Miami Little Havana: Food Tour, Mojito & Cigar Factory Walk

Summary

Stroll Calle Ocho for Cuban bites, coffee, music and local stories

You’ll taste real Cuban flavors on this Little Havana food tour—from café Cubano sips to fresh empanadas and a rum mojito—with stories shared by your local guide. Watch cigars being rolled by hand and wander colorful streets alive with music and laughter. It’s more than lunch; you’ll feel like part of the neighborhood for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

I felt a weird mix of excitement and shyness stepping onto Calle Ocho that morning—like I was about to walk into someone else’s family party. The colors hit first: pastel houses, painted roosters, old men in crisp guayaberas waving at each other like they’d known each other forever. Our guide, Ana, started us off with a tiny café Cubano at a spot she swore “nobody but locals bother with.” She wasn’t kidding—the espresso was so strong it made my hands tingle. I watched the regulars dunking sugar-dusted pastries into their cups and realized I’d already lost track of time.

We wandered past domino tables at Maximo Gomez Park where the players barely looked up—except one guy who winked when Ana explained the rules (I still don’t get them). There was music everywhere. Salsa leaking from open doors, someone humming behind a counter. At the cigar factory stop, the smell of tobacco leaves was thick and earthy—almost sweet. The workers moved with this slow rhythm that made me want to stand there longer just listening to them talk (in Spanish mostly—I caught maybe every fifth word). Ana tried to teach us how to say “torcedor” for cigar roller. Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin—probably butchered it.

The food came in waves—empanadas so flaky they crumbled in my hand, fried plantains that tasted like caramel if you closed your eyes. The mojito stop was loud and sticky with heat; mint crushed right in front of us, rum poured heavy. I didn’t expect to feel so full or so…at home? Even though I’m not Cuban or from Miami or anything close. Maybe it was Ana’s stories about her abuela coming here in the 60s or just how everyone seemed to know each other by name. Anyway, by the time we hit Rooster Alley for photos (yes, there are actual painted roosters everywhere), I was already plotting how to come back with friends.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Little Havana culture and cuisine

• Stroll down Calle Ocho
• Visit Cuban cultural landmarks
• Try cafe Cubano at local spot
• Enjoy bites at family-owned eateries
• Learn about Cuban food culture

Top questions

How long is the Little Havana food tour?

The tour covers several stops along Calle Ocho and includes tastings equal to a full lunch.

Is this Miami Little Havana tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are vegetarian options available on this food tour?

Yes, vegetarian options are available and most dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

Does the tour include drinks?

Yes, you get a rum mojito cocktail, Cuban coffee, fresh tropical juice and water included.

What attractions are visited during the tour?

You’ll visit Havana Classic cigar factory, The Cuban Memorial, Maximo Gomez Domino Park and Rooster Alley.

Is pickup included for this Little Havana food tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide in Little Havana itself.

Can infants join the tour?

Yes, infants can join; strollers are welcome and infants may sit on an adult’s lap if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes five food stops with tastings that add up to a full lunch; visits inside family-run eateries; entry into Havana Classic cigar factory; time at Domino Park and Rooster Alley; plus a rum mojito cocktail, Cuban coffee, fresh tropical juice and water—all guided by someone who knows these streets by heart.