The rhythmic clatter of plates mingles with the sultry notes of a bolero at Don Ramon Restaurante Cubano, where the aroma of ropa vieja drifts through the air like a warm Havana breeze. For over three decades, this South Dixie Highway establishment has been more than just a restaurant—it’s been a slice of Cuba transplanted to Florida’s shores. Now, it’s poised to become West Palm Beach’s newest hotspot for live Cuban music, launching a monthly series that promises to transform dining into a full sensory journey through the island’s rich cultural heritage.
“Music and food are the soul of Cuba,” says Dina Rubio, whose family has cultivated Don Ramon’s reputation since 1990. “When you combine them, you’re not just having dinner—you’re experiencing our culture in its purest form.”
The inaugural series reads like a who’s who of Cuban musical royalty.
Headlining is Haydée Milanés, daughter of Cuban music legend Pablo Milanés, whose voice carries the torch of her father’s legacy while carving out her own distinctive path. Since making Miami her home, Milanés has earned a reputation for performances that blend jazz sophistication with the raw emotion of traditional Cuban boleros, drawing comparisons to Norah Jones for her ability to cross cultural and musical boundaries.
Latin Grammy winner Amaury Gutiérrez brings his “Cuban Pop” innovation to the intimate venue, where his fusion of Nueva Trova, bolero, and jazz influences promises to fill the restaurant’s warm, rustic space. Over two decades, his passionate lyrics and memorable melodies have made him a household name in the Latin music world. Amaury’s music often emphasizes the vocal element, drawing inspiration from artists like Pablo Milanés, Djavan, Caetano Veloso, and Stevie Wonder.
Rounding out the initial lineup is Los Tres de la Habana, a trio whose modern take on Son and Salsa routinely transforms dining rooms into impromptu dance floors.
The group was formed by Germán Pinelli, Ana Páez, and Tirso Páez. They moved to Miami in 2007 and have continued to blend Cuban musical influences with elements of Jazz, Pop, and urban music.
Their music is characterized by its joyful and flavorful sound, and they have performed internationally in countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, England, Australia, and Canada. Some of their popular albums include “Los 3 de la Habana & Band,” “Y Quiénes son,” “Suena como yo,” and “Llegó el Momento”. “CubanoAmericano” (Single, 2023).
A Feast for the Senses
The music series elevates Don Ramon’s already-renowned dining experience.
Here, classic dishes tell their own stories—the pulled beef of ropa vieja speaks of family traditions, while arroz con pollo carries the comfort of Sunday gatherings. Sweet plantains (maduros) caramelize to perfection, offering a subtle counterpoint to the savory mains. Each dish emerges from a kitchen where recipes have been passed down through generations, preserved like musical scores that never lose their power to move.
The combination creates something unique in West Palm Beach’s dining scene: an evening when the line between performance and dinner party blurs, where the barriers between audience and artist dissolve in the shared appreciation of Cuba’s cultural wealth.
This season, Don Ramon becomes more than a restaurant—it transforms into a cultural embassy where Cuba’s heart beats strong in South Florida.
These monthly events seem destined to become the hottest ticket in town, offering an experience that’s both refined and deeply personal. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most authentic cultural experiences can be found not in tourist destinations but in the places where communities gather to celebrate their heritage through food, music, and shared joy.
For those seeking to experience this synthesis of Cuban cuisine and culture, reservations are available through Dina Rubio at Don Ramon Restaurante Cubano, located at 7101 S Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach, or by phone at 561-301-6319.
For information about the Don Ramon Restaurante Cubano, visit donramonrestaurant.com or follow their social media @donramonrestaurant