Little Havana: Food Walking Tour with Mojitos & Cuban Coffee

Summary

Miami’s Little Havana flavors, local stories & Cuban rhythms

You’ll wander Miami’s Little Havana with a local guide, tasting everything from guava pastries to salty empanadas and sipping mojitos along bustling Calle Ocho. Watch cigars rolled by hand, share strong Cuban coffee like a local, and soak up stories at Domino Park — all wrapped up in laughter and real neighborhood energy.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was kind of nervous about the Cuban coffee at our first stop in Little Havana — I’d heard it was strong enough to wake the dead. Our guide, Ana, handed out tiny cups and grinned when I hesitated. “Just a sip,” she said. The smell hit first: sweet, almost caramel-like but with this deep earthiness. We all laughed after the first taste — it really does jolt you awake. The tour started right there on Calle Ocho, with music drifting from an open window and a group of old men arguing (loudly) over dominoes nearby.

Ana led us down the street past murals and fruit stands where mangoes were stacked in messy pyramids. She pointed out the Bay of Pigs Memorial and told stories about families who came here decades ago — her own uncle among them. At one point we ducked into a bakery for pastelitos stuffed with guava and cheese; they were warm and flaky, sticky on my fingers. I tried to say “pastelito” properly but definitely butchered it — Li from our group cracked up and so did the baker behind the counter.

The private food tour stopped at six different spots — empanadas at one place (salty and beefy), then a seafood salpicon that tasted like summer in a bowl. There was a moment inside a tiny cigar shop where we watched a woman roll cigars by hand; her fingers moved so fast I couldn’t keep up. The air smelled sharp with tobacco leaves and something sweet I couldn’t name. Later we sipped mojitos (yes, included) while Ana explained how sugarcane juice is pressed fresh here when it’s in season. Domino Park was buzzing with locals slapping tiles down; one man winked at me when he caught me staring.

I still think about that pastelito — honestly, nothing back home tastes quite like it. The whole day felt like being let in on someone else’s rituals: sharing strong coffee in little cups, learning why everyone greets each other like family here. It wasn’t perfect or tidy; sometimes we had to squeeze past strollers or wait for rain to pass under an awning. But that’s part of it too, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Little Havana culture and cuisine

• Meet local guide in Little Havana
• Walk block by block with guide
• Learn Cuban-American history in Miami
• Visit six family-owned Cuban restaurants
• Taste Cuban coffee and mojitos
• Sample ropa vieja and guava pastries
• Try Cuban sandwiches and more
• Watch Cuban coffee and cigar making
• Explore Cuban art scene and galleries
• See Maximo Gomez Domino Park
• Visit Cuban Memorial Park
• Pass Bay of Pigs Museum and Tower Theater

Top questions

How long is the Little Havana food tour?

The tour lasts about half a day.

Are vegetarian options available on this food tour?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if you notify before the tour starts.

Does this Little Havana walking tour include drinks?

Yes, the tour includes tastings of Cuban coffee, tropical juice or mojito depending on age.

Is hotel pickup included for this Miami food tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at a central location in Little Havana.

How many people are on each Little Havana food walking tour?

The group size is small with a maximum of 10 travelers per booking.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Can children join the Little Havana food & culture tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Are there restroom breaks during the tour?

Yes, restrooms are available at almost every stop; just ask your guide if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes guided tastings at six family-run restaurants—think guava pastries warm from the oven, traditional empanadas, seafood salpicon—and drinks like Cuban coffee colada or mojito (age permitting). You’ll see cigars rolled by hand in a local factory, stroll through Domino Park to meet locals playing games, plus seasonal tropical juice tasting and all entry fees along bustling Calle Ocho before heading off on your own again.