Arturo is a thirteen-year-old boy living in Canal Grove, a Cuban neighborhood in Miami. He resides in an apartment complex surrounded by his extended family and works part-time as a junior dishwasher at their popular establishment, La Cocina de la Isla. He prefers hanging out with his friends and avoiding complicated situations, but the arrival of a summer guest and a threat to his family's business force him to reevaluate his comfortable routine.

Caridad, commonly called Cari, is the eldest child of Abuela and Abuelo. She serves as the head chef of La Cocina de la Isla, taking over the kitchen duties due to her mother's failing health. A former winner of a television cooking competition, she is a talented professional who values excellent customer service and community peace over aggressive confrontation.

Carmen is a thirteen-year-old girl from Madrid spending the summer in Miami following the recent death of her mother. She wears colorful braces, speaks eloquent Spanish, and possesses a strong interest in the activist poetry of José Martí. Her self-assurance and worldliness both impress and intimidate Arturo as they spend time together.

Doña Veronica is the beloved matriarch of the Zamora family and the founder of La Cocina de la Isla. She immigrated to Miami from Cuba in 1979 and built a community institution through her remarkable cooking and deep attention to her neighbors' lives. Despite her failing health forcing her to step away from the kitchen, she maintains a serene, welcoming presence.

Arturo's late grandfather was a Cuban immigrant who worked closely with his wife to establish their family restaurant. Though he passed away when his grandson was very young, he leaves behind a cigar box full of letters detailing his journey, his fears, and his deep appreciation for poetry. His writings provide guidance to his grandson on finding courage.

Wilfrido is a wealthy real estate developer with flamboyantly gelled hair and brightly colored suits. He views family bonds as a flawed system and prioritizes financial gain above all else. He aims to construct a luxury high-rise named Pipo Place on the very corner currently occupied by the Zamoras' restaurant.

Vanessa is Arturo's cousin, older by just six months, but she carries herself with immense maturity. As a dedicated political activist and the leader of a student environmental group called the Green Teens, she is highly organized and heavily involved in community causes.

Bren is one of Arturo's best friends and an honorary member of the Zamora family. He models his wardrobe, speech patterns, and swagger entirely on the rapper Pitbull. Despite his flashy exterior, he is deeply loyal to his friends and considers La Cocina de la Isla his favorite restaurant.

Mop is Arturo's highly intelligent, rail-thin friend who earned his nickname during a headstand contest. He serves as the intellectual voice among their friend group and frequently corrects Bren's impersonations. He leaves early in the summer to attend a sleepaway camp.

Robert is Arturo's father and a supportive presence in the Zamora family. Standing an imposing six-foot-two, he is patient and steadfast, offering quiet comfort to his wife and son while defending the historical importance of his in-laws' restaurant.

Aunt Tuti is Caridad's sister and Vanessa's mother. She is highly expressive and prone to dramatic, emotional reactions, especially when dealing with the threat of Wilfrido's development plans. She advocates for aggressive, immediate retaliation against the developer.

Carlos is Caridad's brother, working behind the scenes for the family business as an accountant. He helps manage the logistical and financial records for La Cocina de la Isla.

Mirta is Uncle Carlos's wife and a high-powered attorney. She utilizes her legal expertise to research Wilfrido's holding company, uncovering discrepancies between his promises and the actual cost of his proposed luxury apartments.

Martín is Arturo's cousin who operates the restaurant's massive dishwasher, which he calls "El Monstruo." He zealously exercises his minor authority in the kitchen by tossing dirty pans into the water to splash his younger cousin.

Frank is Carmen's father and an "honorary Zamora." He and his daughter relocate from Madrid to Miami for the summer following the tragic loss of his wife, seeking comfort among lifelong friends.

Bicycle Bill is a long-time resident of Canal Grove whose history in the neighborhood stretches back decades. He holds fond memories of Doña Veronica helping him arrange his thirtieth wedding anniversary in her courtyard.

Claudio is Wilfrido's former assistant. He suffers under his employer's intense micromanagement, which includes strict dietary restrictions, until he is abruptly fired and finally allows himself to eat sugar.