21 Must-Have Miami Foods
Whether you’re a native Floridian or planning a weekend getaway to the Sunshine State, there are so many must-have Miami foods that you’ll need a list and a game plan to even get close to tasting them all. Miami specializes in more foods than you may expect, with the Cuban influence being one of the most prominent, according to The International Wine & Food Society.
Whether you’re craving ultra-fresh fish or spicy Cuban cuisine, the Miami food scene is legendary and sure to impress. If you’re hoping to get to know the taste and culture of each pocket of the city on your culinary journey to find the 21 best foods in Miami, we’ve got you covered in this guide.
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How We Choose Must-Try Miami Foods
Thanks to more than 10 years of experience in the culinary industry, Cozymeal is the go-to platform for all people searching for food events. Be it cooking classes, food tours or private-chef experiences, we’ve connected people with experts worldwide for a variety of celebrations and occasions.
This experience has also helped us to establish a reputation as a trusted platform for all food-related content like recipes and guides, including this one on the most popular Miami foods.
To create a guide that’s as comprehensive and accurate as possible, we relied on both our experience and extensive research. The latter included the views of experts, such as chefs, restaurateurs and food bloggers, as well as recommendations from our own team members.
Our list of the best Miami foods is also based on the following criteria:
- Cultural Significance: Our list of Miami foods includes those that have been influenced by the city’s diverse communities, including Latin American and Haitian groups.
- Signature Ingredients: Where possible, our guide features Miami foods that are made with ingredients typical of or exclusive to the city’s cuisine.
- Restaurant Reputation: We select restaurants or vendors that are beloved, long-standing establishments or have gained immense popularity among locals and foreigners.
- Unique to the Area: Where possible, we include foods that aren’t found in many other countries around the world.
21 Best Miami Foods
1. Cubano Sandwich at Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop
It wouldn’t be a complete list of the best Miami foods without the famous Cubano sandwich, traditionally made with ham or pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and a slather of delicious mustard sauce between two pieces of warm, crispy bread. If you’re wondering which spot serves this iconic meal best, Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop can’t be beaten, in our opinion.
The Vibe
Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop has an old-school diner feeling to it, complete with small tables and barstools that add to a no-frills environment. It also has a takeout window if you want to beat the crowd. Budget-friendly and delicious, this place can fill up quickly, so it’s best to get there early for some of the best Cuban food in Miami.
What to Order
Cuban influence is strong on the Miami food scene, so you’d be remiss not to try a Cubano or pan con lechón sandwich. We mentioned what you can expect in the former meal, but the latter is a flavorful take on a pulled pork sandwich with onions in a mojo sauce between warm and toasty bread.
Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop | 186 NE 29th St., Miami, FL 33137 | $
2. Cuban Coffee at Versailles Restaurant
You can’t enjoy a Cuban sandwich without a hot cup of Cuban coffee to go along with it. Made from Cuban-grown espresso beans and sweetened with brown sugar, a single cup will get your day going in a big way. This invigorating coffee pairs well with just about any Miami food, and a cup of the good stuff at Versailles Restaurant is about the best you can get in the city.
The Vibe
Known as “the world’s most famous Cuban restaurant,” you’ll definitely want to dine in here for some tasty Miami food. Old-school décor meets a little French influence that will make you feel like you’re on Bourbon Street in Louisiana. This popular eatery also has a “ventanita”, or little window, where you can walk up and take your Cuban coffee to go.
What to Order
The cafecito is the most classic and iconic Cuban coffee. Just a few ounces of this super strong drink are enough to fuel you throughout your day.
You can also opt for the cortadito, essentially the cafecito with a little milk, if black coffee isn’t your thing. The Cuban sandwich here is another popular Miami food, or you can grab a sweet treat, such as the popular guava and cream cheese pastelito, to go with your caffeine boost.
Versailles Restaurant | 3555 SW Eighth St., Miami, FL 33135 | $$
3. Haitian Griot With Pikliz at Griot 305
While nothing may be stronger than the Cuban influence on the city, other Caribbean countries have deeply influenced the Miami food scene as well. For example, Haitian griot with pikliz, which features fried chunks of pork with a peppery slaw topping, is equally popular in Haiti as it is in Miami, especially when eaten at Griot 305.
It’s typically made from pork shoulder that’s been marinated in a citrus and chile marinade, and broiled or fried to golden perfection before being served with a tangy slaw of peppers, cabbage and carrots.
The Vibe
Griot 305 is an unassuming spot with amazing Miami food for you to enjoy. The restaurant is on the small side, but you have your choice of indoor or covered outdoor dining.
What to Order
The griot with pikliz is the Miami food that this popular eatery is most known for, but it also offers delicious fish and fried plantains that are worth trying.
Griot 305 | 14821 W. Dixie Highway, North Miami, FL 33181 | $
4. Strawberry Pavlova at Piononos
For a quintessential Miami food experience, the strawberry pavlova at Piononos is a must-try. With a menu by María Luisa Benavides, a renowned Peruvian baker, this Miami food spot checks all the boxes. The sweet treats here are created with a fusion of traditional flavors and innovative techniques, with a focus on fresh and high-quality ingredients.
The Vibe
Every customer who steps through the doors of this quaint bakery is made to feel like they are arriving home. You can tell that the focus is very much on the Miami food at this popular spot, as there are only small bits of red found in the décor and logo splashed against the walls.
What to Order
You’re missing out on one of the most well-known Miami foods if you don’t try the pavlova here. If you’re in the mood for something smaller, the brownies or merenguitos are mini desserts we swear by.
Piononos | 328 Crandon Blvd., Ste. 217, Key Biscayne, FL 33149 | $$
5. Brunch at Nikki Beach
The menu at upscale Nikki Beach is everything you want from a nice brunch or lunch spot. Offering a large variety of healthy Miami foods, you’ll find an abundance of local seafood as well as homemade pastries, fresh tropical fruit and more.
The Vibe
There’s a reason Nikki Beach is one of the hottest spots in town for great Miami food. A chic and slightly Bohemian spot with cabanas and mesh tents for shade, you can dine on soft white sand. An upscale, beach-chic dress code is enforced at this dual restaurant and beach club. The venue also hosts live music and special events throughout the season.
What to Order
The jumbo crab cakes are a Miami food which are great at all hours of the day and night, but the brunch is hard to beat. Offering live stations with delectable dishes such as omelettes, waffles, crêpes, pasta and so much more, you can place an order and watch it be prepared right in front of your eyes. You can also order a refreshing drink from a large selection of delicious and trendy boozy beverages.
Nikki Beach | 1 Ocean Drive, Miami, FL 33139 | $$$
6. Fresh Pasta at Macchialina
Florida boasts a massive number of incredible Italian restaurants, specifically in the Miami food scene. At Macchialina, you can enjoy some of the best Italian cuisine Miami has to offer, including fresh pasta, in a cozy, upbeat environment. You can order à la carte from the selection of delicious handmade pastas, or opt for a chef’s tasting menu to sample a little bit of everything.
The Vibe
Offering classic Italian dishes with an upscale and vibrant trattoria feel, this space welcomes you with stylish brick walls and cozy leather booth seating. If we had to sum up the experience here in a single phrase, it would be the following: Sip wine and slurp spaghetti at one of the best Italian joints in Miami.
What to Order
You’ve got to try the spaghetti vongole or the cavatelli Macchialina before ordering one of the best Miami foods on any dessert menu: creamy, bright panna cotta with fresh berries.
Macchialina | 820 Alton Road, Miami, FL 33139 | $$$
7. Tasting Menu at Stubborn Seed
“Top Chef” winner Jeremy Ford elevates simple, seasonal ingredients to the highest level for his take on American cuisine at Stubborn Seed. This renowned eatery holds a Michelin star and a James Beard nomination, making it a highly sought-after spot in the Miami food scene.
We recommend booking far in advance here, as it tends to be hard to get in, but it's worth the extra step. As far as Miami Beach food goes, you won’t find anything better.
The Vibe
Mood lighting takes neatly organized natural finishes to the next level. An elevated environment that demands a slightly fancier dress code makes this Michelin star restaurant in Miami perfect for celebrating a special occasion or a romantic date night. Florida is Ford’s home state, so you can expect him to make his mark on Miami with incredible food and atmosphere.
What to Order
The elevated tasting menu is an extravagant experience, but for a slightly less expensive evening, you can order drinks and delicious Miami foods à la carte. We love the crunch truffle bravas as they’re an inventive way to enjoy the classic Spanish dish.
The pan-roasted truffle chicken, a sumptuous and heavenly take on a homestyle meal, is another one of our favorites. You may not want to hit the beach right after this spread of Miami food, but it’s well worth the decadent experience.
Stubborn Seed | 101 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139 | $$$$
8. Italian Food at Boia De
Located in an unassuming strip mall, Boia De is serving up some truly creative and delicious Italian bites. Perfect for a tasty but easy date night, you get Miami foods with big flavors and beautiful presentations like those at a Michelin-starred restaurant, except without the price tag.
The Vibe
Just as the food is delicious and artsy, the restaurant itself is vibrant and welcoming. When you first pull up to a strip mall, you might think you’re in the wrong place, but rest assured, the inside is spectacular, with natural materials in a modern style. It goes to show that stand-out Miami food can be found just about anywhere.
What to Order
The beef tartare with garlic-shallot crumbles begs you to snap a photo before digging in, while the buffalo ricotta gnocchi pomodoro is an impossibly decadent Miami food that we can’t resist. Along with tasty craft cocktails, make sure you leave room for the Crispy Tiramisù dessert.
Boia De | 5205 NE Second Ave., Miami, FL 33137 | $$$
9. Dim Sum at Hutong
Dim Sum may not sound refreshing after a day in the Florida sun, but trust us: This deserves a place on the best Miami foods list. We love Hutong for many reasons, but mainly because it offers an artful and modern take on fiery Northern Chinese cuisine along with truly artisanal dim sum offerings, as well as a long list of refreshing, exotic cocktails.
The Vibe
Chic, modern and expensive are the top three words to describe the ambiance at Hutong. Pops of bright color mingle with carefully hand-carved wooden panels that bump and move to the hottest Miami DJs at night.
What to Order
With a special advanced reservation, you can enjoy a flaming Peking duck that is sure to delight. We also recommend the fluffy and flavorful lobster bao, as well as the wagyu beef mille-feuille, which showcases both the incredible flavors and artistry that represent both Hutong and Miami food as a whole.
Hutong | 600 Brickell Ave., Miami, FL 33131 | $$$
10. Pub Sub at Publix
You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars at a fancy restaurant to enjoy some of the best Miami foods. The Pub Sub from Publix is locally loved and nationally renowned, and you just have to try one to understand what we mean. The perfect snack for the beach or after a long day on the golf course, there are plenty of options for your customized sub sandwich made right before your eyes.
The Vibe
We aren’t going to sugarcoat this: Publix is a grocery chain, but a nice one at that. Right inside the deli, you wait in line for a fresh sub that will definitely hit the spot.
You can’t exactly dine in, but the Pub Sub is famous among Floridians and useful in many scenarios when hunger hits. It may not have a Michelin star, but this is a Miami food that defines the state of Florida — just ask a local!
What to Order
Obviously, it’s a matter of personal taste, but the chicken tender Pub Sub is the perfect combination of Publix’s famous fried chicken and their sandwich. If you like it hot, opt for Buffalo sauce. The Italian sub is another delicious Miami food loved by most customers, piled high with Italian meats, cheese and crunchy banana peppers. Sandwiches are served cold or toasted — totally up to you.
Publix | Multiple Locations | $
11. Stone Crab Claws at Joe’s Stone Crab
Nothing beats fresh Florida seafood, and those light but meaty stone crab claws dipped in mustard sauce easily earn Joe’s Stone Crab a place on the best Miami foods list. Ultra-fresh stone crabs are caught practically in the backyard before making their way to your plate, and we couldn’t think of anything better to enjoy with friends, family or anyone for that matter.
The Vibe
Beautiful dark woodwork and white tablecloths offer a homey feel in this surprisingly big space. There’s no need to be super dressy at this seafood spot; you'll probably want to throw on a Joe’s Stone Crab bib, anyway.
What to Order
The stone crab claws, of course, served ice-cold with a dish of homemade tangy mustard. Don’t forget to pair it with the lobster mac and cheese, a rich and decadent side or main that’s sure to please. Other seafood favorites include the lobster roll or the crab cakes, but whatever you do, be sure to save room for the world-famous Key lime pie to round out a full meal of Miami food favorites.
Joe’s Stone Crab | 11 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139 | $$$
12. Alligator Bites at Kush
This laid-back bar and restaurant serves up tasty American food with a Florida twist. Fried chicken skins and Florida gator tacos are a tasty and accessible juxtaposition to the Michelin-star restaurants on the must-have Miami foods list. If you’re searching for a hearty, affordable meal, Kush keeps it local and delicious, offering beer from a number of Miami breweries and craft burgers and sandwiches to go with it.
The Vibe
Your typical casual bar with sports blaring in the background, but an impressive selection of burgers and bar fare, plus a bunch of beers on tap. Take a seat at the bar and order your gator tacos, or tuck into a cozy leather booth. A different vibe than other Miami food joints, this is just a comfortable, relaxed spot to enjoy some good grub.
What to Order
Kush is a well-decorated restaurant group, having won everything from best burger to best Key lime pie, and even best chicken and waffles. Although the restaurant’s menu is filled with some of the best Miami foods for all taste preferences, the Florida alligator bites are unique and tasty for locals and visitors alike. You also can’t go wrong with any one of the many craft burgers.
Kush | Multiple Locations | $$
13. Cinnamon Rolls at Knaus Berry Farm
Sometimes, all you need to get your day started is warm, gooey Miami food like a cinnamon roll from Knaus Berry Farm. (Or a strawberry shake — whatever floats your boat.) This family-run strawberry farm in South Florida serves a host of handmade baked goods, from bread to cheesecakes to guava pies and, of course, cinnamon or pecan rolls.
The fresh strawberries are also put to use in the famous strawberry shake, or you can pick up a basket of them to take home. Maybe not the Miami food you were expecting, but delicious and worth a weekend trip nonetheless.
The Vibe
A cute local farm that’s only a short drive outside the city, we recommend taking a half-day trip or a quick jaunt for breakfast near Miami. Mostly lush fields of strawberry plants, you can step inside the small farm shed to purchase fresh produce as well as handmade baked goods. Miami food doesn’t get more local than this.
What to Order
The fresh strawberry shake is pink and perfect, made using the farm’s very own locally grown strawberries, topped with whipped cream. If you want to pair it with some must-try food in Miami, we recommend the cinnamon or pecan rolls for a gooey and sweet way to start your day, or grab a guava pie to take home.
Knaus Berry Farm | 15980 SW 248th St., Homestead, FL 33031 | $$
14. Camaronera Sandwich at La Camaronera Seafood Joint and Fish Market
Fresh seafood is everywhere you turn in Florida, and a lot of the best Miami foods feature it as a star ingredient. At La Camaronera Seafood Joint and Fish Market, for instance, seafood is king. Buy fresh fish to prepare at home, or squeeze into the packed bar for a fried grouper sandwich to satisfy your hunger.
The Vibe
When you first walk into La Camaronera, you’ll be greeted with the smell of the sea and a room packed with people. That’s how we know this is a good spot for fresh and tasty Miami food. Squeeze your way up to the small bar in the blue and white dining area and order some local favorites.
What to Order
The Camaronera sandwich is the Miami food this eatery is most known for, and you’ll know why once you taste it. But you can also opt for shrimp empanadas and golden, crispy calamari, among other tasty seafood dishes.
La Camaronera | 1952 W. Flagler St., Miami, FL 33135 | $$
15. Steak at Prime 112
Florida may be known for seafood, but sometimes you’re just craving a really nice steak. That’s when we suggest heading over to Prime 112 for beautiful ambiance, excellent service and a tasty meal to boot. This beautiful, cozy spot in South Beach serves decadent Miami foods for all to enjoy. Reservations are recommended.
The Vibe
This fancy restaurant in Miami offers a twist on both the food and the environment, departing from the typical dark leather you’d expect from a steakhouse and instead opting for sexy décor and beautiful lighting. You walk up to a beautiful boutique hotel and make your way to a stunning, romantic outdoor patio. Dine after dark for a particularly cozy environment, with the trees warmly lit for a fanciful feel.
What to Order
You can’t visit a steakhouse without getting the steak, but the appetizers and sides are just as important. Favorites include the Kobe beef sliders and the truffled lobster mac and cheese. Overall, we guarantee this is a solid spot for great Miami food, especially if you prefer the “turf” of surf ‘n’ turf.
Prime 112 | 112 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | $$$
16. Mediterranean Fare at Mandolin Aegean Bistro
The perfect combination of beautiful ambiance and easily accessible, tasty Miami food, this coastal-inspired eatery is a great spot for a casual date idea in Miami. Serving Mediterranean fare with heavy Turkish and Greek influences, Mandolin Aegean Bistro is a must-visit for something that isn’t the typical seafood dinner, but is still great Miami food.
The Vibe
You might feel as though you’ve been transported directly to the shores of Greece when you stroll up for dinner. You’ll walk through gates painted sea-blue and a picturesque canopy of bougainvillea on your way to the patio situated among the gardens. With a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation, this romantic restaurant in Miami will more than exceed your expectations.
What to Order
Mandolin excels at simplicity, taking fresh local ingredients and letting them shine. Some of the best Miami foods to try here include the roasted beets with creamy tahini sauce and the spicy Mandolin kebab.
Mandolin | 4312 NE Second Ave., Miami, FL 33137 | $$
17. The Kitchen Sink at Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour
A long day in the Florida sun usually calls for a sweet treat, especially creamy ice cream. We’re certain that the old-timey Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour offers some of the best ice cream flavors along with other delicious Miami foods. This popular spot is famous for “The Kitchen Sink.” Made for two (or more), it’s exactly what you think it is — a treat with a little of everything!
The Vibe
Red and white striped awnings welcome you to a quaint diner complete with checkered plates piled high with fries and hot dogs, so you can enjoy savory Miami food before a decadent treat. If you’re searching for birthday ideas in Miami, this is an ideal spot for a post-celebratory-dinner treat or a midday ice cream before an afternoon of fun-filled activities.
What to Order
You really can’t go wrong with any ice cream, but The Kitchen Sink is a legendary Miami food that both locals and visitors rave about. It's piled high with bananas and every kind of ice cream, along with sprinkles, fudge, whipped cream and, well, you get the picture. This dish is literally served in a mini sink. If that sounds like too much, another popular Miami, Florida food served here is the regular banana split.
Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour | 128 S. Federal Hwy, Dania Beach, FL 33004 | $$
18. Indian Food at Bombay Darbar
The mirrored rooms of Bombay Darbar are the best places to enjoy some of the spiciest Miami food out there, including piping hot Indian curry and chicken vindaloo. You’re sure to have a memorable meal here, both with the stunning ambiance and incredible food that earned this Indian restaurant in Miami high praise as a local favorite.
The Vibe
Everything is gorgeously overstated; the dining room is dripping in giant crystal chandeliers and the lighting is highly romantic. The setting is one you have to experience for yourself to truly appreciate, and with a menu bursting with some of the most popular food in Miami, Florida, that’s inspired by the bright, fresh flavors of India, you’ll be glad you came.
What to Order
Classic Indian foods, such as butter chicken and tropical mango chicken, are done perfectly. Bombay Darbar also offers specialty Indian beers and freshly squeezed mango juice to tone down the spice of the Miami foods you’ll be savoring.
Bombay Darbar | 2901 Florida Ave., Miami, FL 33133 | $$
19. Chinese Cuisine at Tropical Chinese
More than a step above traditional takeout, Tropical Chinese offers some of the best Chinese bites in the Miami food scene. From fresh dim sum to Peking duck and everything in between, we suggest you arrive hungry, as we have no doubt you’ll leave satisfied.
The Vibe
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Chinatown with the bright red lanterns and mood lighting at Tropical Chinese. Located in a strip mall, like several other great Miami food spots, you’ll be transported by the sights and smells of this authentic Asian restaurant as soon as you step through the doors.
What to Order
There’s an impressive selection of dim sum buns, dumplings and other smaller Chinese-inspired Miami, Florida foods available for you to savor, or you can go all out with the traditional Peking duck. Tropical Chinese is known for serving epic portions, so bring friends or family to enjoy with you.
Tropical Chinese | 7991 Bird Road., Miami, FL 33155 | $$
20. Chicken and Waffles at Yardbird
If you’re looking for great Southern soul food in the city, look no further than Yardbird in Miami Beach. This bustling eatery offers unapologetically indulgent dishes and a variety of bourbon-based cocktails in that classic Art Deco architecture that defines Miami Beach.
The Vibe
An old-fashioned white brick exterior mixed with modern finishes, in which you can enjoy flavorful Miami foods served on old-school dishware like grandma used to have.
What to Order
We’d be remiss not to recommend the chicken and waffles with a side of hot honey, washed down with a tasty old fashioned. Another dish that’s part of a long list of famous foods in Miami we love is the iceberg wedge salad, a super fresh and slightly acidic bite to help cut through all the yummy grease from the fried chicken.
With great dishes for brunch, lunch and dinner, just make sure you save room for the bourbon bacon chocolate cake.
Yardbird | 1600 Lenox Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139 | $$
21. Pizza at Foozo Artisan Pizza
Along with probably thousands of incredible Italian restaurants in South Florida, Foozo Artisan Pizza serves up rabbi-certified pizza that everyone agrees is some of the best Miami food you can get. The uniquely soft yet chewy crust is reminiscent of a bagel, and you’ll have quite the list of signature options to explore.
The Vibe
Another strip mall restaurant that will surprise you with its world-class cuisine, Foozo welcomes you with a laid-back environment to enjoy your piping hot pie. The space itself is on the small side, and the Miami food is just as good if you opt for carry-out. We promise.
What to Order
There are a few unique signature pies at Foozo that you’ve got to add to your list of best Miami foods, starting with the caprese focaccia. The kale salad makes a great side dish, and you can’t go wrong with any of the grilled sandwiches, either.
Foozo Artisan Pizza | 2520 NE 186th St., Miami, FL 33180 | $$
Get a Taste of Famous Miami Foods
Miami has a unique energy that comes from a combination of its vibrant culinary scene, strong Latin influences and, of course, that hot Florida sun. Make the most of your time in The Magic City and follow a guided food tour in Miami so you can hit all the best eateries. From food trucks to five-star restaurants, enjoy a personally curated experience, led by an experienced guide, to give you a tasty overview of all the best food Miami has to offer.
Another option? Bring the gourmet goodness to your own kitchen with cooking classes in Miami, where a world-class chef will help you master the art of making your favorite dishes.
If you’d prefer to sit back and leave the cooking up to the experts, hire private chefs in Miami for a gourmet experience in the comfort of your home. The cuisine options are endless, from hibachi catering in Miami to French feasts or spicy Indian meals. We love this idea for all occasions because, aside from preparing restaurant-quality meals, the chefs will also handle the cleanup afterwards.
So, what food is Miami known for? That’s one question you should now be able to answer with confidence.
Miami is a must-visit foodie city for good reason: The selection of cuisines ranges from international-inspired delicacies to meals made with fresh, local ingredients. Whether you enjoy your day at the beach with your friends and stop by one of the many Miami food trucks for a quick bite, or scour the city for the best food in Miami Beach to share with family or partner, the various options will knock your socks off.
You’ll soon realize that Miami food has its own style and flavor profile that you won’t find anywhere else, which is why we love it. There may not be just one best food in Miami, but we’d argue that’s a good thing. Tropical weather, beautiful architecture and delicious Miami food at every corner — who wouldn’t want to be here?
For even more fun ways to explore Miami and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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