The Best Food in Miami: 26 Must-Eat Dishes to Add to Your List

There are 9.1 gazillion things to eat in Miami, but not all bites are created equal. (We’re looking at you, soggy Cuban sandwich.) Presenting 26 dishes we consider to be the absolute best food in Miami that we think every Miamian needs to try at least once.

• Location: 11 Washington Ave., Miami
• Reservations: Resy

For more than 100 years, this legendary South Beach restaurant has been the definitive place to feast on massive crustaceans served family-style. Pro tip: No meal here is complete without a slice of key lime pie.

• Location: Various locations
• Reservations: N/A

We’re never one to turn down the fun flavor creations like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, birthday cake or pumpkin spice on Night Owl’s ever-changing menu. But the Ave Maria has our heart, made with guava, Maria cookies (crunchy tea biscuits), white chocolate chips and a cream cheese frosting drizzle.

• Location: 1600 Lenox Ave., Miami Beach
• Reservations: OpenTable

Honestly, comfort food doesn’t get much better than this. Don’t forget the extra honey hot sauce and bourbon maple syrup.

• Location: 3555 SW Eighth St., Miami
• Reservations: N/A

This iconic restaurant is responsible for the best Cubanos (and cafés con leche) in town. Sweet ham, roast pork and Swiss cheese smeared with mustard on toasted Cuban bread. Bring. It. On.

• Location: Various locations
• Reservations: N/A

A Miami hangout since 1951, this log-cabin-style restaurant is our go-to when we’re craving pulled pork sliders and coleslaw. P.S.: Double up on napkins before you dig in.

• Location: 7418 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
• Reservations: N/A

No matter how old we get, there’s nothing like a really, really good grilled cheese. We can’t get enough of the Mackin Melt (with creamy Gouda mac ’n’ cheese and house-cured bacon) or the fried chicken and waffle melt (crispy chicken and cheddar on house-made buttermilk waffles with country gravy and maple syrup).

• Location: Various locations
• Reservations: N/A

It’s pretty hard to improve upon tacos, but the fusion-y ingredient combos (like pork, roasted pineapple and tangy onions) seal the deal. Pricing under $10 helps, too.

• Location: Various locations
• Reservations: N/A

We dream about the made-from-scratch smoothies and juices at El Palacio. They’re as fresh as ever, totally worth the drive and pretty healthy, with options ranging from watermelon to mamoncillo chino (an addictively tart fruit related to lychees). It is called the juice palace, after all.

• Location: Various locations
• Reservations: N/A

We know what you’re thinking: another Cuban sandwich?! But trust us, it’s worth it. La Carreta’s signature roast-pork sandwich is best enjoyed with homemade crispy plantain chips and a sweet mamey papaya shake.

• Location: 1035 N. Miami Ave., Miami
• Reservations: N/A

We all need a java jolt every once in a while. When craving strikes, we opt for a nitro at All Day in downtown, where cold-brew concentrate is infused with nitrogen to add a slight fizz and creamy consistency.

• Location: 295 NW 26th St., Miami
• Reservations: N/A

Come for a loaf of sourdough, stay for the sweet-smelling aroma of freshly baked breads and pastries that fills the café all day long.

• Location: 1503 SW Eighth St., Miami
• Reservations: N/A

This gem on Calle Ocho is home to the famous Abuela Maria ice cream scoop, made with vanilla mixed with bright jewels of ruby red guava, rich cream cheese and crispy Maria crackers. It’s a Cuban classic.

• Location: 19003 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura
• Reservations: N/A

You didn’t think we’d leave our favorite source of carbs off this list, did you? This Aventura staple is not only one of the city’s best bagel spots but its prices clock in at some of the lowest in town.

• Location: 128 S. Federal Hwy., Dania Beach
• Reservations: N/A

When we said we wanted to try everything but the kitchen sink, we never thought we’d get this. This monstrous heap of ice cream is meant to be shared by four very ambitious eaters. Yep, it’s basically the stuff dreams are made of.

• Location: Various locations
• Reservations: N/A

Homegrown chain Pincho manages to combine fast-food-style nostalgia with hefty, perfectly cooked patties on par with what you’d find elsewhere for twice the price. Let’s not forget that the toston burger swaps a traditional bun for two crispy fried plantains. Mmm.

• Location: 7201 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
• Reservations: N/A

You’re actually looking at the site of one very memorable scene in the Oscar-winning film Moonlight. Dating back to the ’60s, this place is known to serve one of the heartiest all-day breakfast spreads in the city. Bring on the toast, bacon and eggs.

• Location: Various locations
• Reservations: N/A

This Southern supermarket chain is famous for its fried chicken. No matter where you are in Miami, you’ve got a Publix nearby. Snag a hefty chicken-stuffed sandwich or a combo with a side of mac and cheese and biscuits.

• Location: Various locations
• Reservations: N/A

If you can judge a doughnut by the number of people waiting in line to eat it, consider these rounds the best in town. Tucked inside a charming Wynwood storefront, the Salty Donut whips up treats in flavors like guava-cheese, maple bacon and Nutella-stuffed. But the real winner here is the tres leches doughnut, made with white chocolate and lots of cream and then torched to perfection.

• Location: Various locations
• Reservations: N/A

No need to drive to Key West for a quality slice: Miami is replete with plenty of takes on the classic pie that nail the sweet-to-tart ratio. At Fireman Derek’s, the key lime is the most requested flavor—and it’s no surprise why. It strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet, and it always includes a generous heap of whipped cream.

• Location: Various locations
• Reservations: N/A

It’s hard to go wrong at this South Beach sandwich mecca, but after a morning of sun and waves, we find ourselves craving this summery combo of turkey, Brie and avocado.

• Location: 6910 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
• Reservations: N/A

We may not have the bagel fame of NYC, but South Florida knows a thing or two about crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside rounds of dough. Just look at El Bagel. They make some of the best chewy bagels crammed with everything from smoked salmon to runny eggs to thick schmears—or, you know, all of the above.

• Location: Various locations
• Reservations: N/A

This family-owned and operated spot is known for slinging the city’s best croquetas. Delightfully crispy and creamy, each bite bursts with savory flavor. Choose between fillings like chicken, fish or ham, and get a few extra to take home, too.

• Location: 820 Alton Rd., Miami Beach
• Reservations: Resy

This Italian eatery in Miami Beach is beloved for its rustic and comforting cuisine. Helmed by chef-owner Michael Pirolo, you can’t go wrong with any of the pasta dishes. But if you ask us, our favorite is the famous cavatelli with baby meatballs, pork, and pecorino.

• Location: Various locations
• Reservations: N/A

Come hungry to Doggi’s Arepa Bar and embark on the ultimate arepa tasting. With dozens of options—each served on golden, crispy cornmeal dough— take your pick at flavors like shredded chicken and gouda; churrasco, avocado and pico de gallo; and fried egg and white cheese.

• Location: 112 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach
• Reservations: Call 305-532-8112

Whether you’re a steak lover or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, a steak dinner at Prime 112 is a Miami classic. Choose from a variety of cuts, including filet mignon, ribeye, and New York strip, and add delectable sides like five cheese truffle mac, beef and sausage stuffing, fried green tomatoes or rum-baked sweet plantains.

• Location: Various locations
• Reservations: N/A

While the steaks are certainly worth trying at this Argentinian chain, their empanadas are not to be missed either. These crave-worthy, melt-in-your-mouth pastries are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as beef, chicken, spinach, cheese, and more. Each one is seasoned to perfection with a delightfully flaky crust.