I went to Café La Trova, a Cuban hot spot in Miami, where Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez were spotted eating dinner

Founded by renowned bartender Julio Cabrera, who was born in Cuba, and award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein, who was born and raised in Miami, Café La Trova was designed as a tribute to classic Cuban culture, food, and hospitality.

Since opening in 2019, Café La Trova has earned acclaim as one of the 50 best bars in the world. The restaurant drew additional attention when Bezos and Sánchez were spotted having dinner and drinks there, while enjoying live music, in September 2022.

A year later, the Amazon founder announced he was moving to Miami from Seattle. The Bezoses now live on Indian Creek Island, also known as Miami's "Billionaire Bunker."

From the moment I arrived at the restaurant during my visit to the city, it was clear why it has become such a fixture in Miami's dining scene.

Despite the crowd, the restaurant didn't feel flashy or exclusive. Instead, it struck a balance between lively and approachable, creating an atmosphere that felt welcoming to a visitor like me.

The restaurant was also surprisingly large on the inside. In addition to the bar, there was a spacious dining room with bistro tables positioned in front of a stage where a live band played, and a dining room with larger tables at the back of the restaurant.

The dining room immediately transported me from modern-day Miami to a glamorous vision of old Havana.

Crystal chandeliers emitted warm light, and throughout the space, old photographs, memorabilia, and retro design elements — including a vintage car worked into the decor — evoked a sense of stepping back in time.

It appeared to incorporate Cuban influences without making the experience feel overly curated or touristy.

Since it was a Tuesday night, I wasn't expecting to catch the show, but after I was seated, the band began setting up, and I soon learned that the restaurant features daily live music by traditional Cuban bands, boleros, and salsa artists.

While the atmosphere may attract first-time visitors, it's the food that has helped Café La Trova build a loyal following.

Chef Bernstein's menu focuses on traditional Cuban recipes with subtle modern influences, such as the restaurant's Cuban sandwich empanadas. The result is a lineup of dishes that felt authentic without being overly conventional.

Many of the dishes highlighted classic Cuban ingredients and cooking techniques, while others featured creative twists.

I found myself wanting to order far more than I could reasonably fit into one meal, though the restaurant's variety of tapas, or smaller plates, allowed me to try multiple dishes.

Mojitos, which originate in Cuba, became popular in Miami following waves of Cuban immigration to South Florida in the mid-20th century.

The mojito criollo ($15) was made with Mount Gay Silver Rum, lime juice, sugar, mint, soda water, and Angostura bitters.

My cocktail arrived beautifully presented. It was light and refreshing, with a strong mint flavor that paired well with the dishes I ordered.

It was a reminder that while Café La Trova is celebrated for its food and atmosphere, its drinks are every bit as much a part of the experience.

The empanadas ($15), which balanced classic Cuban flavors with an unexpected, modern spin, came in an order of two with a vinegar-forward dipping sauce.

These weren't a traditional Cuban sandwich, but they packed all the same delicious flavors.

The Peruvian ceviche ($25) was the most memorable dish I tried. Made with local Florida fish and dressed in a bright mix of cilantro, lime, red onion, huancaína sauce, and crunchy cancha, it arrived looking as vibrant as it tasted.

It was served with slices of sweet potato, which balanced the citrusy punch of the marinade.

Though it was intended to be shared, it was so fresh and delicious that I nearly finished it myself.

The creamy huancaína sauce tied everything together, lending richness without overpowering the delicate seafood.

The restaurant's version of prawns al ajillo ($28) featured plump prawns nestled atop a rich white bean stew, with crunchy garlic, confit tomatoes, and slices of toasted bread for scooping up every last bite.

The prawns were tender and juicy, while the white bean stew added a creamy, hearty element that transformed the tapas dish into something substantial.

Sweet bursts of flavor from the confit tomatoes balanced the savory garlic, while the tostada underneath provided a satisfying crunch.

While many of Café La Trova's dishes celebrate Cuban traditions, this plate also highlights the Spanish influences that have helped shape the island's cuisine over generations.

As I ate, I watched fellow diners clap along and sing with familiar songs. The performance added an authenticity that's difficult to replicate, reinforcing Café La Trova's mission of celebrating Cuban culture through food, music, and atmosphere.

The live music is the main reason I would encourage anyone visiting the city to dine at Café La Trova, especially if you can grab a table towards the front of the stage.

The restaurant managed to accomplish something surprisingly rare in a city known for flashy dining destinations: It felt both exciting and authentic.

From the vibrant live music and thoughtfully designed space to the standout cocktails and memorable dishes, every part of the experience felt carefully crafted. The restaurant was buzzy, but not contrived or touristy, and it felt low-key enough for a major celebrity to eat there undisturbed.

In a city packed with trendy restaurants, Café La Trova stood out as a place that genuinely lives up to its reputation — and one I'd gladly return to on my next trip to Miami.