Eat Like A Local In Miami
Spring break is coming up! Who's headed to Miami?? Say goodbye to your swimsuit body because here's your list of places to eat.
I lived in Miami for 4 years while attending the University of Miami. Although I only lived there for a short period of time, I witnessed the food scene rapidly changing. Many of the restaurants there don't last more than a year, causing constant turnover in the restaurant scene. I would leave for summer vacation and come back only to find out that one of my favorite restaurants had closed down.
I started my Instagram page during my last few months in Miami so I don't have photos for every place listed (and the ones I have are pretty bad quality. Hah). But I just wanted to provide a list of must visit spots since Miami is such a popular destination. The list is categorized by area so that it's easier to plan your meals based on where you'll be. It's a long list so keep scrolling!
View of Brickell and Downtown Miami
$ (under $10 per main dish/item)
$$ ($10-$20 per dish)
$$$ ($20-$30 per dish)
$$$$ (over $30 per dish)
BRICKELL/DOWNTOWN
10 Fruits $ - Juice Shop. One of my favorites places for acai bowls! Acai bowls in Miami are waaay better than the ones in the Bay. They also have juices, smoothies, waffles, and other healthy options.
Bali Cafe $$ - Indonesian. The only legit Asian food in Miami...with the exception of a few fusion restaurants. Just a heads up, this place is a hole in the wall and located in a slightly sketchy area but the food is worth risking your life for! (Totally kidding it's not that bad.)
Fooq's $$$ - American. The bread pudding is all you need to get...and the octopus. But they're also known for their burger if the first two things aren't really up your alley.
La Mar $$$ - Peruvian. There's a La Mar in SF but the menu is different from the one in Miami. This one is located in the Mandarin Oriental and it has one of the best views of Brickell and Downtown.
Palmas Cafe $ - Cuban. I'm not a fan of Cuban food (since I don't eat meat) but that's what Miami is known for so I had to include at least one Cuban restaurant on this list. I only decided to try this place because it was right under my apartment but it was actually pretty good! This place is a really casual, cafeteria style restaurant and is popular for lunch with the people who work in the area.
Vero $$ - Italian. Homemade pastas and pizzas! It's a little hard to find because it's located in a random alleyway but it's worth the hunt.
Zuma $$$$ - Upscale Japanese. You know it's upscale when they have yacht parking... If you order a la carte, you can eat there for under $50 per person but they also have a weekend champagne brunch buffet starting at $100 if you're feeling really bougie. Definitely the place to see and be seen.
10 Fruits. Photo by Sarah Ching Photography
CORAL GABLES
Hillstone $$$ - American. Said to be the highest grossing restaurant in Coral Gables. That being said, make sure to go at an off time or you may be stuck waiting an hour for a table. Hillstone is a chain serving burgers, salads, steaks, and sushi and they have a location in SF as well.
Threefold Cafe $$ - Australian. Brunch served everyday. Avocado toast has become so popular but some places skimp on the avocado. However, the Smashed Avo here is LOADED with avocado and comes with roasted mushrooms. Just add a soft poached egg to top it all off.
WHISK Gourmet $$ - American Southern. One of my go-to spots in Coral Gables that has never let me down. They have a daily specials menu (include desserts) that changes everyday along with their regular menu.
Threefold Cafe
MIAMI BEACH
Cleo $$$ - Mediterranean. The lebaneh dip with laffa bread here is to die for. But I also don't think I've ever tried a dish here I didn't like. They also have locations in LA and Vegas, in case you happen to be going to those cities instead.
Katsuya $$$ - Japanese Fusion. My friend tried his first piece of sushi here and thought it was life changing (mainly because he was no longer afraid of sushi. haha). They have a similar menu to Pubbelly (listed below) but Katsuya has a much trendier vibe to it. This is a place you could have a late dinner at before heading out to the clubs and you won't feel weighed down by the food.
Taquiza $ - Mexican. There are chips and guac and then there are Taquiza chips and guac. They have tacos too but the thick, crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, blue corn chips are the star here. They have a limited seating/standing area and it's all outdoors so don't go when it's raining.
True Loaf $ - Bakery. I don't normally eat an entire pastry in one sitting, but when it comes to True Loaf's almond croissants, I can't help but finish it all. Their pastries are also sold at Panther Coffee.
Under the Mango Tree $ - Juice Shop. A great place to stop for something refreshing after spending all day at the beach. They offer juices, smoothies, acai bowls, and vegetarian sandwiches.
WYNWOOD/MIDTOWN/DESIGN DISTRICT
Gigi $$$ - Asian Fusion. Every time I've been here has been between the hours of 2am and 5am...so I wouldn't really recommend this place for a regular meal. But if you're in need of a late night meal after partying, here's your place. The menu is pretty overpriced but if you're just there for the bread pudding and cornbread like I always was, then it's not that bad.
Lagniappe $$ - Wine Bar. For when you're tired of clubbing and need something chill to do. You can either buy wine by the bottle (they'll provide glasses) or by the glass at the counter. After, make your way to the back patio where you'll find fridges filled with cheese and charcuterie that are priced by the pound. When you pay for them, you can ask them to plate it for you for only $3, which includes bread, jam, and olives. They also have a BBQ menu in case you're looking for something more substantial to pair with your wine.
Lemoni Cafe $$ - American/Mediterranean. Their menu and portions are huge so there's definitely something for everyone! It's a small restaurant so if you're going for weekend brunch or dinner, make sure to get there on the early side. Not a fan of their desserts though so might want to skip that.
Lulu's Ice Cream $ - Nitrogen ice cream made to order! Best part is that they have unique flavors that are very Miami...like guava with goat cheese, passion fruit, and key lime. They also make their cones fresh in house!
Mandolin Aegean Bistro $$ - Greek/Turkish. When I think of Mandolin, I think fresh and colorful. The dishes are simple yet flavorful. The restaurant looks like a house straight out of Greece with a cute dining patio. Just don't go when it's raining because that won't be fun.
Sugarcane $$$ - Asian Fusion Tapas. I don't even know where to begin...everything on the menu is so good. Pretty sure you can't go wrong. The portions are on the smaller side since they're tapas and it can easily add up so don't be surprised when your bill is higher than you expected. Be sure to make a reservation!
The Salty Donut $ - I've actually never been here but it's constantly on lists for best donuts (and it's very IG worthy). Just go on the earlier side because the shop closes once they're sold out for the day.
Zak the Baker $$ - Bakery/Cafe. They have a bakery location and a deli location. Their bread and concept is similar to Tartine's so here's your chance to try Tartine without the never-ending line! Go to the deli location if you're looking for more than just bread and pastries.
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Harry's Pizzeria $$ (Design District & Coconut Grove) - American. The pizza here is good, but the Polenta Fries are bomb. And if you want to pretend to be healthy, get the Brussel Sprouts with Stracciatella.
Jugofresh $ (Miami Beach, Coral Gables, All FL Whole Foods) - Juice Shop. I'm not a fan of juice cleanses so I can't vouch for their juices, but I do like acai bowls! I always get the Acai Verde which includes kale but you really can't go wrong with any of their bowls.
Mister O1 $$ (Brickell & Miami Beach) - Pizza. Their slogan "that famous hidden place" is no lie. The Miami Beach location is located in the back of some random office building's lobby. My favorite pizza here is the Star Michele (or the Star Luca if you want meat) because it comes in the shape of a star and each point is filled with ricotta cheese.
My Ceviche $$ (Brickell, Coral Gables, Midtown, Miami Beach, MIA) - Fast Casual Seafood. Think Chipotle but with ceviche instead. Some of the locations allow you to build your own bowl, salad, burrito, or tacos while you make your way down the line. The proteins include fish, shrimp, and octopus.
Pubbelly Sushi $$$ (Brickell & Miami Beach) - Asian Fusion. The menu here is similar to Katsuya. The most popular dish here is probably the Bigeye Tuna roll that includes spicy tuna and crispy rice but the Salmon Tartare Taquitos are really good too. They have cooked food from the robata grill as well in case you're not a fan of raw fish (the grilled octopus is amazing).
