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Hours
Sun
4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Mon
4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Tue
4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Wed
4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Thu
4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Fri
4:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Sat
4:00 PM - 2:00 AM
MICHELIN
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travelers' Choice 2024
MICHELIN
View more on MICHELIN GuideRATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Caribbean, Latin, Cuban, International, Contemporary
MICHELIN Guide's Point of View
Of Jewish and Latin descent but born and raised in Miami, Chef Michelle Bernstein is intrinsic to the city's culinary scene. For this concept in Little...
Read more on MICHELIN GuideIs this restaurant good for lunch?
Details
CUISINES
Caribbean, Latin, International, Contemporary, Cuban
Meals
Dinner, Late Night, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Street Parking, Valet Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
402 reviews
Excellent
307
Very good
49
Average
20
Poor
11
Terrible
15
mamalawyer
Middleton20 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
Best meal during our visit to Miami! Authentic Cuban fare in a lovely setting. Fantastic live music! You can't help but dance to it. Amazing mojitos! We ate the catch of the day, which was mahi mahi on the price fixed menu. $49 for appetizer, mojito, entree and dessert. Can't recommend this place highly enough. Our Uber driver made the recommendation when we said we wanted good Cuban food which wasn't too touristy. Lots of locals.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie C
3 contributions
Jan 2020 • friends
Almost left this place after the hostess made us feel unwelcome. We went January 4, 2020 around 7:00pm, and we told that we would not be able to have a seat the whole night, only the bar if we found a spot or the reception couch (we were two). I asked if she could put my name down for any cancellation, she said that there will be no cancellations (unless she has a crystal ball how would she know who would cancel throughout the night). I asked if she could check if she could do something for us since we came from afar, again she said no. Her favorite word of the night.
I agreed to sit on couch and she turned her face, I asked if I could get some menus, she stared at me blankly and looked down at the menus so I could grab my own...
Food and drinks were good, expensive, but good, tip was automatically applied. Hostess needs a crash course in hospitality.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CafeLaTrova
Hi Stephanie, we appreciate the feedback and will take this concern to management to review. We're glad you enjoyed your food and drinks!
Written January 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AlabamaHotelgirl
Birmingham54 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
We dined here with a group of 15 people and did the family style dining with a selected menu. Everything was delicious and there was plenty of food for everyone to share. The drinks came out quickly, as did the food. The desserts were also very good!! Only issue that I had was that they failed to leave serving spoons for the entrees and desserts, so people where having to use their own forks (that they had already eaten off of) to get their food from the shared platters. Also, no side plates were given for the desserts.
The fish presentation and the way the server made in into filet's was pretty cool.
We all loved the live music, the deco, and the food!
I would love to visit again and order from the menu!
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StuartD
6 contributions
May 2021 • none
While visiting Miami last week (Friday Night), my wife and I made reservations at Cafe La Trova predicated on the great restaurant reviews, chef Michelle Bernstein, and the fact it looked like a lot of fun. We had high expectations, the live music and lively crowd provided a great atmosphere. We ordered a few cocktails to start, my wife a Mojito Criollo and I a La Trova Old Fashion. The Mojito appeared to be a big seller here and I should have ordered one too, silly me. My $14 drink contained 3 sips, even with a jumbo ice cube it barely came halfway up the side of the glass. Maybe they spotted us as tourists?
Unfortunately, the food did not live up to our expectations. The appetizers were delivered literally 1 minute after ordering, so much for freshly prepared food, I would guess everything was in steam tables somewhere. The Steak Empanadas were okay (not great) and the Jamon Croquettes didn’t contain any Jamon. I cut one open to show the waiter and he just walked away!! So much for attentive service.
We followed up our appetizers with the fish of the day, Banana Leaf Steamed Grouper, which arrived 2 minutes after ordering. It was okay, the rice was moist and the plantains sort of shriveled. I can’t believe this was freshly prepared either, but for $29 I expected a bit more!
We decided to skip dessert, and have a couple of cookies we had stashed back at our hotel instead. Service fees were included (18%?), no wonder the waiter didn’t care about our meal, and for $98 plus another $10 for parking an expensive lesson.
I let the restaurant know of my experience and a Mr Garcia sent me a nice follow-up email…”Please allow me some time to regroup with my team to further look into your experience.” It was the last I heard from them. Its also the last they will hear from me!
Written May 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cafe La Trova
Thank you so much for bringing this to our attention. We take great pride in the quality and flavor of our food and we are disappointed we missed our mark. We have shared your feedback with our management and culinary staff so we may work to improve. We would love to make things right so please feel free to email us at cafelatrova@rockawaypr.com so we may continue this conversation further. Again, we sincerely apologize and we hope you will give us another opportunity to impress you.
Written May 25, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WalterWater
New York City3 contributions
Apr 2021 • couples
I am a big fan of Michelle Bernstein and went to La Trova with high expectations, unfortunately.
Service was ok, food was bad. Arrived at restaurant fairly early, before the entertainers, so no excuse for the kitchen being overwhelmed. Ordered Short Rib, a big chunk of meat that felt like yesterday’s leftovers - stale, dry and served cold. Croquetas de Jamon were tasty but cold. Ceviche was mediocre.
Written April 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LianaY
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • none
We had received a notice that the soft opening of the start of Sunday Brunch was on New Years Day. I called my group of friends and we reserved to start our New Year celebrating together with good food and drinks. We were not disappointed. The atmosphere with the live music was wonderful. The welcome "drink" was perfect (we all went with the upgraded "bottomless") The food....... well it was excellent. The buffet part of the brunch had wonderful items to choose from; Ceviche, shrimp, salads, vegetables, empanadas the list goes on. This table was always attended to and all food items were replenished as needed. It was a treat to see Chef Michelle Bernstein making sure everything was perfect. The main dish items are a good selection and if you miss "Michis" fried chicken this would be the time to order it, but after the buffet table you may not have room for much else. Make a reservation and enjoy a wonderful Sunday afternoon at La Trova you wont be disappointed.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CafeLaTrova
Hi Liana! Wow, this is wonderful. Thank you so much for joining us for our first brunch of the year... We hope to see you back soon for our Sunday Brunch!
Written January 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leo M
Philadelphia106 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
Very unexpected and welcomed experience. It was like going back in time to the 60’s to a Havana night club. Great music from a DJ supported trio and genuine ambiance. The food was excellent . The selections are not the traditional basic Miami type Cuban Restaurant. It’s more modern cuisine and also be ready for a “nice size” bill since it’s mostly a la carte . So my guess with wine an appetizer, main course and dessert it’s about $75 to $80 pp. So not ridiculous but don’t compare it to the other tourist trap Miami places at $25PP.
Excellent food , great experience , nice atmosphere.
I highly recommend it if you want to experience a bit of old Havana .
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndreaUbok
Florida4126 contributions
Apr 2021 • couples
As soon as we walked into Café La Trova we were transported from Miami to Havana. The atmosphere and music were fabulous!
There was valet parking in front. There was a happy hour at the busy bar. We were seated at a small table in the back of the dining room within inches of other tables and people.
The cocktail list was extensive it was hard to choose. My husband enjoyed the sweet and sour Hemingway @ my gin Collins was very good. The appetizers looked fabulous it was also hard to choose. We started with the Cuban sandwich empanada that was probably the best empanada I’ve ever had. We then shared the lobster croquettes That were equally fabulous.
We should’ve shared an entrée, two large entrées were just too much food for us. My husband’s skirt steak Vieja ropas With black beans rice and plantains was delicious. My roast pork shoulder with yuca was initially cold, the second order was delicious. I thought our entrées were too salty. But it didn’t stop us from eating every bite.
For dessert we shared Michey’s chocolate bread pudding with homemade whipped cream on top that was the best I’ve ever tasted, just sinful. We were stuffed but we never stopped eating it.
The music was wonderful, it was a really nice evening out. Can’t wait to come back again! I think that covers it
Written April 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jlhensonus
Hope Hull7 contributions
Jan 2020 • friends
I have lived in Miami since August and have probably eaten here at least a dozen times. Food is consistently excellent. The band, servers and bartenders are fantastic. It is my go-to place when we have visitors! In fact, we had friends in town for 5 days this month, they loved it so much, we ate there 3 times. My friend has food allergy issues (a lot of allergies) and they worked a meal just for her. Davide, gave us his cell number so we could text him, to give him a heads up, to prepare her something special, when we came back and it did not disappoint. The cocktails are phenomenal and the bartenders dance, play instruments and are just generally a joy. I cannot recommend this place enough. Thank you La Trova for the excellent meals and outstanding attention to detail. 😀
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kams
1 contribution
Feb 2021 • business
As the country is opening up, and businesses are getting busier, I found myself traveling to Miami for a customer summit meeting in January, but was cut short due to increased cases. The meeting was postponed to February, and here I am back in this amazing city and anxious to get my projects rolling again with my customer. As I planned for this trip, I wanted to schedule a dinner event so all of us could relax and enjoy cocktails and a delicious meal. Since I don’t reside in Miami, I leaned on a friend who does know the area and recommended Cafe Trova. I looked at their website, was able to book the reservation quickly, and done, it was! The evening came, I arrived 15 before start of dinner. I was greeted by a very kind hostess who immediately found my name and secured the evening plans. Since I was early, I waited at the bar area and enjoyed a stunning Classic Daiquiri. The daiquiri is my favorite classic cocktail, but the immediate experience from the bartender— it was exquisite. I also noticed my name was written on a chalkboard, alerting the place of their guests for the evening. I smiled and nearly cried. How precious that was! My dinner guests arrived, we all drank and laughed, then moved to our table which was set just beside the stage. To my surprise, three men walked in with their instruments and boom, the vibe, the playfulness, and the joy of life was oozing from that small stage!! I sat in awe. My customers were thrilled with the dinner, and the experience, and for me... if I can prepare an opportunity for connection, I’m one happy lady. I was even pulled up and asked to enjoy the music and dance with the other ladies that definitely carried the vibe Much better than myself but it was all just fun, kindness, acceptance, and passion for life. Your restaurant was an incredible experience, and I will guarantee I will return many times over on my trips to Miami. Thank you for making my evening so memorable and for impressing upon me that no matter the culture, passion for life, amazing foods, and smooth cocktails are all to be enjoyed.
Sending hugs and love from Atlanta,
Kami
Written February 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cafe La Trova
Dear Kami, your review is priceless!! We are so happy to read about your experience. Thank you for choosing us and we can’t wait to host you again on your next trip.
Written February 23, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
amy793017
9 contributions
Mar 2022 • friends
We love this place. Any special occasions or guests from out of town, we always bring them here. Food is good. The main plates are pricey, we normally suggesting sharing many of their delicious appetizers. Drinks are amazing and the atmosphere is so fun. Go on the weekends for live music! Books up quick- we always make a reservation to avoid the crowd. The stage looks exactly like the front of a Cuban apartment. Valet parking available. Around 12 the restaurant converts into an 80s bar- also very fun!
Written March 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cafe La Trova
Thank you so much for amazing feedback, Amy! Nothing makes us happier than reading about an experience like yours :). Thanks for your loyalty and recommendations! We can't wait to host you again soon!
Written March 8, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bryant V
1 contribution
May 2022 • none
Our party had made a reservation for 6 at 8:15 pm on 05/02/2022. The hostess had sat us right on time, however, the seating was at the end of the restaurant where nobody had a view of the live performers, as there was a large wall in the way.
The server began by taking our drink and food orders, but that was it. She rarely checked on us at all. We may have seen the server a total of four times throughout the entire night. After the food arrived, the sever never bothered to return and ask us if we were enjoying our meals.
Once we had finished our meals, the cocktails had finally arrived. The server did mention there was a delay with the bar, but we didn't expect the drinks to arrive after we finished eating. One member of the party had ordered "La Chancleta", but when it arrived it was missing the chancleta itself! If we're paying the full price of a beverage, we also expect the accompanying garnishes.
As everyone became more disappointed, the night progressed, and we begrudgingly ordered dessert. The chocolate cake, crepes, and churro waffles were all excellent, however.
I do think our server noticed our dissatisfaction and gave us complimentary beverages, but it was seriously a joke. She dropped two small daquiris (roughly 5oz each) on the table for a large party of 6. She had told us to "share" them amongst ourselves.
As someone who has previously worked in the hospitality industry, I understand that there are certain things out of the server's control, but this was the most pathetic dining experience I have ever had. I truly hope that this experience was just unique to my group and that no one else has had our luck at this establishment.
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cafe La Trova
We are truly saddened that your experience was not as great as we would have liked. We would like to speak to you personally about your experience. If possible, please contact us at cafelatrova@rockawaymore.com. Thank you.
Written May 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lisandra G
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • none
My family and I went there for my mom's birthday and had a fantastic time! The place has a fabulous feel of old Havana. The band was playing boleros like the good ol' times. The food was delicious [and let me tell you my mom cooks banging Cuban food so my standards are high] but they made a ropa vieja that's just to die for. The drinks were fabulous, one of the best mojitos I've had in a while. I also tried their signature drink Buena Vista that was a cucumbery piece of heaven. They also offer cigars as part of their menu, which is definitely unique. I wish I could remember the name of our server because he was fantastic. We were a party of 9 and all throughout the night he made sure we were all well taken care of. Overall wonderful experience, will go back soon!
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kbraymiller
Boston51 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
As you walk down the street and find a Taco Bell across the street you are surprised to walk into this adorable and inviting atmosphere upon arriving. The drinks were delightful, and food was classic yet interesting. The croquettes with the fig jam, and the ceviche were highlights for me. We would go back, perhaps for dinner to listen to some live music with the experience.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CafeLaTrova
Thank you for visiting Cafe La Trova and leaving us this awesome review. Hope to have you back soon!
Written February 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Big D McD
Palmetto Bay269 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
I had read about Cafe La Trova and its bar scene in a magazine and wanted to try it. Hard to get reservations so I booked two weeks in advance for the weekend. Went for the 7am seating. The location is SW 8th Street (Calle Ocho) which is a road worthy of a drive by locals or tourists. Arriving at Cafe La Trovia, I was underwhelmed by the building and parking area but once inside, it was magical. It's like being transported to Havana in the 1950's. (I'd imagine having never been to Havana). The bar and stage are inside the door. Beautiful bar with well dressed bartenders. The stage is across from the bar and there are some tables around it. I believe these are premium tables you pay extra for. We were seated right away in the main dining room against the wall which made it difficult to see the stage because of a half antique car that is between our table and the stage. The antique car was cool but the lack of sightline to the stage was disappointing. But this did not ultimately distract from the great time we had. The cocktails were inventive and delicious (we tried a few); The waitress and the service was first rate and like most cuban restaurants, the food comes out quick and hot. We tried the cuban sandwich empanada which we all agreed was the best. We also tried the lechon sliders which were also good. They also offered as a special a seafood based app on a tostones however we all agreed it lacked the flavor of the other apps. For dinner two of us had the Chupe De Mariscos which was delicious. Another in our party had the short rib which was also excellent and the 4th, the only cuban in our group, had Rabo Encendido Pasta (braised oxtail) ..oxtail is a traditional cuban dish. It was very good but oxtail for me is an acquired taste I haven't quite acquired. But our cuban in the group liked it and when she brought some home to her 87 year old cuban mother, she thought it was great. Again, the service was excellent and the waitress offered helpful suggestions that were all spot on. Although we were full at the end of our meals, we were not ready to leave the party atmosphere inside the restaurant with the band playing and the vibe upbeat. So we ordered the bread pudding dessert which was really nice. After dinner drinks as well. Cafe La Trova is a great addition to the Miami dining scene and while going to the traditional Cuban restaurants further down 8th street is fun, Cafe La Trova is really an immersion into the true Cuban spirt of good food and fun times. Highly recommend it for locals like us or tourists who want to experience Cuban culture, a fun atmosphere and good food.
Written August 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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