Sala'o Cuban Bar & Pescaderia Brings Authentic Flavors To Little Havana

Sala’o Cuban Bar & Pescaderia Brings Authentic Flavors To Little Havana

Little Havana, a vibrant neighborhood in Miami, gets its name from the Cuban capital, La Habana. Where world-renowned writer, Ernest Hemingway lived for a few decades. Some say it was the island that inspired his work, and undoubtedly it’s a huge part of what shaped Little Havana. Where the cafecito is always brewing, dominos shuffling, and just like our beloved novelist, you don’t need to be from there to appreciate the thriving culture. So what’s more fitting than the arrival of Sala’o Cuban Bar and Pescaderia, a 2,300 foot Hemingway-themed restaurant, to its busiest street, Calle Ocho?

Sala’o Cuban Bar and Pescaderia

Though you may think I’m biased being born in Cuba and spending most of my childhood taking weekly art lessons in Hemingway’s actual home for over 20 years, Finca Vigia; I assure you it simply makes me a tougher critic. I mean let’s be real, it’s not often you’ll hear an Italian saying New York has the best pizza… But the authenticity of Sala’o is one you can taste, smell, and feel. And I wasn’t alone, as the place was completely packed despite having recently opened on May 27th.

The entire restaurant’s decor pays homage to some of his biggest loves- writing, fishing and drinking. With a 30 foot bar, nautical elements, even fishing poles, typewriters and famous quotes lining the walls. The wooden accents and marble finishes add to the sumptuous ambiance. But what throws it over the top are the live musicians. The entire crowd giving them a standing ovation in return for being serenaded all night to covers of Cuban classics, and icons like Frank Sinatra. But let’s get to what truly made me fall in love, the flavors.

Menu Highlights:

Appetizers

No need to save best for last! Start off with the Salmon En Mojo Picón, you’ll thank me later. The delicate pieces of salmon are sautéed with Garlic, Tomato, Pimienton de la Vera, Cumin and EVOO. With the morsels almost melting in your mouth, while the spices in the sauce have a dance party with your tastebuds. The Tirai’to ( Mahi Mahi, Compressed Pineapple, Coconut Lime, Puffed Sasona’o Rice, Herbal Oil ) from the Raw Bar is also delicious if you like fruity hints. And if you’re trying to keep it light, I’d suggest the Verde Salad ( Greens, Caramelized Almonds, Shaved Asparagus, Grapes ). The almonds and grapes bring a lot of contrasting texture and sweetness.

Hungry for more Cuban Cuisine? Caja Caliente delivers unique flavors and fusion. Click here to read our review.

Entrees

We really don’t think you could go wrong with any options, but one of our personal favorite is the Pescado Salsa Perro ( Catch of the Day, Roasted Vegetable Sauce, Baked Potatoes ). We were served Snapper, with just the right softness, but not overly flakey. Though, the absolute winner was “the steak of the sea” a.k.a the Swordfish. It came in a pineapple-tomato sauce, that was savory with just a tinge of sweet! If you’re lucky enough to catch this Special don’t miss out… But, if seafood isn’t your thing, there’s also poultry, steaks, and “arroces”. And don’t forget to have it with a side of rice and beans ( congri ) , tostones and maduros. Thankfully the live music would drown out my moaning and gasping between bites.

Azucar!

Cubans love their Azucar ( sugar ), both when singing along to Celia Cruz and eating it. For dessert they have classics like Fruta Bomba, made with Papaya, or Empanadas with Cheese, Rum and Guava Marmalade. But the Fanguito would be my first choice. The Burn Milk Mousse is sweet, rich, and creamy. Then it gets topped with Dark Chocolate and Bread Crumbs that add just the right pinch of salt not letting the dessert become overpowering. Of course, they also serve the iconic Cortaditos, and other styles of Cuban and American coffee.

Drink

It’s no secret this might have been one of our beloved writer’s favorite hobby, and Sala’o offers an elegant setting to do so. Since everything is authentic, it’s no surprise the Mojitos would be up to par. But if feeling adventurous I’d sip on the citrusy Papa Hemingway ( Premium White Rum, Grapefruit Juice, Fresh Lime Juice & Marrasquino Liquour ). Or the tropical Mery Pickford ( Premium White Rum, Grenadine, and Pineapple Juice ). Enjoy Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4pm-8pm.

Overview

Sala’o Cuban Bar and Pescaderia does more than serve you a good meal. It transports you to another place and era. It wraps you in its nostalgic and sophisticated atmosphere. From the smells seducing you before you even take a bite, to hearing the musicians play, and trying to take in all the adornments, Sala’o knows how to please the tummy, and all the senses.