Miami Travel Guide

Miami takes its dining scene very seriously. People come from all over the world to drink and dine in this sunny city by the Atlantic Ocean. Restaurants range from South American to Continental to Caribbean, while the local fusion cuisine known as "Floribbean" borrows influences from all three regions.

Many of the city's restaurants specialize in fresh, local seafood. Swordfish, yellowtail, lobster and oysters have a place on most menus. In the autumn and winter, stone crab season takes over. At restaurants such as the legendary Joe's Stone Crab, people wait for hours to enjoy the delicious crustaceans.

Many of Miami's eateries represent countries and regions of Latin and South America. Brazilian rodizio, Argentine churrasco and Peruvian seafood are just a few of the ethnic specialties local restaurants dish out. Dozens of Cuban eateries serve filling, tasty meals at a considerably low price.

Whether you're looking for a cheap and filling meal, a gourmet Italian feast or a night among the stars, you can find it in one of the districts of this splendidly diverse city.

South Beach and Miami Beach

South Beach is the epicenter of excitement and glamor. It is here, at restaurants like the China Grill that you're most likely to spot a celebrity at the next table. Many flock to Club Tropigala for their top-notch entertainment and Caribbean cuisine. Although many of the restaurants are very pricey, places such as the ever-popular Blue Door offer a pleasant atmosphere, low prices and great food. Grab an outside table and enjoy wine and cheese as you ogle the SoBe street scene.

Although central Miami Beach is not as jam-packed with restaurants as its southern neighbor, there are plenty of excellent dining options, many of them located within the luxury hotels. At Bleau View, located in the famed Fontainebleau, patrons can savor the delicious American fare while enjoying the tranquil view of the ocean nearby.

Downtown Miami

Downtown Miami is popular with businesspeople and other locals. Nightlife is nonexistent, but there's a flourishing restaurant scene. The various steakhouses serve delicious food with a local twist. Monserrate has South American dishes on its menu, and specializes in steak, while Soyka has American classics like burgers and fries. For those looking for something out of the ordinary in Miami, try the German restaurant Edelweiss.

Coral Gables

Coral Gables, a quaint village within Greater Miami, boasts a culturally rich entertainment and dining scene. Sample Jamaican gourmet cuisine at Ortanique on the Mile, or go to the French Brasserie Les Halles, which also has a full event calendar for its guests. Greek rustic is the focus at Mylo's, and for classic Italian look no further than Mozart Stube.

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove, another small, trendy community within Central Miami, boasts a number of excellent casual and gourmet dining choices. You'll find the best seafood around at Chart House and Monty's Stone Crab and Seafood Restaurant. Mambo is an energetic Cuban café where you can get a great meal for a reasonable amount of money.

Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne's restaurants have a different feel from any other part of Miami - or any other part of the world. The dining establishments are characteristically laid-back and informal; most of the time, they open and close when they choose and menus can change daily. Grab fish and fries at a local spot and then venture over to Sundays on the Bay for a frozen drink. The Rusty Pelican has classic American cuisine and a brunch on Sundays. For Italian, stop at Stefano's where traditional Italian dishes such as Quail can be found.

Little Havana

Little Havana, located in Central Miami, has the greatest number of excellent Cuban and South American eateries. Versailles, while slightly more expensive than others, is famous for its food. Another excellent choice is Casa Juancho, where diners can enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine in a comfortable and elegant atmosphere with live flamenco music. The district can be somewhat unsafe after dark, so visitors are recommended to travel in groups.

Hialeah

Hialeah, a suburb of West Miami, caters to locals, and the prices tend to be more reasonable than in other parts of the city. Los Ranchos, a popular chain of South American steakhouses, is typical of the neighborhood's restaurants. The food is excellent, the decor is attractive, and social climbers are rarely in attendance.

Aventura

Aventura, best known for the gargantuan Aventura Mall, can claim its fair share of fusion restaurants, from expensive to reasonably priced. For inventive cuisine that doesn't stretch the budget, check out the Gourmet Diner.

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