Despite reading several negative reviews, I decided to give this longtime Cuban restaurant another try. What a mistake. I was absolutely shocked by how far this place has fallen. The portions were downright insulting. The serving of meat wasn't enough to satisfy one adult, and the side of fufú was so ridiculously small it looked like it was meant for a starving child. Another disappointment was the onion soup. It was loaded with layers of what appeared to be old, stale Cuban bread that tasted like it had been recycled from previous meals. It was inedible. Charging $29.85 for this is so wrong and just outrageous! This restaurant may be living off its reputation from years ago, but the food, portions, and value no longer justify it. It's incredibly disappointing to see a once-beloved establishment sink to this level. There are far too many excellent Cuban restaurants in Miami to waste your time and money here. read more

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This restaurant went from a stellar Cuban restaurant to a "what happened to it?"... Overall Food -- Was cold, insipid, and had to be taken back for further cooking. Ordered: *The chicken paella -- It was drenched in oil and water. When asked the server to take it back to cook a bit more, he told me that that the dish came as is. As oppose to just accepting my request, I needed to hear how I was erroneous on my decision. *Garbanzos -- Cold, unsavory, and hard. *Flan -- How can one go wrong with flan? -- Plenty! Not enough consistency, sugar or taste. What was a staple of a dessert for this restaurant became an ordering disaster. *Cuban coffee -- Asked with sugar came without it and cold. Service -- Inattentive and only when summoned. The server, along with the manager on duty and other servers, were very busy entertaining and speaking with a teenage couple that sat in a corner of the restaurant. The manager sat along with them and it seemed that this couple was his top priority and not the restaurant. Our server did the same. It was after we paid the bill that the manager came to see how our dining experience was; and after we mentioned how horrible everything was, he told us that we should have called on him then. But I figured, if he would not have been busy entertaining this young couple and walked by each table, then, this would not have been an issue. Ambiance -- It was filled with high schoolers making noise and being disruptive which, in the past, this restaurant was known for its quiet and pleasant atmosphere. More to add -- For a Saturday night [prime hours], the place was pretty empty, which should have given me a clue on what was to come. Overall, whoever is in charge of this location, should be re-evaluated. I won't be coming back. It was simply not worth the aggravation and money. read more

Islas Canarias Cafe - Spanish Near Me - Miami, Florida

The BEST ham croqueta in all of Kendall!! It's undeniably delicious and I can't think of a better spot for authentic Cuban croquetas. We came here for breakfast and let me tell you the bistec a caballo is the best bang for your buck. For $15 you get a steak with two fried eggs, homemade potatoes with peppers not to mention cafe con leche (coffee with milk) and your toast of Cuban break AKA tostada. This place is a staple in the community and definitely worth a try if you've never been here you're missing out. 10/10 for Cuban food read more

Islas Canarias Cafe - Bistec a caballo - Spanish Near Me - Miami, Florida

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The food was good very good taste. We arrived 10 minutes after 12 pm for breakfast and they charged $2.00 extra for breakfast plates .That was lunch time The food portion was ok. The croquetas are delicious recommend.The service was fast and the servers was very friendly. The ambiance was good no laud people no body was yelling. And the place was almost full . It being years that We don't come to this restaurant . I didn't took pictures only 2 Recommended to everyone read more

Islas Canarias Cafe - Restaurante sing - Spanish Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Not sure what's happening here but the prices have gone up tremendously. I paid $43 for 11 pasteles and a tray of party size croquetas. It's too much! Sorry - ICC you need to re-evaluate your prices. I won't be back until I forget about what you charged me today. read more

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My niece was craving croquetas and of course we had to come to the best place that can offer that. We bought a party order of 25 croquetas and a croqueta preparada sandwich and they were both so delicious. The croquetas were warm and tasty and the croqueta preparada was filling. I loved how they added the papitas, which made it better. The service here is great. They gave me the order within minutes. They're also very welcoming. I'm would definitely continue to come here for croquetas and a quick bite to eat. read more

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Isles Canaria's "We arrived right at the tricky shift change from lunch to dinner service, so it took about 10 minutes (and us asking) before we finally got menus--totally understandable given the timing. Once things got rolling, the staff were friendly and attentive. The real star, though, was the Cuban steak sandwich: hands-down the best I've ever had. Perfectly hot, incredibly tender, and packed with flavor. Worth the visit all on its own!" (5/5 for the food, slight hiccup on arrival timing that wasn't really their fault.) read more

Islas Canarias Cafe - Steak sandwich - Spanish Near Me - Miami, Florida

Islas Canarias is a Miami institution. This location is my go-to spot to pick up Cuban classics for a party. A tray of croquetas, mini tamales, bocaditos - you name it, they've got it! You can of course also enjoy Cuban classics for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well. There is a big parking lot, and service is friendly. If you're looking to order any of their party platters, it's an easy call to pick up. Long live the best croqueta in Miami, which you can find at Islas. read more

I just left Islas Canarias Bakery after stopping by around 11:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning. I ordered 10 ham croquetas and 10 fish croquetas, fried fresh to order, and I tried one of each on the spot. The ham croqueta was absolutely perfect -- everything about it was spot-on: flavor, texture, and appearance. It's exactly how a croqueta should be. Truly outstanding. Unfortunately, the fish croqueta was a major disappointment. It was fried so long that the outside turned dark brown instead of golden. The appearance alone was unappetizing -- dry and overcooked. The moment I bit into it, I knew this was not the traditional fish croqueta Islas Canarias has been known for. If the recipe or preparation has changed, that's a real shame, because this version is not enjoyable at all. I couldn't even finish it. Now I'm left with nine fish croquetas that no one will likely want to eat. I really wanted to leave a positive review, but under these circumstances, I just can't. And not to mention -- as anyone who's been there knows -- on a Saturday around this time, there's absolutely no parking. You'll end up circling the lot, hoping someone pulls out so you can grab a spot. To make things worse, there are usually people standing right at the front entrance, waiting to be seated either inside the café or outside on the sidewalk. They completely block the doorway, so you have to politely ask several people to let you pass -- both coming in and going out. Between the parking chaos, the crowded entrance, and the disappointing fish croquetas, it's just not worth the hassle right now. I truly hope they revisit both the recipe and the customer experience because this place used to be one of my favorites. read more

Islas Canarias Cafe - Overcooked, dry fish croquetas that are inedible - Spanish Near Me - Miami, Florida

This is my favorite place in Miami for croquetas and EVERYTHING went better than expected! We came in so hungry and left so satisfied--from the seating arrangement to the appetizers to the main course, not to mention they surprised the lady next to us with a very fervent and fun Happy Birthday song that the entire restaurant joined in to celebrate her as well! We started with both ham and chicken croquettes, followed by a bowl of chicken soup and caldo gallego (flavorful & creamy white bean and sausage soup). We then shared a plate of boniato relleno de tasajo (Cuban sweet potatoes stuffed with jerked beef) with white rice and fufu de plátano (tasty mashed green and ripe plantains). Our server was attentive and pleasant. She gave us room to talk but checked on us periodically. I took my dessert: tres leches to go and will definitely go back soon if I can! read more

Islas Canarias Cafe - Ham & chicken croquettes. - Spanish Near Me - Miami, Florida

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First time here out of the blue and it was soo delicious. The service was amazing and I wish I knew the servers name who attended us. Celebrated a birthday and we loved it. Great food, service and good spot for a birthday brunch. read more

Everything excellent Juan Carlos amazing server. Great outdoor sitting always a plus! Love all their food. read more

Juan Carlos Gayoso waiter is superb ! He greets and remembers all his customers , even what they usually order ! read more

Islas Canaria is a go-to spot for our family dinners every now and then. We've been coming here for many, many years. We always know we will have a great meal here! This location is a little different from the other one on coral way - they have additional menu items that can't be found at the other location. There is certainly something for everyone! Service is always great and staff is consistently nice. If you're looking for a delicious Cuban meal, whether it's lunch of dinner, this is your spot! They also have the best croquettas in all zeeee land! Hands down. Period. You won't be disappointed. read more

Islas Canarias Cafe - Spanish Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Islas Canarias Cafe Restaurant y Bakery es una joya. Mi esposa y yo somos clientes habituales, y cada vez que vamos, todo está riquísimo. Pero las croquetas se llevan el premio. De verdad, las mejores croquetas que he probado. Crujientes por fuera, cremosas por dentro y llenas de sabor. Lo que siempre hace la diferencia es nuestra mesera, Marlene. Siempre esperamos que esté trabajando cuando vamos. Es súper atenta, muy amable y tiene una personalidad increíble que te hace sentir como en casa. Está pendiente de uno sin ser intensa y hace que toda la experiencia sea aún mejor. Comida deliciosa, excelente servicio y un ambiente bien acogedor. Sin duda vamos a seguir regresando una y otra vez. read more

Food and service was great our group tried the oxtail, tasajo and churrasco and the food was great, i went back for the cuban sweet potato filled with tasajo the following week, it was amazing! read more

I've been coming to Islas Canaria's Cafe for the past 8 years. I continue to come back because the food is delicious. We either get the Desayuno Canaria's or Croqueta Preparada most of the time. The service is very quick. The ambiance has a look of a spanish Latin restaurant read more

5+stars to my favorite server Juan Carlos. I have been a regular for few years. I don't go as often as used to go to have breakfast everyday before going to nursing school few years ago. Everyone always very attentive but Juan Carlos always does the extra mile not only with us but when we recommend friends to this location better than the other location by far. Always coming back to feel the warmth like I'm at home. read more

This place is always perfection!!!! The food quality is never different. They keep up with their flavors. Service was very good and the ambiance is super nice and chilled. read more

Islas Canarias Cafe - Scramble eggs and ham - Spanish Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Excellent experience. Food, ambiance, service was right on point. Our serve, Juan Carlos was excellent. Birthday girl was happy

It's not only the excellent food but Juan Carlos' outstanding service that keep us going back every week. read more

Islas Canarias Cafe - Our favorite server - Spanish Near Me - Miami, Florida

Anytime I'm in Miami I make a point to visit here. The food is exceptional. It is usually very busy but I haven't had to wait for a table. Service is good and the food never takes too long to come out after placing my order. I love the ham croquetas. The sandwiches are excellent and so are their breakfast meals. The Cuban coffee is so good too, not too sweet. Highly recommend this spot for authentic, delicious Cuban food. read more

Islas Canarias Cafe - Delicious cafecito - Spanish Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Hands down the best croquetas de jamón en Miami. No one beats their flavor. I love the fresh parsley in there too. Unfortunately we ate it all so fast after we got the take out home, I have no pictures but the medianoche sandwich was the best I've had. The cuban sandwich was good too but the medianoche stood out. The croqueta preparada was tasty as well. The señoritas de azúcar were good and hit the spot, just not the best I've had. Café cubanos and batido de mamey were fantastic! Service was busy but we still had friendly service. I speak Spanish so it was fine, but I recommend going with someone who speaks Spanish if you do not. Come here for all your treats and taste the best croquetas de jamón in miami. read more

Islas Canarias Cafe - Linda. Señoritas de azúcar son los mejores - Spanish Near Me - Miami, Florida

The lemons had mold on them and the vaca frita has pieces of plastic mixed with the onions. Los limones estaban podridos y la vaca frita tenía tiritas de plástico mezclado con las cebollas. read more

Un excelente servicio de la camarera Tamara la comida como siempre buenísima un ambiente super familiar 100% recomendado read more

Muy bueno el tamal en cazuela con platónicos. Servicio excelente Juan Carlos divino. Sentarse afuera con ese fresquito que rico.​ read more

This is your standard Cuban diner with the amazing food and the quick service. My mom suggested we come here instead of their main restaurant across the street (Isla Canarias). I was ok with it especially since I had never been to this location. When we got there it was packed. My mom suggested we sit outside but it was too hot for me. We waited less than 15 minutes and luckily were seated. The waitress was quick and nice. Took our order right away. I got the desayuno Popeyes cause "la dieta". My son got the pan con bistec and we ordered ham croquetas of course. My mom got this shrimp pasta which was surprisingly good. It was closer to lunch time but I chose the wrap anyway. My aunt got a media noche and she was also happy about. I got my other son some waffles. The portions were great. I'd definitely come back here again for breakfast or lunch with my kids. read more

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Just picked up and tried to eat a steak sandwich from here and it was the worst I've ever had. The meat was so dry, it literally felt like the sole of a shoe and worst of all, It had a lot of fat in it. This will be the last time I will eat anything from that place. read more

I ordered delivery and I was on hold for over 5 minutes, ok it was Sunday. I ordered 2 chicken sandwiches that were soggy and it tasted like mayo even though I asked for light mayo. The crema de malanga was watery and it fit in a small coffee pot, over priced and not good. The croquetas were good but nothing like the old days, might as well buy them frozen at Publix or Winn Dixie ,may taste better . All in all my bill was $70.00 and it was a big disappointment. Time to move on. read more

Islas Canarias Cafe Restaurant and Bakery is an absolute gem me and my husband are regulars. Every bite of food we have is amazing, but the croquetas deserve their own standing ovation. Hands down the best croquetas I've ever had. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with flavor. What truly elevates our experience every time is our waitress, Marlene we always hope she's on shift when we go. She is incredibly attentive, friendly, and has such a great personality that instantly makes us feel welcome. She checks on us just the right amount and makes the whole meal even more enjoyable. Delicious food, wonderful service, and a cozy, welcoming vibe. We'll definitely be coming back again and again. read more

This restaurant is delicious, but get here early because the line will be out the door. We had a delicious cafe con leche and the guava and cheese Pastry was delicious and so fresh . My Cuban sandwich was also delicious. The staff is good, but it did take some time to place the order and get food, but it's because it was a packed house . The restaurant inside was very nice and clean . Loved the bakery inside the restaurant. Everything was good if you're in the area definitely try them out. read more

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Again I have returned. I am a supporter but the media no he i got was poor less than half inch thick and two slices very poor for a house like this pedigree. Of course croquetas and cafe con leche were perfect as was their service. Same in their main restaurant. ??? Can we charge more ? At 11 its nuts for this quantity. Also stools are never available?? For employees i guess . Ill stick to take out. read more

I love going for breakfast They offer so many combinations my favorite is the croissant filled with eggs and bacon the Ambiance is family oriented. Everyone in a good mood, ready to start a new day! read more

Solid 3.5 stars. The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated and welcoming. Upon seating we were immediately brought water and warm cuban rolls. For lunch I ordered a Media Noche Sandwich. The sandwich was quite large and seemed to be warmed in the oven and lightly toasted rather than pressed. I personally like my sandwiches PRESSED/smooshed so the cheese is gooey rather than toasted but it was okay. My husband had the Cordon Bleu which he enjoyed. Not many restaurants have homemade Cordon Bleu so it was nice to see it on their large menu. For a side he had white rice/fried eggs and plantains. Plantains were good but the rice and eggs were both overcooked and a little bland. We also got the Chicken and Ham croquetas that this restaurant is famous for. I was a little disappointed by how salty and greasy they were. If I returned, I think I would make some different choices. Like I always say, try it yourself. You might love it! read more

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My friend and I went to celebrate his birthday. I ordered Picadillo and he ordered Bistec Empanizado. They were both delicious and large portions. Our waitress was wonderful and very sweet. I think the Picadillo is the best in Miami. Este Mejor!!! read more

Islas Canarias Cafe - Bistec Empanizado - Spanish Near Me - Miami, Florida

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The food was delicious and the service was excellent. Juan Carlos was our waiter and he was very attentive.

Came here quite early (a little after 7) for breakfast on a Monday morning. Was seated immediately and served quite quickly. Came across this spot as a good place to go for croquetas and Cuban coffee when doing research on my trip to the area. I had never tried croquetas before coming here (my last meal stop in Miami) but had tried plenty of Cuban coffee in my couple of days leading up I went for the desayuno criollo (to which my server congratulated me on learning Spanish, it takes a special type of person to be 12/10 sassy, in a fun way, at 730am). For $11 you're getting a pretty darn hefty meal I really enjoyed the croquetas and would definitely come back to try a wider variety of them! While they look very meaty inside and out, it does really taste like a savory baked good. I was also surprised at how much I enjoyed the sausage, had a very nice snap to them The Cuban coffee with milk was definitely the weakest part of the meal. The flavor came across as kind of gas stationy. Eggs and potatoes are pretty standard. Overall I think this is a good spot to go for a filling meal if you're looking to dip your toes into croquetas. I could totally see this being a regular weekend breakfast spot if I lived in the area. However if coffee is what's driving your food choices on a visit to Miami I'd recommend looking elsewhere read more

Islas Canarias Cafe - Desayuno Criollo - Spanish Near Me - Miami, Florida

Cozy cafe in the Kendall area serving classic Cuban eats. We showed up for brunch and started off with some ham croquetas and guava pastries. Croquetas are so good here! The pastries were light flaky and guava filling was warm and fresh. Followed up with a cuban sandwich and media noche. Both were great, large size, and just differed slightly with their respective bread. They have inside/outside seating, minimal wait and good vibes. The service was just ok, a bit impersonal but didn't affect my experience. Great spot to grab a bite and relax, prices are very good. read more

Islas Canarias Cafe - Cuban sandwich - Spanish Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Juan Carlos is an excellent server! so friendly and fast! the food is amazing and the atmosphere is great! read more

Islas Canarias Cafe - Gracias por el excelente servicio de Islas Canarias a todos sus empleados y Manager Jose, y Xiomara. La comida excelente Juan Carlos servic - Spanish Near Me - Miami, Florida

The best ham croquetas in Miami! My husband loves their breakfast dishes. I like everything and love the service.