A foodies travel guide to Miami Beach
One of our go-to destinations whenever we need a quick(ish) getaway to a different tropical climate, Miami is a foodie’s paradise! In fact, in 2023 it was named Bon Appétit’s Food City of the Year. Home to some of, if not the best Cuban food in the country, Miami — and Little Havana — is a must-visit culinary destination full of flavor.
Ever evolving, here’s a peek into their restaurant scene. We’re covering:
The best coffee and breakfast in Miami Beach
The best places to get lunch in Miami, FL
The best dinner restaurants in Miami Beach
The best happy hour spots in Miami
The best dessert spots in Miami
Be sure to bookmark this post — it’s one we regularly update!
Breakfast
Las Olas → Located in: Miami beach
If you want to eat where the locals eat, a visit to Las Olas is a must. A hole-in-the-wall, don’t be put off by the wobbly tables or cafeteria-style setting inside of this bodega. Most customers line up outside la ventanita (little walk-up windows abundant throughout the city) and order to-go. Known to have the best Cafe Con Leche in the area, it isn’t poured from a pot, but made for you. The guava pastries were deliciosa! Much like your favorite independent coffee shops, there will be a small wait, but trust us when we say it’s worth it. While we came for breakfast, we hear the Cuban sandwiches are a must-try!
Zak the baker → Located in: Wynwood Arts District
Zak the Baker is an independent artisan Kosher bakery, certified under Miami Dade Kosher. reads and pastries made from-scratch, by-hand. They’ve built a reputation for their sourdough and challah bread, but . They typically do two pastry bakes per day, so plan your visit around 7am or 12pm for the freshest flavors! Do be aware that as this establishment operates under Jewish law, they are not open on Saturdays, as they cannot operate on Shabbat, Passover, or Jewish holidays.
Lunch
ISLAS CANARIAS → Located in: Miami
Islas Canarias just happens to be home to what is arguably the best croquetas in Miami! A Cuban staple, these breadcrumb-covered logs of ham are often enjoyed for breakfast, snack, tapas, or a quick bite on-the-go. The original location in Little Havana was sold to their neighbor and competitor (it’s now Caribe), but they have another Ventanita (walk up window) on SW 26th St where you can order. Brush up on your Spanish before ordering!
SANGUICH DE MIAMI → Located in: Little Havana
If there’s one must-have item to order during your Miami food tour, it’s a Cuban sandwich, but in an area where they’re a dime a dozen, it may be hard to know where it’s worth your while. Sanguich De Miami, located on Little Havana’s most popular street, has the best you can get! While seating is limited, don’t let that deter you. This small business is an absolute gem with the friendliest staff. From the delicious bread, to the house-made mustard, to the pork which is cured in-house, everything is freshly made!
TAQUIZA TACOS → Located in: Miami beach
Just a block away from the ocean, take a break from the beach and stop into Taquiza Tacos to refuel. Quick service and very friendly staff make this a must-try! Crafting authentic tacos and street fare, this affordable, traditional Mexican taquería is said to have some of the best tacos in Miami, hands down! Their signature blue masa is stone-ground, and hand-pressed into homemade tortillas and totopos. Totopos come out warm, pillowy, and crunchy, covered with flaky sea salt and served with salsa and guacamole. For tacos, we recommend the Al Pastor (slow-cooked pork shoulder with achiote, guajillo chiles, sour orange topped with a charred pineapple) and Barbacoa (braised beef cooked with cumin, chiles and negra modelo). Wash it down with a Mexican Sprite or Coke, which we all know is superior to the domestic varieties. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
PATAGONIA NAUHEN → Located in: Miami beach
There are two types of empanadas prevalent in Miami — Cuban-style, which is a fried half-moon shaped pastry, and Argentenian-style which is baked and come in various shapes and sizes. We sampled both while in Miami, and while both were delicious, for us there was a clear winner! Visit Patagonia Nauhen in Key Biscayne (just ten minutes outside of Miami) for Argentine gourmet chorizo empanadas that are buttery, flakey, and full of flavor. This location is just minutes away from several beaches and parks, where you can enjoy your treat under the shade of the palms. They also have a large selection of desserts — you have to try the alfajores, shortbread cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth dulce de leche center, and rolled in shredded coconut!
Dinner
Joe’s Stone Crab → Located in: Miami beach
Though pricy and often requiring a long wait, Joe’s Stone Crab is something you have to experience at least once. In fact, Joe’s Stone Crab serves so many customers, in 2023 they were the highest-grossing restaurant in the entire US! An iconic seafood restaurant for over 100 years, stone crab season runs from October 15th to May 15th.
Old’s Havana Cuban Bar and Cocina → Located in: Little Havana
Located on the famed Calle Ocho, Old’s Havana may look small from the exterior, but step inside and walk through to the back and you’ll find an expansive terrace to enjoy your meal al-fresco. During the day, find solace from the sun underneath the shade of sailcloth canopies, in the evenings, twinkle lights create a romantic atmosphere. Palm trees and tropical plants are abundant, and plant-covered wood fencing separates you from the buzz of the surrounding streets. Order a raspberry mojito, complete with a raw sugarcane stalk. The ropa-veja is also a must! No trip to Miami is complete without a meal at Old’s.
CASA TUA → Located in: Miami beach
One for the senses, you won’t find a more romantic setting than Casa Tua. An iconic culinary destination, this flagship location is an absolute must for couples seeking a memorable, a one-of-a-kind experience. In the heart of Miami Beach’s Art Deco district, weave your way through the lush tropical foliage and lantern-lit trees to dine al-fresco under the glow of the moon. Organic, ethically-sourced ingredients are paired with an extensive wine list.
Layla → Located in: Miami beach
For incredible Middle-Eastern cuisine, make dinner reservations at Layla, Kayak MB’s on-site restaurant located on the first floor by the elevators. Casually elegant, this bar and restaurant is perfectly situated on the canalside terrace, where you’ll see fish jumping out of the water and orange iguanas scurrying up the trees. We recommend starting with Mezze to share — warm, freshly-made pita bread served with hummus (tahina, sumac, roasted garlic, topped with crispy chickpeas), the most flavorful babaganoush (roasted eggplant, tahina, smoked pimentos, and charred onion petals), and muhammara (wood roasted peppers, walnuts, pomegranate molasses). It was divine! The eggplant toast (sourdough, labneh, basil, Fresno chili pepper marmalade) is also a wonderful starter, though rich.
*Update 2024: While staying at Lifehouse South of Fifth, we learned that Layla — as well as Kayak MB — have since closed.
Drinks
Old’s Havana Cuban Bar and Cocina → Located in: Little Havana
Admittedly, we’re not really nightlife people. While we may not be able to point out the best clubs, ask us where the best food and drinks are, and we’re you’re go-to experts! We’ve already mentioned Old’s Havana, but we have to say it again — you won’t find a better mojito in Miami!
Dessert
Azucar Ice Cream → Located in: Little Havana
Summer in Miami means our ice cream began melting before we even stepped out the door, but that didn’t take away from how. freaking. amazing Azucar Ice Cream is! Actually, it’s within our top three favorite ice cream spots of all time, anywhere. We highly recommend the Café con Leche (Cuban coffee and crushed Oreos) and Abuela Maria (vanilla ice cream with guava chunks, cream cheese, guava marmalade, and crispy Maria cookies). Just writing that is making us want to go back!
RICKY BAKERY → Located in: Little havana
Stop into Ricky Bakery for an afternoon pick-me-up in the form of a delightful cortadito or any of the numerous sweets behind the glass case.
