Looking for the best milanesa in Miami? Whether you’re team chicken or steak, this iconic Cuban comfort food hits all the right notes: thin, breaded, fried, and smothered in melty cheese, ham, and red sauce. Miami’s milanesa scene is full of crispy greatness and saucy surprises in a city bursting with flavor.
For the uninitiated, a Cuban milanesa—de pollo (chicken) or de res (steak)—is a thin cutlet seasoned, breaded, and pan-fried until golden brown. Then it’s layered with ham, Swiss, or mozzarella cheese and finished with a red sauce (sometimes marinara, sometimes a secret house creation). These massive plates aren’t just meals—they’re Cuban culinary celebrations.
10 Best Milanesas in Miami List
Come hungry or bring backup. These milanesas are built for big appetites and even bigger flavors. Here are my picks for the best milanesas in Miami:
Airport Cafe & Liquors – Miami Springs
4427 NW 36th St, Miami Springs, FL 33166
Don’t let the exterior fool you—Airport Cafe & Liquors serves one of Miami’s most memorable milanesa de pollo. The crispy breading, gooey cheese, and homestyle flavor will keep you coming back. This underrated gem near MIA is a must-stop
Caribe Cafe Restaurant – Flagami
285 NW 27th Ave, Miami, FL 33125
Caribe Cafe is a local institution for classic Cuban eats. I grew up on their milanesa de res, but their milanesa de pollo eventually won me over. Try both and decide for yourself—either way, you win.
Islas Canarias Cafe – West Kendall
13695 SW 26th St, Miami, FL 33175
Known mostly for croquetas, Islas Canarias also nails their milanesa de pollo. The flavors are so good you’ll forget you ordered rice and beans. It’s comfort food done right.
La Carreta – Multiple Locations
3632 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135 (Flagship location)
La Carreta has been doing milanesas right since before most of us could spell “bistec.” Both chicken and steak are solid, but their tomato-based red sauce sings when paired with pollo. Nostalgic and delicious.
La Rosa – Miami Airport
4041 NW 7th St, Miami, FL 33126
La Rosa’s milanesa de res is massive—big enough to share (though you may not want to). The crispy breading barely contains the juicy steak inside, and it’s a race against time before it gets soggy. Pace yourself!
La Vina Aragon – Hialeah
8155 W 8th Ave, Hialeah, FL 33014
The house-made salsa criolla at La Viña Aragon takes their milanesa to the next level. The crispy breading is textbook perfection. If this were a top 3 list, it would still be here. It’s that good.
Latin Cafe 2000 – Miami Airport
875 NW 42nd Ave, Miami, FL 33126
Once just a takeout favorite, Latin Cafe 2000 is now one of my favorite dine-in spots near the airport. Their milanesa de pollo has a thick, satisfying crust that mimics the crunch of a sandwich—cheesy, crispy heaven.
Luis Galindo Latin American – West Miami
898 SW 57th Ave, Miami, FL 33144
No one does milanesa quite like Luis Galindo’s. I’ve eaten more here than all other places combined. Both the chicken and steak versions are fantastic—and they travel well if you’re getting takeout. A consistent crowd-pleaser.
Molina’s Ranch – Hialeah
4090 E 8th Ave, Hialeah, FL 33013
Molina’s Ranch doesn’t just serve big portions—they serve flavor bombs. Their milanesa de res is layered with cheese that gets just the right amount of golden and crispy. The size? Outrageous. The taste? Even better.
Odaly’s Delight Cafe – Westchester
10716 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33174
Odaly’s Delight Cafe is a little spot that delivers one of the most well-balanced Cuban lunches around. The bistec a la milanesa de pollo with Moros and tostones hits every note—crispy, savory, saucy, and satisfying.
