If you know, you know: guava pastries are the sunshine-sweet treasures that disappear before the clock hits nine. Florida’s bakeries have perfected that flaky, buttery bite with tangy pink guava tucked inside. Set your alarm and bring cash because the regulars show up early and buy them by the box. Here are the spots where you need to move fast or miss out.
Pinecrest Bakery – Miami River – Miami, Florida
At the Miami River location, the pastelitos come out hot and glossy, and you can smell the butter from the street. The guava filling hits that sweet-tart lane perfectly, with layers that shatter the second you bite. Order a colada and grab two because one will vanish fast.
Regulars line up early, and the boxes go out the door by the dozen. You get options too, like guava-cheese swirls that balance tang and richness. Friendly counter staff move quick, so know your order when you step up.
Prices are fair, portions generous, and the vibe is pure Miami morning hustle. If you want variety, try the croquetas while you wait. But trust the pastelito first.
Vicky Bakery East Flagler – Miami, Florida
East Flagler wakes up on guava time, and Vicky Bakery sets the pace. The pastelitos here have a lacquered top that crackles, with guava that tastes like sunshine in jam form. Pair it with a cortadito and watch the rush swirl around you.
You will want extra napkins because the flakes fly everywhere, in the best way. Locals grab a dozen and still come back for more. The guava-cheese version is creamy, slightly salty, and dangerously addictive.
Show up before nine if you are picky about freshness. Staff keep trays moving, but the best batches go quick. If you blink, that last pastelito will be gone to someone behind you.
Karla Cuban Bakery: West Flagler Store – Miami, Florida
Karla Cuban Bakery on West Flagler feels like your favorite neighborhood spot, only busier. The guava pastries are generous, slightly sticky, and wildly fragrant. You take a bite and immediately plan another visit.
They do a great guava-cheese braid that stretches into perfect bites with every pull. Expect families ordering big trays for the office and school drop-offs. Service is warm, and the coffee is strong enough to keep pace.
Come early because the morning crew cleans out the case quickly. If you see a fresh tray, do not hesitate. Grab extras for later because these hold up beautifully with a quick reheat.
La Gran Parada – Miami, Florida
La Gran Parada delivers that no-fuss, all-flavor guava pastry that regulars swear by. The dough is tender, laminated just enough to crunch without falling apart in your lap. One bite and you get sweet guava, buttery layers, and a quick hit of nostalgia.
They box orders lightning fast because mornings get hectic. You hear the espresso machine humming and the door chiming nonstop. It is the kind of spot where you nod at strangers who know what to order.
Try the warm batch if you catch it coming out back. The aroma alone will have you smiling. If you snooze, the guava tray empties before you finish your coffee.
La Carreta – Miami, Florida
La Carreta keeps tradition alive with pastelitos that taste like home. The guava is bright, not overly sweet, and the pastry has just the right snap. Add a colada and you have breakfast handled in two bites.
Expect a steady parade of locals grabbing boxes for meetings. The staff knows the rhythm and keeps fresh trays coming out. You can practically track time by the sound of pastry cases opening and closing.
Get there early for the prettiest tops and warm centers. If you want variety, snag a cheese roll too. But the guava classic is the one that disappears first, every single time.
Mendez Fuel – Miami, Florida
Do not sleep on this gas station gem. Mendez Fuel sneaks in artisan quality pastelitos with guava that tastes like ripe fruit, not candy. You walk in for fuel and walk out with a flaky box and a grin.
The pastry game is surprisingly serious, with careful lamination and clean, sticky edges. Coffee options are solid for a quick grab. Commuters know the drill and swoop in early.
If you need a quick breakfast that still feels special, this is your lane. The staff is friendly and fast, and the case turns over often. Blink and the guava shelf looks mysteriously empty by mid morning.
Yambo – Miami, Florida
Yambo brings a lively mix of Latin flavors, and the guava pastries fit right in. The dough leans tender, less brittle than most, with a juicy guava core. You get sweetness, a whisper of tropical tang, and zero regrets.
It is a community hangout, so mornings buzz with chatter and music. People know exactly what they are here for. Trays rotate fast, which means freshness is almost guaranteed.
Order a couple and a strong coffee, then find a sunny corner. These travel well if you are sharing back at work. But honestly, you may not share once you taste that warm guava center.
CAO Bakery & Cafe – Miami, Florida
CAO Bakery does guava with a polished touch. The pastelitos are uniform, golden, and packed with lush filling that stays put. Bite in and you get clean layers, fruit-forward flavor, and a satisfying crunch.
There is usually a line, but it moves quickly. Staff call out orders and restock trays in smooth bursts. The guava-cheese hybrid is balanced, not heavy, and pairs perfectly with a cortadito.
Arrive early for peak selection and warmth. By late morning, the prettiest ones are always gone. If you are indecisive, get a mixed box and a few extra napkins for the road.
La Nueva Fe Bakery – Hialeah, Florida
In Hialeah, La Nueva Fe serves guava pastries that taste like they were made for neighbors. The crust flakes softly instead of exploding, which makes it perfect for car bites. The guava is vivid, with a clean finish that keeps you reaching back.
Morning regulars grab coffee and chat while boxes stack up. It is cozy, unpretentious, and refreshingly affordable. Trays cycle fast, so you nearly always catch them warm.
Ask for guava-cheese if you like a creamy counterpoint. Or keep it classic and let the fruit shine alone. Either way, get there early because once the school crowd hits, those trays clear out fast.
Cinotti’s Bakery-Sandwich Shop – Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Cinotti’s brings a beach friendly twist to guava pastries, and the result is delightfully addictive. The dough is flaky, not greasy, and the filling leans bright and tropical. Grab one on your way to the sand and thank yourself later.
They sell out of the guava items faster than you would expect up here. Locals know the schedule and swing by early. Coffee is dependable, and the staff keeps the line cheerful.
If you like variety, snag a guava turnover and a classic pastelito to compare. Both travel well for beach picnics. By mid morning, the guava case usually looks picked clean.
Frida’s Cafe & Bakery – Largo, Florida
Frida’s adds an artisan touch to guava, focusing on clean ingredients and meticulous lamination. The pastries are crisp at the edges with tender centers, and the guava sings without being cloying. You feel the care in every bite.
The cafe is bright and calm, making a peaceful early stop. Locals bring laptops and order boxes for the office. Staff keeps the pastry case rotating, but guava always moves fastest.
Pair a guava pastry with a latte or a simple cafecito. If you like extra richness, try the guava-cheese option. Show up early or risk settling for crumbs because these beauties vanish before late morning.