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Traditional Miami food is is a cultural melting pot of cuisines from the Caribbean, Latin America and South America.
As Miami is one of the most diverse cities in the United States, the local food scene is rich and diverse.
Even though Miami conjures up scenes of sun, sand, and ocean water, the traditional Miami food is not to be missed.
What we loved best about the Latin and South American flavors in Miami is their authenticity. The dishes we savored in Miami were just like the authentic foods we had in South America.
For your visit to the Magic City, use this guide to the best authentic Miami food to savor. Enjoy the combination of Cuban and Latin flavors at authentic eateries across the city.
1. Churrasco
Churrasco, originally from Brazil, is a popular local food in Miami. The name churrasco in Latin American cuisine has two main associations.
It is a Brazilian barbecuing method that began in the 1800s with the migration of Gauchos to the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
Churrasco is also a Portuguese and Spanish word for grilled beef – specifically, a skirt steak.
As traditional Miami food, churrasco meat is chargrilled over an open fire and served with chimichurri sauce.
This is a traditional South American that accompanies grilled meats made with parsley, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and garlic.
Don’t miss churrasco in Miami, It is a flavorful and juicy cut of meat, but slightly tougher than other common cuts.
READ MORE: 9 Ways How to Grill Like An Argentinian
Where To Eat Churrasco in Miami Local Place
Find craft beers and custom-made cocktails here alongside the delicious food, which includes dishes like churrasco. Look out for other items such as seafood ceviche and tostones, which are other traditional Miami food specialties that we’ve included elsewhere in this list.
Address: 14690 SW 26 ST. Miami, FL 33175
Hours: Open Sun – Thur, 11:30 am -11:00pm and Fri – Sat, 11:30 am – 12:00 am
Enjoy meat roasted the Argentine way at Graziano’s Coral Gables restaurant. You’ll walk in and immediately see a fire pit and two large grills. Choose from a range of appetizers, salads, and grilled meats.
Address: (Coral Gables location) 394 Giralda Ave, FL 33134
Hours: Open daily, 11:00 am – 3:30pm and 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm
2. Stone Crab
If you’re visiting Miami between the months of October and March in particular, you’ll be able to enjoy succulent fresh stone crabs.
Stone crabs differ from regular crabs as their meat is far more tender and therefore much sweeter.
You’ll usually find the meat served up chilled on ice and served with minimal seasonings other than a squeeze of lemon.
For anyone looking for the best local food in Miami who has a real passion for seafood, don’t miss out on the city’s delectable stone crabs.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: One of the best ways to taste traditional Miami food is on a food tour with a local guide. See our guide to The 10 Best Miami Food Tours To Taste Florida Cuisine
Where To Eat Stone Crab in Miami Local Place
There’s no better place for enjoying stone crabs and fresh seafood than at Joe’s Stone Crab. Joe’s is a Miami institution that first opened at Miami Beach in 1913. The restaurant prides itself on its iconic stone crab claws served up chilled over ice as a delicious examples of traditional Miami food.
Address: 11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach FL 33139
Hours: Open daily, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm and 5:00 pm -10:00 pm
3. Floribbean Conch Fritters
A popular Bahamas food, conch fritters are a staple Floribbean dish and a prime example of traditional Miami food.
However, as there isn’t a huge conch fishing industry, you may find this dish a little harder to find than other food in Miami.
Conch fritters are an unusual seafood dish. They are a combination of chopped-up sea snail in a flour and egg batter that is deep-fried to make a delicious, melt-in-the-mouth parcel.
Typically, conch meat is quite tough. That is why it’s chopped up and combined with pepper, garlic, and vegetables like celery and chopped onions.
For a taste of the Caribbeans, conch critters are a local food in Miami to savor.
Where To Eat Floribbean Conch Fritters in Miami Local Place
This mom-and-pop style restaurant offers a variety of Bahamian and Latin American traditional dishes, with authentic food like fried snapper and pork belly.
Address: 6301 NW 6th Ave, Miami, FL 33142
Hours: Mon-Sat, 7:30 am – 5:30pm; Sun, 7:30 am – 1:00 pm
READ MORE: 10 Best Floribbean Seafood, Meat and Dessert You’ll Crave to Try
4. Tostones – Crispy Fried Green Plantains
Tostones are a staple and beloved food found in the Caribbean and Latin America.
If you are familiar with Dominican, Cuban, or Puerto Rican cuisine you may already know and love tostones. These are some of our favorite Latin American little bites.
Made up of slices of mashed-up plantains, tostones are fried twice over and seasoned with a little salt.
They are flattened with a crispy texture and savory taste. Tostones are typically eaten as an appetizer or a side dish to a meal.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST RECIPE: Chimichurri sauce, a common seasoning in South American cooking is easy to make at home. Get our Authentic Argentine Chimichurri Recipe
Where To Eat Tostones in Miami Local Place
Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina
Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina in Little Havana offers traditional Miami food. Look for tostones on their appetizer menu, which features dishes that combine Spanish cooking techniques with Caribbean flavors and ingredients.
Address: 1442 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
Hours: Open daily, 11:00 am – 11:00 pm (closes at 12:00 am on Fri & Sat)
5. Jerk Chicken
Jerk chicken is a must-have when it comes to authentic food in Miami.
Although it’s an iconic dish of Jamaican cuisine, it remains a staple food throughout South Florida and the Caribbean.
The best jerk chicken is made even more so delicious with the perfect balance of spices used in a rub that gives the meat its flavor.
These spices can include everything from ground allspice to scotch bonnet pepper, as each chef has their own spin on the dish.
If you already love chicken dishes, the Miami-style jerk chicken will blow you away.
Where To Eat Jerk Chicken in Miami Local Place
Clive’s Cafe, located in the heart of Little Haiti offers Jamaican Caribbean cuisine. You’ll find plenty of jerk chicken on the menu alongside other authentic dishes like oxtail and curry goat.
Address: 5890 NW 2nd Ave Miami FL 33127
Hours: Open Mon-Sat, 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
This family-owned restaurant has been serving delicious Jamaican food since 2009. The jerk chicken is tasty, as are other traditional meals. The service is also super friendly and it is worth eating there while in Miami.
Address: 12560 SW 88th St Miami, FL 33186
Hours: Open Tues -Sun; 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
6. Cuban Sandwich
A Cuban sandwich or Cubano in Spanish is a filling sandwich based on meat, ham and cheese.
It makes for a hearty meal and is said to have been a nutritious lunch for Cuban workers in cigar factories in Havana.
Cuban sandwiches were created in Florida by Cuban immigrants, and they remain a staple and delicious traditional Miami food.
Generally, a Cuban sandwich includes layers of pork, ham and cheese stuffed in between grilled soft Cuban-style bread.
The juicy flavors come to life with the addition of dill pickles, garlic, oregano, cumin and an orange and lime juice marinade.
In Miami, you’ll find different recipes for this classic sandwich. Some restaurants and cooks use different cuts of pork. And, the spices and marinade used differ.
The Cuban sandwich is a delicious sandwich and one that we love. While exploring the sites in Miami, make the Cubano your go to sandwich for a tasty lunch.
Where To Eat Cuban Sandwich in Miami Local Place
When it comes to Cuban sandwiches, Enriqueta’s serves Miami up with some of the very best. They combine Swiss cheese, yellow mustard, pickles, pork meat or baked ham, and Cuban bread to make an authentic sandwich at very reasonable prices.
Address: 186 NE 29th St, Miami, FL 33137
Hours: Mon- Fri, 7:00 am – 3:00pm; Sat, 7:00 am – 2:00 pm; Closed Sun
You’ll find great Cuban coffee here alongside the sandwiches made with fresh Cuban bread and other specialties, like guava-filled pastry. The service is good and the prices are affordable. Be sure not to get it confused with Sergio’s Restaurants, which is a chain with multiple locations across the city.
Address: 40 SW 12th St Miami, FL 33130
Hours: Open daily, 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
7. Peruvian Ceviche
With readily available fresh seafood and a strong Peruvian community, South Florida is the perfect place to experience Peruvian ceviche without traveling to Peru.
Ceviche, originally from Peru is the country’s national dish. It is made from marinated raw fish, spices and cured in citrus juices.
In Miami, Peruvian ceviche is made using the local fish for maximum freshness and taste. Just like in Peru, citrus juices, chili peppers and seasonings give it a bright and acidic flavor.
A traditional Miami food, ceviche is popular in the hot months and is eaten as an appetizer or snack. Fans of fresh seafood will enjoy this healthy and delicious local specialty.
Where To Eat Peruvian in Miami Local Place
For quick bites at affordable prices, My Ceviche is a great option. You’ll find ceviche here alongside other dish dishes like tacos, burritos, and build-your-own bowls. Just be aware that there aren’t any options to dine in other than a few tables outside, so you’re best to take out.
Address: 235 Collins Ct, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Hours: Open daily, 11:30 am to 10:00 pm
For some of the best food in Miami, La Mar is almost unbeatable. The restaurant is from Gaston Acurio, one of Peru’s leading chefs. La Mar is located at the base of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and it also holds a Michelin star. Eat ceviche alongside other Peruvian classics like lomo saltado, all enjoyed with a stunning view of the Miami skyline.
Address: 500 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131
Hours: Open daily, 7:00 am – 11:00 am and 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
RELATED: 10 Of The Best Authentic Peruvian Restaurants in Miami You’ll Want to Try
8. Fish Tacos
Fish tacos may be synonymous with Mexico, but they should also go on your list of ‘what to eat in Miami’.
Fish tacos are consumed across California, Mexico, and Florida, where they’re both a street food staple and enjoyed in higher-end eateries.
Fish tacos are typically made up of battered and lightly fried fish, topped with seasoning, salsa, and spicy mayo, all housed in a corn tortilla.
Where To Eat Fish Tacos in Miami Local Place
The pescado or fish tacos here are affordable and tasty and made in the Mexican tradition. All the seafood is responsibly raised and the ingredients used are natural. Coyo Taco has a number of different locations across the city – we’ve indicated the hours and address of the Wynwood location.
Address: NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Hours: Open daily, 11:00 am – 2:00 am
If you’re in South Beach looking for quick bites at affordable prices, head to Bodega Taqueria y Tequila. You’ll find fish tacos alongside other dishes like burritos, and there’s a great happy hour that you can take advantage of, too.
Address: 1220 16th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Hours: Open daily, 11:30 am – 3:00 am
RELATED: ​​Top 20 Best Foods in Mexico City (And 32 Restaurants To Have Them)
9. Ropa Vieja – Shredded Beef Stew
Ropa vieja is a beef stew with roots in Spain and Latin America. It’s also celebrated as one of Cuba’s national dishes, where it’s typically served alongside plantains and rice.
With the diversity of Latin influences in Miami, you’ll find several interpretations of this traditional food.
Ropa Vieja is typically made with stewed beef meat, tomatoes, onions, peppers and seasoned with paprika.
You can enjoy Ropa Vieja as a hearty meal when accompanied by black beans and rice.
Where To Eat Ropa Vieja and Cuban Staples in Miami Local Place
When it comes to traditional Miami food that’ll have you savoring the flavors of Cuba, Habana Vieja is a must-visit. The service is great and the menu is packed full of Cuban delicacies. Ropa vieja is served alongside other classics, like roasted pork served with moros rice. And sides including mashed or fried plantain and black beans.
Address: 2475 SW 37th Ave, Miami, FL 33133
Hours: Open daily, 12:00 pm -10:00 pm
10. Arepas
While Arepas are a South American culinary delicacy, they’re also a traditional Miami food.
Arepas are an iconic food of Columbia and Venezuela and this food made its way to South Florida with immigration.
These are delicious round patties made with corn or maize that are fried, baked, or grilled. Some are also stuffed with cheese and they are eaten as a snack or as a side dish.
In Miami, this traditional food has several variations. You’ll find Arepas stuffed with cheese, egg, chicken, beef, tomato, avocado, and more.
Indulge in this local Miami food hailing from Columbia and Venezuela.
Where To Eat Arepas in Miami Local Place
You’ll find Venezuelan comfort food at La Latina, including a range of different Arepas. Cheese and meat variety feature heavily on the menu, but you’ll also find vegetarian options.
Address: 3509 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Hours: Sun -Thur, 9:00 am – 10:00 pm; Fri – Sat, 9:00 am – 4:00 am
Arepas are the specialty of this restaurant and one of the best local places to eat in Miami. Arepas are made with cheese, shredded meat, and paired with ingredients like plantains to make mouthwatering bites. There are three other branches of Doggi’s in Miami, aside from the Coral Way location that we’ve listed here.
Address: 1242 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33145
Hours: Open daily, 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
11. Key Lime Pie
Along the coastal areas of Florida, the Key Lime Pie is the most popular dessert. It is a traditional Miami food made with limes native to the Florida Keys.
While everyone has their own preferred recipe for the Key Lime Pie, it’s usually made with condensed milk and a graham cracker crust.
A creamy sweet and tart filling made with key lime juice and then topped with whipped cream or meringue makes it so beloved.
While on the sweet side, it is a refreshing dessert to enjoy in the Miami heat. Key Lime pie is one of the staple foods not to be missed in Miami.
Where To Eat The Best Key Lime Pie in Miami
The Miami New Times voted this the best Key Lime Pie in the city, and it’s easy to see why. Combining the smooth and sweet with the tart citrus of key lime, this pie is one you’ll be dreaming about long after you’ve left Miami.
Address: 2545 N Miami Ave Bay 1, Miami, FL 33127
Hours: Open daily, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
Another major contender in the fight for the best Key Lime pie is Kermit’s. The “shoppe” has been around for over 29 years and keeps locals and visitors coming back for more. You can also order their key lime juice to make your own Key Lime Pie at home!
Address: 200 Elizabeth St, Key West, FL 33040
Hours: Open daily, 10:00 am – 9:30 pm
READ MORE: 10 Authentic South American Dishes You’ll Want To Try (With Recipes)
12. Pastelitos – Guava Puff Pastries
Pastelitos are little pastries that are traditionally made with lard and are crisp and flaky. In Miami, Pastelitos refer specifically to Cuban puff pastries.
These golden-colored little bites are a signature pastry in any Miami Cuban bakery. The traditional filling of this popular food are guava, cream cheese and coconut.
With the creativity of Miami bakers, you’ll find Pastelitos in various shapes like triangular or square, and some with savory fillings. There are chicken, meat, and even ham and cheese Pastelitos.
We recommend sticking with the Pastelitos classic guava cheese flavors and pairing these little bites with a cup of Cuban coffee.
Where To Eat The Best Pastelitos in Miami
Versailles is one of Little Havana’s most iconic Cuban restaurants. It’s a large restaurant with an attached bakery and has been serving locals and tourists alike since 1971.
The main draw to the restaurant is the strong, sweet Cuban coffee (cafe con leche) served with Cuban pastries like pastelitos for breakfast. You can also enjoy a full lunch and dinner menu too, which features traditional Cuban cuisine.
Versailles restaurant is popular for its cuisine as well as its political significance. The restaurant is where Cuban exiles and anti-Castro speakers gather and express their opinion about Cuba. It is also where U.S. politicians come to seek the Cuban vote.Â
Address: 3555 SW 8th St, Miami, FL
Hours: Open daily, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
In Summary
One of the best ways to experience Miami is by eating your way through the delectable local food scene.
With this guide, get off the beaten path and seek out the very best authentic Miami food at the city’s local eateries and restaurants.
This is a surefire way to become acquainted with Miami beyond the celebrated beaches and sun.
Do you know what Food is Miami known for? In the comments below, please let us know your favorite traditional Miami food.
Savor The Adventure!
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Rosemary is the editor-in-chief and strategist at Authentic Food Quest.
Traveling slow since 2015 with her partner, Claire, she has explored the cuisine in 45 countries and more than 240+ culinary cities.
Her writing about local food specialties has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post.
As a food and travel writer, Rosemary has co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
Rosemary is an avid runner when she’s not eating and exploring new destinations. She has run ten marathons and counting.
Before Authentic Food Quest, Rosemary held senior-level strategy positions in advertising.Â
Find out more about Authentic Food Quest
Thank you for sharing this. Restaurants that you described definitely offers the good food. IF you want to enjoy your favorite food or drink, then must try 107 Steak and Bar. With amazing service and a friendly smile. Enjoy Miami and enjoy Latin flavors
Thank you for the suggestion about 107 Steak and Bar. We will certainly check it out the next time we are in Miami. Thanks 🙂
Seems like a mini Cuba here. The restaurants that you described definitely whet your appetite for some yummy food. In fact, looking at those, am craving for some good food. Just curious though – what are the veg options here like?
Great expression, like a” mini Cuba”, indeed!. As far as veg options go, you can always find vegetarian options as well as ask restaurants to adapt your meals and make them veg-friendly. You will not go wrong with Cuban black beans and rice 🙂 Cheers.
I love eating my way thru Little Havana. I love all the flavors and spices. I wish more of the United States had great Cuban food. I love places I can get fresh sugar cane juice.
I shouldn’t be surprised there is some great Peruvian food, yet I am. I can’t wait to try it next time I am down to Miami.
Hold onto this guide Jennifer for your next trip to Miami. Love the atmosphere in Little Havana and not to mention the food as well. There are so many local restaurants with amazing Latin inspired food. Definitively try the local Peruvian food on your next trip. Cheers.
The Peruvian restaurant got my attention. What other dishes did you order? Were the empanadas and Butiffaras great? Im Asian but always a big fan of Peruvian cuisine that I make some at home!
Thanks Kirstie, we are huge fans of Peruvian cuisine as well. We have an article that goes into more depth about the experience at the restaurant. Check out the website under “Peru” for more delicious stories about the food. What Peruvian dishes do you make at home? Thanks for stopping by.
I love authentic food and local food as well. I’ve never been to Miami so this is so new to me. But really got curious about the sweet and spicy flavor of Ahi Tuna, seems like Peruvian food is such an interesting dish.
So glad you enjoyed the article. Miami has a lot of amazing Latin inspired dishes worth exploring. If you haven’t had Peruvian cuisine, we highly recommend it. Japanese -Peruvian food called Nikkei is simply outstanding. Do check out a local Peruvian restaurant in your area and be prepared to be amazed. Thanks Ferna for stopping by.
How interesting that more than half the population of Miami are Cuban-American. I agree, Versailles is an unusual name for a Cuban restaurant. However, I love the fact that it’s a meeting place for political activists and politicians as well as an eating place. No wonder it’s iconic. After feasting on some Cuban food, I won’t mind tasting the Argentinian ice-cream from Freddo either.
There are so many Latin places to feast in Miami. Your plan of starting in Cuba and then finishing off in Argentina is a great plan. I would highly recommend passing through Peru as well 🙂 Appreciate you stopping by Linda.
I love love love Cuban food, so I’d definitely have to hit up Versailles for starters at least. Unfortunately as a vegetarian it can be a bit hard to find things I can eat — so much pork — but even if I could only get a proper Cuban coffee, it’d be worth it.
The Cuban coffee is worth an experience for sure. And you’ll find most restaurants willing to adjust the menu to meet you dietary needs. So don’t hesitate. What’s your favorite Cuban food? Cheers, Carrie.
We are in Miami quite often. So I have saved this for our next visit. We would definitely be checking out the Cuban coffee at Versailles. Peruvian ceviche would be a great things to try. And we would love to finish up with Argentinian ice cream. Dulche de Leche is definitely my flavour. Thanks for some new options for our next trip.
You are most welcome Linda. Not only will you enjoy these off the beaten path spots, you’ll also discover new neighborhoods in Miami that are fun to explore. Do let us know what you discover when next go to Miami. Cheers.
I’ve heard raves about the Cuban food in Miami, and now I’m even more excited about the possibility of trying it. Plus, now I know there is a great Peruvian place for me to sample! It’s funny because I live near two Cuban restaurants called Versailles. I wonder if they are related? Of course, they don’t seem to have the political element that you mentioned in the Miami version. Thanks for sharing!
That’s amazing that you live next to two Cuban restaurants named Versailles! What city/town? I think the one in Miami is really special and very historical too. Given your proximity to two Cuban restaurants, you have to try the food. Get the Cubano sandwich and finish off your meal with Cuban coffee. You will love it!! Do let us know what you think 🙂 Cheers, Patricia.
How I wish this list was with me in Miami a few years ago. I was traveling with less adventurous family members so we never made it to Little Havana. Would love to stop at each of these places!! Then dance it off!
You are right Elaine, eat some and then work the rest off 🙂 Keep this guide handy for your next trip. It’s worth making it to Little Havana at some point. You’ll love it!! Thanks for stopping by.
Honestly I’ve never tried Latin cuisine before, other than Salsa dip in Doritos. We don’t really have nice Latin restaurants here in the small town I live in Indonesia. Besides I always say to myself, I’ll wait until I explore Latin American countries because I really want to taste their authentic food. Reading your post made me realise that I will need a bigger tummy when I hit Latin countries! Or maybe I should explore Miami first? Cuban roasted pork, Cuban sandwich, Cuban pastries and Argentinian ice cream…..everything sounds delicious I really can’t decide which one to try first, lol.
You can’t go wrong in Miami for delicious Latin flavors. Definitively worth seeking out Latin food at some point. Hope your travels take you to Latin America or Miami soon. You’ll love the food 🙂 Cheers.
Thank you for sharing these insights, Rosemary! I’ve always wanted to go to Miami but felt a bit confused with the variety of food places to choose from. Now I have a real Miami foodmap! 🙂
You are most welcome Helena!! Happy to help guide your culinary travels through this amazing city with diverse local foods 🙂 Appreciate you stopping by.