Located in the heart of Little Havana on Miami’s iconic Calle Ocho, Café La Trova is a world-class Cuban restaurant and bar by legendary cantinero Julio Cabrera and James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein. Blending handcrafted cocktails, contemporary Cuban and Latin-inspired cuisine, and nightly live music, the vibrant destination channels the spirit of vintage Havana with modern Miami energy. Ranked #13 on North America’s 50 Best Bars and #82 on The World’s 50 Best Bars (2025), Café La Trova celebrates Cuban culture, cantinero craftsmanship, and heartfelt hospitality in every detail.
Popular Cuban spot on Calle Ocho known for cocktails in a vibrant space fit for large parties.
Venus Proffer, P.A. Native REALTOR
A friend recommended this place to visit while our friend was in town and as we were looking for 80s music and it turned into a club after hours. We all met there and when we arrived our friend had a big table by the stage. The place was packed in a Sat. Night and we enjoyed the live music. They even had the bartenders dancing and waitresses. At midnight the 80s club in the back came alive and we danced till it closed. I love that we knew every song and the entire place was filled with adults that really enjoyed the music. I don’t usually go to Miami at night but loved this little place. This was a great experience and I’ll be back with more friends in the future.
… moreJacob Nechrebecki
Spectacular experience! Fun and lively music where even the bartenders will grab an instrument from behind the bar to play along. The mixed drinks are top notch being very flavorable and balanced. Everyone that works there is super happy and friendly (you can tell they love working there). Great ambiance!
… moreArmand
In the Miami area looking for a good Cuban experience, look no further. Yes, definitely plan on dinner here, as the cuisine is delicious and there are traditional Cuban offerings. Definitely dive into the cocktail experience. A mixologists approach to the drink is taken as fresh ingredients are used and prepared in-house. Cocktails are deliciously well balanced and pair well with the food options. Perhaps make reservations, just in case. Stop in and enjoy an amazing staff, accompanied by great food and drink. I’ll see you there, cheers and bon appe’tit!
… moreTony Chavez
Cafe La Trova is an absolute Miami gem.
From the moment you walk in, the energy is unmatched. The live music, classic Cuban vibe, and lively atmosphere make you feel like you’ve stepped into Old Havana right on Calle Ocho. The bartenders are true professionals — the cocktails are expertly crafted, smooth, and full of flavor. Easily some of the best drinks in Miami.
The food is delicious and well presented, especially the appetizers, which are perfect for sharing while enjoying the music and drinks. Everything comes together to create an unforgettable experience.
This is the kind of place you come to celebrate, bring friends, or show visitors what Miami is all about. Amazing vibes, great service, and top-tier cocktails. Highly recommended!
… moreSarah Marsh Singla
A top-tier restaurant that you must try when visiting Miami! The 2 full service bars that accept walk ins are a fantastic compliment to this restaurants main floor, which has seating for you to view live music. Why come here over other places? The Cuban food, drinks, and atmosphere are to die for. We highly recommend the empanadas, especially the potato and steak empanadas to start off your meal. Crispy, flavorful, and filling – a great way to start your evening. We also highly recommend their Award Winning Buenavista, which features Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin, elderflower liqueur, mint, and cucumber. This drink was skillfully mixed by the bartenders and was equal parts sweet and tangy. Cigar lovers will also love this place and can try their Trio Matamoros, which gives you Santa Teresa 1796 Arabica Coffe Cask, a Cafecito Cubano, and a cigar. We highly recommend booking a table, as this place can get busy on the weekends. Very worth the wait though!
Come for the vibes and stay for the amazing food and drinks!
… moreMiltiadis Kastanis
Café La Trova is the absolute heartbeat of Little Havana and a masterclass in Cuban hospitality. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a time-traveling experience to pre-revolutionary Havana, complete with live Trova music and a high-energy vibe that is unmatched in Miami.
The collaboration between Julio Cabrera and Chef Michelle Bernstein is a match made in heaven. The “Cantinero” style bartenders in their crisp white jackets are true artists—the Daiquirí Clásico is a must-try. On the food side, the Hand-Cut Steak Empanadas and the Jamon Serrano Croquetas with fig jam are game-changers. For the main, the Lechón was incredibly tender and packed with authentic mojo flavor.
The service is impeccable—fast, professional, and genuinely warm. Whether you’re here for the world-class cocktails or the elevated Cuban comfort food, you’re in for an unforgettable night. It’s no wonder this place is consistently ranked among the best in the world. Don’t leave Miami without coming here.
… moreNaile Ruiz
Live music made the night so much fun! A table opened up just as my party arrived, but it was placed away from the live music so we didn’t enjoy it as much.
Cod fritters were nice and salty. The lobster croquetas were delectable. The beef ropa viaja was nice and very filling. Service was great. It felt a little expensive compared to the value we got.
… moreRick Gray
Another great place for live music. They had plenty of GF options but we have been eating our way through Miami all day and just stopped in for drinks. Sat at the back bar that had a good view of the band and we could still hear quite well. They had great cocktails and a nice selection of “Mocktails” as well. Food looked amazing but we were too full to eat anymore.
… moreYasmine
Great atmosphere and live music! Café La Trova is a fantastic spot in Little Havana with an amazing Cuban vibe. The live music and cocktails create an incredible ambiance, and the place feels very lively and authentic.
Prices are definitely on the higher side.
but overall experience makes it worth it if you’re looking for a fun night out.
… moreRhodainPgh
So if you want to sit near the stage there is a $25 per person surcharge which ended up with the band playing to a lot of empty tables which I think is a shame because they were really good. We were sat so far away, It was hard to hear with all the talking and we were there early. We were put in a very uncomfortable location with a large man behind me and people next to us when there were six empty two tops nearby. It would have been so easy to make us more comfortable and that did not happen. Also, I have no idea how much the tip that was included was because I could not hear what the waitress said and they automatically add more, not being able to hear the waitress to know what was charged in the first place, I just went along for the ride. I had an unusual drink with Pink peppercorn that was terrific, the oxtail was unusual and delicious.
… more