Casa Juancho

"This Calle Ocho classic feels like a Disney pavilion. There are stained glass windows, a low wooden ceiling, mounted trophy animals, and a running waterfall by the entrance. Servers are dressed in red traje corto outfits and a wandering troupe of guitarists serenade guests as they eat gambas al ajillo. But this is a locals spot, not a tourist trap. The paellas are delicious, the crema catalana is the best in Miami, and the servers have been working here since the ‘80s. It’s a great option for big groups and events. And even though the food is a bit pricier than other Spanish restaurants around town, it’s honed with the kind of precision that comes after four successful decades of wedding rehearsals (and subsequent anniversary dinners)." - ryan pfeffer, virginia otazo

"This Little Havana classic feels like a Disney pavilion. There are stained glass windows, a low wooden ceiling, mounted trophy animals, and a running waterfall by the entrance. Servers are dressed in red traje corto outfits and a wandering troupe of guitarists serenade guests as they eat gambas al ajillo. But this is a locals spot, not a tourist trap. The paellas are delicious, so is the crema catalana, and the servers have been working here since the '80s. It’s a great option for big groups and events. The food is a bit pricier than other Spanish restaurants around town, but it's been honed with the kind of precision you can only get after four successful decades of wedding rehearsals and subsequent anniversaries." - virginia otazo, mariana trabanino, ryan pfeffer

"How to get in touch: Submit your request here. If you’ve always wanted to throw a party in a 15th century Spanish tavern with mounted trophy animals and a glass waterfall by the entrance, how specific of you. But you should look into this classic Little Havana Spanish restaurant. Chances are, you’ve either been to a party here or know someone who has. Casa Juancho is honed with the kind of precision you can only get after four successful decades of wedding rehearsals and subsequent anniversaries. Their private dining room can seat anywhere from 40 to 100 guests with lunch packages starting at $35 per person and dinner options at $69 per person. Thankfully, the dinner menus include a paella option too. " - virginia otazo

"This Little Havana classic feels like a Disney pavilion. There are stained glass windows, a low wooden ceiling, mounted trophy animals, and a running waterfall by the entrance. Servers are dressed in red traje corto outfits and a wandering troupe of guitarists serenade guests as they eat gambas al ajillo. But this is a locals spot, not a tourist trap. The paellas are delicious, the crema catalana is the best in Miami, and the servers have been working here since the ‘80s. It’s a great option for big groups and events. And even though the food is a bit pricier than other Spanish restaurants around town, it’s worth it. They’ve honed it with the kind of precision you can only get after four successful decades of wedding rehearsals and subsequent anniversaries. Food Rundown photo credit: CLEVELAND JENNINGS / @EATTHECANVASLLC Gambas Al Ajillo These little crustaceans curl around slices of garlic like they’re giving them a hug at the airport—and taste so good, they’re kind of giving you an oily, warm one too. video credit: Virginia Otazo Chistorra These pieces of shiny chistorra sausage are charred and dripping in their own juices, olive oil, and sherry wine. Break off a piece of bread and sandwich the sausage between it so the fluffy crumb soaks up all of those rich, red oils from the chistorra. photo credit: CLEVELAND JENNINGS / @EATTHECANVASLLC Arroz Con Pluma Ibérica Y Setas Silvestre If paellas followed pizza rules, we’d call this a meatlover’s. Big chunks of juicy Iberian pork lounge in a giant pan of al dente saffron rice and wild mushrooms. But unlike that pizza, two scoops will fill you up (and you’ll have enough left over for lunch tomorrow). video credit: Virginia Otazo Crema Catalana Smack the top layer of glassy caramelized sugar with the bottom of your spoon. It’ll feel satisfying, and then you can enjoy the caramel shards with the smooth custard together. We’ve eaten our fair share or crema catalanas in Miami (and Spain)—this is one of the best in town." - Virginia Otazo

"As one of the OG’s of Miami Spanish dining, this rustic alcove on Calle Ocho has attracted residents for years. With zesty flavors, freshly baked pastries, and live music, this city darling is a safe bet for a special Spanish experience." - Eater Staff