Looking for a good Cuban Sandwich
 

I'm looking for recommendations for a restaurant that serves a good Cuban sandwich in the Wildwood/Leesburg area. Maybe father away if it is worth it.

I know there is a LOT of debate about the origin of the Cubano, and recently read that some people say that there is a "Tampa" version that adds Salami and a "Miami" version that does not.
I have had them with salami and without. I like the little kick from salami, but I like both.
I come from the far western states where the Cuban sandwich started making inroads in some restaurants. No salami there.

I go to Villa Pinar for Cuban food. I've had their Cuban sandwich and it is very good. When you walk into the place there's a hot table (think cafeteria) where you can see the selections of food. There's always a good crowd at lunch time. It's north on 441, on the east side of the road. Not too far north of Spruce Creek CC.

Havana Country Club serves a Cuban….your call on whether it’s good. There is also Bori Burger in Leesburg.

If you find yourself in Mt. Dora, there are 2 Cuban restaurants that are pretty good.

Havanas Cuban has salami on it, so Tampa style

To get a huge selection of Cuban Sandwiches to try go to the 14th Annual Intl. Ford Cuban Sandwich Festival;
​Sunday, March 30th, 2025, Noon - 6 pm @Historic Ybor City. BACK AT CENTENNIAL PARK in HISTORIC YBOR CITY!

I went last year… great music, food, and cigars!

Chicken Time restaurant in Belleview on Rt. 441 (on the right when going toward Ocala, it's easy to miss but there is a sign) is a legend in this area, in business many many years and known for their small but clean neat restaurant and authentic Cuban and Puerto Rican food. If you just want a quick takeout, believe it or not, Publix deli does make a passable authentic Cuban with ham and sliced pork, and they do use a press. I'm sure you could ask for any non traditional add-ons too, like salami !

Agree 100%

Hard to find a Cuban Sandwich in TV and finding a good one is even worse. Most sandwich shops do not have the press needed for a good Cuban

I enjoy the Cuban sandwiches at the Cafe Havana in Ocala. They're only open Mon-Fri, for breakfast and lunch.

Cafe Havana
923 N Magnolia Ave
Ocala, FL 34475

I make my own concoction. I substitute capicola for the ham. I add a touch of Bee Sting (a pineapple guava hot sauce).

Bori Burger in Leesburg. Absolute best[/QUOTE]

I will second Villa pinar, I am far from Cuban! But I really enjoy the food and I told my Cuban buddy about it, he comes in every week to our workplace, after he stopped one time he thanked me for telling him about it and stops quite often now. I will definitely keep going back although I don't know the difference probably between good and bad Cuban food! Give it a shot I think you'll like it

Another upvote for Villa Pinar. Great place (and huge portions). Never had a sandwich there but the rest of what they offer is great.

Beef O’Brady’s

Oxford Downs!

Does TAMPA ring a bell.

Sunny Pint in Freedom Plaza just past the Brownwood Hotel on 44 is very good!

Thanks everyone
 

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll be sure to check them out when I am in the area.
A couple of comments/replies.
Yes, Tampa rings a bell. I read the history of the sandwich, and one theory is that it was invented in Ybor City on the north side of Tampa. The Columbia Restaurant there is famous for it. And, there is an annual cuban sandwich festival there Annual FORD International Cuban Sandwich Festivals

Since the Cuban sandwich was invented in Florida it is interesting to see some of you suggest Cuban restaurants as good sources. I guess they have embraced the USA addition to their traditional Cuban food.
Thanks again

B D Beans Coffee Co in Belleview, the best I've found

I have had the Cuban sandwich at Havana a couple of times. The first was excellent, the second - not so much.

For a good Cuban sandwich go to Tom’s Cuban on the Go. 1800 rt 484. At the intersection with hwy 75 exit 341 behind the gas station.
It’s been written up as best Cuban sandwich on the go in Florida. Sandwiches are great
and good Cuban food also.

We love going to Troy's Cuban Deli and Clermont, Fl.

Ybor City
 

The Columbia House restaurant is in Ybor City and is quite an experience.
Cuban sandwiches, full menu and an awesome house salad

Also in Celebration with same menu but not quite the same ambience

Any Kind of Cuban Food