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    La Niña Restaurant

    4.5 (502 reviews)
    ModerateCuban
    Open 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    La Niña Restaurant Photos

    LA NIÑA RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    JET FUEL
    Daren R.

    Not a modernized building for sure, but driving by we saw a police car parked out front so we knew it must have great coffee and food. We made an abrupt u-turn and parked. The walk-up window had a line of customers forming and was serving Cuban coffee. Large overed patio on the side of the building, but too damn hot today to risk a heat stroke. We chose the comfort of the inside with a/c where the cop was eating. Six tables in front of the food counter with images of traditional Cuban meals wrapped on the walls. The fresh food in the display case looked amazing, so had to go with the Spanish Omelette and soooo glad I did. Sat in the dining area sipping my delicious Cuban coffee made with Bustelo beans, which provided a strong dark roasted blend. Awaited about ten minutes for my highly anticipated omelette. After finishing my coffee, we headed out onto the road with the omelette which smelled fantastic. Peered at my breakfast in delight which was filled with onions, potatoes and Spanish sausage slices. Each bite of the fluffy egg omelette had those thinly cut sausages providing an unexpected hint of spice. There was a bathroom outside for public use including another one inside which has basic decor, a paper towel dispenser and a good lock.

    outside
    Chris B.

    Great Cuban Food Stop on the Way from Key West! We checked out of our hotel in Key West by 11 AM and skipped breakfast, so we were hungry by the time we reached Marathon. We decided to try La Niña Restaurant--a small, unassuming spot that clearly draws a crowd. At first, we couldn't even find parking because the place was packed (always a good sign!). We ordered at the window: the Pan con Bistec, tostones, and a side of rice and beans. The service was super friendly, and our food arrived in less than 10 minutes--perfect for a quick but satisfying meal. We ate at a picnic table outside, and everything was fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned for the price. The sandwich was especially delicious, with tender, well-seasoned meat. Definitely worth the stop if you're passing through Marathon!

    Vaca frita
    Katrina P.

    Authentic Cuban food, and that's coming from a Cuban girl. I felt like I was eating at my grandmas house. Everything was perfectly seasoned and cooked.

    There used to be a Cuban sandwich here but I just couldn't wait.
    Megan G.

    Okay so why haven't you been to LA Nina yet? Every year I stop here and they are constantly the best Cuban sandwich in S. Florida year after year. They also serve up a fine cup of coffee and full plates of hot deliciousness for a fair price. If you eat at only one place on Maratjon Key make it LA Nina.

    Cortadito (minus a few sips)
    Daniel B.

    I'm still thinking about La Nina's Pan con Lechon. Damn that was good. But before I go into the details, I want to give a quick public service announcement. Attention Tourists! So you've heard about Cuban coffee and want to try some? Or maybe you just need a quick pick me up, pull into a Cuban cafeteria, and want a coffee for the road. You want to order a cafecito (like an itsy bitsy sweet espresso shot), a cortadito (a very small cup with a sweet espresso shot with a bit of steamed milk), or a small cafe con leche (a regular sized cup with sweet espresso and steamed milk). If you ask for a "cuban coffee" you may be asked large or small. God help you if you say "large" because you'll be given something called a colada. Now, that large colada will not look terrifying to the cuban coffee neophyte. I know this because I witnessed a couple order two coladas, walk them to their car, and start sipping on their cups like they might some regular American or French or Italian coffee. This is not that. A colada is intended to be split with lots of people. I used to get one to share with my entire office. It may taste good going down, but those caffeine shakes are no joke. Moving on, the pan con lechon (roast pork sandwich) was amazing! The tender meat was very well seasoned with a delicious mojo, and plenty of seasoned slivered onions, as it should be. Really the thing was so monstrous, I should have shared it with another hungry adult. But I ate the whole thing. Everything at La Nina is large. Plates can easily be shared by two, maybe even three or four folks. Flan is clearly homemade. A little dense for my tastes, but I'm a flan snob. I'm also a lechon snob, so believe me when I tell you that pork was magnificent! I was less a fan of the guava con queso pastry and I've had better ham croquettes. All five stars are on the strength of their mojo and lechon. Had I more time and greater appetite I would have loved to try the vaca frita, maduros, tostones, and more of the classics. This is my comfort food, and eating it on picnic tables, outside in the shade, filled me with joy. Enjoy joy to overcome the horror of watching tourists drinking their coladas straight from the cup. Yes, you can eat inside, but why would you? Order from the window, sit down, ponder the roving chickens, and live your best Keys life.

    Skirt steak and Ropa vieja with plantains, black beans and rice
    Tami S.

    La Niña never disappoints!! Nothing signals I'm back in the keys like my morning cafe con leche from the walk up window! It is the best on the island and believe me, we have tried them all!!! Their pastries are delightful. We also love going for lunch and dinner! Their Cuban sandwiches are great! The ropa vieja is so flavorful,, and I dare say better than some of the famous Miami restaurants. The skirt steak with chimchurri is delicious! Generous sides of black beans , rice and plantains complete the experience! I always go home with leftovers and the prices are reasonable and service always friendly! Don't miss this gem! We will miss you when we go home!!

    Melissa C.

    Unmatched authentic delicious Cuban food. Take it from me a Cuban girl raised in Miami / Hialeah. They make thier own Cuban bread i almost cried because it was so delicious. We had the masitas de puerco fritas, yucca hervida, frijoles, pan con croqueta, tamales, colada, café con leche. It was ALL BOMB AF. Now i fly back home to Vegas and dream about the next time I'll be able to come here. The service was amazing! Kind and attentive.

    Tamale

    The food is incredible. The employees are so friendly and welcoming. It's so wonderful to see a Cuban spot who is welcoming to various cultures and languages. While eating here we heard 3-4 different languages and multiple different ethnicity all breaking bread together. Speaking of bread be save to save room for it because the out a big basket of it in your table. The coffee is perfect and everyone's meal was A++. The three others at the table got steak and eggs, I got the hot bar.

    Laura R.

    A Cuban hot spot right in Marathon with tasty dishes and strong coffee. Got the Spanish Omelette which was large and delish. The cafe con leche was great for a low price. The employees behind the counter served customers inside and at the walk up window. They have a big covered tent with tables to eat but way too hot today for that.

    Half of a Cuban and half of midnight
    Tina C.

    Professional and friendly customer service. Food was fresh, flavorful, and delicious. Give this place a go for sure

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    2 months ago

    Food was delicious and service was great! Got try the cafe con leche y the pastellio de guava so good!

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    3 months ago

    Good fast food! I like the lechon plate with white rice my hubby likes the lechon sandwich. Cooper likes the croqueta de jamon

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    4 months ago

    The food was delicious and it was a lot where two people can share. I recommend this place.

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    4 months ago

    Excellent Cuban sandwich, black beans and rice, and flan that you shouldn't miss. Prompt, friendly service. Highly recommend.

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    10 months ago

    Great Roast Pork, plantains, Black beans and rice! Cuban sandwiches are great too. So give it a try!

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    11 months ago

    Best Cuban I've had so far! One sandwich is huge, too. The bread was delicious. I'd go back in a heartbeat

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    Habanos On The Creek

    Habanos On The Creek

    4.5
    (206 reviews)
    41.5 mi
    $$
    Women-owned & operated
    10 years in business

    What a great little hidden gem! The staff made us feel right at home and has a family owned and…read moreoperated vibe. They offered great recommendations, and provided excellent service throughout our meal. The restaurant sits right on the water, creating a fun, laid-back atmosphere. In fact, if a boat goes by a little too fast, don't be surprised if you get a little splash--it just adds to the waterfront charm! I ordered the Ropa Vieja, and it was fantastic and a large portion. It was very flavorful, and tender. Overall, this was a great experience If you're looking for a cute spot for lunch or a casual dinner on the water with friendly service and delicious food, Restaurant on the Creek is definitely worth a visit.

    This is our go-to lunch spot every year during lobster season. After spending the morning out on…read morethe water catching lobsters, we always stop here to fill up the boat with gas and grab lunch before heading back out or calling it a day. We've tried quite a few dishes over the years, and my favorites are the loaded chicken wrap and the Cuban cheesesteak. Whatever you order, don't skip the fried plantains--they're the perfect side. I have tried the skirt steak before, and it just wasn't my favorite, but everything else we've ordered has been consistently good. You can choose to sit inside in the air conditioning or outside at one of the covered picnic tables. Since you're right on the dock, it's a great place to relax, watch the boats come and go, and enjoy the Keys atmosphere. Good food, convenient fuel for the boat, and a waterfront location make this an annual stop for us every lobster season.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Mahi tacos and plantains
    Mahi tacos and plantains
    View from table sitting outside

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    View from table sitting outside
    Lighthouse Kitchen + Bar

    Lighthouse Kitchen + Bar

    3.4
    (281 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$$
    Romantic vibe
    Happy hour specials

    So this is a pretty place for a drink, a light appetizer, or a snack by the pool. It looks nice…read moreand has a nice view of the marina and the Faro Blanco lighthouse. But it isn't a good restaurant, in any way. As several other reviewers have said, the service is terrible and the food isn't good. We were staying at the resort and came right when they opened for breakfast, but for whatever reason, they decided to help another larger group first, that arrived well after us. The larger group got their food and left before we even got our food. The servers largely ignored us the entire time, even though they were super attentive to other groups. I'm not sure what we did to bother the staff so much besides arriving right at 7 am, but the experience was terrible and we won't be back here even though we have a food credit through the resort. Not that it will do any good, but we will be reaching out to the hotel management because they clearly have a problem here. I don't think they care because they have a captive audience on the resort that is always new. If you're staying at the resort , this is not a place to actually eat a meal.

    I was in Marathon with a friend for a cycling event and we stopped in for dinner. We stayed next…read moredoor so it was a convenient walk. I ordered the catch of the day which was a grilled Mahi. It was paired with two of my favs, broccoli & roasted potatoes. The food was great and the service was great as well!!

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    Tropical Salad
    Tropical Salad
    Veranda
    Veranda
    Dining Room

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    Dining Room

    La Niña Restaurant - cuban - Updated August 2026

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