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

Just a nice roadside cafe with picnic tables outside and dining room inside very casual. The service was excellent very cordial and pleasant. Got a bacon egg and cheese sandwich on cuban bread was very good nice and big. read more

See all

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. read more

See all

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! read more

La Niña Restaurant - outside - Cuban Near Me - Marathon, Florida

See all

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. read more

La Niña Restaurant - Vaca frita - Cuban Near Me - Marathon, Florida

See all

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. read more

La Niña Restaurant - There used to be a Cuban sandwich here but I just couldn't wait. - Cuban Near Me - Marathon, Florida

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. read more

See all

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!! read more

La Niña Restaurant - Skirt steak and Ropa vieja with plantains, black beans and rice - Cuban Near Me - Marathon, Florida

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

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. read more

See all

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. read more

See all

We ordered off the cooking trays. The boss had the baked chicken and I had the pepper steak. We both had the rice and beans and sweet plantains. My pepper steak was tender and flavorful (just a smidge salty). The mixed rice and beans were delish. And the sweet plantains were like candy. Soft and super sweet - just a joy to eat. The baked chicken was amazing. Half a chicken cooked perfectly with loads of flavor. Service was friendly and prompt. It's a no nothing inside but the food is so good, who cares. read more

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

La Niña Restaurant - Half of a Cuban and half of midnight - Cuban Near Me - Marathon, Florida

See all

Stopped by for breakfast today. You know the place is going to be good when you see the place packed with cars and biker gangs, no one speaks English well and it's all super lively! Most of their patrons seemed local and spoke mostly Spanish. We ordered at the little hut window, but they come to you for orders too. We sat outside, but I think they have a large indoors section too. Ragz started with the colada con leche - I had a sip and boy was the coffee strong, sweet and flavorful! I don't drink much coffee but this was absolutely delicious - full bodied, but very smooth. Ragz opted for the tamale ( has pork and veggies in it), and loved it. Very simple but well cooked and smothered in the best kinda of salsa- style sauce. This is an appetizer, but pretty decent size. I got the ranch eggs- scrambled eggs, big hunks of Cuban bread slathered with butter, salsa, fried sausage and hash browns. Everything was delicious - fresh made and hot off the grill. We also had the chicken empanada - it was good, not the best I've ever had. Pretty sure we will be back at least once more before we leave. read more

Service is great and lots of locals ordering. Expresso was good but my cafe con leche was missing something , and was served lukewarm. The steak and eggs came with pan de matikilya. It's ok nothing special. read more

See all

Cuban food in the Florida keys - YES Please! Staff are the cutest friendly ladies, their "sazón" is just perfect! Try their stuffed pork with Moro rice, it is perfection! Their Cuban breakfasts are just delectable. Cafe con leche is what the doctor ordered to wake you up. read more

Splid 3.5 stars. We tried the tostones and cuban sandwich. Huge portions, enough for 2 to share one sandwich. Food was good and service as well read more

La Niña Restaurant - Menu - Cuban Near Me - Marathon, Florida

Great Food, Excellent Service, and all around good atmosphere. Everyone was super nice and made excellent recommendations. Came here last year also and was thrilled! Try the Key lime pie. Went to fast to capture a picture! read more

Authentic Cuban hole in the wall located on Marathon Key. Parking is available on the street. There are some patio seatings out front, but we opted to sit inside. The interior was pretty small and homey, the walls are fully covered with pictures of items on the menu. Service was friendly but pretty minimal. We ordered the Cuban sandwich ($12) and roasted pork ($15). For the 2 sides which came with the roasted pork, we got the rice and bean and sweet plantains. Personally, the Cuban sandwich is the best one we've tried on the keys. The rice and beans were flavorful, and the hot sauce goes great with the pork. For the price point, I was blown away by their portion. Sadly no more room to try the desserts. This place would be a solid 5/5 if not for the 15% tip and 3% credit card transaction fee automatically added to the bill. While I have no objections to the tip, which I find the % quite reasonable, the credit card transaction fee left a somewhat unfavorable impression. read more

See all

Real deal! I was hoping for some great Cuban food on this trip and this place was walking distance from the laundry mat, so perfect lunch set up. La Niña has a ton of breakfast and lunch options. I got the standard Cuban sandwich and my husband got the marinated pork sandwich. Mine was good, but his was excellent!! The pork was so tasty and tender. Also got the Cuban coffee which was awesome. We saw a lot of people come in and order the meat and rice combos and the soups. The staff were packing up covered catering pans so looks like they cater family sized orders. Loved it! If we were spending another day in the Keys I would have come to try the breakfast because the pricing for the resort breakfast was beginning to add up and would have been great to try something different. read more

Located on Marathon Key, it's an authentic Cuban hole in the wall on the side of the highway. Parking is available out front and not too bad. We sat inside and whilst service was minimal for us (order, bring out food, cheque), the food more than proved itself. We ordered the Cuban and the roasted pork. Portions were huge and I'm glad we didn't order any extra sides. The roast pork plate is solid at $15 and comes with two sides. We opted for the fried plantains and their rice and beans. The rice is surprisingly flavorful and the plantains are a nice tropical touch to the plate. The Cuban sandwich at $12 was massive and came with a bunch of meats. I didn't even mind their pickles (not a pickle fan). Their Cuban bread was very tasty as well; unsure if it's in house or not but it's a good binder for the sandwich. Please note and I find this very annoying; they auto add a 15% tip and a 3% credit card charge in your cheque no matter what you order. No issues with the tip, but every other restaurant does not add all of these random associated costs to your ticket upfront (pay a credit card fee for less than $20 order etc etc for example). This would've made it a 5/5 for me. read more

See all

By far the best Cuban restaurant in Marathon. I am Cuban and I love my native food, so coming from me that's a huge compliment to be sure. The quality of the food is very good. The churrasco is huge and delicious. For the price it's definitely a bargain. The camarones enchilados are a winner too. The entrees are so big two people can easily share an one! The ham croquettes are a must try as well, always hot, crispy and made to order. All of the Cuban sandwiches ie; midnight sandwich, pan con bistec, pan con lechón are winners especially to pick up early to take out on the boat!. The place is small and isn't fancy but I can honestly say it's consistently great no matter what I order. They also have already prepared foods displayed for purchase and daily specials. The service is always good and I almost forgot to mention the flan is sweet, firm and heavenly! If you're in Marathon and want really great Cuban food this place is very affordable and won't disappoint. read more

Yes and Thank You! Good was amazing. I had the shredded beef that was flavorful with rice and plantains. I will definable go back. Only negative thing is the parking is awful but not much they can do about that. read more

Ordered the Cuban Sandwich and the Bistec and both were delicious! Bread was perfectly toasted and crisp and the seasonings on the both the roast pork and the beef were outstanding! Pleasant service in a nice roadside outdoor location. Only downside was the parking was spare and right on the highway. read more

If you want the "real deal" Cuban cuisine - this is the place. Very friendly staff and great selection on the menu. Their bread is authentic Cuban bread daily lunch and dinner entrees are displayed so you can see what you're ordering. I highly recommend this little Cuban restaurant. read more

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

On our recent trip, we hit La Niña for a quick bite at 8:30pm. The food was awesome and much better than getting fast food. It was so good we stopped by at least 4 other times and tried everything from sandwiches, rice platters with oxtail, stewed beef and pernil. Each entree hit the spot and a taste of home. Even the tamales and coffee were awesome! We wood definitely make sure we pop in if we're in the area again! read more

We had the vaca frita and the palomilla. Both were excellent. Huge selection and this will be a place we come back to and try other things. Worth the stop. read more

Huge portions, great taste, amazing quality. Service was quick and professional. Parking can be a little odd if you visit at a busy time but its not bad. read more

See all

Excellent, fast and efficient service with tasty food. Very authentic and welcoming staff.

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

Not busy at all. Ordered combo #1, scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes. Took 30 minutes no excuses when people are getting their food and they ordered 15 minutes after me. Eggs were not good. Potatoes and bacon were good. Wanted to support local business since we own in marathon. Maybe just a bad day. read more

We weren't in Marathon long but I am sure glad we stopped here! Without reading the reviews I wouldn't have known this place existed since it is a very small "hole in the wall". The menu has a nice selection. I got the Cuban Mixed sandwich and boy was it delicious! The bread was amazing! The sandwich was so big I didn't want/need anything on the side. I would recommend eating outside if you can as inside is very small/tight with limited seating. Be aware that chickens are running around outside, for me they were fun to watch but that might not be for everyone. The people were pleasant and the place was fairly busy for mid week late dinner when we went. Parking is very limited as well. read more

La Niña Restaurant - Outdoor seating with chickens - Cuban Near Me - Marathon, Florida

Outstanding Cuban restaurant authentic to its core. The Cubano coffee was amazing as was the appetizer sampler. Located on the side of A1A small dining area with a large takeout window Staff was extremely helpful and quite delightful. A fast food style Cuban restaurant with smells of the Caribbean wafting as you pull into the parking lot. If you're on A1A looking for somewhere quick to eat worth the stop. read more

La Niña Restaurant - Cuban Near Me - Marathon, Florida

Coffee and Expresso was out of this world! We will definitely be going back tomorrow morning!

Thanksgiving Dinner in Marathon FL We had very few choices to dine during Thanksgiving Day in Key West. Many closed early for the holiday. La Niña was one of the places that remained open at a later time so we chose to have our Thanksgiving dinner here located in Marathon. We arrived around 6:00p and found parking right in front. It is a small basic mom and pop roadside restaurant. Parking is on dirt road, just pull up in front of the place. There is a window that served to go items and next to it on the right is a covered patio with picnic benches for outside alfresco option. To the left is a door that led to a very small indoor dining room with a room capacity of maybe less than 20 guests. They will take your order from your table if you're lucky to find one. We ordered the following: Skirt Steak / Churrasco Lobster Creole Garlic Shrimp/ al Ajillo Fried Pork Chunks / Masitas de Cerdo Mine was the Churrasco and it was so good! Usually I share my meal with the hubby because I can't finish... nope, not this time. I savored the tender and flavorful meat... I ate the whole thing including the delicious plantains! Prices can't be beat and service was great! The employees were so nice and friendly. Came back the next day and ordered some beef and chicken empanadas to go. We ate this at the airport the next day. Delicious and filling. Dessert? I ordered a slice of their Key Lime pie... must try while in the Keys! Unless you live in the Florida Keys, key limes are near impossible to find so I've had one of the best pies. You like Porto's in SoCal? This Cuban food is the real deal. Florida has the best Cuban food and this was the best in Marathon! Coming back here next year February! Review #2798 read more

See all

Clearly a place where local, Cuban people come to eat. So, it is authentic. The flavors are spot on and the service is fast. read more

La Niña Restaurant - Poster - Cuban Near Me - Marathon, Florida

See all

Very authentic Cuban, the coffee is delicious!! The food is very tasty. Some people think that Cuban and Mexican are close in taste and presentation. "In my opinion " they are completely different. The Cuban Bread is very good. Service is great and the place is very clean. Prices are reasonable. Parking is a bit tight and sometimes a little difficult to get out. If you are able to back in to a spot then it is easy to leave. The stop is well worth it! Enjoy read more

See all

Food is tasty, big portions, so good! Service is quick and efficient. You could order in the window from outside and sit on the shaded picnic tables outside or you could go in and sit down for service. The inside is small though but clean. If you're in Marathon or just passing by, drop by and get some authentic Cuban food! read more

In a word, delicious! I had the #1, their "Famous Sandwich." It's basically a Cuban sandwich - pork, ham, cheese, pickles, mayo, mustard, served all hot and melty with crunchy fries. That and a Cafe con Leche. . . Chef's Kiss. Service was excellent, they even helped me with parking because there was nowhere in front to park - popular place! There is plenty of seating - inside is small but room outside - and they were doing a lot of take-out business as well. Prices are very fair. In a place where prices are inflated, this was refreshing. My sandwich was large enough that I took half home and enjoyed it the next day. And they make their own bread as well. Wonderful! read more

See all