Miami Restaurants

Miami is a city that prides itself on being a world class destination, and that fact is clearly reflected in the food. Few destinations are more perfect for trying exotic and new cuisine since so much of it is made with the freshest ingredients by expert chefs. One biggie, however, do not leave Miami without trying a big plateful of Cuban style food. It’s simply amazing, no matter where you get it in Miami.

1. Bongos Cuban Café - 601 Biscayne Blvd - website

It is more of a tourist attraction than a must eat restaurant but it is a good start if you’re not familiar with Cuban food. Owned by local celebrities, Bongos provides authentic atmosphere and tasty eats. A must-see if you’re new to Miami.

2. Ayestaran - 706 SW 27th Ave Miami - website

Ahh, this is a bit more like it. Aystaran bypasses the noise and the look-at-me style of Bongos for some of the best Cuban cuisine this side of Havana. Try the plump shrimp or a simple Cuban sandwich if you aren’t that hungry. This place is a winner.

3. Rio Cristal Restaurant - 9872 Bird Rd Miami - website

If it is your last day in Miami and you haven’t sampled any Cuban food yet, swing past Rio Cristal for a taste of authentic Cuban cooking. From the coffee to the sandwiches, this place will make you wistful for it once you leave the warm, tropical air of South Florida.

4. Los Gauchitos Restaurant - 4315 NW 7th St. Miami - website

Remember what we said above about trying new things? This amazing restaurant serves the best in Uruguayan-style fare. But don’t worry, if you don’t know what to try, ask the friendly wait staff and they will happily recommend the best plates on the menu. What fun is vacation without experimentation?

5. The Hard Rock Café Miami - 401 Biscayne Boulevard Miami - website

For the 5 percent of visitors who don’t already have a Hard Rock Café in their hometowns, this restaurant makes above average burgers, chicken and steaks, but it is the atmosphere that draws people back. It’s a little overpriced, but it is also the perfect vacation destination for those not familiar with the chain.

6. The Daily Creative Food Co. - 2001 Biscayne Boulevard - website

An excellent family destination for lunch or dinner. Learn about food while you dine on some of the most original and fun menus in the city. Super-friendly wait staff is trained to answer all of your questions about where common foods come from.

7. Front Porch Café – Inside the Penguin Hotel - 418 Ocean Dr Miami - website

Had too much to drink the night before? Kill your hangover with this amazing breakfast spot in South Beach. Everything on the menu here is a winner and you can’t beat the location, either.

8. Azul - 500 Brickell Key Drive Miami – Inside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel - website

A huge wine selection and tropical inspired French cuisine makes Azul a place not only to have a meal you won’t ever forget, but also a place to be seen dining by the ocean. Only minutes from South Beach, Azul is a perfect spot for a final meal at the end of your vacation.

9. People's Bar-B-Que - 360 NW 8th St Miami - website

Don’t forget that a trip to Miami is still a trip to the American South. Some of the best BBQ in the state can be found at People’s. Get the best of pork, beef and chicken here, and remember to ask for extra napkins!

10. Traders Restaurant - 711 NW 72nd Avenue Miami - website

Need a perfect place to take Grandma? Traders is a buffet in a long line of popular South Florida buffets. Enjoy the best of dozens of different entrées all for one affordable low price. Open for both lunch and dinner.