Islas Canarias Cafe, Restaurant & Bakery

"Price Per Croqueta: $1.59 Before you break out the pitchforks, please understand that we made a total of five trips here. Because, like you, we were under the impression that these were the best croquetas in Miami. And they’re close—absolutely still an incredible fritter. The masa is a family secret with mixed-in herbs that give these croquetas a unique tanginess. But the breading can sometimes be weak enough to see their green strands peek through like veins under thin skin. We recommend going in the morning when they’re more likely to be crunchy brown shotgun shells filled with a rich and savory masa that always hits the mark." - virginia otazo

"Islas Canarias has the best croquetas in town. Unlike a lot of ham croquetas we’ve eaten, Islas' aren’t a mixture of ground mystery meat. Biting through their crispy outer layer reveals thin pieces of fresh chives, a sight you almost never see in any other croqueta. Their vaca frita is also seasoned perfectly—citrusy, salty, and so juicy. Plus, their moros come with chunks of fatty pork. The dining room is always packed, and the walls are lined with bottles of Spanish anise as if they were crown molding. But they also have the most Miami (it’s an adjective too) drive-thru, with a long line of idling cars who are all probably going to loudly order those croquetas." - virginia otazo

"Islas Canarias has outstanding croquetas. Unlike a lot of ham croquetas we’ve eaten, Islas' aren’t a mixture of ground mystery meat. Biting through their crispy outer layer reveals thin pieces of fresh chives, a sight you almost never see in any other croqueta. Their vaca frita is also seasoned perfectly—citrusy, salty, and so juicy. Plus, their moros come with chunks of fatty pork. The dining room is always packed, and the walls are lined with bottles of Spanish anise as if they were crown molding. But they also have the most Miami (it’s an adjective too) drive-thru, with a long line of idling cars who are all probably going to loudly order those croquetas." - Virginia Otazo

"For those living out in West Miami-Dade, Islas Canarias is the destination for Cuban pastries. The old-school, no-nonsense bakery caters to those searching for traditional pastelito flavors such as meat, coconut, guava, cheese, and a combination of the latter two." - Stacy A. Moya

"The debate over who serves the best croquetas in town always includes this classic Cuban restaurant. Enjoy ham, chicken, fish, and the vegetarian favorite, cheese croquetas. Islas Canarias’ croquetas are also available at nearby Finka Table & Tap and Amelia’s 1931, owned by the family’s granddaughter, Eileen Andrade." - Stacy A. Moya