The moment I stepped into Cuento Sandwiches, I could tell I was in for something extraordinary. Tucked away in a cozy corner of Miami, this vibrant sandwich shop feels like a heartfelt love letter to Cuban flavors—served with a quirky, modern twist. The playful decor, the warm, inviting lighting, and the mouthwatering aroma of fresh bread mingling with sizzling meats instantly pulled me in. It was clear: this wasn’t just another sandwich spot; it was an experience waiting to unfold.
Oh, and if you find yourself wandering into Cuento Sandwiches, make sure to say hi to David and let him know Hungry Ghost sent you. Trust me, it’ll make your visit that much sweeter. 😉
History and Tradition of Cuento Sandwiches
Opened by a team of passionate Miami locals, Cuento Sandwiches is a relatively new player in the city’s bustling food scene, but it quickly carved out its own niche with a fresh, creative approach to classic Cuban sandwiches. The restaurant’s name, Cuento (meaning “The Story”), hints at its mission: every sandwich tells a tale, mixing traditional Cuban flavors with unique twists that make each bite feel like a new chapter.
At its heart, Cuento respects the legacy of Cuban cuisine, but they aren’t afraid to have a little fun. From using unexpected ingredients like mozzarella in the Don Quixote to perfecting their own version of classic sandwiches with a modern flair, the restaurant is all about honoring tradition while making their food accessible to the Miami foodies who are always on the hunt for something new.
In a city steeped in Cuban culture, Cuento feels like a love letter to its roots but with an eye toward the future—something reflected not only in the flavors but in the playful, welcoming atmosphere that invites both locals and tourists to take a seat and enjoy.
Why Cuento Sandwiches is a Must-Try
What makes Cuento Sandwiches stand out in a city full of Cuban sandwich spots? It’s the fearless creativity combined with an obvious respect for Cuban culinary tradition. While many places stick to the tried-and-true recipes, Cuento elevates the experience by tweaking the classics just enough to make them feel new without losing their authenticity.
Take the Don Quixote, for example. This is not your everyday medianoche. The addition of chorizo and mozzarella might sound risky, but the result is a sandwich that feels both familiar and exciting, with bold flavors that hit all the right notes. The El Dorado, with its perfectly grilled mahi and crunchy malanga sticks, is another testament to how the restaurant plays with textures and ingredients, giving you something you didn’t know you were missing in your life.
Beyond the food, the vibe at Cuento is what makes it a must-visit. There’s a certain charm in its laid-back atmosphere—it’s the kind of place where you feel comfortable lingering after your meal, soaking in the Miami heat and watching the steady stream of locals who clearly can’t get enough of what this place has to offer. For anyone looking to experience the rich flavors of Cuban cuisine with a modern twist, Cuento is the spot you’ll want to add to your list.
Don Quixote: A Sandwich with Swagger
I went straight for the Don Quixote—not just because of the name (who doesn’t love a good literary nod?), but because I’d heard whispers about its unconventional take on the classic medianoche. And let me tell you, this sandwich has swagger. Forget the typical lechon and Swiss cheese—Cuento replaces them with juicy cured chorizo and gooey mozzarella, and somehow, it just works. The chorizo packs a punch with its smoky flavor, while the mozzarella brings that melt-in-your-mouth factor you didn’t know you needed in a Cuban sandwich.
The best part? The mustard and pickles are served on the side, so you’re in full control of the flavor bomb you’re about to unleash. I’m usually all-in for mustard, but I kept it minimal this time to let that chorizo shine. The pickles? Crisp, not too briny—just the perfect hit of acidity to balance the richness of the sandwich. Honestly, this is a sandwich that doesn’t play by the rules, and I loved every bite of it.
El Dorado: Mahi’s Moment to Shine
Next, I dove into the El Dorado, and wow. If you’re a fan of grilled mahi, this sandwich will feel like a revelation. The mahi was a thick, juicy cut—perfectly grilled with just the right touch of seasoning to highlight the fish without overpowering it. But what really took this sandwich to the next level were the malanga sticks. Think of them as the crunchy cousin to fries—lightly crisp, slightly sweet, and an absolute game-changer when paired with the delicate mahi.
It’s rare to find a fish sandwich that nails the balance between soft and crunchy, but El Dorado does it flawlessly. Every bite was a textural celebration—tender mahi, crispy malanga, and a little bit of that housemade mustard on the side for a tangy kick. It’s the kind of sandwich that makes you wonder, “Why don’t all mahi sandwiches come like this?”
A Miami Sandwich Adventure
If there’s one thing Cuento Sandwiches knows how to do, it’s storytelling through food. Each sandwich felt like a mini adventure, taking familiar Cuban flavors and shaking them up just enough to keep things exciting. It’s a place that celebrates tradition while daring to be different, and for that, I can’t recommend it enough.
Whether you’re a Miami local or just passing through, skip the usual tourist traps and treat yourself to Cuento. The Don Quixote will challenge your idea of a Cuban sandwich, and the El Dorado will ruin you for all other fish sandwiches. Trust me, these aren’t just sandwiches—they’re an experience.
Recreate the El Dorado at Home: A Sandwich Worth Mastering
Inspired by my unforgettable experience with the El Dorado at Cuento Sandwiches, I couldn’t resist trying to recreate it at home. This sandwich is all about simplicity done right—grilled mahi that’s thick and juicy, lightly seasoned to let the fish’s natural flavor shine, and topped with crispy malanga sticks for that perfect crunch. Here’s how you can bring a bit of Miami into your kitchen.
Grilled Mahi Mahi Sandwich
Dive into the flavors of the Florida Keys with this mouthwatering Grilled Mahi Mahi Sandwich! Perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection, this sandwich is layered with fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and a generous dollop of tartar sauce. It’s a simple yet delightful meal that brings the beachside vibes right to your kitchen. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this easy-to-make, healthy, and utterly delicious sandwich!
4
sandwiches10
minutes8
minutes350
kcal18
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the Fish
1 to 1½ pounds fresh mahi mahi fillets or any firm white fish
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Canola or vegetable oil for grilling
- For the Sandwich
4 soft whole wheat sandwich buns
8 tbsp tartar sauce
1 large ripe tomato, sliced into rounds
8 leaves green leaf lettuce or romaine
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- Alternative Ingredients:
Fish Substitute: Tilapia or cod can replace mahi mahi.
Tartar Sauce Substitute: Greek yogurt mixed with pickles and lemon juice.
Bun Substitute: Gluten-free buns for gluten intolerance.
Directions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to a high temperature of about 450° – 500°F. Clean the grates thoroughly using a grill brush.
- Oil the Grill: Fold a paper towel several times and pour about 2-3 teaspoons of oil onto it. Quickly rub the oiled towel over the cleaned grill grates.
- Grill the Fish: Place the seasoned fish fillets on the grill and close the lid. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until grill marks appear. Carefully flip the fish using a grilling spatula and cook for another 2-4 minutes until fully cooked.
- Toast the Buns: During the last 1-2 minutes of grilling the fish, open the sandwich buns and place them cut side down on the grill to toast until they have grill marks.
- Assemble the Sandwich: On the bottom half of each bun, layer lettuce leaves followed by tomato slices and red onion rings (if using). Place a grilled fish fillet on top.
- Add Tartar Sauce: Spread tartar sauce generously on the top half of each bun and place it over the fish to complete the sandwich.
Equipment
- Gas Grill
- Charcoal Grill
- Grill Pan
- Grilling Spatula
- Cutting Board
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 20mg
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 15mg
