Culinary Scene: dining and drinking hotspots in Miami

Over the past few decades, Miami has experienced a remarkable culinary transformation, which began when fashion icon Gianni Versace decided to settle in South Beach, attracting celebrities like Madonna, Sly Stallone, and Lenny Kravitz—each with their own taste for indulgence.

As a lifelong resident of Miami (shout out to my neighborhood, Kendall) with an insatiable appetite, I’ve been thrilled to witness this culinary evolution firsthand. What started with a bold group of South Florida chefs, playfully known as the “Mango Gang,” who experimented with local flavors using native ingredients, has blossomed into a city filled with Michelin-starred restaurants, James Beard Award winners, and a plethora of internationally acclaimed chefs.

Known as the unofficial capital of Latin America, Miami excels at uniting a stunning array of Latin cuisines from the Caribbean and South America into a vibrant melting pot that fuses flavors with passion, chispa (spark), and a rich culinary heritage from a tropical homeland across the ocean.

Let’s be real, they don’t call it the “Magic City” for nothing.

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Morning Meal

Enjoying a budget-friendly breakfast in Miami is a delightful experience. Just stop by one of the local Cuban cafeterias for a hearty platter featuring eggs, ham, and buttery Cuban bread, paired with a steaming cup of cafe con leche (insider tip: dunk your bread in it for extra flavor). My favorite spot for a classic Cuban breakfast is Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop in Wynwood, but arrive a bit early—the cozy diner fills up fast. If breakfast is your top priority, or if you're recovering from a night out in Miami, a Colombian bandeja paisa is the way to go. This generous dish, which includes beans, rice, arepa, chorizo, plantain, chicharrón, avocado, and beef, can be found at the aptly named Bandeja Paisa in West Miami.

For those who crave breakfast carbs, Zak the Baker has you covered. Nestled in Wynwood, it boasts a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its ever-changing selection of croissants, danishes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and traditional Jewish treats like challah and babka. During peak season in Miami, the line often wraps around the block for one of the few tables inside. But don’t let the wait dissuade you—it’s worth every second.

Coffee

In Miami, coffee usually means indulging in the liquid gold known as Cuban coffee or cafecito. This potent drink is crafted from Cuban espresso and sugar, served in tiny cups. Why such a small serving? Because a little packs a powerful punch. Avoid the mistake of consuming an entire eight ounces—your heart will remind you that it’s a bad idea. The best place to grab some cafecito is from a ventanita (a walk-up window), where you can also pick up a flaky pastry stuffed with guava, cheese, or meat, known as a pastelito, or try the beloved local snack: the croqueta. The most iconic ventanita in Miami is at Versailles in Little Havana, famous for hosting vibrant political discussions among locals and even the occasional US president.

For a classic coffee shop vibe, Panther Coffee is a local roaster with multiple locations across the city. Their cold brew is refreshing on a hot Miami day.

Here are the top places to enjoy Cuban coffee in Miami

Lunch

When I'm catching up with friends for a quick lunch, it often leads me to one of Miami's vibrant food halls. With options to please everyone, you can grab a bite and be out in under 45 minutes. 1-800-Lucky in Wynwood serves up Asian delights, while Casa Tua Cucina in Brickell offers Italian flair across its 10 stations. For the ultimate variety, Julia & Henry’s features 26 vendors serving everything from Venetian tapas to poke and ramen.

At times, lunch calls for a more upscale experience. In those moments, I head to Seaspice, where I can enjoy exquisite Mediterranean dishes while watching yachts glide along the Miami River. For stunning ocean views, Smith & Wollensky in South Pointe or Boater’s Grille in Bill Baggs State Park offer fantastic fried whole fish and paella.

Aperitivo

When I'm in the mood for a great glass of wine, I make a beeline for a specific gas station. Indeed, El Carajo is tucked away in the convenience store of a BP gas station. Instead of typical snacks, you'll find a delightful array of Spanish tapas like grilled octopus, fried chickpeas, and meatballs, perfectly paired with over 2000 bottles of wine.

If you're in downtown, swing by Margot Natural Wine to enjoy some natural wine in a chic 70s Scandinavian-style lounge, or visit Sugar in Brickell for Asian-inspired cocktails high above the city in a Balinese-themed setting (be prepared for a wait on weekends).

Dinner

One of the most sought-after dining spots in Miami is Boia De. It's wise to make a reservation in advance (a good practice for most restaurants in Miami). Nestled next to a laundromat, it has earned a Michelin star for its inventive Italian cuisine. Grab a friend and order a few dishes to share—the beef tartare, crispy polenta, lamb ribs fra diavola, and tiramisu are essential choices.

Miami excels at Peruvian cuisine as well. If you prefer the spontaneity of walking into a restaurant without a reservation, satisfy your ceviche cravings at Aromas de Peru in Coral Gables or Dr Limon in Pinecrest. Be sure to add the papa a la huancaina (potatoes in creamy sauce) or a causa (mashed potato salad) to your ceviche order—both are favorites and are expertly prepared at these spots.

Bar

Miami reigns supreme when it comes to nightlife. There’s even a downtown area that offers 24-hour liquor licenses, allowing you to transition from the lounges and bars of Miami Beach to downtown clubs like E11even and Space for an all-night party. Or, after hitting the dance floor, you can unwind at LIV with a 6am drink at The Corner.

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