Cafe La Trova

The story

Cafe La Trova: Cuban Cocktails & Cuisine in Miami's Little Havana

A Partnership of Legends

In the heart of Little Havana, Cafe La Trova brings together two titans of their crafts. Maestro Cantinero Julio Cabrera, a celebrated ambassador of Cuban culture and the art of the cantinero style of bartending, teams up with James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein. The result is a space that channels the energy of retro Cuba through handcrafted cocktails and a contemporary take on Cuban-styled dishes. The restaurant has earned a Michelin Recommended distinction, while Cabrera’s bar program consistently ranks among North America’s and the world’s best—including a spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars list.

The Cantinero Experience

Cabrera and his team of Cantineros bring to life a bygone era with artisanal, handcrafted cocktails. The menu features classic Cuban drinks—Daiquiri Clásico, Mojito Criollo, Canchanchara—alongside house originals like the Toasted Coconut Negroni and the award-winning Buenavista. Each drink is prepared with precision and flair, honoring the cantinero tradition that Cabrera has championed across the globe. The bar’s accolades, including being named #1 Best Bar in the South in 2022, underscore the mastery behind the counter.

Cuban-Inspired Cuisine

Chef Michelle Bernstein, a Miami native of Jewish and Latin descent, lends her culinary prowess to a menu that reimagines traditional Cuban fare. Dishes range from creamy mushroom croquetas to Peruvian ceviche, all built on bold, familiar flavors. Her cooking is vibrant and grounded, reflecting the same warmth that defines the restaurant’s atmosphere. The cuisine is unapologetically Cuban and Latin American, yet feels fresh and personal.

Atmosphere and Music

Live Trova music—the traditional Cuban style that gives the restaurant its name—fills the space nightly, performed by real Trova musicians. The dining room and bar evoke a classic Havana social club, with warm wood, vintage touches, and a lively energy that carries late into the evening. Whether seated at the bar for a cocktail or at a table for dinner, guests are immersed in Miami Cuban culture that feels both authentic and celebratory.