You are currently viewing The Best Restaurants in Miami the Locals Don’t Want You to Know

The Best Restaurants in Miami the Locals Don’t Want You to Know

Miami is home to stunning beaches, the Everglades and even gives you close access to the Florida Keys. All of which is amazing so while you are here, these are some great places to stop and eat at when you get hungry between all the sightseeing. These are all the best restaurants in Miami that I have found over a couple different vacations.

Obviously it would be impossible to eat everything and try every amazing place that exists in an area as large as Miami. That said, these are some really great options. They are listed by area NOT by best to worst or anything like that. 

There is a little bit of everything so you are sure to find something that sounds good.

Tip: The food in Miami seemed a little pricey to me, it may be inflation or it may be the area but make sure you budget for it. If you need to save money on food try to find a hotel that provides breakfast or a home rental where you can bring groceries.

This post may contain some affiliate links. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! Full disclaimer here.

La Boulangerie Boul’Mich

This cute french style bakery was located near the Spanish monastery although they have several locations throughout Miami. There are so many fresh baked goods to choose from as well as a beautiful looking nutella cappuccino. Since I don’t drink coffee I asked for a nutella hot chocolate and boy did they deliver. It was very sweet, but I loved it.

Favorite: New York Bagel, Nutella Croissant, Ham and Cheese Croissant, Nutella Hot Chocolate

Address: Multiple Locations

Website

Two bowls of pho and a large boba from Nine Five Pho, one of the best restaurants in Miami.

Nine Five Pho + Boba and Chill

Located a little out of the way outside of downtown Miami is Nine Five Pho. This pho spot shares a space with Boba and Chill, a cute place that serves boba tea. I made my own boba and loved it, however I later saw another guest with a boba flight. The boba flight would be a great way to try multiple bobas at once, if I had seen it I would have ordered it.

The pho side of the restaurant has pre-set options or you can customize your own bowl. The food was ready quickly and tasted great. Don’t forget to snag a picture with the adorable pink wall or booths.

Favorite: Chicken Pho, Shrimp and Pork Pho (make your own), Strawberry and Peach Flavor with strawberry popping pearls.

Address: 14928 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33027

Website

Best Restaurants near South Beach

Dreamer

This instagramable eatery is covered in bright flamingos and serves absolutely yummy food. Whether you eat indoors or outdoors you can enjoy chic boho decor in a cozy space. The room is small but the high ceilings and large windows make it feel much bigger. Our toddler loved interacting with all the other guests eating around us.

This place may be popular but for good reason. The acai bowls are the most popular menu item but there are other options. 

Favorites: Acai bowl with strawberries, blueberries, Banana, chia seeds, and granola. The spicy turkey sandwich.

Address: 1225 20th St Ste1, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Website

Time Out Market Food Hall

For lots of options under one roof, Time Out Market Food Hall certainly delivers. Located only two blocks from South Beach it is in a prime location if you need a meal during your beach day. From burgers to japanese food to ice cream you can eat what you’d like in a gloriously air conditioned area.

Favorite: Cucumber Roll, Avocado Roll, Spicy Tuna Onigiri, Salmon Roll

Address: 1601 Drexel Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Website

Best Restaurants in Little Havana

A carne empanada, ham empanada and spinach with cheese empanada from El Pub one of the best restaurants in Little Havana.

El Pub

When I read online that El Pub had authentic empanadas I immediately put it on my list of places to visit. They did not disappoint! I still prefer my mom’s, but these are a close second. The classic carne empanada was my favorite but they have several other flavors to choose from. They also have many other options on their menu if you don’t want empanadas.

Favorite: Carne Empanada and the Spinach and Cheese Empanada

Address: 1548 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

Website

Old’s Havana

Passing Old’s Havana on Calle Ocho you may hear live music ringing out from their open dining area. The lively music and warm food is sure to lift anyone’s spirits and get you ready to sightsee some more. Their number one sandwich is the Cubano and, although cuban sandwiches are actually native to Tampa, I can attest that it is worth ordering.

Favorite: The Cubano and Yuca Fries

Address: 801 SW 15th Ave, Miami, FL 33135

Website

More to Read About Miami:

Azucar Ice Cream

No list of the best restaurants in Miami would be complete without Azucar. Azucar is a fun ice cream shop located along Calle Ocho in Little Havana. The building is unmissable thanks to the GIANT ice cream cone built onto the side of the building. Not only is it picture worthy but the ice cream is eating worthy.

Favorite: Almond Ice Cream

Address: 1503 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

Website

Best Restaurants in Wynwood

1-800-Lucky

Miami’s first, and only, asian food hall is located in Wynwood and definitely worth stopping by for lunch or dinner. The layout of the food hall was a little confusing but once you get past that the food is delicious. If you enjoy asian inspired cuisine this place is a must, if you enjoy talking while you eat I recommend taking it to go.

Favorite: Crispy Pork Dumplings, Cha Siu Bao (steamed dumplings), and Spicy Tantan Ramen

Address: 143 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127

Website

Coyo Taco

Serving tacos Mexican street food style all throughout Miami (and even internationally now) is Coyo Taco. The blue and white buildings offer a cute venue to enjoy the delicious flavors of your tacos, burritos or quesadillas. 

Favorite: Quesadilla, Camaron Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos

Address: Multiple Locations (one is in Wynwood)

Website

There is no shortage of sweet spots to try in Wynwood, Miami but this churro cookie from Night Owl Cookies definitely makes my list of best restaurants in Miami.

Night Owl Cookies

This late night dessert shop offers cookies and other delectable looking desserts. We split the cookie of the month for May which was the churro cookie. It was over the top, super sugary and absolutely delicious. I would love to try more of their other flavors next time.

Favorite: Churro Cookie

Address: 163  NW 25th St, Miami, FL 33127

Website

Mr Kream

This fun ice cream shop in Wynwood is a great place to hang out while eating a sweet treat. With table top games you can play with the whole crew and so many flavors of ice cream to choose from, you can’t go wrong. We spent a good long while playing Jenga here during our first trip to Miami.

Address: 2322 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33127

Website

A large piece of pie from Fireman Derek's Bake Shop in front of a mural that says "the best things in life are sweet".

Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop

Another great stop in Wynwood to satisfy your sweet tooth: Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop. Their display of over the top pies, cakes and brownies is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. I tried the brownie bomb pie, it was really good but I decided I prefer brownies not in pie form. Next time I would try the nutella cake or the cookie monster pie.

Favorite: The brownie bomb pie was really good but I would try another flavor next time!

Address: Two Locations

Website

More Places to Eat in Miami

These are all the places on my list that I just haven’t made it to yet, there is only so much time in a day to try so much food. Good thing there is always next time.

  • Casa Florida
  • Grafa Pizza and Pasta
  • Havana 1957
  • Bachour Miami
  • 11th Street Diner
  • The Salty Donut
  • Alma Mexicana
  • Green Street Cafe
  • A Fish Called Avalon
  • The Garden House

If you are looking for a good way to try several restaurants in a short amount of time I highly recommend a food tour!

The Best Restaurants in Miami

From savory to sweet this guide to the best restaurants in Miami has you covered. I know you’ll enjoy them as much as we did. If you have any amazing recommendations or questions, leave them in the comments!!!

"rachel" signature with small heart and pink swirl

Leave a Reply