My insider’s guide to Miami
Hot spots and out-of-the way spots for good eats and a good time
New York gets all the credit for being the melting pot of diversity, international flair and flavors.
While that’s true to some extent, I believe its rep is facilitated by the sheer concentration of options packed into a small area.
Walk a few blocks in any direction and you’ll experience entirely different neighborhoods, cultures, and flavors.
But after 3 years of being in South Florida, I can say Miami has turned out to offer its fair amount of food diversity; you just have to do a little digging, and you will definitely need a car.
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For example, in any given day, you can taste flavors from Venezuela, Cuba, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Mexico, Argentina, in addition to Italy and China.
While most people come to Miami with the intention to party, shop, and go to crazy, flashy, and scene-y investor-group-driven restaurants, the vibe is definitely different when you live here.
Don’t get me wrong, I love getting all dolled up and being fancy (Cipriani, ZZ’s, Carbone, Cote, anyone?) but that isn’t tenable every week or weekend.
Especially nowadays that I’m less see and be seen and more quiet luxury.
Nothing’s better than stumbling on a local neighborhood gem, say, after the gym, or when you’re already out driving around and exploring.
With that, here is my insider’s guide to my favorite Miami spots.
The list goes geographically from north to south.
Because I’ve spent most of my time living in north Miami, it favors the area, but I’m making my way downtown and beyond to Coral Gables.
The majority of these places aren’t chains.
They’re popular places for those in the know, but more often than not when I walk in I’ll see familiar faces among the staff and patrons.
The owner, manager, or maître d' knows my face too, and probably even my name.
For dogowners: One wonderful thing about Miami is how dog friendly the restaurants are; this city is a dog lover’s mecca.
You can bring your (well behaved) dog into most restaurants; though Mr. Bean is a service animal, dogs won’t require service animal distinction and they’ll be warmly received.
My insider guide to Miami
North Miami, Aventura, Sunny Isles
Bambu
Ever tried Kosher Chinese? It’s pretty delicious. I judge the authenticity of Chinese restaurants by the taste and preparation of their hot & sour soup. This place passed my test and offers what I believe to be some of the highest quality and best tasting Chinese food in all of Miami.
Ristorante Portovino
If Chef Phillippo lets you dine at his establishment (which serves an exclusive clientele of North Miami’s wealthiest families including real estate denizens), then you’re in for a treat. Eating there is like being a guest at his home, and is hands down some of the best Italian food I’ve ever tasted (and I told him so after traveling through all of Italy in 2022).
Chayhana Oasis
An Uzbek restaurant! How many of you have tried Uzbek food? I’m partial to the manti (like a large meat dumpling) and the chicken tabaka (a flattened cornish hen with spices).
Miami Juice
The best organic and healthy food restaurant in north Miami. Try Isaac’s Salad any day of the week accompanied with grilled chicken or salmon. When available, you must take a slice of the homemade Chocolate Cake to go; it’s the best I’ve ever had and is made with all organic ingredients.
El Rinconcito Argentine Bakery
A piece of Argentina near Greynolds Park, delicious empanadas are on the menu along with a huge assortment of sweet and savory pastries like medias lunas mini croissants.
Hadekel
This cafe offers delicious Kosher Israeli pastries and breakfast staples like shakshuka, as well as lunch items like sabich with fresh eggplant and greens. The coffee is delicious, too.
Cheen Huaye
Where the fajitas sizzle and the specialty margaritas are strong and tasty, this place satisfies your Mexican hankering.
Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor, and Surfside
Coffee Break
Enjoy your coffee and pastry al fresco as you watch the cars zoom by at this longtime Bay Harbor establishment.
The Palm
Yes, The Palm is a chain steak restaurant, but this location is quiet, local, and comfy, and the hosts always seat you quickly even without a reservation.
aba
This Chicago restaurant brought its Mediterranean flavors to Bal Harbour Mall, and the Charred Eggplant, Greek Village Salad, Kefta, and Branzino are my faves, not to mention they have treats for puppies.
The Surf Club by Thomas Keller
Okay, so even though this restaurant is at the Four Seasons Surfside, the service is impeccable, and the food deliciously consistent.
The lobby bar is still one of my favorite places to relax among very indoor jungle-y Chiltern Firehouse vibes.
Blozzom Pizza Moderna Roma
Authentic Roman style pizza, cut into squares and purchased by weight. Yummy, fresh salads, too, and a chill ambience.
Miami Shores, El Portal, Belle Meade
Tinta y Café
This neighborhood spot serves to-die-for guava pastelitos; the famous egg, ham, and guava breakfast sandwich is like melt-in-your-mouth heaven for your tastebuds, and the oat milk cortado is always piping hot.
Caracas Bakery
Say hi to the folks at this Venezuelan bakery, popular among locals in the know. Try the egg on sourdough toast and any assortment of special pastries, along with a double foamy oat milk cortado.
Mr. Mandolin
The casual sister to Mandolin Aegean Bistro is just as tasty; a lavash wrap or gyro and fries should do the trick.
Jass Kitchen 🧆
Authentic Turkish food, and live jazz at night, oh my!
Counterculture Coffee Training Center ☕️
This outpost of the coffee brand offers 1-hour tasting sessions on Fridays between 10-11am. Say hello to barista Matty! And sign up for other events, too.
Habibi Kush 🥙
The best shawarma in the world is at Maroush in London. And while it’s hard to find one just as delicious, plump, and juicy, I’m glad to have found this Egyptian neighborhood gem which offers a delicious mixed chicken and beef shawarma, tasty fries, fresh greek salad, along with live music and DJs and hookah.
Jimmy’s Eastside Diner 🥞
Come for the classic diner food, stay for the people watching.
Wynwood, Design District
Cote 🥩
Tell me you love grilling bougie steak without telling me you love grilling bougie steak. One of the best and tastiest around and better than the New York original.
Zak the Baker 🥐
Can’t go wrong with a coffee and croissant or breakfast at this Wynwood spot.
Dasher & Crank 🍦
This is my favorite ice cream shop in Miami and even the vegan flavors are good. Especially my favorite flavor, ube macapuno, a coconut ice cream in a distinct lilac purple color of the Filipino purple yam.
Sunset Harbor
Stiltsville 🐟
Ah, what’s better than easy seafood and fish dishes by the harbor, with a relaxed and casual vibe.
Are you a Miami local or visit a lot and have local gem? Tell me! Shhh, I won’t share, unless you give me permission
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Until next time,
Shindy
On Instagram + TikTok
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