The Best Food in Miami: 26 Must-Eat Dishes to Add to Your List
There are 9.1 gazillion things to eat in Miami, but not all bites are created equal. (We’re looking at you, soggy Cuban sandwich.) Presenting 26 dishes we consider to be the absolute best food in Miami that we think every Miamian needs to try at least once.
The 20 Best Bakeries in Miami We Seriously Can’t Live Without
A post shared by @joesstonecrab on Jul 29, 2017 at 3:37pm PDT
1. Stone Crab and Key Lime Pie at Joe’s
Location: 11 Washington Ave., Miami
Reservations: Resy
For more than 100 years, this legendary South Beach restaurant has been the definitive place to feast on massive crustaceans served family-style. Pro tip: No meal here is complete without a slice of key lime pie.
A post shared by Night Owl Cookies[e-ae] (@nightowlcookies) on Jun 4, 2020 at 3:28pm PDT
2. Ave Maria Cookie at Night Owl Cookies
Location: Various locations
Reservations: N/A
We’re never one to turn down the fun flavor creations like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, birthday cake or pumpkin spice on Night Owl’s ever-changing menu. But the Ave Maria has our heart, made with guava, Maria cookies (crunchy tea biscuits), white chocolate chips and a cream cheese frosting drizzle.
A post shared by Yardbird Southern Table & Bar (@ybsouthern) on Jul 25, 2016 at 10:26am PDT
3. Chicken ’n’ Watermelon ’n’ Waffles at Yardbird
Location: 1600 Lenox Ave., Miami Beach
Reservations: OpenTable
Honestly, comfort food doesn’t get much better than this. Don’t forget the extra honey hot sauce and bourbon maple syrup.
A post shared by XueWei Zhang (@sylviazhangx) on Sep 25, 2017 at 10:11am PDT
4. Cubano at Versailles
Location: 3555 SW Eighth St., Miami
Reservations: N/A
This iconic restaurant is responsible for the best Cubanos (and cafés con leche) in town. Sweet ham, roast pork and Swiss cheese smeared with mustard on toasted Cuban bread. Bring. It. On.
A post shared by Shorty's Bar B Q (@shortysbbq) on Aug 17, 2017 at 8:17pm PDT
5. Pulled Pork Sandwich at Shorty’s Bar-b-q
Location: Various locations
Reservations: N/A
A Miami hangout since 1951, this log-cabin-style restaurant is our go-to when we’re craving pulled pork sliders and coleslaw. P.S.: Double up on napkins before you dig in.
A post shared by MIMO & CORAL GABLES (@mscheezious) on Jun 14, 2017 at 3:33pm PDT
6. Any Melt at Ms. Cheezious
Location: 7418 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
Reservations: N/A
No matter how old we get, there’s nothing like a really, really good grilled cheese. We can’t get enough of the Mackin Melt (with creamy Gouda mac ’n’ cheese and house-cured bacon) or the fried chicken and waffle melt (crispy chicken and cheddar on house-made buttermilk waffles with country gravy and maple syrup).
A post shared by Coyo Taco (@coyotaco) on Dec 2, 2016 at 11:24am PST
7. Tacos at Coyo
Location: Various locations
Reservations: N/A
It’s pretty hard to improve upon tacos, but the fusion-y ingredient combos (like pork, roasted pineapple and tangy onions) seal the deal. Pricing under $10 helps, too.
A post shared by El Palacio De Los Jugos (@elpalaciodelosjugos) on Jun 24, 2020 at 3:45am PDT
8. Juices or Smoothies at El Palacio De Los Jugos
Location: Various locations
Reservations: N/A
We dream about the made-from-scratch smoothies and juices at El Palacio. They’re as fresh as ever, totally worth the drive and pretty healthy, with options ranging from watermelon to mamoncillo chino (an addictively tart fruit related to lychees). It is called the juice palace, after all.
A post shared by La Carreta (@lacarretacuban) on Nov 22, 2017 at 9:01am PST
9. Cubano at La Carreta
Location: Various locations
Reservations: N/A
We know what you’re thinking: another Cuban sandwich?! But trust us, it’s worth it. La Carreta’s signature roast-pork sandwich is best enjoyed with homemade crispy plantain chips and a sweet mamey papaya shake.
A post shared by ALL DAY (@alldaymia) on Jun 6, 2017 at 11:16am PDT
10. Nitro Cold Brew at All Day
Location: 1035 N. Miami Ave., Miami
Reservations: N/A
We all need a java jolt every once in a while. When craving strikes, we opt for a nitro at All Day in downtown, where cold-brew concentrate is infused with nitrogen to add a slight fizz and creamy consistency.
11. Bread at Zak The Baker
Location: 295 NW 26th St., Miami
Reservations: N/A
Come for a loaf of sourdough, stay for the sweet-smelling aroma of freshly baked breads and pastries that fills the café all day long.
12. Ice Cream at Azucar Ice Cream Company
Location: 1503 SW Eighth St., Miami
Reservations: N/A
This gem on Calle Ocho is home to the famous Abuela Maria ice cream scoop, made with vanilla mixed with bright jewels of ruby red guava, rich cream cheese and crispy Maria crackers. It’s a Cuban classic.
A post shared by Andres Malvarez (@andresmalvarez) on Dec 30, 2016 at 1:18pm PST
13. Everything Bagel With Chive Cream Cheese at Bagel Cove
Location: 19003 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura
Reservations: N/A
You didn’t think we’d leave our favorite source of carbs off this list, did you? This Aventura staple is not only one of the city’s best bagel spots but its prices clock in at some of the lowest in town.
A post shared by Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlour (@jaxsonsicecream) on Oct 21, 2016 at 1:01pm PDT
14. The Kitchen Sink at Jaxson’s
Location: 128 S. Federal Hwy., Dania Beach
Reservations: N/A
When we said we wanted to try everything but the kitchen sink, we never thought we’d get this. This monstrous heap of ice cream is meant to be shared by four very ambitious eaters. Yep, it’s basically the stuff dreams are made of.
A post shared by Pincho Factory[e-ae] (@pinchofactory) on Sep 15, 2017 at 12:55pm PDT
15. Toston Burger at Pincho
Location: Various locations
Reservations: N/A
Homegrown chain Pincho manages to combine fast-food-style nostalgia with hefty, perfectly cooked patties on par with what you’d find elsewhere for twice the price. Let’s not forget that the toston burger swaps a traditional bun for two crispy fried plantains. Mmm.
A post shared by Billy Corben (@billycorben) on Feb 27, 2017 at 9:26am PST
16. Breakfast at Jimmy’s Eastside Diner
Location: 7201 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
Reservations: N/A
You’re actually looking at the site of one very memorable scene in the Oscar-winning film Moonlight. Dating back to the ’60s, this place is known to serve one of the heartiest all-day breakfast spreads in the city. Bring on the toast, bacon and eggs.
A post shared by Claire Ginther (@clairesatmosphere) on May 26, 2017 at 1:52pm PDT
17. Fried Chicken at Publix
Location: Various locations
Reservations: N/A
This Southern supermarket chain is famous for its fried chicken. No matter where you are in Miami, you’ve got a Publix nearby. Snag a hefty chicken-stuffed sandwich or a combo with a side of mac and cheese and biscuits.
A post shared by The Salty Donut (@thesaltydonut) on Mar 10, 2020 at 1:38pm PDT
18. Tres Leches Doughnut at The Salty Donut
Location: Various locations
Reservations: N/A
If you can judge a doughnut by the number of people waiting in line to eat it, consider these rounds the best in town. Tucked inside a charming Wynwood storefront, the Salty Donut whips up treats in flavors like guava-cheese, maple bacon and Nutella-stuffed. But the real winner here is the tres leches doughnut, made with white chocolate and lots of cream and then torched to perfection.
A post shared by Fireman Derek's Bake Shop (@fdpies) on Jul 2, 2020 at 3:00pm PDT
19. Key Lime Pie at Fireman Derek’s
Location: Various locations
Reservations: N/A
No need to drive to Key West for a quality slice: Miami is replete with plenty of takes on the classic pie that nail the sweet-to-tart ratio. At Fireman Derek’s, the key lime is the most requested flavor—and it’s no surprise why. It strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet, and it always includes a generous heap of whipped cream.
A post shared by La Sandwicherie (@lasandwicheriesobe) on Jul 5, 2020 at 7:08am PDT
20. Sobe Club at La Sandwicherie
Location: Various locations
Reservations: N/A
It’s hard to go wrong at this South Beach sandwich mecca, but after a morning of sun and waves, we find ourselves craving this summery combo of turkey, Brie and avocado.
A post shared by EL BAGEL (@elbagel) on Jun 11, 2020 at 4:55am PDT
21. A Stuffed Bagel at El Bagel
Location: 6910 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
Reservations: N/A
We may not have the bagel fame of NYC, but South Florida knows a thing or two about crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside rounds of dough. Just look at El Bagel. They make some of the best chewy bagels crammed with everything from smoked salmon to runny eggs to thick schmears—or, you know, all of the above.
22. Croquetas at Islas Canarias Restaurant
Location: Various locations
Reservations: N/A
This family-owned and operated spot is known for slinging the city’s best croquetas. Delightfully crispy and creamy, each bite bursts with savory flavor. Choose between fillings like chicken, fish or ham, and get a few extra to take home, too.
23. Housemade Pasta at Macchialina
Location: 820 Alton Rd., Miami Beach
Reservations: Resy
This Italian eatery in Miami Beach is beloved for its rustic and comforting cuisine. Helmed by chef-owner Michael Pirolo, you can’t go wrong with any of the pasta dishes. But if you ask us, our favorite is the famous cavatelli with baby meatballs, pork, and pecorino.
24. Arepas at Doggi's Arepa Bar
Location: Various locations
Reservations: N/A
Come hungry to Doggi’s Arepa Bar and embark on the ultimate arepa tasting. With dozens of options—each served on golden, crispy cornmeal dough— take your pick at flavors like shredded chicken and gouda; churrasco, avocado and pico de gallo; and fried egg and white cheese.
25. A Steak Dinner at Prime 112
Location: 112 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach
Reservations: Call 305-532-8112
Whether you’re a steak lover or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, a steak dinner at Prime 112 is a Miami classic. Choose from a variety of cuts, including filet mignon, ribeye, and New York strip, and add delectable sides like five cheese truffle mac, beef and sausage stuffing, fried green tomatoes or rum-baked sweet plantains.
26. Empanadas at Graziano's Market
Location: Various locations
Reservations: N/A
While the steaks are certainly worth trying at this Argentinian chain, their empanadas are not to be missed either. These crave-worthy, melt-in-your-mouth pastries are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as beef, chicken, spinach, cheese, and more. Each one is seasoned to perfection with a delightfully flaky crust.
The 18 Best Seafood Restaurants in Miami With the Freshest Fish