La Cumbancha Opens in Miami Lakes, Evoking 1970s Miami – Food & Beverage Magazine
Miami Lakes welcomes a new culinary destination, La Cumbancha, a restaurant that promises an extraordinary and multi-faceted dining experience with a blend of Latin-fusion and European flavors. Located at 6743 Main Street, La Cumbancha is the latest gem in the Miami dining scene, helmed by renowned names in the culinary world including Julio Cabrera, a pivotal figure in the Cantinero (Cuban bartender) movement in the U.S., as well as the co-owner and brainchild of the MICHELIN-recommended and #24 on The World’s 50 Best Bars list, Café La Trova. La Cumbancha, a Cuban-American concept, is inspired by the color and energy of 1970s Miami, reflecting the profound Cuban influence on the city’s culture. The name, ‘La Cumbancha’ itself, is a Cuban-African term meaning a gathering of family and friends to dance, play music, and drink, perfectly encapsulating the restaurant’s ethos.
The culinary offerings are an eclectic fusion of Cuban-inspired dishes with international influences from Italy, Spain, and France, masterfully created by Chef Carlos Hidalgo. Signature dishes include a selection of empanadas like Picadillo a la Habanera & Maduros served with chimichurri; croquetas like Blood Sausage & Mozzarella served with Greek yogurt-dill sauce; and Spanish Sausage with orange marmalade. Additional starters include the Cuba Es’Tamal, pork tamales with serrano ham, avocado and mojo criollo; and Tasajo with shredded beef, sweet potato hummus, pita chips, and paprika. Several highlights from the Platos Fuertes section include Rabo Encendío with wood-fired oxtail, port wine, spicy sauce, arroz moro; Tostones Chilindron de Chivo with braised goat, red sauce, hautey beer, red wine and mashed potato; and Filet Mignon, center-cut with walnut and anchovy sauce, bacon-wrapped asparagus, and rum flambé served tableside.
Notably for pizza lovers and those who appreciate a bit of Miami history, La Cumbancha houses an original wood-fired pizza oven that belonged to Italy Today, one of the original restaurants from the inauguration of Main Street in Miami Lakes. Diners can enjoy three mouthwatering pizza flavor options, like the signature La Cumbancha made with sweet onion, mozzarella, aged goat cheese, tomato sauce, crispy bacon and oregano, as well as homemade rustic bread fresh out of the oven.
Additionally, the restaurant’s enticing after-dinner menu is the icing on the cake after a great meal. Features include a curated selection of desserts made in-house by La Cumbancha’s pastry chef; after-dinner cocktails; a selection of dessert wines and specialty spirits recommended to be enjoyed after dinner or with a cigar. Guests can even enjoy servings of Café El Sacrificio and Sacrificio Cigars—Cabrera’s own coffee and cigar brands— which are also featured on the after-dinner menu.
Cabrera, alongside several esteemed bar team members from La Trova, bring their expertise to La Cumbancha, offering a cocktail menu that blends tropical flavors with modern techniques and setting a new standard in cocktail craftsmanship. Cabrera states, “At La Cumbancha, each cocktail is a unique piece, designed to surprise and delight our guests.” The bar menu includes a range of signature and classic cocktails, along with an innovative ‘Mocktails’ section. The wine list, curated by top sommeliers, showcases a diverse selection of globally acclaimed wines.
Read Also: Crossroads Hotel Announces Food and Beverage Team
La Cumbancha features live music every night (the only venue in Miami Lakes to do so), setting a vibrant atmosphere that complements the culinary journey. “We’re bringing the soul of Miami’s music scene to Miami Lakes,” says Cabrera. “It’s a complete experience that engages all senses.”
The 4,000-square-foot space can accommodate up to 200 guests, promising a vibrant and spacious environment. La Cumbancha’s unique offerings resonate with the heartbeat of Cuba and include outdoor dining spaces perfect for enjoying cigars and cocktails, and private dining options for those seeking a more intimate experience. In addition to Cabrera and Chef Hidalgo, key restaurant leadership includes acclaimed restaurateur and partner Yoel Suarez, who Cabrera has worked alongside for more than 35 years dating back to their time together in Cuba. In addition to co-creating the food menu, Suarez helped curate an impeccable wine list and will spearhead the second-to-none customer service. Additional leadership includes Mauricio Lacayo, Partner; Loiver Hernandez, Partner, Andy Cabrera, Partner; Leonardo Herrera, General Manager; and Nicole Rodriguez, Director of Events.
La Cumbancha is located at 6743 Main Street, Miami Lakes, FL, 33014. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, please visit La Cumbancha’s website or call 305-456-5972. Follow La Cumbancha on Facebook and Instagram.
