“There’s nothing like Versailles, especially for Cubans. This is kind of their ground zero," says Nicole Valls about the place her grandfather built —now a world-known local and tourist hub.
ABC News' Victor Oquendo speaks with the Valls family, who reflect on the history and significance of their restaurant to the Cuban community in Miami.
MIAMI (AP) — El restaurante Versailles es un emblema de Miami. El sitio en el que se palpita el sentimiento de la diáspora cubana y una especie de plaza ...
MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- For many, Versailles Restaurant is the heart of Miami. "It can't get more Miami than this," said Alex Espinoza, a Versailles regular. It is also a news gathering source.
MIAMI – El Restaurante cubano Versailles celebra un gran cumpleaños este año. Cumple 50 años este otoño.
El 10 de noviembre, el famoso Versailles cumple medio siglo, con recetas de las abuelas cubanas.
The Miami restaurant’s long history for protesters and revelers continues, with recent demonstrations denouncing shortages of food and medicine in Cuba.
Cuban exiles rally at Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana on Sunday, July 11, 2021, in support of rare protests in Cuba, where thousands took to the streets to complain about a lack of freedom and a worsening economic situation.
Versailles is often associated with over-the-top decadence that spawned a revolution. But if you live in Miami or just really like to eat, the word Versailles conjures a different kind of decadence. The roasted pork kind. Because Versailles serves Miami’s—and therefore the country’s—most famous Cuban sandwich. And now, that lauded Cubano is available for nationwide delivery.
Stone crab, Cuban sandwiches and mojitos: The 18 best places to eat and drink in Miami Miami is without a doubt one of the nation’s most exciting cities.
Cuban coffee, crunchy pastries and crispy croquetas fuel Miamians at these ubiquitous hole-in-the-wall coffee joints. Experience a collision of traditions and tastes ...
There’s a sign towering over Calle Ocho boasting “the world’s most famous Cuban restaurant.” That sign is probably right. By now, it’s tradition for politicians to have a cafecito in 90-degree weather while vying for the Cuban American vote. You’ve seen it as the backdrop of protests of Cuban relations policy, the parties after Miami Heat championships.
It’s love at first bite as Michael makes Miami’s most iconic sandwich open-faced for a limited time only featuring Versailles house roasted pork and glazed ham, bread and butter pickles, mustard sauce, fontina and gruyère cheeses, and finished with a Versailles croqueta! From Monday, January 14 until Valentine’s Thursday, February 14.
Because you must have good Cuban food as much as possible while in Miami, Versailles is the go-to spot (and it’s been operating for almost 50 years!).
You’re not stopping at Miami’s most famous Cuban restaurant for the loosely (very, very loosely) Versailles-inspired design. You’re there for the food. Like the restaurant itself, some of the staffers are neighborhood institutions, so make sure to ask them for advice if you’re a Cuban food newcomer.
There’s nothing like a shot or ten of Cuban coffee at Versailles after a long haul, or heck, before a long haul if so inclined. Cuban sandwiches and lots of clamor en español reminds patrons that they aren’t in Kansas anymore, if but for a few hours. And, if the line is too long at this one [after checkpoint, Gate D21], there are two others [Gates D5 and D44].
Make a quick stop at Versailles’ ventanita for a croqueta and a cafecito. The varieties available are ham, chicken, and cheese. Munch on any of them while enjoying the political — and sometimes gossipy — chitchat amongst the patrons.
It’s generally agreed among both food critics and locals that Versailles offers some of the most authentic Cuban cuisine, including classics such as croquettes, Cuban sandwiches, and cafecito.
Consult any travel guide, online list or hungry local about where to grab some Cuban food down in Little Havana and one name will always pop up: Versailles. It’s not hype. The food at Versailles is done with tradition in mind, and the result is classics such as croquetas, Cuban sandwiches and cafecito.
Miamians live a fabulous life. We pop bottles in South Beach, dine at incredible restaurants and go to the beach any time we want. We also do things like steal fruit from our neighbors, lie to our bosses to avoid traffic and, when given the choice, would rather drink $1 coffee from a tiny window than get it from a snobby barista.
This iconic restaurant speaks for itself. Plus, let’s not forget it’s responsible for the best Cubanos (and cafés con leche) in town. Sweet ham, roast pork and Swiss cheese smeared with mustard on toasted Cuban bread. Need we say more?
A list of Little Havana restaurants isn’t complete without Versailles. The Miami institution has been the unofficial town hall for El Exilio since 1971. However, this Calle Ocho icon serves more than just cafecito. Its Cuban sandwich, with classic fixings such as sweet ham and Swiss cheese, is a winner with the fast-casual crowd, and a traditional roast pork Cuban-style is a hearty meal served with rice and beans.
Versailles is known worldwide for its Cuban food. Versailles opened its doors in 1971 and has been serving the community tasty Cuban food ever since.
Nobody has mastered classic Cuban in Miami like this landmark. Even if I’m in a hurry I make time to grab a café Cubano at the take-out window and talk to the locals. It feels so authentic. It’s seem to be the third generation running it now. They are all so in tune with their generation, yet are really respectful of the tradition of that place.
It’s hard to put a label on Miami’s most iconic dish, but if there had to be one, the Cuban Sandwich might just fit the bill. A true collaboration between Cuban migrant workers and Floridians in the late 1800s and the early 20th century, this spin on the old ham and cheese is most often found simply with fresh Cuban bread, yellow mustard, roasted pork, baked ham, Swiss cheese, and sliced dill pickles.
The famous Cuban restaurant on Calle Ocho is giving away free cafecito at its outdoor ventanita (the walk-up window east of its main entrance). The reason: Versailles’ Facebook page reached 20,000 likes today. What better way to celebrate the social media milestone than by doling out free espresso shots?
The Little Havana restaurant is inviting folks to La Ventanita or their walk-up coffee window, for some hot brewed coladas and cafecitos in celebration of the restaurant reaching a social media milestone.
The iconic café invites all of its fans to celebrate its social media milestone with a free cafecito — those adorably tiny, sugar-sweetened, Cuban-style espresso drinks — at La Ventanita, the 46-year-old restaurant’s walk-up coffee window, on SW Eighth Street.
Miami’s iconic restaurant Versailles is helping Cuban espresso lovers get over hump day with free cafecito! The Little Havana hangout is inviting folks to La Ventanita or the walk-up coffee window Wednesday for the pick-me-up to celebrate its social media milestone.
The famous Cuban restaurant is handing out free coffee to celebrate 20,000 likes on its Facebook page. The free cafecito is part of a campaign to increase Versailles’ social media following even more.
Miami says fun in the sun but there are more ways to enjoy the city than on the beach. Holly Firfer takes us to some of the city’s must do hot spots.
Just about all Miami Cuban sandwiches contain the same ingredients — ham, roast pork, Swiss, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, pressed until melty (salami also works its way into it in Tampa) — but quality can vary from place to place. The definitive version can be found at Versailles, located in Miami’s Little Havana.
You haven’t tasted delicious coffee until you’ve had a Cuban coffee—and the best place to get one is Café Versailles, which has been serving Cuban cuisine in Miami for decades.
Café Versailles – Midnite sandwich (Media Noche) from Café Versailles, one of the concessions at Hard Rock Stadium, that brings the classic Cuban fare to football fans.
Source: Miami.com
Miami Herald food writer Carlos Frias offers a culinary tour of the newly named and revamped Hard Rock Stadium.
Luis F. Sánchez offers a culinary tour of the newly named and revamped Hard Rock Stadium.
Versailles has long been a hot spot for social debate and the essence of cafecito culture in Miami. Often seen as the unofficial town square for Cuban exiles, the restaurant opened in 1971 and has become one of Miami’s most famous eateries and a must for every visitor and loca. La ventanita at Versailles is the ground zero for coffee culture in Miami, and the vasito will surely wake you up with its strong yet sweet taste.
Versailles Restaurant was recognized by the readers of Miami New Times as the best Cuban restaurant.
Versailles has often been the source of Cuban exiles’ input in media coverage. Mainly attracting political and social concerns, it has in the past seen a fair number of hopefuls. The list of presidential candidates includes John McCain, Newt Gingrich and Michele Bachmann.
Versailles Restaurant was recently rated in the top ten for best empanadas in Miami!
Versailles Restaurant was recognized as one of the 20 best things to do in Miami!
Billing itself as “the world’s most famous Cuban restaurant,” Versailles has been dishing out ropa vieja and cortaditos since 1971.
I travel to Miami for many reasons: Typically it’s for a DJ gig, a gig with The Roots or a mini-vacation. This time, I was there for the Miami Book Fair to chat with the legendary George Clinton — and to get some ideas together for a food salon that I’d be hosting during Art Basel at the home of writer Tom Healy and his partner, Fred Hochberg.
Sampling Cuban food while in Miami is a must, and there’s one restaurant in particular that locals and in-the-know visitors make a beeline for when the cravings strike: Versailles Restaurant.
With restaurants opening and closing every month, it’s difficult to keep track of those that have truly stood the test of time — the oldies but goodies.
Miami might be a young city in the grand scheme of things — it was only incorporated in 1896 — but we still have plenty of spots that have some history behind them that also serve solid food and drink.
Without further ado — soft French roll, please — we present the ten best sandwiches in Miami.
Miami has a reputation for being the playground of the rich and famous. With this title come above-average expectations to satiate international tastes and appetites – something the city has mastered through the years. From authentic family establishments to flashy dining fun, here are ten Miami restaurants that can satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.
In an era of overwhelmingly expensive options in airports, Café Versailles in Miami offers Cuban sandwiches, pastries, empanadas and coffee at a counter and at a reasonable price. The guava and cheese pastry with a cortadito is a sweet mini-vacation in itself.
From meat-stuffed green plantains to burgers topped with string potatoes, this city has a variety of cuisine every Miami food lover should know. Here are 10 dishes you need to eat to call yourself a real local.
Actor/Director Jon Favreau gets back to his indie roots with a new film about foodie culture and the Magic City.
If there’s one thing people from Miami love, it’s… well, these 29 things. But we also really love Cuban sandwiches.
Jon Favreau cooks up some comedy in his new flick “Chef” – filmed partially in Miami. The film, which is in theaters now, features scenes shot at the World Famous Versailles Restaurant.
What makes a ham-and-cheese sandwich even better? Mustard, pickles, toasting the whole thing–and oh yeah, a ton of roasted pork. The fact that they often cost about $4 doesn’t hurt either.
John Favreau’s brings Little Havana and Versailles to the big screen in his new movie “Chef” in theaters now.
Seven Miami chefs and bartenders share their favorite spots for authentic Cuban fare.
Apparently today has been named 305 Day and Versailles Restaurant is celebrating that with a dose of the most Miami thing, Cuban treats. The first 50 people to get there at 3:05p.m. receive a free shirt and other surprises. Everyone gets free pastelitos de guayaba.
The Cuban restaurant that is a staple on Calle Ocho in Miami expanded with eateries at Gates D4, D21, D44 and E30 and outside security in Concourse F. The airport cafes are reminiscent of the windows where you can get a cafe con leche, pastelito and good conversation at Cuban cafes throughout the city.
We don’t necessarily need an excuse to sip on a good cup of Joe, but we’ll take one anyway. What better way to celebrate coffee week than by seeking out Miami’s boldest café Cubanos? Here are eight Cuban coffees that won’t disappoint.
A local social media group, “305 Cafecito,” is celebrating March 5 as “305 Day” in Miami. In honor of 3/05, a coffee gathering will take place at the Versailles Restaurant at 3:05 p.m. Wednesday. The first 50 people who attend will receive a free @305Cafecito T-shirt along with other surprises.
Este miércoles se llevó a cabo el “305 Cafecito” en Miami, hora en que las personas de la ciudad toman unos minutos para tomarse la tan ansiada bebida.
Versailles, which is one of Miami’s most iconic restaurants, is celebrating 50 years in business and the release of a new cookbook by Ana Quincoces, so they’ll be serving some of their best bites. Again, it’s an event that really shows off Miami’s cultural and party sides.”
Those hungry for a late-night bite will be treated to classic Cuban dishes from famed local restaurant Versailles, courtesy of Ana Quincoces, author of the Versailles cookbook and former star of The Real Housewives of Miami.
The crowd contented themselves with eating Elena Ruz sandwiches and chicken empanadas from Versailles Restaurant under the South Beach Wine & Food Festival tent that was transformed into what can only be described as “electric tiki.”
Given its diverse residents, the cuisine in Miami has a lot of Caribbean and Cuban influences and options range from fine dining with hot celebrity chefs to food trucks. The place to go for Cuban food? Versailles.
Help us take home the honor, vote for Cafe Versailles until August 5!
CAFE VERSAILLES – MIAMI INTL
Best US Airport Food nominee
WELL-KNOWN THROUGHOUT MIAMI AND SOUTH FLORIDA FOR TASTY, AUTHENTIC CUBAN CUISINE, BOTH CAFÉ VERSAILLES AND LA CARRETA HAVE MULTIPLE BRANCHES IN MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. BOTH BRANDS ALSO USE THE SAME COFFEE BLEND AND EACH YEAR A HALF-DOZEN ‘CAFÉ CORNERS’ SERVE UP OVER TWO MILLION CUPS OF CUBAN STYLE ESPRESSO COFFEE (CAFÉ CUBANO) – ESPRESSO BREWED WITH SUGAR. JUST FOLLOW A GAGGLE OF AIRPORT EMPLOYEES AT BREAK TIME – AND GET IN LINE.
So many different cultures have come to define Miami’s culinary scene that it is now one great big melting pot of everything good and delicious. Yes, this means that the Cuban sandwich at Versailles is iconic Miami. With that in mind, here’s a guide to 14 of Miami’s most iconic sandwiches from some of the most Miamian of restaurants, both old and new. From grilled cheese to smoked barbecue pork, here are the sandwiches that represent, at times strange and unlikely ways, our Magic City.
Though it’s hard to pick one, the versions I had at Versailles, on the famed Calle Ocho (Eighth Street), were notable for their bracing sweetness as well as the crowd they attracted. Local men in double-pocketed cotton shirts hang out near the legendary restaurant’s bakery all day, ordering coffee, talking politics and nibbling on pasteles, tiny flaky pastries filled with guava paste. It’s a scene as important to Cuban culture as what’s inside the cup.
Welcome to Miami.com’s reports from the 2013 South Beach Wine & Food Festival. We’re eating, drinking, photographing, Tweeting, Instagramming, Facebookingand blogging to keep you up-to-the-minute on all the gossip, best bites and sinful sips. Make sure to follow us on Twitter @Miamicom or on Instagram (handle Miamigrams) for live updates and images from events this weekend.
In addition to croquetas and cigars, Cubans know their way around coffee. Hence Miami’s longstanding rep of serving some of the best caffeinated concoctions in the free world, from cortaditos to coladas to the subject of this list — café con leche.
While America goes Starbucks, we go ventanilla and comedor. So here are the top ten cups of café con leche. Speaking Spanish at any of these joints helps, but you’ll survive without it. Repeat after us: “Café con leche, por favor.”
Whether you take a break to do it in your own home town or in a city that you’re visiting, it’s always a treat to take some time out to sit back and relax in a comfortable café with a great cup of coffee and watch the people stream by. Everyone has their own favorite cafes, of course, but we’ve rounded up suggestions for some cool spots to drink hot coffee in ten cities around the world.
Cuban food is the epitome of Miami, and there’s no better place to have an authentic Cuban meal than at Versailles on Calle Ocho. Even José Andrés likes to hang out at this establishment that’s been serving devoted patrons for over 40 years. No trip to Versailles is complete without a Cuban sandwich, mojito, ropa vieja, plantains, and Cuban coffee.
To close out 2012, Eater asked industry experts, seasoned diners, and friends of the site several questions about the year in food. The series kicked off yesterday with answers about the best meals of the year and continues today with a discussion of the best — and most overrated — dining cities around the world. Sydney, Tokyo, Chicago, and Seattle are among the metropolises that get high marks, while New York and Miami seem to have been put on notice.
Chefs, for the most part, like to drink. So, on the final day of Cocktail Week, eleven of them — some from the U.S., some not — share where they like to get their booze around the world. Among the selections are spots where the mixology shines, like Le Cabrera in Madrid and the hidden Jus de Pêche in Tokyo and Alembic in San Francisco. But there are also dives and unassuming watering holes that chefs like to hit after work for a few beers, maybe some pool — Pancha’s in Napa and The Randolph in NYC, for example.
The Icebox Café and Versailles Restaurant at Miami International Airport are listed among the 31 best airport restaurants around the world, according to The Daily Meal.
Versailles Restaurant ranked highest at No. 15. The restaurant’s four locations, including a 24 hours spot on the second floor of the Central Terminal, make it convenient to grab a Cuban sandwich, Cuban coffee or a flaky pastelito.
Versailles, the long-running Cuban restaurant in Little Havana, is miles away both physically and spiritually from its namesake, the Château de Versailles in France. Yet both are iconic landmarks in their respective towns—a bolded item in every guidebook, a requisite stop for tourists, a place locals take out-of-town visitors.
If there's anything that describes Miami, it's flan.
Sweet and silky, not too firm, not too soft, creamy or supple... and that's just the people. Flan moves to its own rhythm. Its curves are as sexy as a salsa dancer on a hardwood dance floor -- and it's twice as easy to take home.
For politicians seeking public office, a stop at the iconic Cafe Versailles is a must.
This Little Havana institution has become a symbol of the strength of the Hispanic vote. Here, Cuban exiles have turned their conservative stance against the Castro regime into a political force to be reckoned with in U.S. politics.
“It forces politicians to learn Spanish,” said journalist Julio Cesar Camacho, “even if it’s a few words.”
Cuban food and cafecito may be the first things that come to mind about Versailles restaurant, located in the heart of Miami’s Cuban enclave, Little Havana. But to Miami’s Cuban community, the restaurant has been a symbol of culture, history, politics and identity. On July 12th, Versailles celebrated its 40th anniversary with a big party, complete with Cuban music, dancing, food, cocktails and complimentary cigars.
Miami’s Versailles, an iconic meeting place of Cuban exiles touted as “the most famous Cuban restaurant in the world,” this week celebrated 40 years of hearty meals and even heartier politics.
The Versailles Restaurant celebrated 40 years of serving Cuban food, coffee and a heaping side of political debate Tuesday. The family-owned landmark has become a must-stop for politicians seeking to reach the Cuban exile community.
A Miami landmark, Versailles Restaurant, is turning 40 years old on Tuesday. Locals say it’s not just the food that keeps them coming back but the family traditions. “When my dad was alive, we came here once a week,” Richard Vasquez said. “It was everything he lived for.” Vasquez was eating at Versailles Monday afternoon. Another diner, Roberto Perez has been going to Miami’s Versailles Restaurant for 23 years. He said it makes him feel at home. “The Cubans are here, and I like it,” Perez said.
The popular Versailles restaurant, nerve center of Miami’s Cuban exile community, is currently celebrating its 40 years as a bastion of the island’s succulent cuisine.
The Little Havana institution is now more than ever the go-to place for dishes that embody the robust personality of Cuban cooking in surroundings where anti-Castro gossip abounds.
Es mediodía en Miami, y el café, las croquetas y los pastelitos del Versailles pueden más que la insistente lluvia. La ventanilla exterior está tan animada como siempre, y el salón comienza a llenarse. Al final, en una mesa semiescondida, los dos Felipe Valls, padre e hijo, observan complacidos el resultado del trabajo de 40 años.
The 40th anniversary of Versailles, the Little Havana center of all things Cuban and Cuban American, turns 40 this month. Wow! Forty years means the place was established when South Beach was merely a deserted town and before the Dolphins ever won a Super Bowl (yes, naysayers, it happened twice, actually). Versailles has been around longer than this paper, longer than a good 97 percent of the Miami New Times staff has been on Earth and, interestingly enough, longer than many of our city’s Cuban residents have called America “home.” Yet Fidel Castro had already been comandante in Cuba for a dozen years when the place was founded.
