Versailles
Open since 1971, Versailles is the undisputed center of Miami's Cuban American political and cultural life. Politicians debate over cafecito at the walk-up window; families celebrate everything inside the mirrored dining room. Mon–Thu 8 AM–midnight, Fri–Sat 8 AM–1 AM, Sun 9 AM–midnight.
Only you see this. What you ordered, what you'd order again, the table to ask for.
The Story
Cuban exile Felipe Valls Sr. opened Versailles on Calle Ocho in 1971, a few years after fleeing Castro's Cuba with his pregnant wife and children. He wanted a place where Cuban families could get quality food at a fair price, and it quickly became the unofficial town hall of Cuban Miami, drawing everyone from neighborhood regulars to presidential candidates courting the Cuban American vote.
Known for
The Cuban sandwich and the walk-up ventanita window pouring cafecito and colada are the restaurant's calling cards. Valls is widely credited with popularizing the ventanita format that's now a fixture of Miami street life, alongside main-dining-room staples like palomilla steak, ropa vieja, and croquetas.
Recognition
Named a James Beard Foundation America's Classic in 2001.
Worth knowing
Versailles stays open late (midnight most nights, 1am Friday and Saturday) and the ventanita window sees a constant stream of walk-up traffic, especially around breaking Cuban political news. Dress is casual throughout, and the dining room can get loud and packed at peak meal times.
Deals
1 deal at Versailles
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The Vibe
The most famous Cuban restaurant in America. Open since 1971, Versailles is where Miami's Cuban community gathers for every milestone — politics over cafecito at the window, celebrations in the mirrored dining room, and late-night plates that keep the kitchen running until 1 AM on weekends.
What to Order
- Cafecito — walk-up window, the definitive Miami Cuban espresso ritualVersailles menu
- Croquetas — house-made, served at walk-up window and dining roomVersailles menu
- Ropa Vieja — slow-braised shredded beef in tomato sauce, the definitive Cuban plateVersailles menu
- Palomilla Steak — thin-sliced Cuban beef steak, classic preparation with onionsVersailles menu
- Vaca Frita — crispy shredded beef, Cuban comfort classicMiami New Times
- Setting
- Indoor dining
- View
- None
- Formality
- Casual
- Music
- Background Music
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