It all began with a small food market and winery in 1930’s Cuba. This storefront was the meeting place for locals to visit, and catch up on the latest news. With the rise of Castro’s Cuba in 1968, Diosdado Padrino sent his wife, Candida Rosa and two children to the United States.
This was a milestone year for the Padrino family as they opened their first restaurant in Hialeah. The same recipes that Rosa cooked in Cuba were now being enjoyed by many immigrant cubans in Miami. Seeing the opportunity to bring the tastes of Cuba to everyone, they moved to a larger restaurant in Broward County. Padrino’s Hallandale Beach opened its doors in 1981.
The tradition was passed on to their son, Mario. With the desire to share these authentic Cuban recipes to an even larger market, Mario and his wife Nayade opened restaurants in Plantation in 1992, Boca Raton in 1996 and Orlando in 2008.
Within the last few years the third generation of Padrino’s have come on board: Laura, Mario and Eduardo. Together they have opened their new locations in Fort Lauderdale, 2017, Dania Beach, 2019, remodeled their Boca Raton location in 2020 and coming soon the new Plantation location set to open at the end of 2022.
At Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant, the air doesn't just smell like garlic and onions—it smells like a three-generation legacy. Located at 2500 E Hallandale Beach Blvd, this isn't just a place to grab a quick bite; it’s a sophisticated, modern sanctuary for the soul of Havana, right in the heart of Hallandale.
Since the Padrino family opened their first shop in 1976, they’ve mastered the art of the "Slow-Cooked Story."
The Aesthetic: Mid-Century Havana Glamour
Forget the kitschy, cluttered decor of typical spots. Padrino’s Hallandale location is breezy, elevated, and cinematic.
The Atmosphere: Think high ceilings, chic tropical accents, and a bar that feels like it belongs in a 1950s social club. It’s the kind of place where a business lunch feels productive and a third-date dinner feels romantic.
The Energy: It’s a seamless blend of family-run warmth and professional "big city" service.
The Culinary "Holy Trinity"
The menu is a curated collection of family recipes that haven't changed in decades, executed with modern precision.
The Secret Weapon: The Award-Winning Sangria. It is widely considered some of the best in South Florida—dark, fruity, and dangerously smooth.
Why It’s a Hallandale Institution
In a city full of "fusion," Padrino’s stays winning by staying true.
The Famous Lunch Buffet: On weekdays, they offer a legendary spread that allows you to sample the entire Cuban canon—from ropa vieja to sweet maduros—without the commitment of a single entree.
The Cuban Coffee Ritual: Their Cafecito and Cortadito are prepared with the proper "espumita" (sugar foam), providing that high-octane kick required for a Florida afternoon.
Third-Generation Passion: You’ll often see the Padrino family members on-site, ensuring that the black beans are just as thick and savory as they were forty years ago.
In Short
If you want to experience Cuban culture without the chaos of Little Havana, Padrino’s is your upscale home base. It’s where tradition wears a tuxedo, but still remembers how to dance.
