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Name: Yuca
Address: 501 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL, 33139
Telephone: (305) 532-9822
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.49

Yuca

501 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL, 33139

(305) 532-9822
Store is closed

Yuca Menu

Tapas Calle Ocho

Goat Cheese Croquetas

Cuban Calamari

Gazpacho Andaluz

Dona Gloria's Frijoles Negros

Bacon Wrapped Dates
Platos Pequenos

Croquetas De La Abuela

Sugar Cane Shrimp

Salmon Mango Tartare

Frita Sliders

Tuna Tatake
Habana Plates

Enchilado De Camarones

Yuca's Crab Cake

Pollo Criollo

Ceviche Puteria

Yuca Rellena
Nuevo Latwo

Guava Bbq Back Ribs

Cuban Corvina

Churrasco

Pork Shank Criollo

Plantain Coated Mahi-mahi
Al Ladito

Black Beans

Roast Garlic Mash

Fufu

Yuca Fries

Tostones

Healthy Meal suggestions for Yuca

Tapas Calle Ocho

Goat Cheese Croquetas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cuban Calamari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gazpacho Andaluz [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dona Gloria's Frijoles Negros [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bacon Wrapped Dates [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Platos Pequenos

Croquetas De La Abuela [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sugar Cane Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon Mango Tartare [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Frita Sliders [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tuna Tatake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Habana Plates

Enchilado De Camarones [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yuca's Crab Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Criollo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ceviche Puteria [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yuca Rellena [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Nuevo Latwo

Guava Bbq Back Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cuban Corvina [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Churrasco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork Shank Criollo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Plantain Coated Mahi-mahi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Al Ladito

Black Beans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roast Garlic Mash [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fufu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yuca Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tostones [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Lauren L.

First time in Miami for a conference so I came with three colleagues. All of us wanted a tasty Cuban treat and boy did we get it!! The waiters came equipped with a thorough knowledge of the menu, not to mention some very dapper fedoras. We enjoyed the guacamole and calamari for appetizers. One of our group had the tuna, which was awesome, the rest of us went with the delicious Mahi Mahi. Desert was also a stand out treat- I had the tres leches de cocoa cake which the waiter told me would be "very" Cuban. My other colleague had a lemon sorbet which was potent but tasty. For atmosphere, good food and very pleasant, attentive service, come here. What a great place!
(4)
John B.

We decided to eat here on a whim. We just happened to be walking by and it looked trendy and had ample outdoor seating. We were seated right way, menus provided and water glasses filled. Waiter promptly appeared and took our drink order after answering a few questions. The wait staff all seemed very attentive and also engaged the patrons in conversation. It made for a very welcoming experience. My wife and I both had Mojito's and they were very good. The waiter briefed us on the specials and made some suggestion's. We had the empanada's which were good and Piquillos de Pepin which was suggested by the waiter and was absolutely delicious. It's a super tasty stuffed pepper, so well balanced with just a hint of smokiness. My wife had the Paella for her main course and it was very good, maybe a little small but delicious nonetheless. I went with the Pork Osso Bucco special that also was suggested by the waiter. I asked him what the difference between that and the Pork Shank Criollo was and he explained it was a larger portion and slow cooked. It was ridiculously good and came with a small side of moro. We saved some room for dessert. We had 2 perfectly made Cortadito's. We ordered the Tres Leches De Turron and it was ok. I would try something else in the future.
(5)
Janet S.

My husband had been dying to dine here for a while so we finally did!!! I must say that my expectations were high being that I'm cuban and I cook cuban food every single day. You go to an "upscale cuban restaurant" and you sure expect, well "upscale cuban food" for such OVERPRICED menu. Restaurant ambiance was loud, tables were too close to each other to the point that I was bumping with the bachelorette girls seating behind me! My husband kept telling me it smelled like urine. Appetizers ordered: Cuban Calamari: Very greasy and nothing out of the ordinary (really small portion) JUST like the Chef's knowledge of CUBAN FOOD!!! Guacamole Habanero with (Mariquitas): I have tasted bland and poorly prepared Guac but this one takes the cake for sure. It was brownish and all I could taste was lime. Main Entrees: For my Kids: Chicken tenders and fries (out of a frozen bag) Salmon balserito (My meal): Grilled salmon with a side of quinoa and 1 small steamed broccolini. Now, when you name a dish such name I expect to see some kind of element that would remind me of my Cuban roots (aka: balserito) Even though I love quinoa, that is not part of the Cuban diet. Cubans won't probably know what quinoa is if you ask around. Quinoa had a funky smell like it was almost spoiled. Salmon was well cooked and seasoned. Oxtail-Rabo Encendido) (My husband's meal): I cook this a lot at home and this dish was VERY disappointing. No flavor, kinda tough and dry as well. I must admit it is hard to eat at these restaurants when you know your stuff.
(1)
Lowey M.

This was our shelter from the miami hurricanes last weekend when I visited Miami for the first time. Yuca had al fresco dining that allowed me to enjoy the pitter patter sounds of the rain while I had my lunch. The service is top notch - i ordered tea and my waiter had someone bring out a black box filled with different assortments. They have a great lunch selection. Being a tourist in Miami, i figured I'd order their empanadas. They werent as amazing as the ones I had at Charlotte bakery (review to come!) but the beef and chicken Yuca had as apps were pretty darn good. They come small, so dont expect to be full off just these two. Lunch came out to a little more than $20 pp. They have happy hour, so make sure you take advantage of their sangrias and other libations.
(3)
Jon M.

Food was pretty good. The empanadas were good but a little on the small side. The Churrasco was cooked well. Needed a little salt, but was tasty. Mojitos were good as well. The service was good if not a little rushed.....and then we finished our dinner and sat and sat and sat .... Waiting for our check.....15 minutes. Still waiting....no dessert....no coffee and no check! It's like we disappeared into the background of he restaurant. They asked if we were done eating 3 times as we finished up. Now....I'm not sure if they even know we're here. Maybe we can walk out? Would they even know? 18% tip included....is that so they can ignore you and you can't do anything about it? Food is a 3 Service is a 2
(3)
Liz M.

We had a happy hour reception here with a wide selection of appetizers (all tasted excellent) and the best blended mojitos ever, which is pretty much the reason I'm leaving this review. I generally hate the taste of alcohol but somehow I had four of these and I will go back for more next time I'm in town!
(5)
Rabeea A.

Ordered the goat cheese croquetas, sliders and empanadas. All the food came out way too cold. The sliders were salty, the croquetas weren't cooked correctly the goat cheese inside was grainy in texture and the empanadas were stale.
(1)
Tatiana M.

Most restaurants on Lincoln rd are over priced and with not the best service. This is one of the few that I'll definitely return to. We were a party of 12 and they got everything right! The plantain-crusted mahi was great! And it's served on a bed of sweet plantain fufu.... ((What?)) Put it this way; if you like plantains, this is a must-try!
(4)
Kayla D.

I recommend the paella! I came here last week while I was on vacation in Miami and the food was really good. if you're on Lincoln Road and looking for a good place to grab dinner, I would recommend this place. It is a bit pricey but I think that's because it's on Lincoln road. Our service was also really good.
(4)
Julia K.

This is always one of my favorite places to dine at while visiting South Beach. There are more expensive places, there are hipper places but this place never disappoints. The cuisine is authentic Cuban but with a contemporary twist. Everything I have ever tried has been very good here and the mojitos are incredible.
(5)
Dawn H.

When asking around as to where to find some good Cuban food, YUCA came up again and again...so frequently I even asked the barkeep at the hotel bar if they received a kickback or something - of course the answer was no. Based on the resort we were staying in, I think the staff assumed we had little different "tastes" - perhaps we should have been more clear - I would have preferred a short trip to Little Havana. Sadly, I was outvoted by the other diners in our party, so YUCA it was. YUCA: Young. Urban. Cuban. American. is located in a large corner spot on the uber touristy Lincolcn Road part of SoBe. The self-proclaimed "Nuevo Latino" restaurant is indeed upscale with its trendy, eclectic interior and top notch service. No complaints in that area. Now the food: There was a fairly large group of us so I got to sample many different apps, entrÃ©es, and desserts; however, here are a few of the more memorable ones: Cuban Calamari - not sure what makes it "Cuban." Was breaded and cooked perfectly served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. Yum. Empanadas - I LOVE these little meat filled pastries and had high expectations since YUCA is a "Cuban" joint...meh! Poor filling to dough and size ratio. Disappointed. :'( Whole Red Snapper: The presentation was quite impressive! The fish was fresh, but cooked a little unevenly, with some areas a bit dry. Was worth the original "wow" factor and picking away as it was a unique dining experience. Rabo Encdendido: Slow braised oxtails in wine, served on the bone instead of the meat being scraped off like most upscale restaurants; nice touch and much more fun to eat. They were...good, but my hubby said the ones I make similarly at home are better - of course, I agreed. ;) The oxtails were served with a malanga (aka potato) mash with goat cheese and garlic - okay flavor; however, very gummy. Hmm... Sampled several desserts: All A-Ok, but no standouts. :( Overall: Yeah, pretty much what I expected food wise. Mostly fusion, not real authentic Cuban, tourist TRAP, expensive. Service: Superb, attentive, spot on. DÃ©cor: Neat. Interesting. Would I go back for a $$$ (which it should be listed as on Yelp instead of $$) dinner? Nope. But, the happy hour and salsa night look pretty inviting. Then again, there's no place better than "Mangos!" in South Beach for that! Note: Pay attention to the cocktail menu! I order a mojito...um, what's this? Ordered another with a different name. Again, ugh, muddled and sludgy like a health food "Green Drink." Not appealing. Third times a charm - "May I please just have a TRADITIONAL mojito? - mint, rum, simple syrup, lime juice..." "Oh, yes, no problem." Success!...AFTER I, and everyone else had finished with their meals. Merp.
(3)
Cassandra V.

Great choice. Upscale yet affordable lunch entrees. The guava mojito is to die for and the sangria is great. My friends and I were really pleased with the service and the selections. The Paella was filing and tasty the garlic/mayo paste was great. Do go and check them out.
(5)
Christina S.

The food was really good but it took a long time. The location is great if you want to eat outdoors in the heart of Lincoln Drive. Highly recommend the skirt steak and lobster mashed potatoes I read a lot of complaints that portions are too small but I found them to be a reasonable size.
(4)
Bryana N.

Came for a work function in a group of 12. Service-Poor -Sub-par service. Our server Jonathan couldn't have been more annoyed with us. -my mojito was bitter, I never send anything back but it was beyond consumption. When I asked Jonathan if I could switch it for another version that a fellow diner had, he looked at me like he had NEVER been asked to change out an item for a customer. He shrugged and begrudgingly said "no..but I can ask my manager if you want me to..." -when desert arrived, he brought 3 spoons. I kindly asked "we'll need a few more spoons (a group of 12) because we're all gonna have a bite!". He paused and looked at me like I was an idiot and said "well. I brought you these.". Yeah. That was it. After everyone in earshot just looked at him, stunned, he replied "I guess if you need more you can ask.." I said "yes, that's why I asked". Unbelievable. Food-two stars, average -ribeye was tough. It comes with asparagus and mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes were creamy and delish. Asparagus was two..yes, two..spears. Hardly a 'side', technically a garnish. -I had the special, grouper and it was great! -coconut cream desert was yummy. Nothing to write home about. Perhaps Jonathan was having a bad night, but treating anyone this poorly (let alone your patrons) is not good for business. We weren't a rowdy group, either (not that it should matter). They clearly need more training in customer care.
(1)
Michelle B.

Yuca offers a cool, modern twist on Cuban cuisine at a convenient price and location. Eating at Yuca was one of the best decisions I made while at South Beach, especially because many restaurants nearby thrive on tourists and try to rip you off. The menu is presented outside so you can check the prices and if anything looks appetizing to you. Yuca is a nice, hip restaurant with very fair prices considering its prime location on Lincoln Road. I tried the Tataki Tuna Salad, which is a dish of sushi grade tuna, mango and avocado over a bed of greens. It was the perfect amount for lunch, and light enough to not feel guilty when slipping into my bathing suit just minutes after.
(5)
Monica Q.

I liked this place! Not sure how authentic the food is here, but the vibe is nice and the waiters were wonderfully nice to me in getting my drink order exactly right. The empanadas are so cute and crunchy and tasty. I loved the tres leches dessert cake and it made up for the rather dry beef. Good place, probably overpriced, and not really representative of the true Cuban nature of the food that is all over the area.
(4)
Rodi B.

Best of all is the braised short ribs it's just a good restaurant over all service is a bit slow
(4)
Rosemarie Y.

One of the best in South Beach! I recommend the pulpo- octopus and potatoes. Everything is great, really. You can't go wrong.
(5)
Abisai H.

After analyzing our visit last night, I've come to realize how bad the service was! We saw our waiter 3 times in total. Waited 30 minutes with our plates empty in front of us, and if it wasn't for another gentleman that passed by and took our plates we would probably still be sitting waiting for the waiter to stop by and clear the table. The place itself is very nice. Well decorated with a lot of plants inside, very dim lighting and a section of the ceiling filled with lanterns. The drink selection is pretty awesome, named after catchy Cuban phrases. Ordered from the Miami spice menu. As an appetizer the tuna ceviche. It was very very good! The portion is small but enough to enjoy the flavor. Accompanied by watermelon, it really compliments the Cuban flavors with the tuna. As an entree had the coffee infused filet mignon. It's made dry so I ordered it medium rare and it was perfect. Extremely tender and juice but crunchy on the outside. Dessert consisted of the bread pudding. The size was minuscule! Bread pudding usually comes served hot, this one was straight out of the ALS challenge. It came accompanied by guava ice cream over a chocolate macaroon, that was as hard as the plate and chewier than any piece of gum. For the food I'll definitely return because there was a few other options I'll like to try before I X out this one. But as far as service.... They need a lot of improvement and also the hygiene if the workers needs to improve. It's unpleasant to be spoken to with BO and trespassing the personal space due to the live music. I hope our next visit is better and I can update my review.
(2)
Melissa M.

This is a very appealing restaurant with good service. I have been here twice (first time just for drinks) and had a nice time on both occasions. With that being said, I have to admit that my bill slightly annoyed me. I ordered the Ropa Vieja which was $28 dollars. This was totally fine until it came on to the table. The Ropa Vieja was pretty good. However, the portion was ridiculously sparse. One of my favorite restaurants in New York (Cabana) charges $18 for Ropa Vieja and it's huuuuge! Also comes with rice and beans. This came with a little ball of mashed plaintains. Not one to complain but the prices were a bit extreme for what you get. On a lighter note, the coconut Mojito and guacamole were delish!!!
(4)
Catherine B.

This place is amazing! They have a happy hour from 12-4 and the Mojitos are amazing! Everyone is so Nice!
(5)
Norma G.

I've only been there for drinks and appetizers. And it also was on a Sunday afternoon when their having their "mojito special !!" They're sooo good, reasonable sized and only $5 from 11am-5pm, they use this "nutribullet" blender that liquifies the mint (which I love). And if I'm not mistaken on Friday nights they have salsa lessons on the second floor and then turns into a "club!" Lol . I'm not really a "mojito" lover ( I know shame on me, living in Miami!!!! ) but whenever I'm craving one, I go there!
(4)
Idan R.

In a couple of words: not good. Watermelon Salad with Feta ($9) contained little of either, and consisted mostly of arugula instead. Tuna Tataki Salad ($12) was underwhelming. Churrasco Steak ($29) was a skirt steak that was not marinated and hence was tough and lacking in flavor. Corvina Fish ($26) was deep fried in batter and was no better than your average fish and chips. Except, it didn't come with chips but instead with rice mixed with coconut milk and avocado. I know it sounds weird, and I assure you it also tastes weird. Side order of French fries ($5) was meager. Tried two wines, and both tasted like they had been kept in someone's cabana under searing heat. On a positive note, Frita Sliders ($12) were delicious. In all, I wasn't impressed with this place. I also wasn't impressed by the 18% gratuity automatically added to the bill for a party of 4. By the end of the evening it dawned on me that in many a restaurants, the quality of the food is inversely proportional to the attractiveness of the hostess.
(2)
Alex h.

Probably the worst customer service I have ever had at a restaurant but hey the tips already included so I guess he just didn't care. The servers name is Jonathan b.The food was overpriced and the atmosphere was ok but the mood of the restaurant made me very uncomfortable.
(1)
Emily R.

Dining outside on the patio is lovely. You can people watch the mall shoppers. I enjoyed my flavorful and spicy rope vieja with crispy onions. My chicken avocado and tomato salad was very good with a nice spicy mango dressing. Service is Slow and English is poor so don't ask too many questions. Prices are fair and atmosphere is clean and fun .
(3)
Adrian P.

Goat cheese croquettes and a red pepper field with chorizo...... That is all you need to know
(5)
Christine L.

Great place for an afternoon refreshment. They have happy hour from 12 to 4:30. It is very close to the beach. So after hanging around the beach for a while, we decided to get a drink and relax a little bit here. We stick to the happy hour menu. I had the margarita . Nothing stands out,Just an average drink. I believe it is 6 bucks for happy hour. My friends ordered red sangria and white sangria. They both tasted like juice rather than cocktail to me. Drinks are pretty weak in my opinion. We also got the guac with plantain chips as an appetizer. Chips are tasty, better than ordinary tortilla chips for sure. Portion is very small though. it is a good spot for a relaxing afternoon and they have happy hour at weekend. But I feel it is common in south beach? In DC, it is not very common for places to run happy hour during weekend. Overall, a mediocre place to go if you want to get a quick bite when you are near the south beach.
(3)
Eunyoung L.

Party of 3 checked in for the lunch, 18% tip already included without notice in the total bill. I ordered mojito, ceviche, and salad. Apple mints in mojito was grounded and it didn't taste good. I am a small person and the amount of ceviche was as big as my tight fist and it was 15 dollars. The salad dressing of chicken mango salad was awful. They are overpriced and I really didn't like that they include the tips in the bill regardless of their service. The server wasn't even nice. 8oz coke was $3.75.
(2)
Sutirtha B.

My wife and I were on a leisurely stroll of the Lincoln Mall Road area when we decided to stop by here for dinner on December 26th, 2014. The area is littered with restaurants trying to attract the attention of passer-bys and Yuca was no exception. What made us stop here (as opposed to some of the others) was that it was one of the first places on Lincoln Mall Road and besides, we had been looking for Cuban food during our trip to Miami and the Keys. We ordered 3 appetizers and 1 main dish for the two of us. Our appetizers were the goat cheese croquetas, the piquillos de pepin (stuffed piquillo peppers), and sugar cane shrimp while our main dish was the seafood paella. Each of these dishes came with bold flavors and we enjoyed every one of them. The presentation of the dishes was also outstanding. We had a pina colada each and that was pretty good too. In addition to the food, sitting outside, opportunities for people watching abound and that certainly contributes to the attraction of the restaurant. There are few complaints I have about the place. The prices could have been a tad lower but again considering the location, they are perhaps quite reasonable. I also did not appreciate the fact that they added an 18% gratuity automatically to the bill but sadly it seems to be the norm here on Miami Beach. Lastly, we wanted to order one of the desserts but they had run out of it. All those reasons are enough for me to take off a star but had those not been the case, Yuca would rank very highly on the list of places where I have ever had a meal.
(4)
Elizabeth G.

FOOD - Disappointing. Overpriced. I work at a fine dining restaurant so I know the difference between paying for quality and highway robbery. Trust me. The special Grouper dish was a 6 oz dry over cooked filet with a flavorless bechamel sauce and a small portion of bland, dry rice & black beans at a whopping $36! The appetizers were delicious but all were tiny portions for the price--we had goat cheese croquettas, seared scallops with truffle mash (both were meh. Scallops were small and tough--all portions were too small for price) and the watermelon salad and Cuban calamari which were wonderful. Paella was good, not great, roasted pork in wine sauce was good. AMBIENCE - Amazing! Exactly what you want for South Beach with an awesome live band. SERVICE - Miguel was attentive, friendly and great! He was very kind to my father and brought out a complimentary dessert with a candle for his bday AND the live band sang him Happy Birthday! It was SO thoughtful and special for his 60th birthday. Service & Ambience are why we didn't give less stars, they saved it. Food, and especially price for VALUE have a long way to go.
(3)
Magda C.

Was positively surprised with this place. We had a very pleasant waiter and were lucky to be there during Happy Hour, so we could enjoy decent Mohijtos for 5 bucks and nice burgers with fresh fries for 12 bucks. I liked the outfits of the servers, the music, the general Cuban feel. Not a bad spot in this crazily touristic area of Lincoln Rd. Prices adequate to what you get. Not the best dinnner ever, but very good as for the area full of tourist traps.
(3)
Chris S.

Went with family to celebrate a birthday. Beautiful environment was seated relatively quickly despite not having a reservation. Order the Churrasco with Congri Rice and Roasted Garlic Mashed. Highly recommend I was surprised with thickness of steak usually a skirt steak is fairly thin, but this one was on steroids! Great place for a date or if you're celebrating something.
(4)
Christopher V.

We came to Yuca on 4/7/2015 to celebrate my friends' birthday. We made a reservation through OpenTable for 8:30PM and we arrived a little late around 8:40PM but were seated quickly. We ordered pretty quickly - I ordered calamari as an appetizer and while they were dripping with oil, the sauce that it came with did make it better. Around the table, two of us ordered the Skirt Steak (one well and mine was Med-Well, although the Med-Well steak was CLEARLY overcooked which I wasn't happy about) however I still ate it and it could've been seasoned just a little more, this came with mashed potatoes which were delicious; Two of us ordered Enchilado de Camarones, both of my friends said it tasted great and lastly my friend ordered Pork Shank Criollo, which he loved. I ordered the sangria to drink which was definitely NOTHING to rave about - it lacked sweetness, while my friends had mojitos which they said were just "alright." That being said, I'm Latino and I cook Spanish food all the time - I was on vacation so I didn't mind splurging but I'd rather just cook at home over going to Yuca again. That being said, I didn't find it to be overpriced, I just found the food to be under seasoned.
(2)
Celeste W.

Absolutely amazing! I ordered the Cuban skirt steak with black beans and rice and it was fantastic! They offer chicken tenders, fries, pasta, and raviolis for kids, which was great. Everything was amazing and we will definitely come back.
(5)
Irene A.

We were waking by this place during happy hour and it was one of the ones that was more crowded so we decided to go here and we were so happy we did. Our waiter was very pleasant and friendly as was the hostess. Being that it was a hot summer day we wanted salad and they had many great options. One of us ordered a coffee.. It hadn't come for a while so we checked up on it and the waiter kindly said he forgot and brought it promptly he was very apologetic and even went as far as taking it off our bill... We didn't even complain about it- just a little reminder and a small gesture on his part that really impressed us! Now to the food EMPANADAS we got these for appetizer. They were decent but not something I would go back for. It comes with one chicken and one beef. WARM GOAT CHEESE AND STRAWBERRY SALAD I got this salad and it was delicious- I love goat cheese and I love strawberries so it was perfect. I would totally go back for this. It had pumpkin pieces around it and came with a delicious dressing. I got dressing on the side and it was just enough! The other two people I was with got the tuna salad and the chicken mango salad. Both were very pleased with what they got and would also go back for it! Good place, good food, good environment on Lincoln dr. A great deal!
(5)
Andrey L.

First time in Miami and this is my first lunch in this city. I like this place. Very cozy place with a beautiful view. They have happy hour from 12-4:30, so you can buy drink for half price. Food presentation is great and taste awesome. Server Wenceslao was very professional and nice with us!!!! Thank him and all stuff for good mood for whole day! see you later.
(5)
Daniel D.

nice music and food. we had the filet with lobster mashed potatoes and the watermelon salad. it is not traditional cuban but more of a fusion. the prices are fair for Lincoln rd and the portions are average sized. service was very good and since they add the 18% gratuity automatically I was extra happy with it. they have salsa lessons upstairs as well. they had very good mojitos in addition. well worth a stop if u want some cuban food with a little atmosphere.
(5)
Taste Buds T.

What we ordered: Habana Mojito (AWESOME!!), Classic margarita & Camarones enchilados. AlmOst $30 Much MUCH better than the restaurants on ocean dr both in taste and pricing. We sat outside and liked it there. The staff was very courteous. The waiter, who took our order, answered all our questions very well, maKing us faMiliar with the Cuban menu. Discuss the 'Happy Hours' terms before hand. Unlike what the board outside says, not all mojitos and margaritas are covered under Happy Hours. However, Habana Mojito IS A MUST!! P.S.- my husband, who accompanied me for lunch, disliked the place and the food. He says, he'd give zero stars to Yuca. This mismatch of opinion for food usually never happens between us but today just happened to be one of those days. Good for Yuca that I am writing this review and not him ;) Don't forget HABANA MOJITO!
(4)
Yiara L.

Went to Miami for vacation and what better thing to do then try Cuban food. I had the Pollo Criollo plate and it was delicious and so were the other plates I picked at from my friends. They constantly kept our water filled and the mojitos were perfect. They blend the mojitos so you never got the mint leaves stuck in the straw. Our server George was flirty and fun. He knew he was cute so why not flirt with a group of girls to get a better tip. If it means great service we don't mind plus girls love to be flattered. The prices were not bad at all. I would recommend this place!!!
(5)
nik b.

Awful. Awful food. Awful service. Ordered bacon wrapped dates to start. They came with no dates. WTF? Also completely over cooked and bland. Then came the food. Chicken avacado sandwich. No avacado. Ok. Ask the. Waiter is it supposed to have avacado. She doesn't know. Wtf? No even an apology from any of the staff. I have never sent back food. Never written a negative review. But this was too much. I asked for the check and tried to get out as quick as possible. Bill never came. Went to talk to manager. He finally brings the bill with an automatic 18% gratuity for a party of 3. Wtf? I finally lose it and tell him this is unacceptable. Eat here at your own risk. Update: the restaurant charged my card the 18% gratuity even after I told them not to. Disappointed and disgusted with the business practice.
(1)
Rob J.

First of all, you had me at Cuban Restaurant. I was invited to go down to Lincoln and try out this Cuban place during a conference I was visiting Miami. Of Course! Now it was a Monday night, the restaurant was busy, but not packed. Service was attentive, and decor was typical Tropical modern. We started with a few small plates, the bacon wrapped dates were tasty and bite sized, yuca fires, and some type of buffalo mozzerella dish that was VERY popular with our table. Presentation was superb. I had the special Oso Buco which just melted off the bone, it was so tender. A simple lemon sorbet and a walk down Lincoln then finished the night! All in all, a warm inviting place with good food to spend the evening getting to know new people. Thanks Yuca!
(4)
Cynthia M.

We were seated outside for dinner on a saturday night, which makes for a great people watching experience. Our server was very helpful considering my friend is gluten free and we also had several vegetarians in the mix. He knew exactly what had wheat in it without having to ask anyone (which is the opposite of every other restaurant we visited in Miami). We all enjoyed the food immensely. The mojitos at Yuca are pretty amazing. The goat cheese croquetas were a huge hit-- we ordered two more after trying them. ... I ordered the Churrasco, which was a flavorful skirt steak, but not really traditional (usually it is skewered and sliced). I wanted to lick the chimichurri off my plate because it was that good. I also tried the salmon and it was cooked perfectly. The tuna tatake had a great flavor and I would love to go back for lunch on a warm day and enjoy that salad (and possibly another mojito! ;)
(4)
Biff T.

The food was decent and the decor is nice. I had a paella dish and others did some other updated Cuban classics. Service and price were typical for South Beach - indifferent and high, respectively. On South Beach when you go to a place where they add the tip in automatically, the incentive for the server to be attentive isn't there.
(3)
Jeff P.

Great spot! People watching, food, and service all top notch. Had the pork shank and wife had sirloin. Large portions and speedy service. Would definitely rate at the top of restaurants on Lincoln ave. mall.
(5)
Some G.

Unbelievably good. We ate there twice - one night for drinks and appetizers, and one night for dinner. For dinner we had the 6-hour marinated pork special with bananas, black beans and rice, as well as the black bean soup. The pork was amazing - definitely the best food we had the entire time we were in Florida. The mojitos are splendid - nothing else you have anywhere else will be able to live up to them!
(5)
Amina-Louise A.

Yes it is overpriced and in a touristy area but the food was GOOD! My friend and I shared goat cheese croquetas for the appetizer. Delicious-o! For the main plate I had the stuffed mushrooms and my friend has the oxtail fettucini bolognesa (I recommend the latter!!!)
(5)
Rexi V.

First time trying Cuban food came here for a bday dinner and was not what i expected. i was looking for a more authentic spot to try real Cuban food. This place was nice but not authentic flavors were good in all dishes but not satisfying, didn't give enough food on plate and pretty pricy. Came on a Sat night and they had to seat our party of 8 outside on the side walk where people walk thru constently. The service suck big time. Service being slow on a Sat night is expected but this was ridiculous to the point we were gonna walk away but since it was late no where else to go and we all were starving we stayed. Waiter was not apologetic at all even and kept smoozing with the table of ladies next to us the whole time. Good thing about that night was a homeless guitarist came up to our table and played bob Marley hits and sang for us while we waited which was nice. I had the ox tail dish from here and it was soo good!! The meat was so tender and soft and melted in your mouth which was sitting in a flavorful gravy over yucca mash. i also tried the crab cakes which were so small, and the empanadas which were good.
(2)
Elizabeth K.

For every good point, there was a bad one to balance it out. There were some good food items, but, I wouldn't rush back based on service. We don't get Cuban food in Boston that often, so, when our Cuban friend told us we had to go to Yuca when we were in South Beach, we took his word for it. First glance at the menu - I wanted to try everything! Good sign. Our service was prompt with water and cocktails. The cocktails, however, were super, super sweet. My husband asked for his second one to be "less sweet". The response? Ok, we'll just make you a regular one with more alcohol. This time, my husband's mojito came out looking like, well, a mojito, rather than this weird sticky-sweet, (pre-mixed?) blend that we had for our first round of drinks. The lack of mint leaves the first time around was a dead giveaway. We decided to start with some apps while making dinner choices. Piquolles de pepin were awesome. Croquetas de la abuela just tasted like a cheesy-grease. There wasn't even the faintest hint of truffle. Now, this is where it gets really fun. We order entrees. I get the Cuban Corvina - which has the most amazing rice with it ever and is perfectly cooked. My husband orders the Cerviche Puteria. The waiter responds with "Sir, are you aware that Cerviche is raw fish?" WTF?!?!?! Really?!? My husband just laughed. I seriously wanted to respond with "well, are you aware that it's not technically raw since it's cooked in acid? UGH. I'm sorry, looking around I realize you are in a touristy area, but, insulting your customer's knowledge of food is not going to get you anywhere. Finally, we're done. Then we sit there for 30 minutes after we asked for the check to get it, another 15 after we put our card in, and another 20 after they took the card to be swiped. Seriously. It took almost as long to pay as it did to eat.
(2)
Rayna R.

While the service and atmosphere were quite good, the food was disappointing. I visited with a large party of 14 guests so I had to arrange a set price menu in advance. The servers brought all of our courses out in a timely fashion, we're able to keep track of various drink orders and were friendly and efficient throughout dinner. Given all of the positives, this is not a place for foodies or those with a particularly discerning palate. Our first course consisted of the Spanish Piquillo peppers. Several friends commented on how they tasted "just like beef jerky!" - they were supposed to be stuffed with Chorizo. Then came the mixed greens salad which was drenched in a very sweet dressing. No one at the table finished this course and few even made a dent in it. The main courses (we selected from a choice of BBQ ribs, chicken or salmon) we're all very standard at best. Finally, the chocolate tre leches was tasty although it was served with a side of chocolate ice cream that looked and tasted like it was dispensed from one of those soft service machines at a fast food joint. I wouldn't return to Yuca or recommend it to a friend in spite of the good location and service.
(2)
Jasmine M.

Good place for lunch on Lincoln Road. Tough to compare this though after the amazing meal at Ola the night before. A modern take on Cuban food. The empanadas were fresh fried. The guava and burrata salad was interesting. The combination really worked. The plantain crusted mahi mahi was a huge portion. I really enjoyed the fufu with this. The mojitos were yummy, but not quite as good as Lario's on the Beach (the best in South Beach) The restaurant feels a little upscale and I would definitely return at night when it turns into a salsa club.
(4)
Elizabeth C.

AMAZING! My boyfriend and I visited Miami recently and this was the first place we came to straight from the airport. It was right by our hotel, looked fun, so we tried it out. The mojitos were awesome; I love that they blend the mint in there so you don't feel like you're battling a weed for your booze. It was crisp, refreshing, and honestly tasted better than any mojito I've ever had. I tried the mozzarella with guava and my boyfriend got one of their burgers. My dish was awesome; fruit and mozzarella are always a good combo but I never thought of pairing it with guava! Very mild, fun and tropical flavors, really yummy. My only complaint was there was a bit too much sauce so the guava flavor became a tad overwhelming towards the end. Our experience was so great that we decided to come back a second time and sampled a bunch of dishes. We tried the goat cheese croquettas--I could eat 1/2 my body weight of those--and the guacamole which was standard but yummy none the less. My boyfriend had the guava ribs for dinner and I tried the plaintain coated mahi mahi. He devoured his dish in about 30 seconds so I think he enjoyed it, and mine was full of flavor and perfectly cooked. The fufu--which I had never had before--was so unique and was an unexpected and delicious side. The servers both times were incredible! They were downright hilarious, so attentive, and were great with offering suggestions. They really make you feel right at home; we didn't want to leave and would have come back for a 3rd time if we had been in Miami longer!
(5)
Mama Z.

YUCKA is what the name of this place should be. No Young Urban Cuban American that has any sense of cuban cooking would associate themselves with this sub-par resto that is located on the Lincoln Road 'trap'. Sliders: served raw Shrimp app: Shrimp was raw Yuca fries: Barely cooked Salad: Drowned in dressing Corona: Delcious The wait staff was amicable. Instead of wearing fedoras, the management should have them wear ski masks for stealing your money. Perhaps this would be a much better place if they only sold alcoholic beverages.
(1)
Reena M.

My friend and I were just passing by this place and decided to give it a try. Prices were reasonable for the area and for what we ordered. The mojitos were our favorite in Miami - very tasty because the mint is blended in rather than just used as garnish. We just ordered a couple apps, and were wanting to come back another day for more, but didn't make it down to Lincoln rd again. It was not an authentic Cuban experience - at least with what we ordered- but it was definitely a nice twist of Cuban/New American. The best part - plenty of veg options which we didn't find anywhere else. Service was great - would love to go back and eat here again and have more delicious mojitos.
(5)
S C.

Visiting from San Diego and Yuca was on my to do list. I had the Skirt steak with garlic potatoes and jalapeno chimichurri. The steak was very flavorful but a little on the chewy side, but I was kind of expecting that based on the cut of meat. My boyfriend had the paella, WONDERFUL! Next time I will order that. The seafood in it was perfectly cooked and the calamari was nice and tender. You have to try the ceviche, some of the best I have had. The goat cheese croquetas were okay but not the highlight of the evening. Our waiter was kind of on the quiet side, not super friendly but he was attentive. The only major gripe that we had was the 18% gratuity added to our bill for 2 people? Good thing we had good service.
(4)
Mike P.

Great food and great service made for a wonderful bday! Can't wait to eat here again when I'm in Miami!!!!
(5)
Matt O.

It was ok, the service and food were both above average but nothing extraordinary. I had the slow cooked pork special and it was good. They Aldo had a Cuban style beer that was neat. No wait and prompt service
(3)
Susan C.

Came here to have dinner with my boyfriend and was seated outside. The service took forever. The food was mediocre at best and just not worth wasting your money. I left completely unsatisfied and still hungry. Every time I asked our waiter for anything like a cocktail or a menu to order more food he seemed to forget and not bring me either. The place was not even busy when I went either for the service to be so horrible and for the food to have taken so long to come out and arrived basically cold. This restaurant is definitely not worth your time. If you want to have good Cuban food go to Casa Larios on ocean drive. By the way 18% tip is included.
(2)
Dana O.

Can I say wow?! I had the pleasure of dining at YUCA this past weekend for a company holiday party. After being told I was vegan and pregnant, the owner and chef of the restaurant personally came up to me to create a made to order meal as opposed to choosing a menu option. Not only was this 3 course meal absolutely delicious, the personal attention I received was exemplary and out of this world! I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone, not only vegan and pregnant : ) Thank you for a wonderful experience!
(5)
Kerry K.

Yuca is absolutere consistent with the reviews here. The food was very good and non-standard, although one of the entrees was a bit small (the tortellini). Everything else was delicious and sufficient. Especially the wine (the Australian rose) was perfect. The service on the other hand was average and everybody seemed a bit stressed or fatigue. The service is not at all unfriendly or rude or anything, but don't expect overly smiley people.
(4)
Patricia P.

Very friendly wait staff. Loved the ropa vieja and the empanadas. Everything was really good for the price.
(5)
Sarah V.

We eat here every time we are in Maimi. Always a good experience here and service is top notch. A few items to try are the black bean soup, braised ox tail, and churassco steak. The food is great, you can't go wrong in what you pick
(5)
Kiwami L.

Wen't here on a random salsa dancing expedition.. stayed the whole night! Lots of fun, very friendly... I got kidnapped by a lady who wouldn't stop until I learned the moves :) Cant wait to check out the food in the afternoons
(4)
Janette G.

I haven't been to Yuca in ages but expected to be as impressed as I was last time. I made a reservation before a show to be sure I wasn't late, although I really didn't need to since the place was still empty at 6:30. We were sat right away, although I requested a table closer to the window, but since we were only two they didn't oblige with a 4 person table. Despite the fact they were still 95% empty. Service was great, prompt and personable. They didn't provide a wine list, only a drink specials menu and the food menu. I asked if they had a certain type of wine and they did find me one, but it was very pricey for the wine it was - $12 a glass for a basic wine that should have cost more like $7. But it's SoBe so I guess I'm not surprised. We didn't want to get full so we ordered several small dishes. Ordered the Spanish plate that included a Tortilla Espanola, hams, manchego cheese, olives and pearl onions. It was drizzled with a rich olive oil. I love a good olive oil, however, I don't think the dish needed as much as they put if any at all. It made everything oily tasting and it was hard to grasp hold of the flavors of the meat and cheeses. It's a good thing the oil was good. The dish would have benefited from a piece of good hot bread to soak up some of the oil. Or no oil at all, but other than that it was good. I also ordered the empanadas. Excellent!! It comes with a meat and a chicken one and this slightly spicy sauce, as well as some sour cream. Excellent! They are not big, but enough as tapas. Then come the Bacon wrapped dates. They were amazing. Awesome taste! Great sauce! Some kind of yellow pepper sauce. However, I will note that although I tasted date and it was shaped like a date, it was not an actual date. It seemed to be ground dates with ground meat, shaped into a date and wrapped in bacon. I was initially confused since I didn't see the date, but will say you won't be disappointed. They were incredible. Lastly, we ordered the yuca fries. They were OK. I make better ones. They were soft in the middle, but the outside was not crispy or flaky, rather dry and dry looking also. They reminded me more of the yuca fries from Pollo Tropical. They weren't expensive, but I would have expected better. Especially from a place called Yuca! And finally, the chocolate tres leches!! That was truly fantastic. Now, if you like Tres leches and you like chocolate cake this is the dessert to check out. Sure. they have flan and other typical Cuban desserts. This is not typical, so that is why I tried it. It's not like I can go to just any other Cuban place here in South Florida and get this. It was served with home made chocolate ice cream and a chocolate meringue cookie. Nicely plated, but that sure did not last, as it was so good. It wasn't too sweet like typical tres leches, but the smooth creamy texture was there. I recommend Yucca for a nice pre or post show dinner. You won't fill up here on a giant plate of ropa vieja and the food is not typical Cuban, but a nice fusion.
(4)
Niti B.

This was a great pick to satisfy the Cuban Crave! We started with the goat cheese croquettes and sugar cane guava shrimp..both to die for! The goat cheese croquettes were warm and tangy creamy goodness inside a crisp fry. The shrimp was a bit of sweet, sour and spice all in one. The sweet potato cake that it was served on was creamy and rich as well. For the main course we split the plantain coated mahi mahi and it was delicious! The coating was slightly on the thicker side but something unsual and unique! Definitely coming back...so many more things to try on the menu!
(5)
Jaime W.

My boyfriend and I stopped here after stumbling upon this spot on Lincoln Road. I am giving the place 3.5 stars although my boyfriend would probably give it 4. It is authentic cuban food with a very interesting menu for lunch. They have $4-5 drink specials and the drinks are quite strong but tasty. You should try the mojito. The food is the reason why I only gave it 3 stars and not 4. Partially, this rating is my fault because I ordered the "wrong thing." I ordered the blackbean soup which was fantastic. I also went with the calamari which was not fried well done. I do not like the squid taste and would have preferred more batter with a deeper fry. I think that they were trying to move away from the typical fried calamari and go with something more "fresh" but that is not my liking. My boyfriend would give Yuca 4 stars because he loved the empanadas and also had the seafood paella. The seafood paella was fantastic and I spent most of my time with my fork in his plate:) The service is great and they really explain the menu. They have outside seating and the inside if very chic. I recommend this resturant to anyone that lives in Miami or is there vacationing for a great lunch!
(3)
Andrew L.

First of all I am honestly surprised this place has such a high rating overall on Yelp. Went here for Miami Spice, menu selection seemed like the typical Cuban food with a bit of extra flair. Nothing we ate was either interesting or better than what you get by going to a regular, run of the mill Cuban restaurant. The food itself wasn't even good, in particular for the price. I had a caesar salad which had giant lettuce heads which no one bothered to chop as example or the arroz con pollo was under seasoned and plain. The waiter didn't pay much attention to us, but that was all made clear when I noticed a nice 18% tip was already included on my tab for two people. Avoid this junk.
(2)
Mike A.

Ill start by saying that I am predisposed to assuming that every restaurant on Lincoln Road is a tourist trap masquerading as a "premium experience.". Having visited Barcelona multiple times it takes more than some outdoor seating on a mock-rambla to impress me. However, Yuca did not remind me of it's smart-assed Spanglish pun "Yuck-a," and that's worthy of a better-than average review. I dined alone on a Sunday night (I know... I know...) and found the service to be attentive but not intrusive. Pleasant smiles all around, though I didn't have a lot of reason to ask questions of the staff about the menu. I came in knowing what I wanted to eat, and stuck to the plan. Speaking of the plan, the plan was to have multiple tapas-style plates, and all ended up being good. The black bean soup was outstanding, and served in an attractive way (see photos). Not being a seafood lover, ropa vieja is my go-to Cuban meal, and I had a small serving of that as well. I found the meat to be well-flavored (though I am no expert on Cuban food because I currently hail from the great, unfortunately-too-white north). The bed of mashed plantains that came with the dish were a pleasant surprise, as I have generally not enjoyed these in the past. They were a firm consistency and pleasantly sweet. My final plate was 3 empanadas, which were fair. Nothing spectacular there, but enjoyable. The strawberry mojito, on the other hand, was a disappointment. The fruit was brown (and I'm not talking about the passers-by, who were equally brown and more attractive), and clearly came from a muddling mix. The booze was seemingly non-existent, and the drink was overpriced. Total for my meal was $54. Yikes. Overall, if my family or friends were looking for a Cuban place on Lincoln Road, I would tell them about this place.
(4)
Niran A.

The restaurant's atmosphere and dÃ©cor is very inviting, drawing influences from Latin America as well as Miami chic. I was with a large party so I had an opportunity to sample a variety of dishes. I ordered the churrasco, a Cuban rendering of skirt steak, marinated and grilled, then topped with garlic mash, and a jalapeno chimmicurri. Steak was cooked to absolute perfection, also being perfectly complimented by both the sauce and chimicurri. Quite possibly the best dish at the table was Cuban style bone-in pork. The pork literally fell off the bone and had the most incredible smoky/grilled taste. The pork was served with fufu, a classic Cuban preparation of mashed plantains. The fufu was very hit or miss, I personally didn't care for it but some people at the table did. Aside from the Cuban style entrees, there are also tapa appetizer's including the most amazing melt in your mouth Calamari, as well as Ropa Vieja (pull-apart braised beef). Prices for the tapas are about $13 a plate, while the entrees ranged from $21-32. Portions are generous and you are guaranteed to not leave hungry. Yuca boasts a full bar, specializing in Cuban drinks such as the mojito. Additionally, the wait staff is top notch and really makes the overall dining experience a pleasure. All in all I was extremely please with Yuca, my next trip to Miami will not be complete without a trip back to Yuca for some Cuban food indulgence.
(5)
Tony B.

The food and the atmosphere is nice. Their menu is split into tiers with about 4 prices throughout the entire menu. It's not expensive especially given its location however the portions are very small so you'll end up ordering more. Overall it's a nice twist on Cuban food however the servers are all very distracted and it doesn't look like they really care about their customers (could be because their tip is already included like everywhere else in SoBe).
(3)
Lindsey R.

I can be quite a pain when it comes to dining out in groups as I'm pescetarian, but Yucca made it SO easy! When I ordered from the predetermined menu, our server took note that I was questioning whether or not certain items were made with pork or chicken, and advised me that the appetizers all contained meat and the salad dressing contained anchovy paste - I didn't even have to ask! He offered to bring a vegetarian appetizer and another type of salad just for me, which were both delicious! Fantastic service and the Salsa entertainment was superb! Such a great night for our group!
(5)
David H.

Food was phenomenal, drinks were delicious, the decor was on point and artistic, service was great, and this place has a good vibe. Next time I gotta go upstairs for some Salsa dancing. :-)
(5)
Jennifer F.

One of the things I was looking forward to do on my trip to Miami was to try have some authentic Cuban food. I was very lucky to visit during "Miami Spice" (Miami's version of restaurant week) and Yuca had a exceptional dinner menu. If you love meat, you cannot pass this place up. Their pork is out of this world, the empanadas are a splendid starter and the margaritas are very strong, just the way they should be. This is a great place to have dinner right before heading upstairs, where on most Saturdays they have a D.J. or a band.
(4)
Natalie R.

It's really hard to find a good, high quality, decently priced meal on South Beach but this time we succeeded! I was in Miami for WMC with friends and colleagues and we're always looking for new places to try. We are typically exhausted from the night before and have trouble putting tons of effort into finding the right places. The apartment that we rented was a stone's throw from Lincoln Road, so we often ended up here looking for dining choices. After a quick glance at the menu for Yuca, we strolled in and left extremely pleased. The round of margaritas that we ordered were a little sweeter than what I'd prefer so make sure to request them less sweet for the right taste. My friend and I started off by sharing the bacon wrapped dates - can you really ever go wrong with those? SO GOOD! I wish there had been more, I think there was only three in the serving. For my entree, I ordered the plantain-coated mahi-mahi and it was yummy-yummy. They were definitely not conservative when it came to serving size and there was no way I could finish the large piece of fish myself. It was served on top of a bed of something sweet and yummy - plantain mash maybe? Definitely go for this one! I hope they have it for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant was quiet during the lunchtime hour so the waiter made a little small talk with us. Unfortunately, it was a little too much small talk so that was a slight downside, I would have preferred to have chit chatted just with my current company instead. The best part about this place? The price was totally right! Go for Yuca, you won't regret it.
(4)
Simmi K.

mediocre food, bad service.
(3)
Karen B.

Young Urban Cuban American, or perhaps more appropriately: Yum, U Consume Awesome. Our server was a flirt and knew his audience with three women. When asked for his menu recommendation, he offered to put in a few of his favorite appetizers (after asking if we had any allergies or preferences) and if we didn't like them, we could send them back; needless to say, we scraped those plates & bowls clean (Croquetas de la Abuela and Guacamole Habanero). For entrees, we split three dishes, and 2/3 were amazing. The Saquitos de Hongo (mushroom stuffed pasta purses) was so-so, but the Churrasco (marinated skirt steak) and Plantain Coated Mahi-Mahi were both unbelievable - great flavors, great sauces. The lobster mash side dish was a bit sparse on lobster flavor (but good texture), but the sweet plantains were as good as they get. As a group, we tried a couple different mojitos, which were slightly different than other mojitos I've had before (they blend the mint and simple syrup, so you don't suck straight herbage up your straw), and each flavor was sweet and complex. Outdoor seating was relaxing, but inside was bumpin' with color, people, and life; pick your poison. While we were there on a salsa lesson night, we did not partake. Heads up: lessons apparently cost $20/person, which had not been communicated prior to arrival. When I go back to Miami next, YUCA will definitely be on my hit list.
(5)
P G.

We ate soooo much and loved it all. We ordered from every section of the menu and then ordered even more. Delicious! And loved the outdoor Saturday Lincoln Mall Road dining experience.
(4)
Kristina T.

Trendy Lincoln Road restaurant done right. I am obsessed with the Yuca Rellena. It's a delicious and hearty vegetarian meal. The goat cheese croquetas are also awesome. Great happy hour prices for yummy mojitos and sangria.
(4)
Michele L.

Food as still as good as it was when I came here ten years ago. Terrific food, wine and ambiance.
(4)
Cathy Y.

I don't know if this is a Miami thing or a Tourist in Miami thing, but nearly everywhere we went tip was automatically added to the bill. For a group of 3. It was a little disconcerting, but at least most places only added 15%. At Yuca, we had a drink at the bar before our reservation was ready. The Skinny Bitch was delicious, but instead of taking the drink to the table the bartender insisted on closing out the tab at the bar. Weird, but ok. And on the receipt I see 18% tip is added already. At the bar! When we entered the dining room we noticed that it was only about half-full (8pm on a Saturday), but that everybody was squished into the half of the room closer to the window. Presumably so that passers-by would glance in, see a ton of people, and assume Yuca is super popular. A little strange, but whatever. The food, though, made up for any strange little details. I started with the calamari, which was light, crisp, and came with a delightful sweet/sour dipping sauce. Definitely the favorite appetizer of the table. For my main course I went with the popular Churrasco, and I was not disappointed. The steak was very thin, but still medium rare inside. The mashed potatoes were creamy and garlicky, and especially delicious with the steak juices. Unfortunately, after those two great dishes I was too stuffed for dessert. A travesty, I know... However, I did have a bit of the tres leches and it was very rich and chocolatey!
(4)
Marina R.

Our service was fantastic, the food was pretty good (the media noche in particular) but unfortunately the drinks were pretty watery. Yuca has a great location right on Lincoln Road where you have the option of sitting inside & outside. Of course we sat outside and opted to people watch instead. The fashion statements in Miami are pretty entertaining to say the least. All in all we ordered the media noche, guacamole habenero, bacon wrapped dates & cuban calamari - we were full by the end of the meal and hopped along to the next place for better drinks.
(3)
Rafael S.

Had the ox-tail and tried the pork loin. Others stuck with the filet, etc...Yuca has a great location but for $25+ a plate you can get much more interesting and tasty food at Michael's Genuine in the District. Their dinner rolls were right out of a greasy spoon diner. Bread says a lot, it really does.
(3)
Stephen K.

Went for lunch (happy hour) and the STELLAR mojitos were $5--I had two. Ordered four different dishes between 3 people--all were excellent. No need to avoid Lincoln any more--this is my new favorite spot.
(4)
Emi O.

Relatively small drinks, but food was tasty! They were accommodating and were happy to substitute mashed potatoes for rice and beans. Outdoor seating is really nice and great for people watching. Waiters were attentive but didn't smother us - perfect balance! Would definitely go there again.
(4)
Manish P.

Dont expect authentic cuban food but the food is great. Trying different appetizers was fun and the mojitos were awesome. Very different and really good!! The location is perfect in the promenade area and its nice to sit outside in the evening. Loved my dinner here!!
(5)
Allison S.

I made a reservation at Yuca for a birthday dinner with my mom and sis. It was the culmination of a girl's weekend in Miami so I wanted to pick a place unique to Miami that I wouldn't be able to find near home in Boston. Also wanted to be in the middle of the action to fully take in the Miami scene on our last night. With outdoor seating, a great location right on Lincoln Rd. and a mouth watering menu, Yuca seemed like a good choice. We decided to go for more of a tapas style dinner so we shared several small plates, starters and one entree. Highlights were the sugarcane shrimp, fried yucca and guava babyback ribs. The ribs were by far the standout. Tender and subtly sweet. I could have licked the plate. Dessert was a small birthday chocolate torte followed by guava cheesecake. I'm not sure if it was the 3 glasses of sangria but if it were legal I would have married the guava cheesecake. I will admit, service was a bit slow but our waiter was friendly and we were enjoying the scene and did not mind a little breather between courses. All in all, if you're looking to try a variation of modern cuban food and fun place to share small plates and cocktails amongst friends, Yuca will not disappoint!
(4)
Daniel S.

Ridiculous! Gourmet cuban food is an oxymoron. I did not have an awful experience at the restaurant. The service was very good and they had multiple waiters serving us. However, they are serving and presenting Cuban food like they do here in LA, with unrealistic expectations! Lets face it, cuban food is simple! The simpler, the more I enjoy it.
(2)
Tracy A.

We had friends visting from out of town who were staying at the Eden Roc. They were craving Cuban since they wanted to experience the real Miami. After lots of research, we settled on Yuca since it was on Lincoln Road. We could have a drink before dinner and do a little people watching. The restaurant is aesthetically pleasing. It's what you would expect on Lincoln. The menu had a wide selection of dishes to please everyone. We started with the peppers. They were good but it seemed they had been sitting out for awhile. They were lukewarm at best. The mahi mahi was very good. The spare ribs with guava were delicious. The sweet and spicy guava combinatiion was nice. There were plenty of ribs so I couldn't finish. I was really looking forward to the goat cheese mash potatoes. They were a huge letdown. They were served in the shape of a scoop and were dry and cold. You could get better in the cafeteria at my local elementary school. The service was lackluster. The place was not extremely busy for a Saturday but I felt like we had to flag down our server every time we needed a drink. She never came by to ask how everything was. We waited over 45 mins after finishing dinner to get our check. We had the bill split between couples - 2 charge slips were double. We had it corrected but when I called my credit card a few days later to check (because I just had a feeling) they had indeed overcharged my card. I won't be going back anytime soon and with all the great dining locales in South Beach - neither should you.
(1)
Ian S.

Good food. Mediocre service.
(4)
Anatoli L.

Can be actually 3.5 stars. We visited place for dinner. Food was okay, but there were no exciting dishes. I had a gazpacho for the appetizer and ceviche as an entree - both were okay. People who had Chilean sea bass and tuna for their entree seemed to be more enthusiastic about their food, so may be I simply made a wrong choice. Wine list was quite decent - we had Carmenere from Chile which at $36/bottle was simply perfect (it was very good without any regards to the price). Service was friendly, but excruciatingly slow, and with lots of mistakes. Every time we asked for additional bottle of wine, the wait was very long (did I say "very"?). Bread arrived when we practically finished entree. All in all, it was an Okay experience. I'm neutral on recommending or not recommending this place - you will need to judge for yourself.
(3)
Chris B.

We just had mojitos and apps at the bar...Great snacks (amazing flavors between the calamari and hummus). The drinks were tasty. The lime and mint are pureed in a blender which intensifies the flavors. Definitely worth stopping in.
(4)
Ashley C.

I came with 5 friends ready for plenty of drinks and a good meal. The food was good, service not so much. It took at least 15 minutes to even be acknowledged once we sat down. Our waiter did not seem at all concerned about the delay in our food, either. Our tapas were good. We liked the angus beef, goat cheese croquetas and the yuca fries. However, I don't think we will be back.
(3)
Greg W.

Had a great experience here. Food was great. (Was here on March 5th) Great place to people watch. The walk way is not so crowded as it is on Ocean. Highly recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Katie K.

Super tasty cuban small plates and tapas. Also really enjoyed the mago mojitos, even though others here on Yelp didn't care for them so much.
(4)
Annie N.

Ordered two flavored mojito, they were different. Not for our taste. Server only came twice to take order at the beginning and bringing out desserts. Even he did not bring out the check. Maybe since i'm a server so I expected better for the money we spent. oxtail quesadilla for app, good but anything with cheese is good. We barely tasted any oxtail. My bf ordered braised oxtail which was too salty and you know how people say asians eat very salty. There was no starch except 2 slices or fried plaintain chips. I had the flank or skirt steak, I didn't think there was anything non-american about it. over all spent over $100+tips for a very unsatisfying meal.
(2)
Cory M.

The food is fine. The guava ribs are incredible and yucca fries very good. However the main event is the salsa lessons they give upstairs. After we ate we danced for an hour or so and it's free if you eat there so definitely a place to check out for good Cuban cuisine.
(3)
Christine B.

The number of stars is based on the food and service, both of which were very good but not amazing. I had the sea bass which was good and my husband had a pork dish I can't recall. We had a couple of appetizers which were good. The empanadas were great but pretty hard to ruin something like that right? The mojitos were tasty but weak (maybe for the best). We probably should have taken a table inside. We ate fairly early and sat outside because it was a perfect day. The ambiance on Lincoln Road isn't great and my view was of a Lidz store that had recently gone out of business and a woman with a shopping cart cleaning the sidewalk. We really enjoyed ourselves and the price isn't bad at all, but if someone is looking for a truly outstanding or unique Miami restaurant experience this probably isn't the place. If you're looking for a decent dinner while shopping along Lincoln Road Yuca isn't a bad choice at all.
(3)
Misti Y.

This restaurant can do no wrong when it comes to the food you are eating! I've never had better Cuban food in my life. Strawberry Mojito was the best one- trust me, I tried them all between myself and my 4 girlfriends who were there with me. We ordered a bunch of food and ate family style, and I'm so glad we did.. EVERYTHING was good, down to the dessert. It was AMAZING! And it's nicely located for some serious people watching downtown SoBe on Lincoln. Everything from the Empanadas to the Tuna Tatake was absolutely amazing. I'm just sad I don't live in Miami so I can't eat there all the time.
(5)
Kaylin O.

Its supposedly the best Cuban restaurant in South Beach but I think otherwise. Here are the reasons why: Mango mojito: good I love the garlic butter. Beautiful presentation of ceviche. I liked it. Lobster and beef tenderloin: awesome presentation and looks good but it was ok. The Cuban flavors did not go well with the lobster and beef tenderloin. I prefer them plain with their natural flavors. Stuffed red peppers: I didn't like it At least $100 bucks for all this. I was disappointed.
(3)
Dave H.

Yuca serves haute Cuban American cuisine. It's a restaurant and lounge (with a fully-stocked bar, of course). We went here for dinner during the Memorial Day weekend. The hostess (forgot her name! but remembered she had a tiger tattooed on her chest) seated us quickly (it wasn't crowded and it was later in the evening), around 8:30 PM perhaps. Our server was a little slow to warm up (I may have come on too strong?) but was very friendly to us later on. Our dishes were made deliciously, from our appetizers (balseritos rellenos and piquillo con chorizo), to my friend's South Beach snapper, another friend's ajiaco, another's Chilean sea bass (special, and I even liked it, as it was not too buttery), and the plaintain dolphin. I had the BEST steak (churrasco) I've had in a looooooong time, which was cooked medium rare. Our server (Raoul) recommended rare and I'm glad I (kind of) listened (as I usually order medium). IT WAS SO GOOD. Tender (my knife cut right through it), delicious flavor, even before applying habaneros to it - I usually order a few sliced habaneros on the side when eating Cuban food. The steak was so freaking good that I asked to shake the hand of the cook who prepared it - I was obliged! When ordering water, we received a large bottle of Evian instead of tap. Apparently specifying flat water instead of bottled still means bottled? Speaking of drinking, my friends told me that the mojito's they ordered were okay. We ordered a bottle of a Kendall Jackson cabernet sauvignon (around $40) to share with the table and that turned out much better. Yuca wins the award for "Most Expensive Shot (in Recent Memory)" however, I had a shot of Patrone anejo for the princely sum of $15. But hey, you're at Miami Beach. Recommended! UPDATE: Amazingly, I was there the same night as Noelle Q. and saw the guy who took his pic with them - it was very random - he ran in, threw a $20 on the table, and asked for a pic. =P
(4)
Valerie V.

Delicious. An absolute must experience when you visit south beach. Recommended to us by the pool attendant at the Hotel Catalina we walked a mere few blocks to Lincoln Road for our 9pm reservation. Greeted by name and in Spanish by the hostess (the more tan we get the more Spanish people speak to us) were were politely seated inside since the outside was packs. It's just as well, since it was bustling with screaming children. Not really great for a romantic dinner. After viewing the menu we both opted for the Churrasco. A cuban steak with garlic mashed potatoes and pico de gallo, the steak so tender and the mole sauce the perfect flavor, each bite blended together perfectly. Not only was the food great the service was too. Impeccable experience. Missing Yuca is not an option when you visit South Beach.
(5)
John B.

Dined at Yuca one evening two weeks ago while visiting from California. The four of us agreed that this was a restaurant that respects authentic food and fine, unobtrusive service. It is a well designed space and the evening we were there music was provide by a talented trio which complimented the experience without intruding. It will be at the top of my list next time I visit South Beach.
(5)
Alan C.

This place is amazing ! All the food was super flavorful and tasty. Get the skirt steak. I'd actually kill for another one right now. Fantastic mojitos as well. I've heard lots of goods things about the mojitos in Miami and this place didn't disappoint. The bartender told me serves a few hundred per day which I totally believe. They also have a pretty cool salsa club right upstairs with its own bar. Too bad I'm too embarrassed to actually bust out my salsa moves. The world will never know. The only problem with this place, as well as a lot of places in Miami, is the service. Sometimes you might get decent service and sometimes it's just God awful. When I asked for more bread, the guy actually told me no and walked away. Who does that? My theory is that a lot of places already include tax and tip so they don't care how they treat the customers. Just my theory though.
(4)
Roxy A.

Came here with a big party of 17 we did have a reservation but still had to wait an hour to get seated..the food however, did not disappoint!!!! Lots of Cuban tapas to choose from and great for sharing! The ambience is a little more schmancy, but not stuffy or extremely expensive. Definitely try the homemade empanadas...really tasty with a sample of beef & chicken empanadas. The traditional Ropa Vieja is really good too..shredded flank steak so juicy atop a sweet potato cake with crispy onions. The Yuca fries are bomb and I highly recommend ordering up a side of these bad boys to go with whatever dish you order. After dinner we headed upstairs to the Salsa club; got free admission since we had dinner there. Live Music & they also offer salsa lessons on the weekends. There's some definite pros up there who were tearing it up on the dancefloor, and I somehow got dragged onto the dancefloor being spun around by some Latin Rico Suave. Lol
(4)
D K.

Food and service is exactly how a resturant should be - exceptional. This place makes me feel like I'm in miami! The servers are not only handsome but exceptional, they listen well are VERY attentative, and ensure you and your party has a great time. ENJOYED!
(5)
SE W.

Stopped in for lunch. Perfect spot. Mojitos were awesome and only $5 (Happy hour)!! I ordered the skinny Cuban salad (perfect). It was filling, but light. Very tasty! My husband ordered the Cuban media noche and really liked it also. We ordered habanero guacamole with plantain chips as an app. It was good, but not at all spicy. Service was great from our server, but the bussed stopped to answer is phone and proceeded to talk on it while he was standing at our table clearing our plates. Not a huge deal, but awkward. Great location and good for people watching! I would def go back! Yummm!
(4)
Amit And Fritzi G.

Very average place. We dined here on NYE. The temperature had dropped and we had to ask 4 times for the heat to be turned on outside. The food is okay. Paella isnt that great and is overpriced (standard by miami prices i guess). The oxtail bolognese is also nothing special. The bacon wrapped dates are pretty good though.
(2)
Marie B.

Horrible service! I've never experienced such poor customer service in my life! We had a reservation and waited over an hour to be seated... And waited even longer for our dismal food. I would not recommend Yuca when there are so many other amazing Cuban restaurants in South Florida.
(1)
Katie M.

We chose this spot among many because it seemed refined and less obnoxious (i.e. no anxious sales job proclaiming 20% off). The menu for lunch sounded good until we sat down and learned that the entree my husband ordered was sold out, that they could not give me a piece of bread / crackers / tortilla to go with the gazpacho. Food was fine - NOT worth the price or the arrogance of servers. The final insult came with the bill. Not only did they include sur charge but did not return change. REALLY? How about next time making sure there aren't a bunch of lemon seeds in my diet coke? So NOT ALL THAT!
(1)
Mima H.

Loveeeee this place. Went here both times I came to south beach. Forgot what I ate but I'm sure everything is great.
(5)
Krystyn P.

Now, this place does give you the nice benefit of Lincoln Road people watching.... but you do pay the stupid Lincoln Road prices. And for what? The plates do have a nice presentation... but good Cuban food it isn't. I started off with Guacamole with plantain chips... the Guacamole was bland and questionable. The avocado definitely hadn't been chopped to appropriately sized pieces for plantain chips. The main course was goat cheese, arugula, shiitake little pasta pouches... definitely not Cuban - but good. I had a side of tostones... which is starting to be my favorite Cuban food... but meh. And then there was the music. All of a sudden it went a nice level where you could carry on a conversation... to club level decibels as all of the patrons just looked at each other like what the hell just happened as my husband had to shout at the waiter to turn it down. Strange.
(3)
Randy B.

The meal and entire experience was great. We made a reservation for the Flamenco show and had a great time, one of the highlights of our Miami vacation. The "flan" signature dessert was worth the extra miles of walking it will take to work it off. I appreciate that the service team looks great and that they attended to us well. The entertainment, flamenco guitar and dancing, was very fun and added to our feeling of being in Miami rather than home in California.
(5)
Thais A.

Yuca is ridiculously overpriced, the food is exquisite but portions were small. The flavors pulled through and the creativity, and presentation were on spot. I"ll give them credit for combining interesting foods together to achieve interesting flavors. However, like I said-- very pricy. For two people, who only ordered four items off the tapas portion of the menu and two mojitos the check came out to almost $90. Was it delicious? Yes, worth it? Not so much. Sorry Yuka but to charge those prices for fried plantains and rice it better be served on a golden platter with a my own personal assistant who will jump on my command.
(3)
William C.

A great people-watching spot, attractive contemporary decor and delicious food. A handy place before going to the New World Center for a concert. We had good mojitos with delicious bacon-wrapped dates, average guacamole habanero and wonderful Cuban calimari. The churrasco and tuna tatake salad were good, the paella disappointing. The tres cocos muy locos and mango tiramisu were both excellent as was the service. We ate early and had a window table. It's a busy place so make reservations.
(4)
Elsa Y.

Great location, Fantastic steak. Not too noisy. Reasonable price for a trendy restaurant and quality food.
(5)
Denise H.

Delicious Cuban food. We were there with a large group (Military Dermatologists), and they treated us very well. Loved the lobster and cheese mashed potatoes!
(4)
Mike G.

3.5 stars the sanest eatery on Lincoln Rd. you won't get menus in your face walking past nor crowds of cruise shippers. mostly stylish latins dining on fusion cuban. get the most excellent seared chilean seabass w/ lobster mash and coffee flan w/ espresso ice cream. churrasco is decent but have had better; avoid the calamari. go sit al fresco and people watch.
(4)
Valerie V.

Wandered into Yuca for lunch with a big group of Ladies looking for some nice midday drinks and grub. We were not disappointed! We really enjoyed all the cocktails we had as well as the fantastic Cuban food. Our favorite items were the mojitos, the yuca fries, and the media noche sandwiches. I totally recommend Yuca if you are on Lincoln and looking for some solid Cuban food and/or cocktails.
(4)
Cary W.

Great service and food. Go with the Hemingway Mojito instead of the house!
(4)
Korsan K.

I do not eat Cuban food often since I do find little bit greasy for my taste. That has changed since last night. I went with a friend and ordered calamari($8) , slow cooked angus beef ($18)and ceviche ($18) with 2 mango mojitos. Everything was delicious, serving and ambiance was very good. As the name states the food in the restaurant is little different than traditional Cuban food but that worked well for me. It was light, tasty and reasonable price and size. Will go there again.
(4)
Desiree H.

During a recent bachelorette visit, we dropped by the Young Urban Cuban American Restaurant (YUCA). the first thing they asked, in a somewhat snooty way, was do you have reservations. Mind you, it was on early side and they had all empty tables out front and very few people inside. the service was so so. Food was pretty good, but not to the point where I was like I HAVE to recommmend this to others and I dream about re-visiting this place one day. I ordered the saquitos do hongo- very tasty mushroom ravioli. Most of my friends ordered la ropa vieja. I felt hungry after I ate my dinner- I usually associate Cuban food with be filling food but not here. Bottom line there are a bunch of restaurants in that neighborhood. I would probably keep exploring.
(2)
Lisa M.

Guacamole & plantains yum. Churrasso salad yum. Cab yum!! Fab find!!
(5)
Jennifer A.

Food was not good....(got the sugar cane shrimp, 3 small shrimp on some mash potatoes... really work on this, it was awful) The drinks were over-priced and not very good. Not a memorable experience at all. Went to Paul Bakery across the way to get dessert after.
(2)
Maria D.

Went for a dinner with my mom and we had the empanadas to start with. They were just OK, I've definitely had better. For our main courses I had the Churrasco with was pretty good and my mother had the paella which she LOVED! My only complaint would be that the portion size of the paella was on the small side. Other than that it's a great atmosphere and the service was great!
(4)
Jeremy D.

Had the pleasure of eating here with a great group of friends when we were in town for the Orange Bowl. Great location, right on Lincoln Rd. just down from one of my favorite NYC staples, the new Shake Shack location in Miami. Awesome bar scene and of course because it was Miami in January we took advantage of the great weather and ate outdoors with our group of six seated comfortably. The food was amazing not only in its presentation but in its taste. The Churassco was cooked to perfection, juicy, and marinated just right. Great wine selection as well and the mojitos were amazing.
(5)
Anthony Z.

Not a great value at all. I thought the portions were small and over priced. The place was empty except for the patio seating. The tapas and entrees came out so quickly that It kind of spoiled the dining experience. I don't agree with the auto 20% tip either. Our server had nothing to say... I would much rather have gone to a more traditional, authentic, Cuban restaurant. We had the (1) empanadas, (2) entrees and a few drinks. $120 bucks. Really??
(2)
Mark T.

A decent modern take on Cuban food. Their mojitos are great. They actually blend the simple sugar and mint and then pour in the other liquid. The mint does not get stuck in your teeth! Our waiter was a bit cocky, in that he said on more than one occasion that he can order for us. Kind of a bit disconcerting but also, we liked a bit of a challenge. So he ordered the habanero guac, calamari and bacon dates - all were good. For dinner, we left him to order and we got the Osso Buco (on special), paella, tuna and mushroom stuffed pasta. All were good. Food was okay, mojitos were great and service was good as well. Not all too impressed with the overall experience but I really do not have much to complain about. It was a good experience overall and I would definitely recommend coming here. 18% gratuity IS added to the bill.
(4)
Michael K.

Stopped here on a whim for lunch, and everything was lovely, we cleared our plates and enjoyed our churrasco salad and skirt steak sandwich. Was just a quick bite, and nothing inspired me to make sure I get here again, but seemed like a good bet.
(3)
Michael C.

Cuban fusion at its best.
(4)
Desiree D.

We were a private party of about 30 in the dining room upstairs and service was good. The mojitos to start were by far the best mojitos I've ever had, and I've had many. These just cannot be beat with the perfect amount of fresh muddled mint and simple syrup for flavor. Each table got 3 appetizers and the mini beef empanadas with chimichurri sauce were excellent. The skirt steak was tasty with chimichurri sauce again, but slightly over cooked for my liking and too chewy, which could have been the cut. Bread pudding for dessert was good but definitely not the best I've had, it had a very gelatin-like or flan-type texture rather than moist bread. Overall a nice meal.
(4)
hanna y.

The restaurant was very nice down to the decor of the nearly empty indoor seating to the packed outdoor seating. We started off the night with some mojitos and bacon wrapped dates. We ordered a watermelon mojito, classic mojito and berry mojito. All of which were delicious. The presentation of the bacon wrapped scallops was very nice that I almost did not want to eat them, but I did and I was glad! I'm not sure what sauce they gave you with the dates, but it was so delicious we ended up dipping the bread in the sauce just to get another taste. I got the Churrasco that was cooked perfectly. The garlic mashed potatoes paired very nicely with the flavorful meat and the pico de gallo and jalapeno chimichurri was some of the best I've ever had. Let's just say there was very little conversation once the food came out. My friend also ordered the churrasco and she enjoyed it just as much as I did. Another friend ordered the Guava Bbq Ribs. In the description it talked about the spicy guava marinade. I was surprised to actually smell the guava as the server placed the plate down. It smelled delicious and tasted just as delicious as it smelled. To end the meal we shared the chocolate tres leches. It was a perfect ending to a delicious meal. The cake was moist, as it should be, and we each savored every bite fighting to see who got the last bit. The service was great and the food was phenomenal. What I especially enjoyed was the free "show" we got with our meal. Above the restaurant was a dance studio and we were able to see people dancing as we ate our food. The only warning I would like to give is when the server asks your for water. S/he will ask if you would like sparkling or still water. We asked for still and it came out in a fancy scmancy bottle... uh~oh. BAM $7.50 added to our bill. Normally I would have been angry on their trickery, but I was so satisfied with the meal I let it slide.
(5)
Helen W.

This was the first meal of our vacation. I liked their menu. It was simple and organized. The tapas were $6. There was a good selection. I had the cerviche, fried calamari, guacamole and tostones.
(4)
J M.

All my years of living near and next to Lincoln Road I had never thought to eat at Yuca. I don't know why it just never happened. I just equate it with salsa classes and not fine dining. Went for lunch the other day and was pleased. The server was great and helpful with suggestions. The ceviche was fresh. The calamari was good. The mariquitas were plentiful. My mango spinach salad left me wishing I hadn't ordered it. That gets a sad face. It was missing something. The grilled tilapia delish. Wishing they had some vegetarian options of empanadas. I believe we ordered one of everything on the menu. I couldn't partake in the meat plates. Which was most of the Tapas offerings. But it seemed like my friends were enjoying them. Fusion is right. This is not straight up Cuban. Clarifying for my northerners that might think they are eating latin food.
(4)
Eric D.

What a nice surprise, discovered this restaurant last week, been there 3 times during our 2 week stay in Miami Beach, friendly, modern, very good food, nice salsa music, had the Filet Mignon, The Mahi mahi, and a few other dishes, must have is the mojito surprise dessert! Just go for it and let them surprise you!
(5)
Alex M.

I came here with my girlfriends on a long weekend trip. The food was very good. The food is Cuban with American twists, which made it non-intimidating for us (who don't eat Cuban often). The wait staff was attentive even though they were busy. Our waiter helped walk us through the menu and made suggestions. We were seated outside where there is great people watching. Prices are OK, nothing to get excited about. I would go back if I was in the neighborhood.
(4)
Amy S.

Great service, average entrees. The bacon wrapped dates small plate was good. We ordered two different fresh fish specials. One was over cooked and the other under cooked. The atmosphere is great and the people watching superb.
(3)
Daniel C.

I have walked past this place on Lincoln Road for months wanting to go in. It on a corner with rounded windows that offer panoramic views of passers by. I went here during Miami Spice 2009 and was very impressed. The appetizer portion was small but just enough to get me ready for my main course of Churrasco. The portion was generous and the steak was cooked perfectly. For dessert I tried the chocolate tres leches. I am very picky when it comes to desserts and I tell everyon about this one. It was moist, delicious and not too sweet. It was amazing. The service on this particular evening was exceptional. The waiter and busser had what I call "the sixth sense" The courses were spaced perfectly the dishes were cleared promptly when the LAST person had finished and the water/sangria never went dry. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Luis N.

I was reading some reviews before and some people bashed it for being like another cheesy cuban place that overpriced their food but...i went for Miami Spice and i loved it. They blew my miami spice experience at Smith and Wollensky out the water. I ordered the mango salad (ok), the tilapia (yum), and the tres leches (great). I was def. satisfied with my meal and so was my mom and fiance. Would i go again? hell yea.
(4)
T S.

We traveled to South Beach and could not wait to have some good Cuban food. We went to three places 2 were referrals but this one we just happened to find and try on our own. Location is great; central to shopping and great environment day or evening. I loved this place! We had the Cuban Corvina which is Lightly fried fish and avocado-coconut rice...OMG....the rice was outstanding!!!! My brother had the Rabo Encendido and I tasted the oxtail...very tender and it was huge. We also had the mango sorbet and the espresso ice-cream- it was delicious! The service and the environment was wonderful and dÃ©cor was very clean, modern -loved it! Just wished there was live music when we were there.
(5)
Jordan N.

This new-Cuban is more of a Cuban-American fusion. They tried hard to make dishes out of unusual combinations - and not everything works out beautifully. But overall, a good experience can be had here. But for Cuban, I would suggest going elsewhere such as Larios on the Beach. The sides are a hit and miss. Chayote cole slaw was different - neither bad nor memorable. The yuca fries taste good but slightly different from the typical yuca fries I've had elsewhere in Miami (not sure if it's just me though). The mofongo was sweet and creamy - it was good. If it was my own house, I would add cheese. The steamed vegetables were ordinary and buttery. The plantain-crusted mahi-mahi was okay - for me the fish was a tad bit overdone, but not overdone enough to give it a bad taste. It also needed a bit more flavor. The guava-glazed ribs were delicious - if you like the ribs sweet and not spicy or tangy. It was tender and messy, even in this white-tablecloth, fine dining establishment. It's a good thing they provide you with a wet napkin and a lemon wedge to clean your hands after you finish eating. Overall, not a memorable experience, but still good, in a nice atmosphere. Service was attentive. The average price for the entree around lunch is between 16 and 20 dollars. The dessert looked good and I've heard good things about the drinks. I probably wouldn't mind coming back for that or for the sandwiches. Or for the salsa lessons on the second floor.
(4)
Kanani D.

BEST Cuban food I have ever had. Had a big party and got to taste a lot of the dishes, which are all great. Short ribs were the favorite, but the cheesecake flan is nooo good.
(5)
Angela W.

We walked into the the restaurant and were struck by the music, the artwork and the fabulous Cuban fedoras worn by the staff. We took a chance because at 7pm, the place was almost empty and our rule is a restaurant with no people inside is not a good sign. Having lived in Miami Beach a few years ago, we knew that Miam-ians run late, so maybe the people hadn't yet arrived. The food was FABULOUS!!! We had lamb stuffed pequilla peppers - delicious. Green salad with fried yuca cubes - wonderful. Ropa vieja with mashed plantain - amazing, and for dessert, coffee flan cappuccino - awesome. If you haven't guess, we LOVED this place. Modern twist on old cuban favorites. If you didn't know, now you know!
(5)
Marta R.

Saturday afternoon. The place was empy. We sat at the bar and had great $4 mojitos When I asked about a certain liqueur, the bartender said it kind of tasted awful, so we discussed a cocktail that might possibly be made, and on the spot he created a wonderful Ty Ku strawberry martini. Nice! The 2 bartenders really made sitting at the bar a great experience. Then we ordered the piquillo peppers stuffed with chorizo, which was dense rich and unctious. Perfect as a foil to the mojitos! Altogether, a nice respite from the heat of August!
(5)
Hannah P.

Amazing personal service. The food was the best on Lincoln. I've never had a Mojito that has ever come close to such perfection. Mahi mahi was To Die For! Pricey but worth it!!
(5)
k r.

We noticed Yuca around lunch & thought we would head back for dinner...they played lively Latin music & the menu looked great. At dinner however it was more of a party scene with no Latin music to enjoy. When we arrived promptly for our reservation, we were told 10-15 min wait. Then around 25 min later she said we should close our bar tab. Then it was more & more of a wait.. Finally I got the attention again of the manager & he found us a table, by adding an extra table, etc. So after 1 hour and 15 minute wait, the manager comp'd our 3 drinks. The food was great but in their rush to get others seated quickly... As a waiter was moving chairs over our heads, one hit the man seated next to us! Did not seem organized at all and ruined our experience! I'm giving it 3 stars because they tried to make us happy & the food was great.
(3)
Scott I.

Great experience, ambiance, service and food! Some out of town friends where here for the weekend and I took them here (my first time, a risk when I was worried since there is HORRIBLE service on Lincoln road). We didn't have a reservation so sat in the bar, I had a mojito which was amazing (had a second with dinner :) Great outside table, service was prompt and good. Food was delicious and I was so impressed with the presentation. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Mark L.

The food is fantastic, the service is tops, and the Lincoln road view is a great backdrop. A modern latin restaurant, great prices too.
(5)
Annie W.

Had a ceviche & BBQ chicken sample at this stop with the South Beach Culinery Tour. Quite good and tasty!
(4)
Sally R.

I was in town for ABFF and wanted to take my best friend out for a birthday dinner, and Yuca was recommended to me by a co-worker who is from the area. It was such a great choice! We went in without a reservation and were able to get seated with no problem. It was pretty busy, but the servers did a great job and our main waiter, Danny, was really great. I had the Delicias de Espana, the Paella, and a Godiva chocolate martini. All excellent! My best friend had the empanadas and the Churrasco, and she said they were great as well. She ended up going back a couple of nights later with another friend! I would definitely go to Yuca again next time I'm in Miami.
(4)
A J.

After a three hour plane ride phone Philadelphia, we arrived in South beach. It was 11:30PM when we decided to eat at Yuca. It was delicious. I had a steak and it was cooked to perfection. Also, there was nice seating outside. It was nice to be siting in the 70 degree weather compared to the 30 degree weather in Philly
(5)
Z A.

visited approximately oct 2013. the party of 3 sat outside to enjoy a dinner as inside was cold. the worst aspect was customer service, specifically we were charged for 2 bottles of special water that we did not request. Beware the practice. I thought this discrepancy could be handled nicely by staff. However, the waiter returned twice to claim we asked for that type and perhaps there was some confusion (read: we pay). Then the manager visited and had the same attitude. We were able to have the water removed in exchange for a very exasperated manager. Because we heard there were double charges here, we paid everything cash. The food, while adequate, is not enough to overcome service. Will not return.
(1)
Christine G.

Maybe I'm a complete sucker and ignoramus about Cuban cuisine, but I really enjoyed my meal here during a visit in June 2010. I was sort of delirious from the heat and had been walking around for hours on a work trip...and literally walked up and down Lincoln Road several times before landing my be-hind at an outdoor table at Yuca. Nothing at the other restaurants was very appealing, but something seemed very soothing here. The first table I sat at was near a large table of smokers smoking both cigarrettes and cigars. Since my lil' lungs are delicate, I wasn't having it. The waiter was really very gracious about moving me, and even suggested it before I became obnoxious and did it myself. I started off with a mojito which was pure heaven. I haven't had a mojito that good in...ever. (Keep in mind: I live in Washington, DC...) I proceeded to order an appetizer and entree, both of which prominently featured plantains, something I can't get enough of. The appetizer was shrimp skewered with sugarcane and placed on a plantain puree. Nothing earthshattering, but I inhaled it given how hungry I was. My entree was a plantain crusted fish. I don't remember more about it, but it was also satisfying. I ended my meal absolutely stuffed. The cutest thing was the waiter, who was overly-gracious, and at one point, had to run home because his dog had gotten loose. I found this endearing, and was treated well by the staff that filled his shoes once he ran home. I ended the meal with Cuban coffee--the only thing I could fit in my stomach by that point--and was proud of myself that by that point in my day, I had figured out that it already had sugar in it (had some VERY sweet experiences earlier!). All in all, I'd give it another try! Particularly for drinks!
(4)
Buck J.

Good, solid choice if you are looking for Cuban food on Lincoln Road. The food is very good and the atmosphere is fun. Upstairs they have a dance floor with some serious salsa dancing.
(4)
Molly C.

I don't recommend Yuca. The food was average at best. (Although by the prices you'd be led to believe otherwise.) Cocktails were incredibly overpriced and the wine list seemed to have a huge markup on average wines. To top it off, our bread was served with a side of chewed gum. Seriously - there was chewed gum on the paper that the bread was sitting in. Ew.
(2)
Ivan R.

This place is amazing. The best service around. Everyone here seems like they love working here. The food is AMAZING, great value for your money,not overpriced. Best place I have eaten at in south beach. The mojitos are amazing too. I love this place, I wish it was in New York not in Miami so I could eat here weekly.
(5)
Doug P.

Very good cuban meal. The pollo criollo was very good, the cuban prork sandwich was average. I would go back to explore the menu more
(4)
Yvette G.

Believe it or not I've lived in Miami my entire life and have NEVER eaten in this restaurant. It took a couple of out of towners to get my booty into this fantastic Lincoln Road gem. Had 2 friends visiting from up north staying on Sobe and we decided to hit Lincoln Road on Friday night. Their only request? That we eat some good Cuban food. I'd heard great things about Yuca before from friends so I decided that now was as good a time as any to finally try it. IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! I made reservations for 4 for last Friday via Open Table. Upon arrival, we checked in and were seated promptly at a table that had some prime people watching opportunities. (SCORE!!) Our waiter was at our table in a flash to take our drink orders (mojitos all around- made perfectly!!) and we were also given water without having to ask. (for me this is HUGE since it's not a money maker). We asked for food recs and eventually decided on croquetas a la abuela, sugar cane shrimp and calamari for apps and the churrasco and salmon for my friends and the pork shank and baby back ribs for my date and I. The waiter was friendly and knowledgable as well as super patient while we debated back and forth on who was ordering what. Apps came out quickly and were fantastic. I actually loved the shrimp and I am definitely NOT a regular shrimp eater. Both the croquetas and calamari were excellent as well. Shortly after finishing our apps our main courses arrived and they were also amazing. Steak and salmon were both hot and cooked to perfection (yes I shamelessly picked off my friends' plates!!) and the pork and guava ribs (YUMMMMMMMMM guava) were pretty outstanding as well. During the entire meal a few servers in addition to ours came around to make sure that we were taken care of and that we didn't need anything. The manager, Anibal Vega also came by our table a couple of times to ensure that everything was to our liking and that we didn't need anything which I thought was nice and considerate (SUPER unlike most Lincoln Road/Sobe establishments). We were pretty stuffed so we didn't order dessert, but that's ok because it gives me an excuse to come back. :) Since we were dining there we were invited to visit the upstairs lounge for their Friday night Salsa lessons/dancing. It was a real treat for the northerners who have had minimal exposure to the Cuban culture and we ended up having a blast up there as well and burning off some of those calories. I would highly recommend Yuca to anyone visiting Sobe or any locals who want some traditional Cuban food with a twist. I will definitely be back here again soon!!
(5)
Arthur S.

Awesome! We had 12 people, probably 10 different dishes and everyone loved it! Great mojito's to start off with! I had the chilean seabass with lobster sauce and lobster mashed potatoes. Wow, one of the best tasting fish dinners I have ever had! My wife had Rabo Encendido - braised oxtail - she loved it! They also have some great small appetizers so you can do plenty of tasting. A great restaurant and will go back next time we are in Miami.
(5)
Douglas D.

My wife and I wanted to try some Cuban food while vacationing in Miami. The concierge at our hotel suggested Yuca. It is a short walk to Lincoln Road from our hotel on Collins Road so we secured reservations. With clouds moving in and a sound of thunder arriving we asked for a table inside. Yes, Yuca has outside dining. After a round of cocktails we ordered our meal. Yuca offers the Miami Spice menu which is a select offer of meals a a good price the listing it the regular menu wasn't out of site so we ordered off of the regular menu. When our appetizers arrived after a couple of cocktails each we settled in with some conversation watching the sites on Lincoln Road. I really don't remember what the appetizer was so I guess that it was not impressive but when the main course arrived it was a site to behold. As you would expect at a Cuban restaurant our seafood dishes arrived looking very Miami beach with plantains fanning the meal. All in all this was a lovely place and the service was very good along with the food. Walking up and down Lincoln Yuca appeared to be one of the nicer places that we came across. They also offered dancing on the second floor. From street level along with the windows providing passers by a view of the patrons dancing away you could see by the crowd that it is a popular dancing spot for the place was packed and the night was young.
(4)
Chris A.

good for a reasonable lunch.
(3)
Nirmal I.

Go upstairs and listen to the music!
(5)
Victoria A.

First, I wish there was an option to give zero stars! In plain English this place SUCKS! I have eaten better food out of push carts! I had the salmon and my husband had the ropa vieja....and it was just terrible. Honestly my home cooking is 100 times better. If you want tasty Spanish food go to New York, not this place! I cannot believe that it cost 90 dollars for two meals and two glasses of wine plus gratuity. Now I have no problem spending the money if it was an enjoyable meal, however it was not by any means!!! I am thoroughly disappointed. The service sucked the food sucked. Just don't do it to yourself!!!
(1)
Jay S.

Since I'm a local I've walked to Yuca for dinner many evenings and could not ever get enough of the place. My favorite entree is "POLLO CRIOLLO" which is a boneless chicken breast marinated in tropical citrus juices and grilled. Served with a citrus vinaigrette on fufu with plantain chips and avocados. A few years ago it was a whole chicken, but now its mainly a half, either way you will enjoy. The decor of Yuca is very hip and stylish, yet neither too modern or rococo to where one is over-whelmed or offended. Also Yuca has live music and dancing from time to time, stop by for a bite to eat.
(4)
TASTEITLA K.

I went here for late lunch before a flight back to LA after being referred by the hotel staff at Delano hotel. I am so glad I took their recommendation. It is now one of my favorite local spots in Miami. I had their perfectly cooked plantain coated mahi-mahi with an order of their spicy black beans and my mouth is still watering from it two weeks later. Only qualm is that their iced tea is Lipton-per the waiter. haha really? It's so easy to brew your own house tea... Despite I will definitely stop by again when we get back to Miami! The food was amazing and the waiter was attentive and knowledgeable despite having been out all night;) Definitely recommend Yuca to anyone and everyone!!! I wish they delivered to LA!!! :)))
(5)
Orlando D.

If you think you can dance salsa but haven't actually taken any formal classes, I dare you to make a trip to Yuca on a weekend night and make that claim to a sweaty girl in heels and a ridiculous booty. I DARE YOU. You're going to feel like a fucking idiot, because compared to the average salsa dancer at Yuca you have absolutely no idea what you're doing. Have you ever watched a movie, such as an Indian movie, where out of nowhere a bunch of motherfuckers break out into an impromptu dance number where everyone knows the choreography seemingly on-the-spot and you're thinking to yourself, "yeah, that's bullshit, how do they all know the moves?" Well, that's Yuca. Yuca is like a Bollywood film with better music and a distinct lack of blatant copyright infringement. Speaking of Indians, holy shit do they love to dance, and holy shit are they deliciously goofy at it. Watching a white guy do the running man for 28 minutes isn't nearly as hilarious as watching any Indian movie ever. But you know what, more power to them. They love to dance and the fact that they're so fucking awkward at it doesn't deter them from doing what they love. I admire that. From a distance. Yuca is a restaurant downstairs and a salsa club/lounge upstairs. In addition to having sexy Latinas whip you in the face with their hair as they spin like a dreidel in December, they also offer salsa classes for those who lack the intricate knowledge of la rueda. La rueda is a big-ass dance circle where a guy goes from girl to girl and leads her through the motions, a striking parallel to how Hispanic dudes are in life. I'm sure when you're a badass and you and everyone in the circle know all the maneuvers it's fun, but if you're taking classes it can get a little annoying. I took classes there once and mostly everyone was good, but there was this one eastern European girl (I know she was eastern European because she was really hot, blond, and looked like a sex slave that tried to coerce James Bond into some shit for her boss) who I'm positive didn't speak English and couldn't figure out the most basic steps. She was a smile-nodder. One of those people that you ask a question and they either don't hear you or understand you, so they smile and nod. On club nights (as opposed to instruction nights) they've got some ridiculous salsa bands that perform, and by ridiculous I mean awesome. Don't you just love that about English? Words like "bad", "nasty", "sick", and "ridiculous" end up having positive meaning. Black people are to blame for that. YEAH, THAT'S RIGHT, I SAID IT. Black people have the uncanny ability to make certain words cool as shit to use, then when enough white people start using them they switch things up, but the original word they switched remains for decades. It can take a while for some white people to adopt those things, which is why "funky fresh" is probably still pervasive in Kentucky. If you want to learn to salsa to impress anyone above the Broward county line, go to Yuca. PEOPLE WHO WOULD ENJOY IT: Ladies that love to dance; dudes that love sexy, sweaty ladies. PEOPLE WHO WOULD NOT ENJOY IT: Anyone that's been telling their friends they're awesome dancers.
(5)
Tamara D.

This place is fabulous! We were on vacation and looking for a nice, not too expensive dinner. We stumbled upon Yuca and the hostess convinced us to give it a try. It was amazing! The restaurant itself is beautiful, yet very approachable. The service was great and our waiter, Martin, was so friendly and helpful. Even though they say the plates are "small", the portions were actually perfect. The food was fresh, clean and delicious and, if we lived in Miami, we'd eat hear regularly. The food and atmosphere made this the best meal we've had all week! I would definitely recommend this place.
(5)
Brinda M.

Didn't like the food and drinks. Only decent item was plantain chips. This place is over priced.
(1)
Adrian P.

Well being a Cuban, Im very disappointed at this place. If you want to not experience real cuban food but some kind of trendy typical south beach hybrid of overpriced and lacking flavor go here. One couple at our party found a cockroach in the lobster and shrimp soup they ordered that was about 48 dollars, a little extra for the price i guess. This place is really just a tourist trap. If you want real cuban food or anything close representing that culture go anywhere else. Not worth the price at all
(2)
Emily V.

I haven't been to the restaurant, however, I did go to the lounge upstairs. I went on a Friday, and they have salsa classes on Fridays. I'm a pretty good salsa dancer but these folks are masters!! I was fumbling through the steps the entire time I was dancing with one of the students. The group I was with was overwhelmed and we left to another club. Before you go, maybe you should consider taking the salsa classes that start at 9 before you officially step out onto the dance floor.
(3)
Tiff C.

...Went for lunch one time , had the Roasted Spanish piquillo peppers filled with chorizo, I must say, pretty edarn tasty.. I just couldnt get over the HORRIBLE SERVICE.. Im soooo sick and tired of these Miami Beach Restaurants with the "Im-too-good-to-wait-on-you-YET-Im-a-waiter-Âwaitin-to-be-a supermodel-telenovela-actor" service..umm there's a reason why you havent made it big in Hollywood HONEY! Now bring me my food! SLOW SERVICE, good food.
(3)
Miquel R.

food is ok but way overpriced. do not get Nicolas d as your server.he is a drunk and rude as can be
(3)
Patrick C.

I went to Yuca with an indecisive party in March 2009. We had been wandering around Lincoln for several hours trying to decide where to eat, and when the hostess of Yuca promised us "the best mojitos in Miami" we decided it was time to make a decision. There was about a 15 minute wait for a table, so we gave the mojitos a try at the bar before we were seated. I am not a mojito connoisseur, but Yuca's lime mojitos were, indeed, the best I have ever had. They were extremely sweet, but the sweetness was well-balanced by a healthy dose of carbonation. I'd like to try to say more, but it's sort of hard to get into great detail when describing a well made version of a classic cocktail. Yuca's were delicious, strong and expensive. That's all you need to know. We were seated outside after our round of mojitos, and were quickly met by our waiter. I wish I could remember his name, because his candor undoubtedly saved our meal. Judging by some of the other reviews posted on Yelp, we were wise to heed his advice when he told us that the oxtail was no good, and that we should try to avoid the snapper. Look for a Cuban guy in his mid 40s, with a well trimmed goatee, or hope your waiter is as honest as he was. In the end, our meal was delicious, but Yuca loses two stars for offering food that its employees are reluctant to serve. If we hadn't followed our waiter's advice, we'd have probably had a miserable dinner. My impression is that it is not so much the recipes as it is the quality of the ingredients that vary so highly, so be sure to ask your server's advice before you order.
(3)
kay b.

a first night in south beach and expectations for delicious cuban-fusion food were as high as the beachside sky. yuca proved to have a modern decor, salsa in the air, warm-hearted staff in a gentrified tourist-enhanced setting. my partner's job had reserved the dining room, tucked away with its own private bar for an opening event. elegant and well-lit, the space set a good beginning tone. provided was a pre-fixe menu of cesta de empanadas, various choices of entree (salmon, guava bbq ribs, and yuca rellena) and to finish off with tres leches de chocolate. as far as main dishes and entrees go, the guava bbq was the bright stand out, with a well prepared fish but generally ordinary. their drinks appeared strong and frequently passed to smilng uneasy newcomers who were to warm up to one another over food, salsa music, introductions. we went a second evening without the pretense of a large catered (100 person) affair as only regular patrons. we were originally seated outdoors, but the mosquitoes got the better of us. by request we were seated indoors and found ourselves at a table to the back of the restaurant with air conditioning so high our food lost temperature and my company chattered their teeth during conversation. it was that chilly! regarding food, we had a prominent first response towards the price point of guava bbq ribs entree. $25 is outrageously priced for one smaller sized entree and a scoop of well-seasoned, albeit starch. in new york city where i dine and gorge more than i care to admit, a $25 can get you a touching pre-fixe with 3 sizeable and memorable courses and even more upscale impressions. this was clearly a vacation meal splurge. true story: food tastes better when it is free, my friends! other orders we made the 2nd visit was a calamari appetizer that was pleasing, an order of yuca fries that were crisp and suprisingly not greasy, a dessert tres cocos muy locos--- coconut custard natilla and another go at the tres leches de chocolate. the desserts were both creamy, true to flavors, ingredients, and really a favorite part of the meal. over all, our tab with 2 drinks was on the high end of $80 not including tax & tip. a sheik jaunt with slighted entrees that pack assertive flavors, yuca presents south beach tabs and satisfactory food. [3.25 stars bumped for fast responsive service]
(3)
Ria A.

Long wait for a table, even though we had a reservation but so worth the wait. Great food and good ambience. Loved the ropa vieja, empanadas, yuca fries, and tres leeches dessert. Everything was so tasty and flavorful. Great option if you're in the mood for a nice Cuban dinner.
(4)
Erik T.

I was in south beach for the weekend, and decided to try an "expensive" restaurant on Lincoln. I went there around 5, so there was barely anyone there. The decor of the restaurant was good. However, the bar area near the entrance smelled like someone had vomited. I am glad that I was seated promptly near the window seat, far away from the bar. The menu was nicely designed. It also has a extensive wine list to choose from. Since I am only there for the food, I ordered one of their special 3 course menu. I was pretty happy with the food actually, even though some dishes are a bit salty. The steak was cook to perfection and the stuff pepper was also very tasty. The guava flan though, was way too sweet for my taste. But nevertheless, I enjoyed the food. Few complaints I had- 1) Food was good, not spectacular. 2) My table wobbles 3) They added a 17% tip. I mean, I would not mind giving 17% if the service was good, but I feel that their service was just OKAY. 4) expensive. Despite those complaints, I would recommend this place for those who are just there for a short vacation.
(3)
Rachel B.

We were wandering around South Beach on New Years Eve searching for a place that wasn't blasting stereotypical Miami Techno beats and housing glowing tan "fist-pumping" males... and this place hit the spot. We didn't know what to expect, there are plenty of mixed reviews here, but were pleasantly surprised by their menu, their waitstaff and our meals. It is very expensive - with entrees reaching from $28 - $42 - but, the food was consistently good. And whomever wrote that this place is Cuban is loco - it's Argentinian/South beach fusion. Though our waiter was definitely Argentinian. And the ox tail wasn't bad - it was what you would expect it to be....stewed beef with ox bones. We also were pleasantly surprised with the Sea Bass and Mahi-Mahi, and ceviche (for anyone who wants suggestions)
(4)
Luna T.

Ropa Vieja was the bomb! So was the calamari + mango tiramisu.
(4)
Traci B.

This was my very first try at a Cuban restaurant and it left much to be desired. The service was just plain bad and the food did nothing to redeem the place. While my food was ok- I had the steak- it was definitely not anywhere near yummy and it was expensive. Even my mojito which is so raved about at this place was nothing special. I thought it was over touted and just not worth it.
(2)
Joan T.

I went here earlier this week while attending a conference in Miami Beach. The food is good although I had a stomach ache afterwards (yikes!). It was also kind of pricey. I ordered: - Island Cocont Mojito (this was excellent!) $13 - Empanadas Trio (this was excellent!) $8 - Seafood with coconut based sauce and plantains (so-so, nothing special) $16) I paid about $50 with tip they already added to the check. I don't think i'll be back here again next time i'm in the Miami area.
(2)
Rich G.

I was a little leery of eating in such a touristy area, but, we were there, we were hungry and this looked to be among the better options. Still, somewhat disappointed. The food was just ok and for the price it should be great. The Ropa Vieja had no spice to it, and the server asked me if I wanted beans and rice, not mentioning that they charge extra for it! In all the service wasn't good (server's finger in the soup bowl.... really?). There are bound to be better places on Lincoln Mall.
(2)
juan c.

Amazing Mojitos , the Salmon tartare delicious and the Angus Ropa Vieja my favorite . I will come back .
(5)
Bong L.

Service is definitely slow. Food not bad but nothing memorable. Just gave 2 stars for the scoop of guava cheese cream ice cream that came with the dry tres leches de turron. Won't come back for sure.
(2)
M C.

We visited Yuca last Saturday afternoon during there happy hour. Moijotes were $5 which is a bargain for Sobe, they were strong and delicious drinks great for a hot day. We enjoyed a tapas style meal with tapas dishes being $6 each. My favorite was the goat cheese croquates with carmelized onions, so delicious. The guacamole with plantain chips is awesome, great combination of sweet and spicy. Portions were on the small side, but enough to share if you get several small plates. Our waiter was kind, but a bit on the slow side when it came to taking the bill up. Otherwise, a wonderful gem located on Lincoln Rd! Loved the outdoor seating as well!
(4)
Kathy L.

Yuca stands for young urban cuban american apparently. Sleek white exterior with techno music that lights up with colorful lights at night, so very miami. Stopping by for lunch, I got empanadas and gaspacho, 8 bux each. Everything was tasty but portion sizes are on the small side... I think when you're told "its tapas style" its a signal that you bill is going to rack up in order to get full. Otherwise, my server was great and overeducated for his job. The 18 percent tip is auto included in your bill FYI.
(4)
Mark S.

Should be called 'Yucky'. This place has really gone downhill since I ate here several years back. Was once a great modern Cuban-fusion place that started in the Grove. It's become just another crappy tourist-trap on Lincoln Road, with menus hawking to passers-by. I could tell from the front that it had deteriorated, but I was in the mood for Cuban and it was late so I went for it. Immediately disappointed. Music was too loud and out of place for the decor. Waitstaff was disorganized. They offered bottled waters, but I told them tap was fine, and the waiter actually made a face. The menu has items with several exclamation points after the names of dishes (who does that?). Ordered the plantain-encrusted Mahi-Mahi, which is supposed to be their signature dish. Waiter told me they were out of it, so I just ordered three tapas plates, already annoyed. The waiter visibly frowned again. The dishes were awful, but at least two of the three I ordered actually arrived. Both (croquettes and ropa vieja) were simultaneously overcooked AND mushy, and had sauces that overpowered them. My mariquitas never came (and the waiter didn't notice), so I paid and split. PS - The bar area did smell like puke, as someone else mentioned, which I fortunately only smelled as I left.
(1)
Chris S.

Even before the food comes it's wonderful. The host is hot, the waiters are hot, the guy that bring the food is hot, the water guy is hot, the bus boy is hot...oh and the skirt steak and mojitos are fabulous! Don't miss this place!
(5)
Carlos O.

Way Over priced for food you can find anywhere in Miami. This is a tourist trap.. How can you run out of Flan...
(3)
Erin A.

Sunday night dinner with friends. After we were seated, we were abandoned. In fact, when we tried to get any waiter's attention, they would look down or the other way like they were avoiding us. Finally had to get up and go to the hostess (15minutes) to get a waiter's attention. Then we went through 3 waiters before we even ordered our meal They kept switching out claiming they were so busy, too busy to help us. Yet, there were plenty of empty tables. The food was not bad but very expensive for the amount of food. 2 bites of ceviche for $18 is way too little food for way too much money. And, to make matters worse, 18% gratuity was added to the check automatically. The staff didn't deserve a penny.
(1)
Janet D.

OK, I just have to be mean. Based on our experience here (a corporate group one in the upstairs space), the name fit. "Yuck-a". Our lukewarm food was so below average, and the entire vibe (and music) was so off, that we left at the first tactful opportunity. Come to think of it, this is a good thing...I was saved from mind numbing corporate conversations. So, I added an extra star...
(2)
Carla G.

I really enjoyed this restaurant. Not terribly pricey, and the food was very good. I ordered the ox tails with black beans and rice. Yummy. I'm certainly not an expert on cuban food, but my guess is the menu is as authentic as they come, I would certainly go back.
(3)
Chris W.

good food with Cuban flair
(4)
M K.

Yuca had exceptional food and great mojitos. The live flamenco dancing upstairs made for a fun environment. The service was a little jumbled (incorrect dishes were brought to the table a few times) but the waiter was overall nice and the food more than made up for it. The upstairs area was good for a large group of girls (bachelorette party!) and was exactly the right price point to suit that many people (so many Miami restaurants are overpriced crap!) We recommend the yuca fries, calamari, and plantain crusted fish. And the ropa vieja was divine.
(4)
Keno C.

the food is delicious here and the nuevo spin on cuban food works well. everything that i tasted was on point: the churrasco was well seasoned and tender with jalapeno chimichurri, the calamari was lightly fried and dusted with a sweet chili sauce, the habanero pepper guacamole was served with hand made plantain mariquitas with a mojo sauce, tuna was perfectly seared and glazed with an asian sauce and covered with sesame seeds. drinks were tasty too! especially the mango mojito. prices are not moderate. this place is pricey. after dinner and some coffee, venture upstairs and checkout salsa mia, a dance club where strangers, couples and friends can learn basic and intermediate salsa dance steps in a fun and engaging environment. plus there's a full bar. great for a date or to meet your future ex-wife or ex-husband.
(4)
Tawana Nicole H.

The best Cuban meal ever! Organic,nice atmosphere,quick service, and delicious!sampled the the crab cake, tender skirt steak and guava ribs
(5)
Errick F.

To pricey to enjoy. its definably a tourist trap. I like the view and ambiance of Lincoln Rd but the food isn't a draw....service on the other had was really great
(2)
Rosaura D.

If you are looking for a good cuban food this is not a good place. This is an attempt to do gourmet spin on Cuban food. I ordered the mahi mahi crusted with plaintains, and I got a very dry over cooked fish. I was hoping that the dessert would be better, but I was horrible. I ordered the Josephine flan, and my whole party almost threw up after trying it. After we spoke to the waiter, he made no attempts to bring us another dessert. It was very overpriced and the service was horrible. Pick any other restaurant in Lincoln Road besides this one.
(1)
Brian B.

Went for lunch on a Saturday. Cubano sandwich (Yuca Media Noche) was not available, though they didn't note that on the menu we checked before sitting down. I think they gave us dinner menus even though it was 2:30 pm. Service was very slow and unfriendly. An order for coffee took over 10 minutes and then we had to ask twice for milk before getting something that resembled cream instead. There needs to be an incentive for service to improve, especially since gratuity is included in the check. I would have tipped using some of the change I have accumulated from bar nights. Why can't Miami bars price to reach whole dollar amounts? Crab cake sandwich was decent, though I wound up taking off the top bun and eating the crabcake directly with a fork so I that crab wasn't overpowered by the bread and two thick tomato slices. Remoulade sauce was lacking. And the fries felt more like twigs. Not going back. Hopefully dinner there is better because by that time they actually serve the Cubano sandwich. Spent $15 all in and my friend spent $20 (he got the coffee)
(2)
Jay G.

Great restaurant based on the quality of food and service vs the cost. $5 mojitos, $6 tapas during happy hour (2012). Guacamole with plantain chips were very good. Lincoln Road Lemonade was a tasty buzz. Mojito is a little different: nice minty-ness. Servers are dress stylishly and very friendly. I like.
(5)
T D.

The service is HORRIBLE. We waited 45 min before we had to ask our server about our appetizer. Then he explains that the kitchen is backed up with no empathy. He should have explained that to us without us waiting 45 min before we asked about our appetizer. Then over an hour passes and still no appetizer or entrees. I asked for the manager. He compensates by ordering a round of drinks on the house and no explanation for the POOR SERVICE. The server only brought out one drink. Finally our appetizer shows and the remaining drinks. Our entrees showed after 2 hours. Some of my local Miami friends joined us. The server never asked them for a drink/food order. They spoke to the manager about our WEAK SERVICE. The manager was rude and threatened them to leave. He told us not to discuss the service with other customers who were asking about it. Discovered that other tables had poor service, the wrong food was brought out, and someone's credit card was charged twice. Then the manager brought out 2 more rounds and an appetizer on the house, but we felt he should have been apologetic with a better attitude. This should have been done in the beginning when they were aware of the problem in the kitchen without us going through the hassles. When we received our bill an 18% gratuity was included for a party of 3. The food was good but not good enough to make up for the extremely TERRIBLE SERVICE at Yuca.
(1)
Michelle C.

I am a Miami Beach Local. Worst tourist Cuban food on the beach. The "small plate" coconut shrimp was way over priced and extra small. Worked out to $4 a shrimp. If you want real authentic Cuban do Not come here. Service was also poor. Cleared plates too quick.
(1)
Donald And Chrissy C.

I came to Miami to try some Cuban food - and although this restaurant isn't authentic Cuban, it still had some decent optionsand happened to be near where we'd parked our car. My party started off with the ropa vieja as an appetizer, and it was delicious - highly recommended as a starter. Regarding the entrees - we've definitely had better. My husband and I ordered the oxtail, and 2 others in our party ordered the churrasco and the guava baby back ribs. The oxtail was decent with good flavoring, but not the best that I've ever had. I was NOT a fan of the goat cheese mashed potatoes complimenting the dish. The baby back ribs were just plain bad - they were dry, flavorless, and probably the worst I've ever had. I did enjoy the churrasco steak dish though - it was juicy and flavorful. What really topped off the night - and the reason I'd give the restaurant 3.5 stars if I could (instead of 3) is the dessert. The entire party LOVED the mango tiramisu and the tres leches + guava ice cream. I get dessert wherever I go, and I think this was my favorite tres leches yet. The mango tiramisu was also light and delicious. Overall, I'd say the food is better than average (hit or miss) here but the desserts were top notch. I would still recommend people to give it a shot if they have a chance...
(3)
Marki V.

Yuca is evil. Who else would automatically add a 17% tip for a party of 2. So again, Yuca is EVIL. , , / \ / \ { Sparkling or Still water? } /( / \ )\ _\ \____/ /_ O { Still means bottled } I \_I I_/ I | \_ _/ | o { you human idiot. } \_____/ \ I 0 0 I / o { Can't wait to see your face } \ / _(_ ^ _)_ o { when you see 17% tip on your } | | / \ I V"""V I \ { your check. } | | \ \_____/ / { I know you didn't read the fine } | | / \ ) = ( / \ { print. } | | / \ _/ \ = / \ _/ \ Lets talk about food before getting back to evil. Sampled three appetizers: 1. Yuca Ceviche [$15.95]: With grouper and lobster. It was all beautifully presented but completely overcooked. 2. Guava Shrimp [$12.95]: Sugar cane skewered shrimp not jumbo but medium sized shrimps. Shrimp was not bad but the side of West Indian sweet potato cake was boring. 3. Tamale de Caracol [$12.95]: Conch in a Cuban fresh corn tamale served with a conch escabeche. Excellent dish. Still water is bottled Evian [$7.50]. Mojitos range from $14 - $16 and Presidente is $7. Bye bye EVIL, hope you are happy with your forced 17% tip.
(1)
Julie S.

Yucky! Paella was chock full of chewy, frozen shrimp, calamari, clams and scallops. My friend had the mahi, which had also been frozen and was dry as a piece of cardboard. Now, let's get to the service...the waiter was far less than enthusiastic, and barely responded to our questions. It appeared as if he may have had somewhere better to be. Just to be fair, we did have the empanadas, which were very tasty, and the only bright spot in this dining experience.
(2)
Anthony G.

Good Cuban food. A bit overpriced, but what do you expect for South Beach. The service was the best I experienced on South Beach in a long time! Bonus..... Ox Tails!!
(4)
Victoria G.

We couldnt be happier with this place, loved the food prices are a bit high but not really when you consider the fact that you are on lincoln road. Try the Cuban Bitch cocktail- it will make your night! The tapas are wonderful and the pork entree was out of this world, never made it to dessert, too full. One of the few Lincoln rd restaurants where I would consider sitting inside and missing out on people watching because it is so nice inside. We will be back.
(5)
T. Lee S.

Great location and staff. The food is a little heavy. Perhaps this is just Cuban style?
(3)
Stricky T.

I arrive in Miami and I need a mojito...............Yuca has the best.........they add a special touch..............a piece of sugarcane.............I have never seen anyone do this......The meals are truly special and artistic. They have this special seafood bowl..............oh.............lush and lovely...............
(4)
Korey B.

Ate here during the week for a late lunch and I was thoroughly impressed with the venue, the service, the drinks and the food. Everything tasted fresh and the prices werent too bad. I will definitely stop in again on my next trip.
(4)
Peter R.

Critics Say: SKIP IT! Service awful! Very Pricey ($24 plates for 3 Pieces of Oxtail and a small "ice cream scoop-size of mash) Food was good (churrasco, great) and satisfying! Portions were good and just enough. We had to complain to Manager since they took forever to bring us the second bottle of wine and protested about bringing us more butter when we asked them. Overall, ok. Nothing to write home about. We skipped the desert!
(2)
Kristen R.

amazing mojitos--they blend the mint and they are phenomenal. ropa vieja was very tasty.
(5)
Kelly K.

While in Miami on business two of my coworkers and I visited Yucca after hearing it was the best Cuban restaurant in Miami. Our server was sweet and cute but not very smart. Most of the wines were Spanish and we had only heard of one of them so we asked for the sommelier and got a blank stare. After a few failed attempts at explaining what we wanted, we asked for the restaurant manager. What a brilliant move! The manager was well versed in the wines she had on the menu and helped us decide between two of the wines we were considering and how they would compliment the dishes we had chosen. Not only did and we have one of the best meals I can remember but also one of the most incredible wines ever. It was a little pricey but coming from someone who is not a fan of Cuban food, it was well worth it!!
(4)
Robert F.

The food was not very good and the service was even worse. Our waiter was too busy to give us the time of day and I even watched another waiter use the bathroom and then not wash his hands. We were very disappointed!
(2)
Teresa T.

We made reservations for 9 of us on a Friday night. The table we sat at felt semi private as there were a line of plants that surrounded us, and the fedora wearing waiters made me giggle. The food was good - three of us split the plantain crusted mahi mahi, yuca fries, garlic mash, ceviche puteria and I think the sugar cane shrimp. Tasty food but not memorable in terms of taste. Presentation was thumbs up though. As for the bad, there is a $5 splitting fee and the drinks started out fantastic but then as the restaurant became busier they decreased in quality and size. My friend ordered her first drink which came in a tall glass and then ordered a second one - same drink - which came in a flute glass. We asked the waiter but he told us they were the same size... I as well ordered a mixed drink which came from a barrel that sat for a few days to give the mixture its sweetness. The first was awesome and when I ordered the second it tasted horrible. We asked the bartender about this and he told us that the barrel the second drink came from did not get to sit out like the first drink had but did nothing to fix the situation and still charged us the $14.
(2)
Carla B.

I went only once, but I liked it. A little pricey, but the food was good. They used to also have salsa lessons on the top floor -- not sure if they still do.
(3)
Jane P.

Interesting area - good people watching Expected better spiced food but got run of the mill entrees Mimosas were average at best.
(2)
Gopi V.

We had a great time tasting Cuban food for first time. The calamari, Chilean sea bass, & snapper were very well done with complementary sauces. The chocolate icecream dessert was savory and delicious.
(5)
Lolly D.

Reading the other recent reviews, I'd wonder if we ate at the same restaurant! Our experience was excellent on a Monday night, early. My Mojito was the best I've ever had. The sea bass was excellent, as was the service. We shared a Tres Leches dessert and it was worth a trip back. Perhaps our standards are not as high as the others who wrote reviews, but I have no qualms about rating this restaurant as one of the best!
(5)
Jon W.

Food was good but more on the safe or touristy side. We had the churrasco which was perfectly cooked but came with more of a tomato sauce than a true chimichurri sauce. The empanadas were very good and the seafood tapas was good as well except the fish needed a bit more salt. Overall a safe but nit particularly inspiring meal but given the price I would recommend passing.
(3)
Sharie B.

Attended the Social Venture Capital and Enterprise conference this week at the MB Convention Center. Yuca had arranged price fix menus for lunch to allow attendees to have roundtable discussions. A sustainable organic menu was available to us and despite the craziness of the crowd the meal was perfectly organic. The food and choices were perfect. A great sustainable business to support.
(4)
Christine V.

Awesome and amazing service. Food was ok, good but not amazing. Serviceable. To be honest, I can't even remember what I ate so I don't deem the food as memorable. It's located on Lincoln Ave. which is great for people watching.
(3)
Matthew S.

Swung through here while wandering Lincoln Ave. for lunch and was pretty happy overall. The service was excellent, even dining outside with a crowd. My table went through a few different kinds of mojitos, which were a bit unique in that they were thicker than a traditional cocktail, probably blending the lime and sugar with a blender before adding. Not bad, but I wasn't a huge fan. For the lunch menu, the servings were more than enough per person, and having an app for your lunch actually was fine for the ladies at our table. Heads up: 'The Daily Special" is code for "The Most Expensive Things on the Menu". I realize that happens sometimes, but not universally. I had a crusted Chilean Sea Bass which was great, but the price knocked me over. The Cesta de Empanadas were also pretty good. Overall, worth a stop, but be prepared for a hefty price tag for a casual lunch (we dropped over $200 for 4, and two had apps).
(4)
Rob D.

Tremendous stuff - I've been here a few times now (every time I go to Miami), and the food is always top of the charts. (Feel like getting messy, btw? Check out the cuban BBQ ribs.) The sea bass is amazing, as are the rest of the goodness' here. The cocktails are also top shelf, and they make whatever esoteric drink you through at them with aplomb. (Uh, skillfully - not with - uh - an actual plum.) ...and, sit outside, you get one hell of a floor show as everyone struts their bikini'ed and muscle-shirted ass and abs walking up and down Lincoln. ...this trip coincided with "hip hop weekend" on South Beach - so I get triple points for the outside floor show.
(4)
Greg Z.

We weren't impressed with the food, atmosphere or service. It was mediocre at a premium price. Of the dinners we had on our vacation this was the least favorite. The restaurant also just didn't feel 100% clean. I would not suggest it to a friend, try your luck else where.
(2)
Rick G.

Overpriced as with many places on Lincoln. Go to Balans if you want to enjoy the atmosphere of Lincoln Road, go to a real Cuban place if you want Cuban food (like David's Cafe of Puerta Sagua). Nice looking place but food and drink both a disappointment.
(2)
Feed Me N.

Had dinner here over the past wknd while visiting Miami. Surprisingly on a Friday night around 9:30 pm, the place was not packed at all. Friends and I ordered a bunch of appetizers which satiated our hungry appetities. The dip was fresh, the bread was warm, the empanadas were good, and the shrimp appetizer was incredibly yummy and flavorful w a tinge of spicy kick. If you go, def get the shrimp and def do not offer to share it with anyone. For entree, I ordered the braised oxtail and asked for my manchego cheese mashed to be substituted for lobster mash. Hello, lobster mash! Chunky bits of lobster meat and my fave veggie in the world = delish! The oxtail was good but a bit difficult to get off the bone. Everyone else enjoyed their dishes as well and service was good. Coming from NYC (yes we're food snobbies), I was very happy with my meal and highly recommend it!
(4)
Nicole B.

I really love this spot- Great piquillo peppers, rabo encendido, key west napoleon dessert, and cuban rice pudding. One of my favs.
(4)
Athena M.

While visiting, I made a reservation...people think this is the best place...they obviously haven't had mexican food cause I was not impressed with this place. Drinks were really good though. But pricey
(3)
Victor L.

I was down in South Beach last weekend and it was the second time I had been to Yuca. The restaurant is exactly as it was the first time I went: tables available outside, entrance has a beautiful bar with lots of liquor stacked on its shelves, dining room to the right of the entrance. The highlight to the meal was the drink. I had a Passion Fruit Mojito (a rather feminine drink, I know, however a regular mojito did not sound appealing at the time). The drink was well mixed with rum, simple syrup, and passion fruit juice and it comes garnished with a slice of pineapple. The meal started with beef empenadas and fried calamari which were very well made and worth the 8-10 bucks per dish. The entree was orginally suppose to be a Snapper on top of avocado/coconut milk rice, but instead I received a Mahi Mahi tuna on top of a yuca mash. The Mahi Mahi was breaded and moist, while the yuca mash was alright (I'm not the biggest fan of yuca). Since the waiter messed up my order, he brought out a side dish of the avocado/coconut rice which was great. In the end, it is a restaurant that is worth trying. I wouldn't make it a regular place, especially in these turbulent times (about 300 bucks for four people), but a good try for the first time. The service is good, but they tend to have thick ethnic accents so be prepared to repeat yourself a few times. The demographic of people in the restaurant is pretty well rounded and the bathrooms are clean and tidy.
(3)
Frances R.

Whatever you do, don't go to "Miami Spice" at this restaurant. The waiters will think you are a worthless cheapskate, and treat you as such for the entire duration of your meal
(1)
Jennifer S.

Miami #5 (if you wanna get your quick fix on a treat, check my next review..) *** if you've never been to sobe, or florida by all means, take this from me ... you MUST try cuban food ... and if you've never been to south beach, make sure to explore lincoln rd, with the lil small shops and stuff.. lincoln rd in sobe = 3rd street promenade in santa monica. well, since i was in fl, eating cuban food was a MUST*. YUCA ... what a semi upscale, shmancy lil place ... i guess i ordered something NOT as authentic since i ordered the ribs ... but know what? they had a side of yuca fries which were HELLA good. did you hear me? you MUST get their "GUAVA BABY BACK RIBS" for $16. yes, for lunch, it was good .. they aren't cheap about their portions either ... you get 6 huge chunks of ribs, marinated perfectly, and cooked well... side of 8 yuca fries which i wish they gave more of, and cole slaw which was weak. nice touch to the meal though. unfortunately, he was sick, so i was the only one eating... hahah. nonetheless, prepare to eat those ribs *animal style* RAWR! and get down, and get your hands all messy.. talk about monkey style (ooga booga)... so i hear they offer salsa lessons on friday, check it out!!!
(5)
anamaria i.

We want there for lunch 2 days ago. The service was horrible. We ordered tapas, and it took a long time, although the place was quasi-empty. I wonder how long will it take for entrees. They never came back to refill my water. They did ask 3 times if people wanted another beer, though. The check came a long time after we asked for it. The food was not bad, but very little for the price. Tapas cost $8, and some are good (I liked the empanadas and the guacamole). The goat cheese and the dates seemed way overpriced. Not returning to this one.
(2)
Edgar S.

YUCA is a nice restaurant on Lincoln Ave. I think they have SALSA Lessons in the evening. When I walked in I was not aknowledged by the Main Host and was ignored for a good 3 minutes (basically stood in front of the main host and seemed to that I was invisible until another person came to help ). I had a reservation. Service from my Waiter was incredible SUPERB!! very attentive and never intrusive so profesional. He answered all the questions I had and asked for his recommendation of what was the best. I had the Churrasco ( good ) with Losbter Mash ( great ) and Pico De Gallo (mediocre) overall B+. The food was well above average not incredible but well above average. Unfortunately, I had to go by myself but I could see this place being a great place to have Tapas while drinking I think the EMPANADAS would be really good. I would normally give a place like this a 4* but the manager seemed really unprofessional the way he treated his staff. I saw him give attitude and snap his fingers at the staff three times. Anywho Would defenetly Come back again! This restaurant is great if you want to PEOPLE WATCH even if you sit indoors :)
(3)
Amy C.

I had a delightful experience at Yuca. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and professional. I dined outside and received prompt and courteous service and delicious gourmet Cuban food. I had the plaintain encrusted dolphin fish and ceviche. Both were extremely fresh, creative and flavorful. The mango mojito I had was the best I've ever tasted. I highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)
Rachel P.

On a recent trip to Miami, two friends and I wanted a decent dinner out. Yuca fit the bill and then some. No one warned us that Miami Beach dies on Sunday night...it was dead. At one point we were the only table in the restaurant, and that was around 8 p.m. Kind of a surprise, but the service was never really irritating or overbearing. Our waiter was helpful, giving us some suggestions and his personal opinions. I had the South Beach Snapper, a butterflied, semi-boneless snapper that was lightly fried, then stuffed with a DELISH concoction of avocado rice, plus some sort of chili tomato sauce on the plate. I am a big fish person, and I loved this. My friends also tried it and loved it. Another friend had the Churrasco, a marinated skirt steak with mashed potatoes, and the other had the sesame crusted tuna, which felt a little out of place at a Cuban restaurant, but was good nonetheless. One of the random highlights was the fresh-baked warm rolls and the whipped compound butter, which tasted like it had lime and garlic in it... I loved that butter, and I work marketing margarine for a living! Dessert was unbelievable. A "Key West Napoleon" was recommended by the waiter, and he did not steer us wrong. Flaky puffed pastry, layered with key lime cream and whipped cream, with a little side of dulce de leche ice cream stacked on a light little meringue. SOOOOOOO yummy. Service was great....wine was good. All in all, a delightful visit.
(4)
Noelle Q.

We had an incredibly interesting experience here- it was my friend's birthday and while we were singing "Happy Birthday" and the cake was brought over, a guy ran in from outside, threw my friend a $20 and then insisted on taking a picture with her. It was awesome. Now, for the food, the plantain mahi-mahi was amazing, the ravioli was great, and the mojitos were the best I had in South Beach. The dulce de leche cake was phenomenal.
(4)
Jerry O.

Great food. Mediocre service. Watery Mojitos.
(3)
Danielle B.

Great cuban. I liked the yuca fries and the sugar cane in my faux-jito.
(3)
Pete K.

This is Cuban food dressed up for an American audience. We went with a group of 9, no reservation, and got right in. The food was excellent. I had a seared ahi tuna steak that knocked my socks off. If you're strolling down Lincoln Road and get hungry, check this place out.
(4)
Trish H.

The night was a wonderful experience.. Small live authentic Cuban band playing great songs. Our choice of apps wasn't the best, guacamole wasn't as fresh as I like and empanadas beef was better than chicken. Entrees were amazing I had Ropa Vieja and my husband had the churassco Really delicious. To end the evening mango tiramisu was absolutely amazing ! We loved this place, fairly priced too.
(4)
El E.

Subpar food for ridiculous prices. Only reason this restaurant gets 3 stars is for the ambience and great service. Wish the food was reflective of the environment. I ordered the frita sliders and yuca fries which were good but the rest of my party ordered steak or some form of steak which was way over cooked. All in all great service and ambiance but highly doubt I'd choose here for dinner again.
(3)
Erin F.

Average. I ate here with a friend as we were short on time and chose it as it was close by. The chicken salads were pretty average, my friends came out with out the chicken at first, our drinks orders never came. It wasn't very busy and the menu is limited so they should've been more on their game. I think this place is a bit of a tourist trap and wouldn't come back.
(2)
John Z.

Nice looking restaurant, seemingly popular for lady groups having dinners/celebrations, nice ambience. Piquillo peppers stuffed with smoked flavored meats is superb, mahi mahi is a bit on the drier side. With a little twist and a tad more detail, this could be the best place on Lincoln road. Salsa lessons for $40/two and dancing after the lesson.
(4)
Jenn M.

This place is cute and romantic! I suggest sitting outside to enjoy the weather and to people watch. We came here for dinner and sat outside. We had empanadas to start with. Loved the chimichurri sauce to dip it in! The empanadas were small but tasty.I had the plantain coated mahi mahi which was delicious! The star of my dish was the fufu which is like plantain mashed potatoes! I loved it!!! I would love to recreate this dish! I enjoyed this place very much and would recommend trying it out!
(4)
Deborah P.

The restaurant itself is lovely and very representative of Miami with its beach Latin vibe and casual but stylish deco feel. The friendly and attractive waitstaff welcome you in their Panama hats and the music is on point with spicy Latin rhythms and photos murals of Latin bands. The Mojitos are excellent with a green hue of blended mint which I though I would not like but did. The problem here is that the food is just ordinary in every way. The ceviche was over marinated and even had the texture as if it had been first cooked. The only flavor was lemon without any presence of a complimentary seasoning or even a drizzle of olive oil to balance the extreme tartness. The guacamole was lacking flavor and not fresh and it has turned the brown color and again, not much seasoning. The salad which touted yuca croutons merely had a few slivers of tasteless boiled yuca and the Spanish plate of jamon Serrano with chorizo and manchego were just ok. The stars of the show were the sliders with bits of chorizo and nice buns and the lobster mashed potatoes were out of this world. I would have never ordered it but has some of my husband's and wish I had! I think the filet mignon on with the lobster mashed plus the lobster add-on would be my next selection there.
(3)
Aida P.

The live salsa music was authentic and pure cllassic, the atmosphere was so Miami and tropical. The food was fabulous, tuna chino latino was what our waiter Jonathan had recommended plus the red pepper stuffed with chorizo, delicious! Food was perfect and light not too heavy. And the classic Mojitos was spectacular. Overall the service, ambiance and meal were great!! ....Edel Perez
(5)
Jacie N.

Came here for happy hour on a Saturday. They have some really interesting and yummy drinks! Everyone I was with enjoyed their drinks and we had fun trying different ones. Their mojitos are not made in the traditional way (with whole mint leaves slightly muddled), they seem to be blended or something. There aren't actually whole mint leaves, and they're frothy on top. I REALLY liked it actually! And you don't have to worry about mint leaves stuck in your teeth ;]
(4)
Tony S.

Mediocre food. A/C didn't seem to be working properly. Waitress was abrasive. We arrived about 4pm on a Sunday, pretty slow. The place was not even 1/4 full. She kept saying she would come back when there was a pause to breathe while we were ordering. She only came to the table once while we were eating. I wont return.
(1)
Jeannie R.

Dayron, our phenomenal bartender at YUCA (Young Urban Cuban American), was most professional and efficient at this Miami hot spot. Great food, entertainment and great drinks make for a most delightful Happy Hour and dinner experience. Don't miss the weekend entertainment starting at 7pm. Mojitos and white sangria, also stuffed peppers with chorizo and cheese, along with bacon wrapped dates- make the perfect afternoon delight. This is a must visit at 501 Lincoln Road, Miami.
(5)
Alfredo P.

Waitress was rushing us, she did not give us time to properly decide what to eat. Horrible service. Then she messed up the credit cards and got my card blocked, horrible waitress and so rude.
(1)
Lis C.

Save your money this place doesn't worth it!! Very expensive food I could do it better at home.
(1)
Jennie C.

I regret going to this place. Granted it was NYE, but I have NEVER had such HORRIBLE service. My friends and I were in town for the holidays, and we were mesmerized by its "hip, urban, modern" look. "I'm sorry. You guys will have to sit outside. Inside tables are reserved for NYE." Okay. Our waiter comes out. We all order a round of their mojitos, which were good. Then it goes all downhill from there. Not only does our waiter disappear. We also noticed a table of 4 who were seated after us and were eating before we did! We ordered our entrees, and about 20 minutes later, the waiter tells me my entree is gone. He didn't even apologize and just handed me the menu. RUDE. Everyone's dish comes out another 20 minutes later. And where's mine? Not there! My meal doesn't come out until after all my friends have finished. Do you know how awkward it is to be eating alone while everyone is just talking? Not once did the waiter come check on us or refill our drinks. When my friend went inside to find our waiter to get water, the waiter told him "You already have water." OH NO HE DIDN'T. My party thought of several reasons why...maybe it was backed up, maybe it was crazy for NYE, but nothing could explain why our waiter was so rude to us. All of us have worked in the service industry, so we know when to apologize, even if it's not our fault. FYI, if you have a big party like mine (of 6), you don't have to tip. We demanded our check without gratuity. Sorry, I'm not sorry.
(1)
Carey F.

The dishes are well plated. The presentation is nice! But, the food is low quality and overpriced. Not a good combination. I had to send my entree back because it was disgusting (plantain crusted mahi-mahi). It took over 10 minutes for my server to even address me after delivering the food, and the manager made sure to explain to me that the fish was tough because it was prepared that way... ok... Mahi should never be TOUGH if it is fresh! Rude. Overall, the food was not worth it. I had 2 glasses of wine & my fiancÃ© 2 beers, we shared I think 4 appetizers and our bill was over $130 plus included 18% gratuity. First and last time.
(2)
Amanda S.

Food was decent. I would have liked a little more fusion. You pay more for the location here. Try the avocado coconut rice and yuca rellena this was my fav! Service was decent.
(3)
Gabby V.

Our first time in Miami and never had Cuban food. We tried the Vaca frita and dessert the coffee ice cream it was delicious. ..I will definitely go back.. the only thing I didn't know was that they add gratuity automatically. . And they don't say anything about it but other than that it was amazing food and a pleasant restaurant
(5)
Danny B.

There is a reason Yuca has been around as long as it has. The food, drinks, and service are all top notch. Do not leave here without having a world famous Mojito. They were among the best I have ever had. We sampled a few things from the Tapas Calle Ocho section of the menu. The bacon wrapped dates and the Piquillos de Pepin were a stand out. For my entrÃ©e I had the Ropa Vieja which same served on a bed of sweet plantain mash. It had great flavor and the portion was just right. I had another Mojito for dessert which was a perfect way to end the night on Lincoln Road. Can't wait to come back.
(5)
Dea B.

Very touristy prices. Not worth it for the quality of food that you are getting. We read good reviews on yelp so we thought to give it a try but we were disappointed with the quality of food. Very good location on Lincoln Rd
(3)
Jim S.

Appetizer was small. Food and drinks were ok. Waitress was impatient and rushed us to order. The people filling the water were attentive, but not the waitress. Since the the tip is included, I guess there is no need to be polite.
(2)
Jen L.

After having Cuban food at various locations all weekend, I can verify that this was by far the best we could find. It was in the Lincoln mall, so the atmosphere was busy and hip, but very pleasant. Our waiter was sweet and attentive. The food...OMG! We had the guacamole habanero for an appetizer - such a fun twist with plantains! Our entrees were to die for! The skirt steak was cooked perfectly and the seasonings were masterfully crafted! I can't remember the last time I had a better blend of seasoning. However, the hand stuffed fresh pasta with mushroom stuffing (I wish I could remember the Cuban name for it) was out of this world. I only wish we didn't live 1500 miles away so I could come back for that dish more often! Highly recommended if you are looking for a fun, authentic, delicious Cuban dinner!
(5)
Jacinta K.

Walked by Yuca, as we were searching for a dinner spot on Lincoln Rd. We were seated right by the live band, noisy, but nice. The band was great, and a good touch The service was painfully slow. I ordered a glass of wine and said, I will have it with my dinner. It came 15 minutes after my dinner... I am not sure if it would classify as authentic cuban food. We ordered : -Frita Sliders- Mini cuban hamburgers made with angus beef and chorizo, red pepper mayonnaise. -Ceviche Puteria- Fresh grouper, salmon, shrimp, calamari, and octopus, in a tri-citrus marinade. served with tostones. - A seafood and rice main. And a couple other small dishes. I thought service was daft as ever. It is a tapas place, and when I started ordering 2, 3 small dishes the waiter said "you know those are appetizers, right?" _ Yes, idiot, I know they are, that's the point! Anyway, he billed me for the wrong wine even after I pointed and said the wine when ordering...the 18% service charge was so unjustified at this spot! Service was terrible, food was ok, ambiance was good.
(2)
Elizabeth A.

I've lived in Miami my whole life and lived in Miami Beach for the first 29 years of my life, but it wasn't until this past weekend that we went there for dinner. We were pleasantly surprised. The food portions are decent, the food was delicious and the service was AMAZING. Our server, Miguel was very attentive for us, service always makes or breaks the experience. My husband ordered the Paella and it was incredible. The chorizo gives that plate a nice taste. I ordered the ox tail, which is a very common Cuban dish. Nothing compares to my mom's ox tail, but this one was good. The meat was tender and the side of mashed malanga was a pleasant surprise. I would definitely go back... and ask for Miguel.
(4)
Nataly N.

Yummy food great experience with the staff they catered to my whole family for my baby baptism. The mash potato recommend
(4)
Loren J.

I'm giving one star because a rating is required to write a review. Worst service ever: 15 min to get water, 15 for a poorly made cocktail, and 30 minutes before my meal arrived. My unenthusiastic waiter brought my meal after I asked where it was and when served, it was cold. The tartar sauce it was served with was in fact not tartar sauce, but mayo. I sent the meal back and it clearly had been microwaved and was inedible. I also removed the spoiled lettuce (romaine hearts are not brown) I asked for the check and the server had included a tip of 18%,( I normally leave 20%). Would not return and definitely don't recommend.
(1)
Sergio Q.

Good Cuban food I had the steak churrasco. It was delicious. The atmosphere was great. It's a good place to go out on a date.
(4)
Patrice B.

Upon being seated immediately, we had high hopes for the service. We ordered a bottle of wine and the goat cheese croquettes, after another 10 minutes we ordered our main course. The main course came before the appetizer, we had to ask 3 times for our appetizer, our water was not filled until half way into our main course, and it took us 15 minutes to get the check. The food was the only reason I didn't rate this restaurant a 1 star.
(2)
Greshka P.

I found myself in Lincoln Rd. after a trade show at the Convention Center. I didn't even know I was so close to it until my coworker pointed it out. This was great news to me since now we didn't have to do lunch the show (not the best food there...). We walked a bit and stopped right in front of Yuca. Now, we were not really intending to stop here, we were just looking at another restaurant across the street but, when we noticed the menu right in front of us, and reading it, we decided to give it a try. I had no objection since I knew I would find something I'm familiar with and reminded me of the food in Puerto Rico. We were immediately seated. Nice dÃ©cor, open, bright, and all employees wear fedoras to give it a more Caribbean/ Cuban feel. Our server came immediately and offered us drinks and showed us the specials. He was very soft-spoken and, even thought the restaurant wasn't loud at all, it was very hard to hear anything he said. Still attentive and nice. I looked through the menu one more time and decided to go with the Yuca Media Noche Sandwich. Maybe it's because I've had these so many times that I found nothing extraordinary about the sandwich but, it reminded me of back home and that is comforting and delicious in itself. I did like the presentation a lot. Plate was clean, and the fries come in a mini frying basket as if that batch had been done individually and especially for you. Prices were reasonable $10 for my sandwich plate, and $10 for my coworker's salad, other larger plates go from $12 - 18. Just note that the tip is already included, regardless of the amount of people at the table. Overall we had a nice lunch, were able to talk, people watch, and enjoy our food peacefully. Even thought I can't say it's one of the best Latin restaurants I've been to, I still think it's a good option for those looking for that type cuisine in that area
(3)
Greg R.

Food was ok, but the worst service I've had in a long time. The waiter was on something for sure - he didn't remember that he had take our order even. And then there was an included gratuity on a table for two.
(2)
Denise M.

It was a pretty decent restaurant for a dinner. Great ambience and service. YUMMY lemonade and kids fettuccine Alfredo. Ropa Viejo was very delicious! Highly recommend especially on a cool Spring evening al fresco!
(4)
Nubia C.

Service was horrible. Waiter took the order wrong then gave us attitude and claimed that we didn't tell him no sauce on the sandwich. When he reordered the sandwich he took 20 mns to bring it out again when he brought it back it had a HAIR in it.! Overpriced and food isn't great. TIP IS INCLUDED at 18 percent for 3 ppl. Way too much for bad service.
(1)
Carl L.

Nothing about this place sets it apart from any other restaurant on Lincoln Rd. The food is ok. The service is spotty. The prices are high. I got a good chuckle when after finishing my glass of water ( the glasses they use are no more than 8oz) I sat and watched a guy walk by me at least 10 times to fill others waters while leaving mine empty... I actually put it out so he could plainly see it and he still walked past.. once even stopping to pick up a empty dish.. but not noticing the empty water glass. You may say why not ask for water... i say... if you have a guy walking around with a pitcher of water filling other peoples glasses... why should I have to ask?
(3)
Cat P.

The food here was simple and a little hit or miss...parts of the tuna taco were somewhat chewy, while the other half was well-seasoned and fresh. What really made this place good in my book were the drinks. A $5 mojito in the heart of the South Beach area is a phenomenal deal. It only goes from 12-4, though, so definitely make this a lunch stop.
(3)
Karina U.

There was nothing that we ordered that wasn't short of delicious. Except maybe one dish (fish- can't remember) but the staff was great and the food was amazing. I highly recommend.
(4)
Danni N.

The atmosphere was very welcoming with wonderful music and the service provided was priceless. I adored the outfits the employees wore and they continued to keep smiles on their faces; which made the experience worthwhile. I loved how the restaurant provided outdoor as well as indoor seating. The happy hour was extremely reasonable and the drinks were very worth it. The food appeared very fresh and given the opportunity I would return back to this establishment to try the food for myself. Overall I would recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Miami beach on vacation. Even if it is their first time or 5th time this restaurant is worth every moment of your time.
(5)
Mary G.

Really nice atmosphere - not pretentious like I thought it might be. My entree was only $10 and sangria was $6 during happy hour. The white sangria was spectacular. The service was great - lots of handsome gentlemen working there. :) My only complaint is that the food was a little plain.
(4)
D H.

I drove here from Weston just for the Chocolate Tres Leche cake. Hard to find anywhere else in the US or Mexico. I had two years ago here, I will always have it when ever I come to Miami.
(5)
Hailey P.

Great place for a Friday date night. The restaurant is located on Lincoln Road which appeared to be a walking strip full of restaurants and night life. We sat outside and enjoyed the people watching. Inside there was live music, which we enjoyed also. Prices average between $18-36, but the food is fantastic. You will find Cuban plated options with a lot of seafood on the menu. I enjoyed the salmon with vegetable quinoa and the other guests had the tuna tataki, oxtail, and ceviche which everyone loved. Although, the tuna was overcooked. They sell themselves as tapas, but the dinner plates were plenty big enough to feed us. We only shared one tapas plate of calamari and walked away satisfied. The classic mojito is delicious! They blend the mint, so you aren't sipping up a leaf at a time. Overall great place. I would go back if ever on South Beach again.
(4)
Tina C.

We waited one hour before any food came. The place is right on South Beach so it was crowded and LOUD. The food is advertised as cuban, but it was mostly just Latin. The food was ok, the service was friendly but lacking in knowledge and efficiency. I would recommend this only if you are going to the bar as it seems fun for an group outing.
(2)
Sandy S.

The atmosphere and service was great, but the food was way overpriced for the miserly portions of mediocre food they serve you. My boyfriend and I ordered goat cheese croquetas, which were actually just 4 tiny balls (croquetas are supposed to be long). The shrimp small plate was a ice cream scoop full of puree de malanga and 3 shrimp. We also ordered a plate if marinated pork and "moros" rice, which was again an ice cream scoop full of rice with fried onions and 2 chicken leg sized pieces of pork, bone in. This tiny portion was served on a large round plate a la 1990's, when it was oh so vogue to serve starvation-portion food in that manner for an arm and a leg. I have eaten at many Cuban restaurants throughout my life (I am Cuban), from small mom and pop cafes to opulent upscale restaurants in NYC and NJ and even they serve normal human portions at minimum, sometimes even generous portions. Drinks were tasty, but once again, small. The glasses are tall and skinny, and they use lots if ice. The actual content is much smaller than it appears. I say don't waste your money. Will not be going back.
(3)
Lee G.

Came here alone for dinner. Sat at the bar and ordered a "skinny bitch margarita" which was very good. For appetizer I got the goat cheese croquettas, black bean hummus, and calamari. They were all absolutely perfect. The venue is beautiful, very cultured, and my bartender was very attentive as well and friendly. Great time!
(5)
Jas C.

Went to this place on a Sunday afternoon while roaming along Lincoln Road--decided to eat here because the garbanzo veggie burger sounded fresh and appetizing. The pattie was great and you could taste the freshness. The Yuca fries that came with the burger were delicious. Cannot find anything similar to it at vegan friendly places in NYC. The garlic brocolinni was amazing as well and the mint mojito was refreshing! This is a great place to grab lunch on a lazy Sunday after strolling along Lincoln Road.
(5)
MY S.

love their happy hours. the waiters service is great! all of them are so kind and fast. their happy hour, mon-fri is good! mojito is 5 dollar only, shangria is 6 dollar? maybe and some apptizers are 6 dollar. small portion but its good with beer or drinks! dont go here when you are hungry, just fo there for drink and small tapas!
(4)
Yanhua P.

Fantastic mojitos, appetizers were amazing, main course was good, small portion but great if you order a full meal from appetizer to dessert. Service was very prompt and professional.
(4)
Zack B.

Great Cuban food at fair prices with excellent service in an accommodating space. Pros: The food is quite tasty and the service was very friendly and accommodating. They gave us a fantastic and spacious table which seated 12 on only 24 hours notice. The mojitos are some of the bet I have ever had! Cons: This is not a very loud place so you don't want to get rowdy.
(5)
Monica L.

PROS: Great guacamole and plantain chips CONS: Pricey, avoid the plantain-crusted mahi The guacamole with crispy plantain chips we got was habanero-level spicey, but very addicting! However, my plantain-crusted mahi was disappointing. The thick plantain crust and the mahi (which was very overcooked) would have worked better by themselves. Together, they were a clashing disaster.
(3)
Aaditya S.

I am giving a star less since they pre-include the tip even if you just have appetizer and few drinks. I went solo and had guacamole and few mojitos(which are great) , they charged me with the tip already. Why? I was going to tip good anyway, but I felt it was too much if you are going solo. 5 star to food and one less start to the policy
(4)
Lana A.

The atmosphere was very loud. The service was alright. The food was marginal, at best. The reason you can get reservations at Yuca last minute for small-large parties from 7:00-10:00 on weekend nights speaks for itself.
(2)
Brenda C.

The bacon wrapped dates are decadent! So many fab items on the menu, we want to order everything! Amazing traditional Cuban selection plus some fusion & American options like watermelon & arugula salad, salmon mango tartare, plantain crusted mahi-mahi or the paella!
(5)
Zach Q.

This is a great Cuban restaurant with a gourmet appeal. We got the guacamole which came with plantain chips instead of traditional tortilla chips. It was great. It was my first night in Miami and my server suggested a Cuban beer, Hatuey. The beer was good and exactly what I was looking for, given my love for craft beers. My wife ordered a mojito which was nicely colored and tasty, but weak for the price. I ordered the Ropa Vieja which I thought was rather tasty but my wife tasted it and said that it wasn't better than the same dish she got from Playa Cafe for half the price. Regardless, it was delicious. She ordered the sea bass and I usually don't like to admit that she ordered the better dish but it may have been some of the best sea bass I've had. It came with a lobster mash that was equally delicious. We ended the meal by sharing a tres leche which was absolutely amazing.
(4)
Adora O.

We ordered the recommended mojitos they were disappointing and we kindly explained to the waiter when he asked if we liked our drinks. He suggested we get shots thinking he was offering customer service to make us feel better but charged us for the shots. It felt underhanded because we wouldn't have ordered the shots otherwise. I'm in customer service myself and have and will go over and beyond for customers so this was disappointing and I'll never come here or recommend this place. I have customers who ask for recommendations for places to eat on Lincoln road and this will not be part of mine. All four of us at the table each rate this place one star.
(1)
David K.

Service was acceptable but it should be for the 18% they add to the bill. The food was underwhelming. The Paella had 4 small shrimp, 2 clams, 1 muscle, some broken shells, some very small pieces of sausage, and a lot of rice. Totally not worth $26. The empanada apps were tiny. Pass on this place it's a tourist trap, there are better on Lincoln Road.
(2)
Daniel M.

very good food good ropa vieja very good good service good nice staff and very accomoda
(5)
John F.

Overrated & overpriced Cuban food , poor service as the waiter and the assigned busboy do not work at all as a team. This restaurant just gets lucky because the concierges at a lot of Miami hotels push their guests to go there ! Go figure !!
(1)
Eva W.

After work brought me to Miami, I decided to skip out on hanging with the coworkers and met up with a friend instead. Can ya really blame me? Decent place with a good location and sizeable portions. Service was lackluster, and I was pretty annoyed when the waiter spilled water all over the table and partially onto me. We started off with the empanadas, which came out kind of lukewarm. My salmon habanero was okay. My friend did enjoy his pork osso bucco though. I'd come here more for the people watching on Lincoln Road than the food, though you'd probably say the same for a lot of places on this street.
(3)
Laura G.

We were seated outside and ignored, Moved to an inside table and finally had a waiter . Menu items looked creative but were bland.
(2)
Amit M.

Food wasn't bad ... Service was terrible to begin with. Not sure if our initial server had too many tables but he couldn't wait to get away from our table. We ended up requesting another server who happened to be much pleasant but my that time I was tired of being there and our little adventure had spoiled my appetite.
(2)
Tarek D.

Food was good, drinks were OK, service at the bar was very quick. It was over priced for the quality but that's to expect in a touristy area.
(3)
Kimmie N.

I only went for drinks and I'm glad because I'm not sure how the price on my bill didn't match the price on the drink menu.. I thought they might have added gratuity but the bill did not say that. No biggie, I won't be going back anyway.
(1)
Claire H.

Slowest service ever. Food was ok. I guess Lincoln Rd establishments should be avoided.
(2)
Sila B.

After another set of dinner plans fell through, the bachelorettes were left in a pickle. After much deliberation on the gorgeous Miami Beach, we decided to dine at Yuca. Walking into Yuca almost doesn't feel like you're walking inside; there is lush greenery all over the place. The ambiance is energetic and fun, yet still somewhat intimate. We were seated at a big circular table right in front of a snazzy live band. We made them sing a song to the bachelorette, and they happily obliged. I'm not sure what everyone else ordered, and I don't care. Because I had the churrasco, and it was fantastic. It was perfectly cooked and accompanied by roasted garlic mashed potatoes; the chimichurri sent this dish over the top. It was so, so delicious. The service was good, the music was good, the food was good...this was the perfect place to get us in the mood for our night of dancing!
(5)
Philip H.

If you want to people watch and sip wine it is a great place. If you are looking a good. meal at a fair price, avoid it like the plague. A cup of cooked rice and six shrimp for $20 seemed a bit much to me. It was not that typical. "Enchilada' (Mexican ) but a bowl of rice w shrimp and chopped cilantro, which a Cuban 'enchalado'. My mistake, but I won't make it again.
(1)
Meredith F.

Stopped in here for lunch while walking around the Lincoln Mall. I had a very good white sangria and my boyfriend enjoyed his mojito (said it tasted very fresh). During lunch, they had a deal on tapas ($6 per dish) and we ordered 4 to share. I loved the plantain chips and black bean hummus - delicious! Calamari was cooked perfectly and had an interesting sauce and some roasted veggies (like red pepper) mixed into the platter. My boyfriend enjoyed the cheese croquettes (3 small croquette balls) and the empanadas (one steak, one chicken) were also very good. Overall, the price was good, the meal and drinks were excellent. Nice indoor ambiance with views of the street.
(5)
Corey J.

We dined at Yuca for the first time on 03/29. We are 3 friends visiting from Chicago and Minneapolis and were excited to get some nice fresh seafood while in South Beach for the first time. The food was beyond disappointing. The sugar cane shrimp was over cooked frozen shrimp with no seasoning on a sugarcane skewer. Awful. We were all scared to even eat the Ceviche. Everything was like rubber. No acidity, no seasoning, no flavor. The Sea bass definitely tasted frozen as well and was covered in some nasty heavy sauce. Although we really had nothing against the server, he never once came to ask how the food was because I'm sure he could tell we we're disappointed. We had a full table of food when he presented the check and I had to ask to speak to the manager. Jose, the manager, did handle the situation very professionally and took a percentage off of the bill and offered a round of drinks on the house which were very tasty. Definitely still disappointed with the whole experience. I cannot believe how awful this restaurants food quality was. Needs a major improvement.
(1)
Nick T.

Great Modern Cuban food, the empandas and calamari were slamming. The oxtails were a bit messy but sooo good and the pulled Angus beef was delicious as well, only thing I can complain about is, it's a bit pricey
(4)
sumiti n.

Best mojitos ever. Blended is key! Great service, happy hour is phenom food is soooo yummy except the guac- save yourself the $ and don't order. Mahi mahi tacos are delish!
(5)
KLE R.

:) we are a family of four & tourists. This was right in the middle of a little piece of shopping heaven. If you want a cool reprieve, sit inside. If you don't mind the heat, sit outside and watch all the wonderful people. The waitstaff was friendly and attentive. The menu had good options . Husband had Churrasco. Tasted great. Both my kids had empanadas that they loved & finished. I had the Yuca Relleno. LOVE love loved it. Excellent vegetarian choice. Give it a go. ;)
(5)
Laura S.

3.5 overall. Came here with a group of 8 on a Saturday night, close to closing time. We had to wait a little bit for a table, because we wanted the relaxed feel of the outside seating area. One of my friends and I ordered off of the Miami Spice menu, while the rest of our party ordered off of the regular menu. I tried the empanadas, which were delicious and packed with flavor. The beef was better of the two. I think everyone at the table ordered the empanadas, and it was a good thing because I definitely did not want to share! For my entree, I got the rib eye. It was moist and the sauce was exquisite. The downside was the potato mash that came on the side. It was dry and bland. Disappointing! Dessert was mediocre. I ordered the passion fruit panna cotta, while my friend got the tres leches de chocolate. Both were sweet, but nothing special. Basically, I wouldn't order these had they not already been included. The server was friendly, but we had to wait a while for our food to come out. Dessert took quite some time to arrive as well; one of our friends almost cancelled her order because it took so long! Overall it was an okay experience, but with so many options on Lincoln I probably won't find myself coming back any time soon.
(3)
Rafael E.

Service was horribly slow and we couldn't even find the server for most of the time. Terrible experience...
(1)
John L.

The food we had here was probably the freshest, tastiest, most exquisite food we had during our Miami stay! (Not to mention, relatively not that expensive) We love the tapas style, so we just ordered multiple small plates so that we could get a chance to try as much as possible. We highly recommend the Tuna Tataki and the Salmon Mango Tartare. We were there mid-afternoon (4:30) so the place was empty and we had all the waitstaff to ourselves, so service was amazing!
(5)
Tebatso S.

The Mojitos are the best I've had, their blended very well so you won't have mint leaves block your straw. I'll be returning just for them. Their menu is well varied with some elements of Cuban cuisine. This is good cuisine with wholesomeness added on a plate. Flavor is what differentiates this restaurant. My husband was surprised that he didn't even need to add salt (as per usual) to his scallop starter or half chicken meal.
(4)
Dennis F.

I was down on south beach looking at a job for my electrical contracting company when my tummy told me it was lunch time. A quick Yelp search landed me here. I am thrilled I found Yuca. I was promptly seated and greeted by my waiter. I ordered the Ossobuco and It was one of the best I've ever had. So tender and flavorful. I'm sure people were staring as cleaned the bone and licked my plate. I'll be back........... wearing a disguise!!
(4)
Jo W.

A quick lunch with friends turned into a random stop at Yuca Restaurant. I had heard of the restaurant prior to this but never eaten here and when we walked past and no one was really eating there, we were hesitant to go inside but we were starved and decided to take the risk. Based on first impressions this is a tourist restaurant in the tourist district where they have employees outside trying to usher you in. We got caught in the trap, but fortunately the food wasn't bad. I ordered a Mojito that I thought was good. I have had plenty duds and this one stood out. Despite all the tasty sounding Cuban food choices, I had a Tuna Tataki Salad. I found it to be light and refreshing. My friend also ordered a salad, the Warm Goat Cheese Salad. She is a huge goat cheese lover so she really enjoyed it. The only disappointment that afternoon was the Frita Cubana Burger. It lacked pizazz and the meat was lost inside the bun. The food wasn't exceptional but I also did not try any of their Cuban/Latin dishes. I did like the ambiance which was modern-esque yet bright and inviting. Service could have been a bit friendlier but this is Miami Beach. I probably would never go back but they shouldn't be counted out if you are hanging out at Lincoln Road Mall and looking for a quick lunch.
(3)
Vaness A.

My husband and I were urbanspooning for some cuban food in Miami and we came across Yuca. We ended up coming to eat here 3 times during our trip in Miami. The Churrasco was really really good. I had that with the frufru and the side was just okay. The next time I ended up getting the black beans with rice and it was definitely a better side. The guacamole during lunch was delicious. And the cuban b mojito was excellent and so tasty. I drank them so fast because the Taste was just so good. You can't taste the alcohol in the drink. The staff was attentive and really nice too.
(5)
Lou V.

Good food, though pretentious menu pretending to be haute cuisine. I would have liked more Rioja sauce on my oxtail. Server was arrogant and abrasive. He asked if small plates were going to be shared because they don't do family style serving. The restaurant was loud and crowded. It was not a relaxing or quiet place to eat. The wait staff seemed to be entirely in a bad mood. Decor was tasteful. I would return for lunch but not dinner.
(3)
Lily A.

We came here with a big group for New Year's Eve and had a great experience! Service for drinks was a bit slow but it was very busy and we were not a low maintenance group. Live music was great and the atmosphere was lovely but not too fancy. Martinis are good and strong, though could be dirtier. Food was great, we had a lot of appetizers, some highlights were the empanadas and the sea bass. Would definitely come back!
(4)
Raymond C.

Just wanted lunch. Seeing as we live in Upstate New York...wanted some Cuban food. Walked by Yuca and looked at the menu. Told Maitre-D that we wanted to sit for lunch. She seated the couple behind us first, I am not sure why. We were offered a table in a different direction. After 15 minutes in 85 degree heat we had no waiter or for that matter water. The maitre-d came over and explained that the server had been processing credit cards. The server showed up about 4 minutes later. We placed a drink order and our lunch order. Waited 5 more minutes......called it a day.....sorry half an hour wait is to long to wait for a drink or water. The couple that came in after us seemed to be enjoying their meal.
(1)
Thomas E.

I used this restaurant for a group meal as part of training conference that I held in Miami. I wanted to give the participants the flavor of the cultural blend that is South Florida. It was a group of about 30. We had a fixed menu with the choice of three entrees. Drinks very good and served quickly. Appetizers were presented to each individual and very well presented and prepared. Followed by a nice salad and then a choice of a vegetarian stuffed yuca, corvina or chicken. Nearly everyone had the corvina and it was very well liked. I had the chicken and while its was seasoned nicely, it was a bit dry. I don't think anyone had the veg dish (but you have to be prepared). We were upstairs in a private room with a huge set of windows looking out onto Lincoln mall streetscape. Service was very well executed, highly attentive without being overbearing.
(4)
Rachel T.

Came here on a Sunday for lunch. I was actually surprised that they let us in considering we walked in after a day on the beach. We weren't pretty. Regardless, the inside kind of had this funky smell. I thought it was just me until another couple came in and the girl also said it smelled funny and went to sit outside. The service was fine, and the food was surprisingly above average. The calamari was great and the stuffed yuca was also delish. The Cuban salad was nothing to write home about. The drinks were lacking... Virgin even? But for $5 at happy hour, I guess that can be expected. Overall giving them a three because of the funky smell, and because the place could use a good cleaning.
(3)
Anna F.

This place was recommended by a nearby hotel. I was looking for authentic Cuban food and this place is not. I didn't like that they charged us for the extra plaintain chips without telling us. The food was so so but the waiters need to tell us how much the specials are. I was shocked to find out my three shrimps were $42 and I wasn't even full! I don't recommend this place.
(2)
Meghan M.

Decent South Beach dinner spot. A bit pricey for what it is. Yucca fries were the highlight.
(3)
Joey F.

Just got off the plane, dropped by bags off at the hotel and found this place. Ice cold beer and good service. Food tasted great. Also, my friend has a lot of allergies and they were great with preparing her something.
(4)
Wildbull Z.

Wanted to sit outside in the shade for a drink only. I was told by a rude hostess I could only have a drink inside at the bar or outside in the sun. Well they didn't get my business and I went somewhere else who will serve me a drink outside in the shade...
(1)
Stephanie P.

Had dinner here on a Friday night during Art Basel. I had the guacamole appetizer and salmon entree. The food was delicious and the waiter was very attentive. They had live music which was a really nice touch. I would definitely come back here!
(4)
Annette H.

Service was horrendous. Apps came 20 minutes after ordering and then dinner came 5 minutes after the apps. Water was scarce and had to be requested several times. One diner's dinner never came and the server didn't notice. When she asked 10 minutes later to have it returned, the server challenged her and told her it would be right out. It was a joke. Lastly, we were the ONLY table in the restaurant and received a call 3 hours before our reservation to tell us we were being moved outside or we'd have the split tables. When we were frustrated with this development, Juan told us he'd take care of a bottle of wine for us to make up for it. No bottle has been comped for us. Skip this place and thank me later.
(1)
Tommy M.

Great drinks at the bar. Everyone is friendly you have to try the dream sickle martini
(4)
Cory N.

Went with a group of six with reservations. Loved this place. It's hip. Cool. Trendy. Everything you'd expect in south beach. The Cuban food really makes the eve perfect. All of their drinks are green because they chop and blend mint in almost every drink. Refreshingly different. I got the sampler and the dessert. Something close to a bread pudding. The best. Def try at least once. Also the calamari. The best. Don't forget the reservations.
(5)
Michael G.

Occupies the now closed Gheradelli. Ambiance and music was great. Location in the heart of Lincoln Rd. The food had a lot of potential but seemed to lack quality control. Our warm goat cheese salad was not warm. The churrasco was good but the meat was mediocre quality. My daughter had the calamari. Good flavor but overcooked. The mojitos we had were excellent. Overall our experience was acceptable.
(4)
Lynne S.

The food was marginal at best. The service (we sat outside) was average. This place did not have a wow factor at all. Probably will not return.
(3)
Danielle N.

Boyfriend and I had one night in Miami - we wanted a meal to remember. This place did the job. Our waiter was young, super chill, and gave us good recommendations. Prime location right in downtown South Beach, trendy atmosphere. Were seated right away (on a Sunday night). Reasonably priced. We had (** means highly recommend): Appetizers: Empanadas & Cuban Calamari**- must get! Entrees: Churrasco** & Salmon - Churrasco steak was mouthwateringly delicious Sides: Lobster mash & something I can't pronounce Dessert - Cuban Espresso Flan** & Mango Tiramisu which were both excellent. Drinks - Sangria and Orange/Coconut Mohito** - must get.
(5)
Danielle F.

This place SUCKS. I think there was a heyday a few years ago where the food here was good but now it's a sad excuse for a tourist trap with some of the worst service I've seen in years. I think they have such horrible service because they automatically add an 18% tip to your check, or try to anyways, so they sit back, relax, and serve you crappy food. The restaurant was dirty, bathrooms were disgusting, and the restaurant wasn't even full. There was a popular saying in the 90's that applies here: Run, don't walk! Skip this place on your South Beach adventure tour. Waste of time and money.
(1)
Juan S.

Best Cuban food on Lincoln Road. Upscale atmosphere, good service, and pretty tasty food. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Eric S.

The Churrasco Salad was served with a healthy portion of meat an extremely helpful and fun waiter. Great lunch spot in Lincoln Rd, South Beach FL.
(4)
Alexandre H.

My daughter works on Lincoln road, thus she has a chance to try out many different "trendy" restaurants located on arguably the most "Miami Beach-ish" venue. A place to stroll around, enjoy open bars and restaurants, be chic, be trendy, dress skimpily, flirt, seen and be seen. This time she wanted us to try Yuca, a restaurant that defines itself like this on their web site: "YUCA, an acronym for Young Urban Cuban-Americans, is widely known as being South Florida's original upscale Cuban restaurant featuring Innovative Nuevo Latino Cuisine or as the locals call it "Nuevo Latino." Wow, right on! We tried five different dishes, and all were from very good to great. A blend of spices and flavors that are truly unique. Please try it all. Service was excellent, a rare find in a tourist-loaded area, where waiters don't care much about doing a good job for people that they probably will never ever see again. Trust me, as a local I had my share horrendous service in Miami Beach, that even made me embarrassed to be a Miamian. Go and try it, viva la vida loca! Cheers!
(4)
Natalie I.

Solid Latin food place. Good service, pretty good food however while I enjoyed my dinner date here we haven't been inspired to come back.
(3)
Frank S.

Didn't order a lot of stuff but even with two small plates and a main dish, the bill ended being over 100. The sugar came shrimp was bland, the mahi mahi was bland and dry, and the waiter consistently gave me a drink full of ice, when asked to NOT put ice. Looks nice, but food is so and so.
(2)
Alina V.

Came to Yuca last saturday for a friend's birthday and got bottle service in the upstairs lounge. The upstairs has a private section with couches and they also have a seating section if you'd like to enjoy dinner upstairs. The ambience was great overall and the music was on point. At first they had a dj playing all kinds of different music and later on there was an album release perfomarnce by a salsa group. We all had a fantastic time. I must say i tried their calamari and goat cheese croquettes and they were delicious and they do have hands down the best mojitos ever!! All in all it was a great experience but definitely keep in mind that it can get pricey!
(4)
Maggie J.

Food was cooked well but fell short on flavor. Had the Cuban calamari which the dipping sauce was good but calamari itself was severely under seasoned. The chicken empanadas were just ok and the chicken avocado sandwich was also lacking salt and seasoning.
(2)
Evan H.

Mahi mahi tacos good. Sangria/mojito happy hour on Sunday 12-4 was great. Great location for people watching on Lincoln road with the outside seating.
(4)
Stefanie C.

We came here for a late lunch while on vacation. Its right on the Lincoln Rd strip so whether you sit inside with all of their window covered walls or out on their patio its perfect for people watching. The hostess and waiters we came into contact with were wonderfully friendly. The dÃ©cor is elegant but not overbearing. It has a fine dining feel but yet a hint of comfort to it. Attire is a mix of casual to business casual. My friend and I both ordered the white sangria and the Tuna Tutaki Salad. The salad was wonderful! Not only was it a huge salad but everything was so fresh. It came with a good serving of seared tuna, fresh mango, tomato, and mixed greens. The dressing on top was light and evenly balanced with the ratio of dressing to salad items. Some places over do it and have your salad dripping, but here they definitely had the perfect ratio. The white sangria was awesome! Different than what Im used to. It had a heavy green apple and pineapple flavor to it. Very refreshing on a hot August afternoon. The salad was $10 and the sangria was $4. Incredibly reasonable especially considering portion size and the fact that we were on Lincoln Rd where everything is over priced. When back in Miami I'll be sure to revisit here!
(4)
Lisa L.

this is the longest I've ever waited for food (1 hour). and it was raining and they didn't give a sh-t. we asked him what happens if we sit outside and it rains and he said "it rains".
(1)
Ryan M.

What's not to like about this place is right in the middle of Lincoln Road it's beautiful it's gorgeous outdoor seating is perfecto! Come for HH or late at night. Lewis is an awesome Bartender!
(5)
Kyla C.

Delicious ropa vieja! We brought our entire family to this Lincoln road restaurant and everyone enjoyed their meals.
(4)
Jaclyn E.

Surprisingly, this place is really good! I was skeptical at first...seemed like a tourist trap (sucker). The drinks were excellent...the Hemingway was superb (seriously one of the best drinks i have ever had, and i have had my fair share)! The food was great, especially the calamari & goat cheese apps. The spare rib entree was ok, not great. The service deserved a solid 3 stars..since an 18% gratuity is added to every tab, there was definitely room for improvement. Make sure you sit on the patio... people watching is fabulous, you see it all!
(4)
Rob H.

Food was decent and the mojitos were excellent. Wait staff was attentive, friendly, and made good suggestions.
(4)
Jonathan F.

We held our wedding reception upstairs at Yuca and we could not be more pleased. Jenny was extremely helpful, personable, hard-working and easy to work with. The staff was wonderful and the food was wonderful. The in-house DJ, Kenyi Succar, was equally accommodating and talented. My father was still talking about how good his Salmon was days after it was over and I do not think anyone left hungry or unsatisfied, and a few would not be sober for quite some time. A beautiful venue and a job well done. We are very grateful and recommend this to anyone else who is interested in catering an event.
(5)
Alex Y.

I ate lunch here today. The Skinny Cuban Salad was delicious, as was the Cuban Coffee flan with ice cream (I forgot the name). The service was somewhat lacking - the waiter wasn't very mature and spent lots of time flirting with a table of young women while I was trying to get a glass of water. When the bill came, I realized why he didn't care - the restaurant automatically adds an 18% tip to the bill. I asked about this and was directed to the menu where the disclaimer was written in a font clearly designed to be too small to be legible (see a photo I posted). The host also told me that every restaurant on Lincoln Road automatically adds the 18% tip. Maybe so, but that doesn't make it a good business practice (for the customer, anyway). At the very least, the server should inform the customer about the practice - something our server, George, didn't do. Since the food was pretty good, I wouldn't discourage anyone from going there. But check your bill when it comes.
(3)
neeta b.

With a day to spend in South Beach I thought this cuban style restaurant would be a good idea. I ordered the plantain chips and guacamole and the Cuban Corvina (lightly fried Corvina with avocado coconut rice) and thought they were both delicious. i think Yuca is a good spot to stop at for a fusion eating experience. If you're looking for an authentic, local cuban restaurant i would stick to the north part of Miami beach as the vibe here is a little pretentious/typical South Beach. But if you're looking for fresh seafood tapas style near the action on Lincoln Road, definitely stop here for a meal or just a snack!
(4)
Jessica W.

I'm so sad that this place is just not what it used to be. Last time I went for lunch with my mom and we ordered the mini hamburger and bacon wrapped dates that were barely warm & dried out as if they had been sitting in the window too long. The restaurant was half empty and yet our server would keep disappearing, giving us below par service. I might return to enjoy some drinks for happy hour, but I don't plan on ordering from the kitchen.
(2)
Kerri K.

amazing amazing amazing... tried so many different things as a group.. went twice one day.. excellent! a must see!!
(5)
Carolyn M.

The food deserves 3 stars but the service was so abhorrent that it only gets one star. After my husband has a full drink spilled all over him and I had a dirty knife dropped on me the server still felt justified in charging us for the drink and tacked on the automatic 20% tip for himself. Never going back.
(1)
Joey R.

Excellent food. Stellar service. Wonderful music. Great vegetarian options. We wanted to go back to eat every night.
(5)
Alex R.

I was there last Friday for luch, food was great service not to good, but the food made go back on Saturday to celebrate my friends b.day , great dinner, the services outstanding, the food even better, and the drinks, friendly staff this time and that is a plus im any restaurant, even the Chef stop by our table, oh sorry I almost forgot the desserts, thanks for great time,
(5)
Angie B.

Delicious tapas-style food. Tried the Yuca Fries, arugula salad and goat cheese croquettas. Reasonable prices and nice indoor and outdoor seating
(4)
Raya K.

Amazingly delicious Cuban food. We dined here on our last night in Miami to celebrate a birthday. We had reservations for 8:30pm. Their website advertised Flamenco dancers perform every Saturday night but there were no dancers in sight and the waiter seemed to have no clue what we were talking about (I double checked and it is still advertised on their website). We were seated at a table by the window and on the way there witnessed a fight in the restaurant between a woman and waiter. It was loud and scary, and my friend was pushed out of the way and told to "move!" So far, not so good. Our waiter apologized for the chaos and took our drink orders: a round of mojitos. We were told they actually blend the mint. Needless to say, they were delicious. Dare I say the best mojito I've ever had! We also ordered the guacamole with plantain chips and the bacon wrapped figs to start. Both were yummy and helped tame our growling stomachs. For my entree I went with the plantain encrusted mahi mahi. For the table we ordered the lobster mash and yuca fries to share. The fish was delicious and the portions were generous. Since we also had the mash and fries, I left half my dish uneaten. Believe me, if I could have fit it in my stomach I would have finished it all! Others at the table had the salmon and the paella. Very satisfied feedback from the group. Since we were celebrating a birthday, we discreetly asked our waiter if they could bring some cake or dessert out with a candle. They brought a plate of 3 cakes (tres leches, chocolate tres leches and a mango tiramisu) with a guava cheesecake ice cream. Decadent and beyond amazing! Between 4 of us, we couldn't finish all the dessert. Besides the scuffle at the beginning of dinner, service was excellent. Our waiter even wrote out a list of places we should go out to after dinner. Although we didn't expect dessert to be free it was a bit surprising that they charged us $20 for the plate of cake and ice cream!
(4)
Em G.

Went to Paella at 3PM for a late lunch, and was still able to order from the lunch menu. The bacon wrapped dates were a solid appetizer. The seafood paella had more than just a couple clams, but definitely wasn't decked out in seafood. It was a decently sized portion, so still satisfying. However, the dish was way too salty, and I felt thirsty until the next day.
(3)
Yera P.

I definitely do not recommend this place. It took the waiter 20 mins after we were seated to take our drink order. Mind you two tables were attended to even though they were seated after us. I ordered a classic mojito, it tasted like it was a pre mix. It was horrible. For an entree, I ordered the black bean veggie burger with yuca fries. After I ate half the burger and fries I find a hair on the end of the fry I was just about to finish. My appetite was gone, & stomach was turning. It took the waiter another 10-15mins to come back to us. I then asked the waiter for the manager to let him know what my problem was. He addressed me with "what do you want me to do". I was a little lost for words, I was expecting an apology. He proceeded to discount my meal from my check but neither did him or the waiter apologized. I'm positive there's a lot more other restaurants on the strip that are more attentive to their guests.
(1)
Reba G.

Come here and sit at the bar because Oscar was one of the best bartenders I have had while staying in Miami Beach. They offer $5 mojitos during happy hour!!!!!! The mojitos were awesome, but if you want something different, order Oscar's special, he makes a pink margarita that will leave your cheeks numb and wanting more. We ordered the empanadas as an appetizer, comes out with one beef and one chicken, and it was really good. We really just came to drink, so I didn't actually eat a meal here. The ambience is nice, and it looks like a great spot to take someone out on a date to. They offer salsa lessons here. I recommend definitely stopping by here if you are in town and hanging out on Lincol Rd.
(5)
Jennifer S.

We held a group event here in July and had a great experience! The sales staff was a pleasure to work with, the upstairs, private room we used was perfect, the food was tasty and the salsa instructors they hired for our group were great too...we had such a fun night!
(5)
Vincent D.

Excellent food, and our waiter JosÃ©ph was the best. Not overpriced given SoBe standards, so this comes highly recommended.
(5)
Rob M.

Worst service I've experienced in 51 years. Can't rate the food because it still hasn't arrived. I've finally seen the moment when indifference morphs into contempt. Despicable.
(1)
Britney K.

just walked into this place after walking around. Calamari and guacamole appetizers were okay, nothing to write home about. My salmon was delicious, the quinoa it was served with was the norm. Yuca fries were superb. Service was great. Would come back as it was a beautiful restaurant...
(3)
Priyanka P.

Our server was great. My dad isn't easily impressed by service and even he asked his name and told him how great he was. He also urged me to write about him and I completely agree! His name was Sam. And he was the most attentive and sweet server. My mom and brother had mojitos which they said weren't strong enough. MY skinny bitch drink was way too strong. So drinks wise, it was meh. But food was GREAT! We had the yucca potatoes with spinach and garlic. Lovely crisp exterior, but for health freaks like me this may not be your healthiest choice. The roasted chicken was fabulous, perfectly cooked and seasoned. Served with a side of yucca and broccoli, it was a complete meal even for health fanatics. The warm goat cheese salad was delicious too. The sauteed strawberries added a unique flavor and the sweetness of the strawberries was perfectly balanced with the saltiness of the goat cheese. Yum. Prices were more on the expensive side, but we were in Miami on vacation so we didn't mind. I highly recommend this place!
(4)
Don F.

A terrible night for this place. Long gaps between drinks and food, missing appetizer, malfunctioning heat lamp outside, endless wait for entree. Food was good but cold once we received it so so long after it was ordered. You would think manager would proactively come around with a night of so many people being mis-served, but no. Disappointing
(2)
Johnny T.

Yeah, this would be a 'no.' As a rule, eating on Lincoln is, generally, something I try to avoid. The road is set up to take advantage of good-timing tourists or those who don't know any better. There's not to say that there aren't good experiences to be had on Lincoln; one just needs to go looking for them with a bit of a discerning eye. Yuca has to live off the foolishness of tourist traffic. If you knew any better, I don't think there's much possibility of winding up here. I squarely place the blame of winding up here on my friend who'd just moved to town and was sucked in by the restaurant's facade and placement. Those are probably the only aspects of Yuca I would agree to speak kindly of. The restaurant has placed an emphasis on glitz and has not concentrated on substance. First off, the pricing makes little sense. For example, ordering an app, entree and dessert off of the menu during Miami Spice cost less ($37) than ordering from the Miami Spice menu -- of an app, entree and dessert ($39). This one example is indicative of the hot mess that is Yuca. Another example: the service is atrocious. Our waiter wasn't mentally present. He would forget what we ordered ( write.it .down), bring out the wrong thing and make jokes about how bad the experience was. I wasn't laughing. The bussers left dirty plates on our table and when they deigned to pick them up, they had to be reminded that we needed new silverware. The drink I ordered (mojito) was a watery mess and the water we had brought to the table stank of the East River. Apps and entrees didn't come out at the same time, so we were forced to eat without each other or eat cold food. The paella was laughably small for $24. The bowl in which it came was hardly larger than a soup bowl and while the menu reads 'shrimpS,' it should, most certainly, read 'shrimp' -- not only for proper grammar but for accuracy... as in, one. In a $24 dish. If you order the paella, I hope you like saffron, rice and not much else. And during this not-so-comedic-comedy-of-errors, nothing was comped. Our 'apology' came in the form of this nugget (and accompanied by an auto-gratuity of 18%): "It shouldn't be so bad next time. Hyuck Hyuck." No. There will be NO next time, Yucka. Not now. Not ever.
(2)
Faye P.

Went with a group for a bachelorette party...very tasty cocktails and food. The braised oxtail pappardelle was excellent! Service was slow, which needs improvement. However, I see this place doing well for years to come if they stay innovative with the menu.
(3)
Jamie S.

I'd never been here prior to my cousin's wedding reception. Drinks were strong, food was delicious, and it was the perfect size for our family to take over and dance the night away. No complaints here.
(4)
Beverly R.

From drinks to appetizer to dinner to dessert at YUCA was absolutely delicious. The wait staff was attentive and made excellent recommendations. I would definitely recommend this to anyone coming to South Beach.
(5)
Madison S.

We had fried calamari, empanada's , churasco with mash & ribs with yuca fries...food was good, decent portions (ur not talking home any) I really enjoyed my steak but hubby didn't care for the ribs, meat was tough & not that much Oh we also had mojito's both classic & coconut...both good Service was fast, ambience very nice
(4)
Lia P.

My husband I came across this place over the weekend after we stumbled upon Lincoln Road. After a quick yelp check we decided to give it a go. It's one of those places that could be 4 stars on the next go around, but this time was only a 3. I had the Lincoln lemonade- fresh lemonade with rum and it was the perfect brunch drink! It was definitely homemade lemonade, not that soda fountain crap. One of those with my lunch had me feeling a little warm and fuzzy. My husband had the chorizo burger which was really good from the bite I had. It came with fries and was fairly priced at $10. I had the garden greens salad which was good but not filling- I knew it didn't have meet but it said it came with farmer's cheese and yucca croutons. By that they meant one piece of yucca and like a few small minced pieces of cheese. The guava dressing was good but they sort of drowned the salad in it. Despite my disappointing salad I will return- I loved the overall vibe of the place and the service was great.
(3)
Laura K.

Went on Tuesday night. Everything was absolutely fabulous. The 3 of us tried lots of entrees all were great. From calamari to empanadas to watermelon salad (my fav along with yuca fries) to the sliders to the paella. Fresh and flavorful ALL. Highly recommend.
(5)
Paola B.

Great indoor ambience with live Cuban music! Staff is very friendly and food is exquisite!!!
(5)
Dawn K.

Sat outside, so experience may be different inside. Outside was great as you were in the middle of the outside mall and we had a table of eight, which was the perfect size. Staff was helpful and fun as well!
(5)
Irene M.

I really liked this restaurant in the day and at night. The food is very good. I'm particular about my Cuban food because its my heritage, but they deliver and the prices were great. Weekends are very crowded and there is a wait.
(4)
M M.

Great food. Great service. Sitting outside on the sidewalk and watching the world go by!
(5)
Melinda D.

Miami Beach spring evening at its finest. Amazing Mojito. Great vibe when you sit outside.
(4)
Kelly J.

This was my favorite spot while I was in Miami for vacation. Their mojitos are hand mixed and deliciously refreshing. Everything they make - I had the ahi tuna, yucca fries, patacones, ceviche - is so fresh and balanced and beautifully presented. What's more, the two friends I was with both have dietary restrictions and the servers were very accommodating. The servers are perfectly attentive and very cool in their fedoras.
(5)
Kitti H.

Our bartender at our hotel recommended Yuca for dinner. Everything was delicious and service was great! We ordered the guacamole with plantain chips and empanadas for appetizers. I would recommend both. I had the mushroom pasta and my husband had the pollo corillio - both were fabulous. Our friends had to osso buco and they said it was really good too.
(5)
Rachel B.

We stopped by here after seeing it the night before while meandering around Lincoln Rd. The Ropa Vieja Angus is great! My husband chose this and won the battle of the entrees we have while eating out. I had the Miami Spice menu with lobster empanadas, grouper with salsa verde and mango tiramisu. The only reason I'm giving yuca 4 stars is that my grouper tasted a bit more fishy than other places I've had it at. The Cuban sangria was amazing and the Dominican Republic beer, Presidente, was really good, too. The service was great, but we were not a large group, just 2 of us.
(4)
Saeeun B.

My friends and I came for dinner early. we had the calamari which was so good with the sauce. The sauce was tangy yet a little spicy. We also had the plantain chips with guac. great guac, plantain chips were good bc they weren't oily or anything. The ropa veija was very good, a little sweet though I'm guessing it was the sauce. I got the skirt steak which was good also. Our waiter was patient, kind, and personable. Overall great experience dining here!
(4)
Andrew C.

Food arrived cold and over priced for the quality. Good location and helpful staff saved it from 1 star.
(2)
Ashley D.

We went to Yuca for a business group dinner and overall I have to say I was impressed. They accmodated our group of 20 very well, were super friendly, the mojjitos were amazing, and the steak was pretty good. I would suggest this more for corporate dinners or going out groups than a romantic night out in South Beach.
(4)
Carolyn M.

The people-watching is a real high point. Try to sit outside if you can. We had a couple of Cuban beers (sadly, not great) and the ceviche and guacamole. The ceviche was outstanding, but everything else was pretty ho hum. Especially the wildly spotty service.
(3)
Nish R.

This place is great. Service was excellent. Drinks were good, not watered down. We had Mojiots those were good. For appetizers we had Empanadas, bacon wrapped dates, a shrimp appetizer (can't remember the name) and then the entree a Salmon dish. We had 5 people on our table and two of us split all appetizers and the entree. They were very accomodating. Portions were enough for 2 ppl. Everything was really, good.
(4)
Tom H.

I visited this restaurant when it fist open, and I returned to it after about ten years...5 STARS!!! As great as the first time!!! recommend it!
(5)
Queen B.

I wasn't impressed with this place, food, waitstaff, food presentation, variety, price... No. Nothing jumped out at me and made me remember the food. I did have a drink where the mojito was blended. I had the salmon tartare, friend had the tuna tatakay. Both servings were ok. flavor was not PIZAZZ, but bland; almost delicate. Friend enjoyed the tuna but said, she could have used another ounce. I don't think I would return. Nothing made me want to come back with so many other places to try.
(3)
Deanna J.

I had dinner here in the upstairs private dining area for business, so I can only really comment on the food. It was quite tasty. I had the Churrasco and it was delicious. The atmosphere was very nice and there was enough room for us to take salsa lessons and dance a bit afterwards. Their mojitos were a bit weird since it was frothy. I don't know it that was ordered special by the company I was with, or if it's a specialty of the restaurant. Nevertheless, I did not care for a frothy, blended mojito. All and all, I had a great experience and would like to visit again.
(4)
Stephen F.

Yuca is a great spot for new comers and older timers of Cuban fare to taste something unique. Every dish that hit our table was excellent, very unique, and enjoyed by all. We came in a group of 15 and were seated at a very large table on the second floor while live music played. We had two waiters who were, surprisingly for the size of our party and general Miami Beach service, very attentive and friendly. They were very patient in dealing with a gaggle of tipsy girls partying for a bachelorette party and myself, of which they seemed to get a big kick out of seeing one male in sea of attractive ladies. Several jokes were made about this, which we all enjoyed. In any case, the waiters were direct on point in their recommendations for both the tapas style plates and entrees. We enjoyed collectively the Croquetas Goat Cheese, wow, just wow. Cuban Calamari, perfectly fried and served drizzled in a delicious sweet dressing. Bacon Wrapped Dates with chorizo and manchego cheese, reminded many of us of our time in Spain. Salmon Mango Tartare prepared with bits of mango and avocado, such a succulent delicious flavor that we destroyed in minutes. Tuna Tatake, perfect slices with mango. For my entrÃ©e I enjoyed the Pollo Criollo as recommended, the chicken was perfectly cooked, moist and full of mojo sauce flavor throughout. The fried mashed plantain was a perfect side along with the broccolini. Cocktails were on point and quick to the table all night. It was my first visit to YUCA after living in Miami Beach for seven years now. I'll be sure to come back. Of Course, as other reviewers have noted, it is pricey, but its typical of Lincoln Rd.
(5)
Patty G.

I had Yuca for the first time on a Friday night with friends from out of town. Our friends loved it and I enjoyed the experience. First off, if you want true Cuban food, don't come here. This is a fusion restaurant, they serve altered mini versions, albeit delicious, of Cuban food. I felt like the prices were too high for the dishes. They were small tapas and ridiculously over priced. I really liked their mojitos. Also the service was not great. Many times I felt like I needed our waiter and he had disappeared. The final question is... would I go back? No, but just because of the prices.
(3)
Tonia B.

We went to Yuca for lunch and ordered from the Miami Spice menu which had some great options. We tried both the cod and the goat cheese croquettes--both were really delicious! For our entrees we had the Vaca Frita and the Tilapia which were both good as well and a good portion size. The dessert was probably the best part of the meal--the Mango Tiramisu was to die for! The regular lunch menu looked very reasonably priced and had some items that sounded delicious. I would come back to try it especially since we had great service! Yuca is on Lincoln Road so it's a good option for lunch while walking around or meeting up with people. It is Cuban food though so dishes are on the heavier side. Overall, it's not the best Cuban food I've had in Miami, but by far not the worst. If nothing else, it's affordable, in a good location and the food is good. I think the gourmet style is an interesting approach to Cuban cuisine and worth a try!
(3)
Rich T.

Wonderful location if a bit touristy. In the walking mall on Lincoln rd. the weather was great. They have happy hour from 13-4 which somehow suits the vibe at south beach. What could be bad on an 80 degree sunny day in March? The food is decent. had the guacamole and the tuna tacos which were all fine. I wouldn't call it really adventurous Latin American food, but it is a very nice place to watch the world go by. The outside dining is really the best option for lunch in any case.
(3)
Helen H.

Two stars because it just got hilarious how bad everything got and you couldn't help but laugh. We noticed yuca automatically charges a 18% gratuity and sure enough... Service totally reflected it. The guy was slow to take our drink order. We ordered the lobster mashed potatoes and guac, only to have him come back and say "we don't have lobster mash" in a dismissive tone as If I tried to go off menu. I assured him it was on the menu. So he responded with- I don't know, they don't do it during lunch. What do you want?? Then he came back literally every 3 minutes to ask what I wanted. So the 3rd time, I finally was ready for him only to see him carrying my lobster mash... That wasn't supposed to be here?!?! He came to us dropped it on the table and said here is the mash, we don't have the guac, what do you want? Luckily my dining partner was just then thinking he was more thinking of the tuna salad instead of the guac, but still... Just unapologetic and just funny after too many terrible encounters with our server. Ambiance is nice enough- I'd say average to all the Options on Lincoln. The food here is poor to average. Lobster mashed potatoes was decent- got too rich after a while but it had great chunks of lobster. The tuna tataki salad wasn't good. Mostly due to the "greens". It looked and tasted like the grass growing in my backyard. Very bitter and spindly. But the vinaigrette was good... Just overwhelmingly bitter. Sangria special was okay. I didn't get a buzz after one glass...I.e very very weak. Not terribly priced but this place is terrible. Sidenote- hostess is really nice and friendly!
(1)
Amy M.

I came to YUCA last weekend and we all ordered the churrasco! The churrasco was good. However, the waiter absolutely sucked! They saw us sitting there for 10 minutes and he goes around to every table and chats with them for 10 minutes each, who are all older women. And ignores us and we're staring at him talking to the women for a good 10 minutes before he realizes he needs to do his damn job! Then we get our menus. And we wait even more to order our food after we put in our drink orders. The service was absolutely slowwww!!! Oh and the drink, Skinny Bitch, was pretty damn good! :) To the waiter, you may be good looking and all, but you absolutely sucked as a waiter! Or you may have a thing for older women, who knows. And I would love to blast your name on here, but I'll decide not to for now. Let's just say you're lucky that you guys include gratuity on the check. Otherwise, I would have left you with nothing. And trust me, I am a good and fair tipper!
(2)
Jose S.

Up-Stairs on Friday Nights!! My review is not the food, not the restaurant, but the Club Upstairs! Yes! It's a club/bar and the only music they play here is SALSA!!!! ...and some bachata and merengue..sometimes. I was in NO mood to come here and dance, but I had to because my girl wanted to dance and she was already there. I had no choice. $10 cover charge, bummed me out. I walk up the stairs an the lights hit me. EEEEveryone is having fun. Smiles on the dancers, smiles on the once watching, I just had to smile to join in. Found my girl in the corner, and I have to say I almost didn't recognize her on how beautiful she looked. I'll never forget that moment... then as I watched other men asking her to dance and she kept saying "No, Gracias". Next thing I knew, I was dancing with her. Not the best moves, but not the worst either and after half a song I realized it doesn't matter!!! Let's Dance again! I had Fun. Do you want to learn, experience, see, feel some salsa?! Come here. People will ask you to dance, or just jump in and make move. FUN is key in salsa. Follow "la clave" and you'll get some Yuca with your Salsa. (I had to say that).
(4)
flo t.

Our dinner came with a poodle, maltese, shitzu fashion show. Everyone in Miami seemed to have some sort of lapdog strolling by as we ate. So this place couldn't do anything wrong if they tried. We had the seabass, pork chops, ox tail and everything else on the menu. And I believe i devoured the entire maduros plate on my own. Gosh i am soooo fat. Fat in a great way that is. If you are ever in Miami -try to get an outdoor seat at this place for the mini dog show
(5)
art m.

Very good nuevo cuban. We had tasty sandwitches here.
(4)
Jason V.

Had a very large group dinner at Yuca. I have to give the restaurant credit for handling big groups well because in addition to our group of 25, they seemed to be handling two other groups of at least 15 people each. This was an impressive feat for a restaurant that isn't all that large and doesn't seem like the kind of place that ordinarily services that many of those kinds of parties at the same time. Dinner started with a combination of shared appetizers: The Tasajo, plaintains wrapped around a beef filling, were okay, but the whole thing ended up just being a mush with the salsa verde and sour cream. The Spinach and Manchego Empanadas were better, though some additional elements to add to the flavoring would have been nice. On the other hand, the Spanish Piquillo Peppers were extraordinary. Not that spicy at all, the sweetness of the peppers, chorizo, and cheese sauce was all perfectly tied together by the cheese. These were easily the first to go among the shared starters. I opted to follow up the appetizer with a black bean soup--Dona Glorias Frijoles Negros. A decent dish and relatively simple preparation with scallions and the slightest hint of lime in the background. For my main entree I went with the vegetarian option, the Yuca Rellena. I would very much recommend not getting this if you are not a vegetarian. The dish was quite bland, and there was not nearly enough sauce nor taste in the sauce for it to recover. Dessert was the Tres Leches de Chocolate--chocolate sponge cake topped with ice cream and chocolate syrup on the plate. The sponge cake is pretty decent and very rich, and a pretty good mix with the ice cream. Overall, with the exception of the Spanish Piquillo Peppers, the food was generally okay but nothing particularly special. Service in itself was also not extraordinary, but a large part of my three-star rating is due to their being able to at least adequately handle so many large parties at the same time.
(3)
Andrea S.

There is a smell!!! I couldn't eat there also my waiter was Russian I think...no Spanish at all in a Cuban restaurant totally disappointed
(1)
Lauren G.

Great drinks, decent appetizer with beautiful presentation. Our waiter was unfortunately clearly very put off when we made it clear we were ordering only one drink each and one appetizer to share. (We might have stuck around and ordered more, but his attitude dissuaded us.) Interior is very modern and stylish. Other wait staff seemed friendly and pleasant.
(2)
Alicia W.

My husband and I ate here our first night in Miami in October not knowing what to expect bc it wasn't very busy, and we were pleasantly surprised! The food was really good and our server, Alberto was great. We split the empanadas, goat cheese croquetas, and the pork osso bucco - which I think was a special it was almost like a roast...it was all delicious! Nice atmosphere and lighting level was comfortable.
(4)
Sal B.

Tricky staff! When they fill up your water, they automatically assume that you prefer bottled Evian water without asking you. The water made up a good chunk of our $250 check for 5 people... However, the food was phenomenal. It deserves a 5-star rating. The reason I left a 3-star rating was because of the staff- they could have been a bit more attentive, as our drinks would remain empty for 10+ minutes. The other reason is the tricky water.
(3)
Mara B.

Yuca was thoroughly mediocre. Service was nonsensical: waiter came to the table to check on us, and removed some empty plates, but not an empty drink glass. Food was fine but unremarkable, nothing you couldn't make at home if you can cook even sort of okay. I got the oxtail, and it was fine, it was served in a rather bland demi glace with mashed something or other, which was also fine, and kind of bland, and was basically meat and potatoes without much else going on, notably sauce or seasoning or anything to make it outstanding or interesting. Salad was served with a very sweet dressing, no salt was on the table. Partner got ribeye, came out overcooked, asparagus boiled within an inch of its life, not much flavor. It wasn't BAD by any means, but not worth the price, and again, nothing you couldn't make at home without 30 minutes of patience and a recipe from whatever website you happened to google when looking up "braised oxtail." I wouldn't talk YOU out of trying it if you really really wanted to, but I also wouldn't go back.
(2)
JÃ¶rg E.

Excellent food at a nice cuban restaurant. Highly recommended though a bit on the pricey side
(5)
Tamara M.

I was visiting Miami this weekend and was excited to try out this place whose name is an acronym. That in itself is a thumbs up. Reservations were at 6:30 and they seated us promptly. Nice decor, soft dim lights and a great choice of song selections. Not that I knew any of them. The beat and melody did it for me. Men dressed in cool hats served at waiters. Now that's a snazzy uniform. I ordered the tuna tartake salad. Pretty tasty. The dressing was a little on the saltier side. It didn't quite accompany the salad perfectly. Should have been much lighter as to not take away from the tuna. I didn't have a cocktail or at least I don't remember. That says a lot :-) I would recommend this place. I would return here on my next visit to Miami.
(4)
Erik G.

Had a few drinks at the bar. Nothing special or bad. Just normal good drinks.
(4)
Usu I.

Disaster. Service was horrendous and the portions are sized for children. I don't mind paying a high price for dinner, but to have left wanting to go eat again some where else was just WOAH. The food wasn't all that great either. I won't ever go again.
(2)
Aileen N.

Granted I only had the soup because I wasn't feeling well, I was unimpressed by the whole package. The "hot cuban soup" I had was a bland tasting cream based soup almost like clam chowder out of a can without the seafood. My friends had other dishes that were beautifully presented but run-of-mill in taste and creativity. Not interested in returning.
(2)
Frank S.

mostly tasteless & operating @ glacial speed
(2)
Volna V.

Overpriced, but good food overall. If you're in Miami for the first time, you should probably come here once. It'll show you what Miami's take on Cuban food is all about.
(4)

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Address : 501 Lincoln Rd
Miami Beach, FL, 33139
Phone (305) 532-9822
Website https://www.yuca.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :12:00 pm - 11

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Yuca

501 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL, 33139

Yuca Menu

Tapas Calle Ocho

Platos Pequenos

Habana Plates

Nuevo Latwo

Al Ladito

Healthy Meal suggestions for Yuca

Tapas Calle Ocho

Platos Pequenos

Habana Plates

Nuevo Latwo

Al Ladito

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