Best Orlando Cuban & Puerto Rican Food

Locals craving home cooking and visitors hungry for the real thing can use this guide to Orlando's Cuban and Puerto Rican kitchens, from lechoneras to bakeries and sandwich counters. The stops cover Mills 50, Curry Ford Road, east and south Orlando and International Drive, with detours to Casselberry and Fern Park.

Black Bean Deli in Mills 50 is known for its Cuban sandwich; add empanadas and the avocado dressing. Zaza Cuban Comfort Food, run by three generations of one family, serves vaca frita, ropa vieja and a cafecito. Lechonera Orlando dishes slow-roasted lechon with crackling skin, mofongo and arroz con gandules from a steam-table line. At Melao Bakery, a busy Puerto Rican panaderia, get quesitos with strong cafe con leche. Cubans On the Run, Rey's Cuban Cafe, Cuba Libre and Crocante round out the list. For groups and celebrations, Cuba Libre's lively rum bar on I-Drive works well.