There’s a little something for every foodie in Miami – and that includes seafood lovers. One of the best seafood restaurants in Miami is Joe’s Stone Crab, which is known for their stone crab claws. In addition to seafood, there are plenty of options for meat-lovers, vegetarians, and people with dietary restrictions like gluten-free or vegan diets. The best restaurants in Miami are tucked away in unexpected areas and have ambiance that makes you feel transported to a different country. From hole-in-the-wall spots to fine dining establishments, Miami has it all when it comes to food. And if you’re wondering what the best food to eat in Miami is, well, it really depends on your preference. That said, we’ve created a list of the best restaurants in Miami with dishes you should try out when you visit the city.
Ceviche in Leche de Tigre with Peruvian Corn — Pisco y Nazca
Ceviche is a type of seafood dish that is commonly marinated in lime and fish stock. It is usually served with large-kernel white Peruvian corn, known as choclo, which provides a fresh, summery flavor. Besides choclo, ceviche may also be garnished with toasted or fried crunchy corn, known as cancha.
Ceviche is often seasoned with chili peppers, chopped onions, coriander, and salt. It can be served with tostadas and may include ingredients such as octopus, shrimp, squid, tuna, and mackerel. Ceviche can be an exciting dish to try but it must be made properly to get the best results.
Scarf wings at Sports Grill
– Sports Grill is a restaurant that serves up some of the best wings in Miami. The go- to sauce for their wings is the Dale sauce, a fiery and smoky slather which is a must-try.
– The menu at Sports Grill offers a wide variety of chicken dishes, from traditional chicken fingers and nuggets to mouth-watering mains such as chicken kiev and chicken biryani.
– Those looking for something different can try the bacon ham jalapeno sandwich or the miami miami sandwich, both of which are filled with toppings to whet the appetite.
– The restaurant has multiple locations across the city, so no matter where you are, you can easily enjoy a meal from Sports Grill’s extensive menu.
Find Miami’s best Cuban sandwich
In Miami, Cuban sandwiches are a staple of the cuisine scene. Different sandwich shops around the city have come up with their own take on the classic sandwich. Popular options include Enriqueta’s, Sarussi, Sanguich, and Pollo Tropical. Each restaurant has its own specialty and offers a different variation of the cuban sandwich.
Cuban sandwich ingredients vary from one restaurant to another, but staple ingredients include pork, ham, mustard, pickles, and Swiss cheese. The bread used in a Cuban sandwich can be white or wheat bread. A popular option is bread baked with coconut. Besides sandwich shops, you can also find Cuban restaurants across South Florida. Floribbean cuisine has unique flavors and is best enjoyed on a beach or at a sunny restaurant terrace.
Crack Stone Crab Claws at Joe’s Stone Crab
At Joe’s Stone Crab, they are a legendary restaurant on South Beach in Miami, having been open since 1913 and mentioned in The Golden Girls. They are known for their stone crab claws, which are available from October to May. In addition to the claws, Joe’s also offers fried chicken, sides, and key lime pie. They offer delivery and take-out options, as well as reservations through Resy. A visit to Joe’s is an iconic Miami experience, with white tablecloths, bow-tied waiters, and four-digit bills. Overall, a trip to Joe’s is a must-try for seafood lovers in Miami.
Pastelitos — Pastelito Papi at Ariete and Chug’s
If you’re a fan of Cuban pastries, you have to try pastelitos! They are flaky pastries made with a variety of fillings, such as cheese, ham, and mounds of cream cheese. These tasty treats are available at many shops in Miami, including Ariete and Chug’s. Their sous chef, Giovanni Fesser has become famous for his gourmet pastelitos under the name Pastelito Papi. Some popular flavors at Chug’s include guava cream cheese and PB&G, a mashup of guava and peanut butter. These pastries are a great way to enjoy a delicious Cuban treat without having to travel to Cuba. Get your hands on some of these pastries today and experience the joy of cuban pastries for yourself!
Mofongo — La Placita
The mofongo dish is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine and is made with fried plantains, garlic, and olive oil. In traditional mofongo, the plantains are fried to a golden-brown and then mashed with garlic and olive oil. Some variations of mofongo include seafood or chicken. The dish can also be topped with cheese, ham, and other toppings. Mofongo is a great vegetarian option as it can be made without meat or dairy products. La Placita is the perfect place to try mofongo as they serve it in a variety of styles with different toppings. Their menu features mofongo burgers, mofongo bowls, mofongo fries, and mofongos de camarones (shrimp mofongos). The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere and live music on the weekends make it a go-to for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
Pasta — Macchialina
Macchialina is an Italian restaurant in South Beach, Miami that offers a variety of pasta dishes for both meat-eater and vegetarians alike. The menu changes often but diners can always expect Italian dishes prepared to perfection. Macchialina’s signature dish is the Beet Mezzaluna Pasta in Hazelnut Brown Butter. Other dishes include the Parmesan Brodo with Clams, Cannellini Beans and Guanciale, and the Lamb Ribs Fra Diavolo with Spicy Cucumber Pickles and Yogurt.
The restaurant offers excellent service and has indoor and outdoor seating. It is a great place to try unique and delicious pasta dishes. Macchialina is a great place to enjoy great food and fresh ingredients while spending time outdoors on South Beach.
Stone Crab Claws — Monty’s
Stone crab claws are a treat to be enjoyed during the summer months. This seafood is best known for its flaky but firm, salty-sweet meat. These claws are usually cracked open and served with a mustard sauce. They are often served with a side of crackers or bread.
As is the case with many other seafood dishes, stone crab claws are expensive. A serving can cost between $10 and $15 depending on the restaurant and the type of shell used. Stone crabs are found on the Atlantic coast of the United States and are priced higher than other crabs.
The best place to enjoy stone crab claws is at Monty’s in Miami, a restaurant known for its stone crab claws and key lime pie. The restaurant offers happy hour specials of small claws for between $6 to $8 per piece.
Patacon — LOBA
LOBa is a restaurant that offers a variety of unique dishes from different parts of the world, including arepas and empanadas, classic Latin American favorites. The restaurant’s specialty is Venezuelan-style sandwiches made with fried green plantains instead of bread. Known as patacon, these sandwiches are filled with fresh fish, shrimp or beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and a special garlic sauce. The restaurant’s version is stuffed with black beans and cheese, making it a tasty meal for everyone to enjoy.
Grilled Octopus — AQ Chophouse
At AQ Chophouse, we pride ourselves in serving fresh octopus that is both a feast for the eyes and a treat for the palate. Our octopus is grilled to perfection with a delectable charred crust, and it is served on cast-iron pan or wooden plank. For a more elegant experience, diners can try AQ Chophouse, where the octopus is plated and cut for them.
Grilled octopus is often found in more casual restaurants, with diners needing a small knife to tackle the unwieldy tentacles. At La Placita, mofongo with various proteins are crowd pleasers. In addition to mofongo, you can also order other favorites such as Arroz con gandules and flan de coco con miel.
There are several Puerto Rican restaurants in Miami, where you can enjoy mofongo and other mouthwatering Caribbean cuisine at an affordable price.
Grab a Cuban coffee and croqueta from a ventanilla
If you’re in Miami and are a fan of Cuban food, there’s no better way to experience it than with a Cuban coffee and a croqueta from a ventanilla (a small window). What is a Cuban coffee? It’s a strong and sweet espresso-based drink, usually made with raw brown sugar.
A croqueta is a fried dough ball filled with cheese or ham, often served during the holidays as an appetizer. It’s a delicious and simple treat that every foodie must try. Many restaurants in Miami can serve Cuban coffee, but Islas Canarias is a great spot to pair it with a croqueta. Doce Provisions in Little Havana is known for its chorizo croqueta made with Miami Smokers’ spicy meat. It’s worth mentioning that it’s one of the best restaurants for Cuban coffee in Miami.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most iconic food in Miami?
When it comes to iconic food in Miami, the Cuban sandwich is a clear favorite. It is a combination of ham, pork, cheese, mustard, and pickles on Cuban bread that is definitely a staple meal in the city. Versailles Restaurant is known for its authentic Cuban food if you’re looking for a place to check out this sandwich.
Seafood is also very popular in the city due to its abundance with fresh catches from the local surrounding waters. Joe’s Stone Crab is a popular spot for seafood lovers who are looking for a classic Miami meal.
Other iconic foods that should not be missed include key lime pie, deep south cuisine like gator bites and fried snapper, as well as classic cocktails like miami vice. With so many delicious dishes available, there’s no doubt that Miami has some of the most iconic food around!
What food is Miami famous for?
Miami is a city known for its diverse and vibrant culinary influences. It is home to a unique Floribbean cuisine, which combines European, Caribbean, Latin American and American flavors together in one plate.
When it comes to food, Miami is best known for its seafood dishes. Popular seafood dishes are fried snapper, stone crabs, key lime pie and alligator bites. The restaurant Joe’s Stone Crab is a well-known seafood restaurant in Miami and it serves up some of the best seafood dishes in town. Dishes such as Cuban sandwiches are also popular favorites in Miami.
In addition to seafood, Miami has a plethora of other delicious cuisines from different cultures and regions. Locals love to indulge in Cuban food, South American cuisine, Deep South cuisine, Italian-inspired cuisine and fresh seafood. Thus, if you ever decide to visit Miami or take a food tour there, make sure to try out the local specialty dishes!
Is Miami a foodie city?
Absolutely! Miami is a fantastic foodie city with a wide array of restaurants and cuisines to choose from. You can find traditional Cuban and Peruvian cuisine, classic American comfort food, Japanese sushi, as well as a unique combination of Latin, European, and Asian flavors. What’s more, the city is home to both upscale hotel restaurants and casual spots – many of which only take cash. From delectable kick-starts to succulent mains and moreish desserts, you are sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds in Miami.
Moreover, this vibrant city also has a strong Caribbean and Latin American culinary scene that offers year-round produce and abundant seafood options. With so much deliciousness surrounding you, it’s no wonder why Miami has become such a popular destination for foodies!
There are so many options for food in Miami, and it would take a while to try them all. But if you want a taste of the best cuisine in the city, here are some restaurants that are a must-visit! From seafood to Cuban cuisine, Miami has it all. And if you want a taste of Miami’s best cuisine but can’t make it to the city, these restaurants have delivery options as well. Happy eating!
