Stopped by this Cuban spot Ku-Va at Miami International Airport for a couple of empanadas and a Cuban cafecito, and it was the only kind of airport food I was hoping for. The empanaditas had a beautiful crisp, golden shell with a light crunch when you bite into them, then the savory, chicken and beef (separately of course) filling that was warm and comforting. Simple, but done just right. Next the omelet and hash browns were really good however The Omelette and way too many onions and not enough cheese but it was still tasty nevertheless. Then there's the Cuban cafecito... and cortadito which both come in a small cup, and boast a BIG personality! The coffee was bold, rich, intense and had that perfectly sweet finish that wakes you up faster than an airport announcement for your name. For airport food, this was just what I needed after a redey flight from Bako. Good flavor, good coffee, and definitely worth stopping here if you're passing through MIA. read more

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Ku-va has been my go-to breakfast spot at MIA for a while, but today was my first time trying them for lunch and they did not disappoint. I was deciding between the two soups on the menu, and thanks to some great feedback from the waiter, I went with the red bean soup. It was bold, flavorful, and packed with meat. For my main, I had the lechon con tamal. The pork was incredibly soft with perfectly crispy edges. I'm not usually a big fan of tamales on their own, but it worked perfectly here in small bites paired with the meat. I am happy to see that my favorite Miami airport find is still holding up as a reliable stop before a flight. read more

Ku-Va - Red bean soup - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Growing up in Miami, one main thing I miss about Miami is the Cuban food. I had the vaca frita with beans and fried plantains. Great food, though you obviously pay a premium for airport restaurants. Cuban mojito with guava was strong and delicious. Usually, I venture out to La Carreta mostly for nostalgia, but they've been to the decline for me. This one is quieter and I think I liked their meat better. Definitely worth a check if you're near the terminal. read more

Ku-Va - Vaca frita with guava mojito - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

Delicious airport food at this Cuban restaurant that cleverly goes by Ku-Va. Excellent service! Surprising that they have fresh fruit juices too - I tried the "cholesterol" which has cucumber, celery, Apple, pineapple, not sure how it got the name. The Kuva skirt steak with shrimp - churrasco - is very good and filling with beans, rice, and plantains. The restaurant has Cuban art and music playing. read more

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High-end restaurant-quality food and service in an airport terminal. Just what we needed during a long layover in the midst of a long and exhausting journey. Ku read more

I got to the airport without eating. Masitas de Cerdo was amazing! I'll be traveling most of the day and the only meal I'll probably eat. Very filling and gives comfort food. I paired my meal with a passion fruit mojito. I really want a guava pastry and cappuccino to go, but I'm stuffed. read more

Ku-Va - Masitas de Cerdo - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

Great service from Sandro! He was holding down the bar and tables, with no wait at all! Very sweet young man. Food was absolutely delicious! I will look for this place next time I land in Miami. read more

SO DELICIOUS. Needed dinner during my layover and was interested to try authentic Cuban food. I was short on time so I was able to order online for pick up and get some empanadas and croquettes. I was absolutely taken aback by how good they were. You never really know with the airport food, but these guys totally nailed it. It's a family owned business, and they obviously take pride and the quality of their product. My only regret is that I didn't order more for the plane ride. I also ordered a coffee (cafe con leche), not expecting much, but it was one of the best coffees I've ever had. They have stand up belly bar tables, where you can eat your food as well while you wait for your flight. Definitely stop here and try some of their food ! You cannot beat the price and the quality delivers tenfold. read more

Delicious pastries, Cuban sandwiches, and fresh l/natural fruit juices are in store for you! I had the guava tequeños, guava and cheese pastry, and the turkey Cuban sandwich. Everything was delicious! Because it's the airport, things are on the pricier end but well worth my almost $30 lol. The ladies that helped me were so kind and had great spirit! read more

Ku-Va - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Our flight was delayed, so we decided to eat at Ku-Va. We sat down and ordered the "2 for $20" piña coladas. The waiter asked, "Is Bacardi okay?" and we said yes, assuming Bacardi was the liquor included with the special based on the way he presented it. He never explained that it was an upgrade, that it would cost extra, or that it was not included in the deal. We only discovered the additional charge when the bill arrived. After we questioned the charges, the waiter took both the bill and my credit card to his manager. My card sat on the manager's table for more than 10 minutes while the manager continued eating. Eventually, they corrected the bill, which I appreciated. However, this was the only place I used that credit card during my entire trip. The next day, after I got home, I discovered a fraudulent charge of over $4,000 on the account. I immediately reported it as fraud, canceled the card, and requested a replacement. I can't say for certain where the fraud occurred, but the handling of my credit card at the restaurant was concerning enough that it stood out as the obvious. Just be careful here- they charge a service fee, and you are still expected to tip. They charge $5 for water as well. Just felt like a lot of hidden fee's. read more

During layover in Miami, I decided to grab a bite a Cuban restaurant Ku-va. They had a mojito special for $10 so I ordered one. I also ordered the chef salad and asked for cheddar cheese to be added. The food came out quickly Service was good. read more

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Taste is authentic and I would rate it good especially since it's in the airport. My second time coming here, and I will be back again once in town. Portions though are a bit too much, just serve halves and cut the price since people really don't want to be too full getting into their flights. read more

Ku-Va - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

We had a long wait before boarding our plane home so we stopped at this restaurant located in the Miami airport. They also have a take-out section, but we wanted to relax and enjoy some good Cuban food. My husband ordered the Filete de Pollo. The chicken was covered in grilled onions and served with white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. I wasn't very hungry and was planning to just have a few bites. After one bite, I changed my mind! Everything was absolutely delicious! Our waiter was Karel, and he was excellent! The décor was really nice, and we had such a great experience. I highly recommend this place if you have a long layover. read more

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Decent wine and fun appetizers Service was decent as we sat at the bar. Don't be fooled about the Swiss cheese croquettes they are nothing fancy. read more

Ku-Va - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

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My 1st 5 star airport restaurant dining experience! For the most part, it's a take what you can find when it comes to eating at an airport. I usually do a quick run through and choose what looks best and hope it's at least decent. We had a couple hours til our flight and decided to find some place that had Cuban sandwiches on the menu. This spot had that and more. We choose a seat by the window, with a nice view of planes and the fun decor thoughout the establishment. Our waitress was fantastic! Attentive, providing suggestions/recommendations, and super friendly. She also explained the menu specials in detail. Best airport food establishment service in the US hands down! All recommendations on point. We loved everything we ordered. The ceviche was outstanding!!! Uniquely served with banana chips worked quite well. The Cuban sandwich great, but the other sandwich (forgot the name, sorry), was the Cuban with a softer bread. This other sandwich was actually both of our favorites. If traveling though Miami airport, definitely check this place out! read more

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Good service, fast fresh food that's not horrible fast food quality, really like this place for a quick breakfast, ate here a few times when in the MIA airport. In and out within 30 minutes, free refills on most non-alcoholic drinks, good meal while traveling. read more

Ku-Va - Cuban Omelette, white bread, side of bacon. - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

There was garbage in my fries. I showed the waiter there was a wrapper in the tin can the fries come in. He said it was a butter wrapper and that was it. read more

Ku-Va - The wrapper is on the left. - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

My expectations for airport food no matter how good the chain are usually low, I admit they did more than surpassed that! It was great restaurant quality for terminal food and was more than satisfied with my ceviche and sweet plantains! The garlic sauce / oil with the ceviche - Amazing!! The waitress was super friendly and actually the reason I decided to dine in. Service was quick and they have booths and bar seating! I would definitely go to the full sized restaurant outside the airport if I get the chance because of my experience here at the airport ! Very clean and secluded ambiance as well away from all the rush but close enough to not miss your flight! read more

Ku-Va - Ceviche - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

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This is the best airport food I've ever had and I will be back for more of their delicious whole fried snapper. You get what you pay for here though I feel that it's a really good deal for about $35 you get an amazing fish that has a great crispy outside texture and tender white fish on the inside along with rice beans and sweet plantains. Service was really good as was the ambiance - being able to watch the planes take off as I had my fish. I only had about 45 minutes to eat and they got this whole fish ready and I also enjoyed a Cuban coffee and was out with plenty of time to spare so big points for quick service in a sit-down restaurant. Great stuff this is an airport gem. read more

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This is a great restaurant for the airport. It is large and you are able to sit comfortably. My server, Ana B. was very helpful and friendly. She was attentive, but allowed me time to enjoy my meal. It was a decent breakfast for the airport. Thank you Ana read more

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We toured around the airport a bit looking for a breakfast spot, and so glad we settled on this one. I got the Miami Grand Slam with delicious rice, over easy eggs, and perfectly sticky slightly crunchy fried plantains. The coffee and biscuit was nice too. Thanks for a good start to the day! read more

Cute little stop off inside of the American Airlines terminal at Miami airport. It is a breath of fresh air away from the crowds and has large glass windows overlooking the tarmac. The waitstaff is very kind and friendly, and the wait wasn't very long. I ordered the fried chicken chunks with white rice, red beans, and plantains. Everything was fresh and delicious, just mildly disappointed with the amount of chicken you get. It was also a bit on the salty side, but overall very good. Stop in for some great authentic Cuban food next time you're flying through Miami! read more

Ku-Va - Fried chicken chunks with white rice and plantains - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

I must start off by saying that this is an airport restaurant! We literally deplaned and looked for somewhere to eat and grab a cuppa Joe. This looked fun and had a pretty simple breakfast menu so we decided to give it a try. The restaurant itself is very clean, and the layout was decorated with a wonderful, Cuban flair and the Cuban music was a nice touch. They also have a full bar. The food was meh and not just some of it... ALL of it - simply meh! And they automatically charge an 18% gratuity every check! No bueno. We definitely would not go back here again for food but maybe grab some drinks at the bar & enjoy the scene. The menu mentioned a bloody Mary cart, but there was not one to be seen anywhere. The best part of our experience was our server - he was wonderful and made the experience, enjoyable and fun. He was enjoying the background Cuban music by dancing & air drumming & he was happy to be at work! Wish I had gotten his name but will note that he has a shaved head. 5 stars for our server!!! read more

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This is a great restaurant! The food was great I ordered the ropa vieja and he had the mahi mahi they were both delicious and fresh not greasy read more

Over all, pretty good. Amazing fast and attentive service! That was the best part. I ordered a Kuva Libre Salad and Chuletas. Nothing special about the salad. The pineapple-mango dressing was sweet but good. And I did like the plantain chips on top. The chuletas were my favorite! Perfect crisp and nice and juicy. The white rice and plantains were really good as well. The food came out in what felt like less than 10 min from ordering. Perfect if you are on a tight schedule. read more

Ku-Va - Kuva Libra Salad - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

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This place is down on the low D gates. It not a buffet like the more popular Cuban restaurant at the higher D gates. My go to at any Cuban restaurant is the Churasco. A grilled skirt steak with chimichuri sauce. This is among the best I've had. Grilled to a medium rare and very tender and juicy. Unlike the competition that sits in the steam table and is tough and well done. The price is also 30% less. Even with the mandatory 18% tip it was only $30 with a soft drink. If the rest of the food is as good as the steak it will be my go to every time I pass through MIA. read more

Ku-Va - Churasco Steak w Chimichuri - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Disclaimer: I only came for the sweet plantains. Service was prompt. The lady who served us was polite and fast. Plantains were good but a bit on the soggy and smaller side. I enjoyed it nevertheless. Casual dining. read more

Sat at the bar & had ropa vieja which came with rice beans & plantains. It was delicious for airport food & good value read more

Ku-Va - Ropa Vieja - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

I ended up having breakfast and supper here after a long day in the airport, and both beginning to end were delicious. The breakfast was pretty American traditional, and the bacon was super crispy. For dinner we tried different Cuban food, and everything was delicious. The Casava Root Fries were great with their own dipping sauce or, if you get the black bean nachos, can dip them in there as well. The tamal con lechon was hugely flavorful, and of course the flan was creamy and wonderfully decorated. The only incident is instead of glasses of water, we were given bottles of water. They're like, five bucks a pop so if you meant a glass, let your waiter know! read more

Ku-Va - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Quick .... Good... staff was friendly.. what ya would expect .... Yummy yummy yummy ... just what I needed

The cultural music was so inviting! The food was very tasty and reminded me of my Grandmother's cooking. I ordered the Ku-Va Churrasco. The plantains were perfectly sweet, the steak was juicy and seasoned perfectly with the best char. The large classic mojito was effective! The black beans and rice were a much needed comfort! The cortadito and the flan de caramelo were icing on the cake. Thanks Enzo! Your explanations and recommendations were on point! The wait staff was moving and no table was left un-bussed. I will ABSOLUTELY eat here on my next visit! read more

Great place for a drinks, coffee or a fine meal! They even have excellent food to go if you're in a hurry. Fine for family and friends or just yourself! Try out their Bloody Mary cart if you're of a mind for a cocktail. Or have a Mimosa while you're waiting for your flight to board. An extremely relaxing venue if you have the time. Their menu is quite diverse and the food is always delicious and the service prompt and friendly!! read more

Loved the empanadas and Stephanie's service was amazing 10/10 recommend. She was so hospitable and personable

Absolute treasure!!! Right here at MIA Gate 19 Terminal D. Was craving some good Cuban fare and I got it! The PICADILLO was delicious. I'd come back just for the rice & beans honestly. Delicious, filling, authentic. What more could I ask for? I'll be back! read more

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When you are traveling through an airport, sometimes you are faced with a significant layover that involves finding a meal. Most airports have the usual fast, food, fair, but often times you can find something it's got a little bit more of a local flavor. That is the case with Ku-Va. We were looking for something that had a Miami/Cuban flavor and stumbled upon this place in terminal D. It had decent breakfasts, but nothing really to scream about. I had higher hopes, but then again, this is an airport. I would give it 3 1/2 stars if I could, but if having to choose between three and four, I would have to grade down a little bit. The biggest issue I had would have was the fact that our two breakfasts and coffee cost $55. A little more than I would usually spend for breakfast, but then again it's an airport. read more

Ku-Va - Cuban Grand Slam - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

I don't recommend. Food OK, the pricing strategy is a fraud. The "specials" menu did not have prices. I was interested in the whole fried snapper dinner, a dish I've enjoyed in the past when in Cuban neighborhoods. No price, so I asked and was told $44. About what I expected, so I ordered that and asked for tostones instead of the plantains and a diet drink. The food was OK - just OK. The fish was dry and tough to separate from the bones. The black beans and rice were great, the three shrimp and sauce were excellent, but the fish was not the star of the dish. Fine. Whatever. It's an airport. Then, the part I had a problem with. The bill arrived for $64 with a hidden $18 "service fee, AND THE WAITER WANTED AN ADDITIONAL TIP. He was aggressive about telling me that he only got one fourth of the service fee, having to split it with the bartender, etc. I was guilted into a few more dollars. $68 for a meal that was just OK and left me hungry, and a feeling of being taken advantage of. One entree and a soda from a can for $68. Not going back. Neither should you. Not a fan of hidden billing and aggressive waiter behavior. read more

I wouldn't recommend this place. I ordered a smoothie, and it tasted terrible--like the fruit was old or spoiled. The place didn't feel clean, and it was difficult to communicate with the staff since they barely spoke or understood English. read more

Food and service was very good, although the pork was a little fatty. We ordered the Lechon Asado and the Medianoche. The medianoche was deliciously crispy and the flavors worked together nicely. The lechon asado was very tasty but we had to pick through some large fatty pieces. Overall would definitely come back and was impressed with the pricing especially for airport food! Our server, Lea, was a sweetheart and took wonderful care of us. read more

Ku-Va - Medianoche - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Friday, November 22, 2024 and the layover is 1 hour... dinner time. Promptly greeted and seated. Lots of space for luggage! The waitress was friendly and efficient. The Cuban sandwich lacked mustard, only had 2 small pickle rounds and was on the dry side too. The fries were delicious. read more

Not sure why this is rated below 4.0. I actually try to schedule connections around getting their picadillo with tostones. The service is always fast and the food is good. read more

Ku-Va - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida