Little Havana Food & Cultural Tour, Miami, Florida, U.S. – Tour Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Zoom out. What’s the big picture here? Since 2010, Miami Culinary Tours has orchestrated deep dives into some of Magic City’s most famous neighborhoods, Little Havana among them. The heart of Miami’s Cuban population, the area includes Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street), famous for Domino Park, strong cafecitos, and counter-service croquetas. You’ll get to experience all of that and more over the course of two-and-a-half hours on this popular walking tour, which hits several Calle Ocho hotspots. Just be sure to book online; tickets must be purchased in advance. Tell us about your fellow tourees. Calle Ocho is one of Miami’s most dynamic neighborhoods, and the folks on this tour are eager to explore its history and food. You'll only cover an eight-block area over the course of 2.5 hours, and there are lots of stops along the way; in other words, it's not strenuous. You'll spend much of your time chatting with neighborhood locals, learning more about Miami’s Cuban population, and snacking. How are the guides, then? Although guides freely discuss history, politics, and architecture, they know you're here chiefly to eat. Luckily, they’ve got great relationships at all the local hotspots , where they've prearranged each pit-stop. Get ready for picadillo-stuffed empanadas at El Pub, Cubanos at Old Havana Restaurant, guava pastelitos at Yisell Bakery, and a sweet, potent caffeine boost at La Ventanita. Vegetarian variations are also available. What will we remember weeks or months or years from now? You won't soon forget all the delicious things you've eaten—you may even be tempted to plan a return visit to the neighborhood before the tour's over! But you'll also learn about some of the neighborhood’s cultural customs, including Santeria, and pay a visit to a local cigar factory. Those are the kind of experiences that will stick with you long after your trip. So: Who will like this most? Come for the food, stay for the culture. Anyone with a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for well-seasoned Cuban bites will surely consider this one of the most memorable experiences of their time in Miami." - Jennifer M. Wood