This Cuban dinner cabaret from Colombia is opening its first U.S. location in Miami

A new dinner cabaret is bringing Asian-inspired Cuban cuisine to Little Havana’s Calle Ocho.

Named for Havana’s Chinatown, Calle Dragones is opening its first U.S. location in Miami (it already has popular locations in Bogota and Cartagena, Colombia).

Cuban-born chef Luis Pous, who’s also a partner, has spent more than 30 years working at some of the world’s most famous restaurants, including Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys; George V Hotel in Paris; Dior House; and Asia de Cuba in London, New York and the United Arab Emirates.

“Calle Dragones will stand as a true testament to what Cuba could have been today if it weren’t for the revolution and if the country had been allowed to evolve and fulfill its gastronomic and cultural potential,” Pous said. “From our menu to our daily spectacle programming, guests will experience a piece of the old glamorous Cuba.”

The menu will include dishes like mojo roasted lechon Pekin with guava hoisin and Chinese pancakes; crab fricassee with Thai sofrito; and risotto congri with short rib vaca frita.

Because it’s a cabaret, Calle Dragones will host nightly performances and live music, including Spanish Fiesta on Thursdays, Havana Tropical Nights on Fridays and Salsa Disco Fever on Saturdays. On Sunday, brunch will be served to the theme of World Carnaval Day. The shows will be curated by Dayhan Diaz, who has worked with famous musicians like Rey Ruiz, Andrés Cepeda and Amaury Gutiérrez.

Naturally, cocktails are part of the experience. Expect exotic drinks like the Guajiro (mezcal, mandarin Armagnac, lemon and tamarind syrup); Rostro de Cuba (gin, amaretto Disaronno, lemon, syrup, basil and coconut yogurt); and Romeo y Julieta (turbocharged vodka with parsley, pepper and lemongrass, plus lemon, ginger syrup, ginger beer and pickled cucumber).

Just shy of 5,000 square feet, the venue will seat 166 indoors and outdoors. The Rococco design comes from Spanish architect and designer Ignacio Garcia de Vinuesa, with 1950s-style velvet furniture, black crystal chandeliers and a vintage white grand piano.

Calle Dragones

Where: 1036 SW Eighth St., Miami

Opening: April 26

Hours: Open 6 p.m. Monday-Sunday; brunch noon-5 p.m. Sunday; happy hour 4-7 p.m. weekdays

More information: www.calledragones.com or 786-722-8370

Reservations: opentable.com