has a 4.9 Google rating, so we visited with high expectations. At the entrance, Happy Hour was displayed as 4 PM to 7 PM. However, when we asked our server to confirm, she told us it was from 4 PM to 6 PM. After ordering drinks, I mentioned again that I had seen 4 PM to 7 PM at the entrance. The server then said that sometimes it is 4 to 6 and sometimes 4 to 7, which was unclear and confusing. The Mojito we ordered was $30. Unfortunately, it was extremely watered down and lacked flavor. I asked the server if it could be adjusted, and she added more alcohol, but the taste remained the same. I eventually asked for the drink to be removed from the bill, which the server agreed to do. For the appetizer, we ordered Fried Calamari. The batter was falling off the squid, and the overall quality was below what I would normally expect. The sauce was also very bland. I requested spicy mayo, but it did not significantly improve the dish. We then ordered Paella Habanera and Ropa Vieja (Grandma Style) as main courses. Both dishes were average. When we requested the check, I noticed that an automatic gratuity had been added, even though there were only two of us. The server had not informed us in advance that gratuity would be included. I asked the server if it could be removed, as I prefer to leave tip based on service quality. She said she was unable to do so, so I asked to speak with the manager. The manager stated that in Miami, gratuity is included regardless of party size. I asked whether the gratuity was required, and he confirmed that it was not. He then removed it from the bill. While the gratuity issue was ultimately resolved, the manager’s tone and manner were very unprofessional. Rather than addressing the concern calmly and respectfully, his attitude felt confrontational and dismissive, which made the interaction uncomfortable. Overall, the situation could have been handled more clearly and professionally from the beginning, especially with better communication regarding Happy Hour times and gratuity policy. The food was average, and the service experience did not meet expectations, particularly given the restaurant’s high rating. Unfortunately, I would not recommend this restaurant based on my visit.

Keeyong Hong

I had dinner at ALMA CUBANA on January 27th at 6:30 PM. The restaurant has a 4.9 Google rating, so we visited with high expectations. At the entrance, Happy Hour was displayed as 4 PM to 7 PM. However, when we asked our server to confirm, she told us it was from 4 PM to 6 PM. After ordering drinks, I mentioned again that I had seen 4 PM to 7 PM at the entrance. The server then said that sometimes it is 4 to 6 and sometimes 4 to 7, which was unclear and confusing. The Mojito we ordered was $30. Unfortunately, it was extremely watered down and lacked flavor. I asked the server if it could be adjusted, and she added more alcohol, but the taste remained the same. I eventually asked for the drink to be removed from the bill, which the server agreed to do. For the appetizer, we ordered Fried Calamari. The batter was falling off the squid, and the overall quality was below what I would normally expect. The sauce was also very bland. I requested spicy mayo, but it did not significantly improve the dish. We then ordered Paella Habanera and Ropa Vieja (Grandma Style) as main courses. Both dishes were average. When we requested the check, I noticed that an automatic gratuity had been added, even though there were only two of us. The server had not informed us in advance that gratuity would be included. I asked the server if it could be removed, as I prefer to leave tip based on service quality. She said she was unable to do so, so I asked to speak with the manager. The manager stated that in Miami, gratuity is included regardless of party size. I asked whether the gratuity was required, and he confirmed that it was not. He then removed it from the bill. While the gratuity issue was ultimately resolved, the manager’s tone and manner were very unprofessional. Rather than addressing the concern calmly and respectfully, his attitude felt confrontational and dismissive, which made the interaction uncomfortable. Overall, the situation could have been handled more clearly and professionally from the beginning, especially with better communication regarding Happy Hour times and gratuity policy. The food was average, and the service experience did not meet expectations, particularly given the restaurant’s high rating. Unfortunately, I would not recommend this restaurant based on my visit.

Kyle Logan

This seemed like such a nice place, until it wasn't. A group of 6 of us dined here on last weekend. The evening began well. Our server was awesome throughout the entire night. We were seated outside near the entrance of the restaurant. The unfortunate part came in when two of the ladies in our group went to use the restroom. The manager on duty essentially karate chopped one of them across the chest, stopping her and telling her that the "restroom was guests only". I don't know how this person missed a large table of 6 seated near the restaurant entrance, but she did. The other lady accompanying to the restroom spoke up and corrected the managers actions. The manager was apologetic, but the damage had been done. He reaction was unprofessional and completely out of line. After overhearing our displeasure with her actions, she did send over orange cello liqueur shots for everyone in our group. This was a nice gesture, but does not make up for her behavior. She simply could have asked if we were dining with them on that evening. During our dinner stay, there was a concert taking place on the beach. We we at the restaurant for two hours or more dining and having drinks, so I stepped away from our table to see if I could catch a glimpse of the performance on the beach. After realizing that I couldn't see the performance, I returned to the restaurant, only to be greeted by a rude doorman. The same one who I had just walked past less than 30 seconds previously. He stuck out his arm, restricting me from entering, until I pointed out the group that I was seated with. Minutes later after my experience, we chose to leave. The same doorman did not respectfully acknowledge our group as we exited, however, he appropriately greeted the people who wanted to be seated just as we exited. I share a lot of my experiences, positive and negative. The majority of my experience was positive, especially our server, but the other employees, who don't cook or serve patrons need to represent the establishment a lot better than they did. Those two marred what could have been a very good vacation experience in Miami.