Delight your senses with a sample of the international haute cuisine present in “The City of the Sun” by visiting the best restaurants in Miami which offer a range of cuisines that have managed to cross borders.
In the words of George Bernard Shaw, the popular Irish playwright “There is no love sincerer than the love of food.” And this is an almost inevitable truth, because eating -and above all, eating well-, besides being one of life’s great pleasures, is a way to bond with people and show them our appreciation.
Considering that this is something that won’t end anytime soon, we are thrilled to share with you our recommendations on international haute cuisine you absolutely need to try during your next trip to Miami.
International cuisine in Miami
Miami is known for the great diversity of Hispanic American and other international cultures that merge to create a complex culinary universe, known for serving varied and exquisite food, not only to the South Florida community but also to tourists from all over the world.
Within the city’s wide gastronomic offer you can find Italian, Peruvian, Colombian, Argentinean, and Spanish restaurants, among many others, resulting in a varied set of recipes, with different colors, textures, delicious smells, and extraordinary flavors that will take you on a journey through the most exquisite cuisines of the world.
So, if you are wondering where to eat in Miami, here’s a selection of 8 of the most exclusive culinary destinations in the world, for you to live a unique experience.
1. Spanish restaurants in Miami
In Miami, international gastronomy is everywhere and the cuisine from “The Land of Cervantes” is no exception.
You can find restaurants with a genuinely cozy atmosphere, offering authentic dishes of traditional Spanish cuisine with a special touch, where Iberian ham, seafood, paella, and gazpacho stand out.
On top of that, its culinary offerings feature native Spanish meats, including lamb as the main ingredients of its most captivating recipes.
- Casa Juancho: 2436 S.W. 8th Street, Miami, FL 3313. Specialties: paellas, seafood, and artisanal Spanish cheeses.
- Mareva 1939: 1677 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Specialties: Iberian cured meats, seafood rice, and black paella.
- Madrid Tapas y Vinos: 525 NW 42nd Ave, Miami, FL 33126-5648. Specialties: The best black paella in Miami, authentic Spanish tapas, and a careful selection of Spanish wines and beers.
2. Italian restaurants in Miami
Undoubtedly, Italian cuisine is one of the great gifts that the Mediterranean has given to humanity.
Besides being recognized for the excellence of its wines, Italy is internationally known for its famous dishes such as pasta, pizza, and risotto.
Tomatoes, pasta, fresh herbs, bread, and cheese are essential elements of its traditional and gourmet cuisine, which is famous among foodies all over the world.
- Cipriani Downtown Miami: 465 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131. Specialties: Carpaccio alla Cipriani, Prosciutto “di Parma” and Mediterranean octopus.
- Scarpetta: Fontainebleau Hotel & Resort, 4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140. Specialties: Spaghetti Tomato, Scarpetta’s Basil and Ravioli Cacio e Pepe.
- Toscana Divino: 900 S Miami Ave Suite 185, Miami, FL 33130-3044. Specialties: An exclusive collection of the best Italian wines, Sicilian salad, and Mediterranean food.
3. Argentinean restaurants in Miami
Argentine cuisine is known for being heavily influenced by Italian and Spanish cuisines, with traditional flavors of Creole gastronomy and modern touches.
Thankfully, you don’t have to travel all the way there to get a taste of this delicious food. Miami is home to incredible Argentinian restaurants that offer representative dishes like the famous Asado (their own kind of barbecue), featuring the world-famous Argentinian meat.
In addition to other typical dishes such as polenta, choripán, and empanadas.
- Leyna: 1685 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Specialties: Grilled octopus, roasted rack of lamb, and cocoa ravioli.
- Fiorito: 5555 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137. Specialties: Argentinean cuts of certified Angus beef, leg of lamb, and bife de chorizo (sirloin).
- Los Fuegos: 3201 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL 33140. Specialties: various types of beef steaks, scallops au gratin, and Asado.
4. Colombian Restaurants in Miami
Colombian cuisine in Miami is super diverse, it offers a series of very versatile menus, which include dishes specialized in the food of the Caribbean region and others that rescue the culinary tradition of the towns of Antioquia.
Discover the most authentic Colombian restaurants that will take you on a culinary trip with exquisite dishes such as sancocho de gallina, ajiaco and bandeja paisa.
- Pueblito Viejo: 8285 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33155. Specialties: chicken sancocho, arroz con pollo and bean casserole.
- Mondongo’s: 3500 NW 87th Ave, Doral, FL 33172. Specialties: Mondongo’s soup(beef tripe stew), bandeja paisa, and ajiaco.
- Patacón Pisa’o: 7902 NW 36th St, Doral, FL 33166. Specialties: seafood casserole, sancocho de cola, and valluno steak.
5. Peruvian restaurants in Miami
Peruvian cuisine is one of the most popular worldwide, as it perfectly combines the traditional ingredients and local techniques of ancient Peru with the contributions of modern gastronomy.
Its main ingredients include fish, a wide variety of potatoes, chili peppers, corn, and spices. All these elements are part of about 491 recipes that gave the South American country the title of “World’s leading culinary destination” for six years in a row.
Likewise, pisco, its national drink, is recognized as a cultural heritage of the country and is an element present in some of its most distinctive preparations.
- La Mar: 500 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131. Specialties: Causa Limeña, duck tiradito, and octopus al olivo.
- Aromas del Peru: 1930 Ponce de Leon Coral Gables, Miami Beach. Specialties: Ceviches, meats, and fish prepared in the best traditional Peruvian style.
- My Ceviche: 1250 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130. Specialties: seafood aguadito, chaufa rice with shrimp, and grilled chicken.
6. Mexican restaurants in Miami
Mexican cuisine is recognized worldwide for its wide variety of flavors and the particular use of spices and endemic products that display vibrant textures and colors.
Corn, chili, and beans are part of the authentic base of this traditional gastronomy, and are essential products in the millenary recipes that have been passed from generation to generation.
Tortillas, enchiladas, pozole, and burritos are just some of the most representative dishes of the local cuisine.
- Bakan: 2801 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127. Specialties: Artisan tortillería and more than 500 varieties of mezcals and tequilas.
- Mayami Wynwood: 127 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127. Specialties: arroz caldoso, lobster aguachile and pozole.
- Mi Rinconcito Mexicano: 1961 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135. Specialties: enchiladas with corn tortillas, quesadillas chilangas and Aztec soup.
7. Cuban restaurants in Miami
Cuba cuisine is the direct result of different gastronomic cultures merging: African, Spanish, and Caribbean, which highly influence the techniques, ingredients, and spices used.
Its menu stands out for the use of seafood products such as fish, shellfish, and mollusks, which are part of the delicacies of Antillean cuisine.
If you visit a Cuban restaurant in Miami, you will definitely enjoy a full Cuban experience, from tasting delicious dishes such as roast pork, lobster enchilada, and ropa vieja, to being delighted by the rhythms of live Cuban music.
- Versailles Restaurant: 3555 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135-4196. Specialties: seafood zarzuela, fried snapper, and “Mahi-Mahi” dolphin steak.
- Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina: 1442 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135. Specialties: Habanero-style picadillo, pickled fish steak, and Cuban coffee.
- La Carreta: 3632 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135-4112. Specialties: authentic ropa vieja, Basque-style cod, and braised oxtail.
8. Venezuelan restaurants in Miami
Venezuelan cuisine is one of the most delicious on the American continent and is the product of the crossbreeding of three culinary cultures: indigenous, African, and Spanish.
This succulent gastronomy includes the famous arepas, hallacas, and pabellón criollo, Venezuela’s national dish. Get a taste of all these meals and go on a journey through a world full of aromas and flavors.
- Hereford Grill: 782 NW 42nd Ave #5, Miami, FL 33126. Specialties: amazing grilled steak, fried arepitas with guayanés cheese, and delicious bienmesabe dessert.
- Budare Bistro: 1830 SW 3rd Avenue, Miami, FL 33129. Specialties: delicious hamburgers, cachapas and tequeños.
- Doggi’s Arepa Bar: 1246 SW 22nd St, Miami, FL 33145. Specialties: pabellon arepa, crispy and juicy chicharrón, and 3 leches dessert.
Affordable restaurants in Miami
In Miami, there are restaurants of all kinds, from those categorized as international haute cuisine with high prices to others of intermediate level with moderate prices to some very affordable ones.
You will also find some restaurants that are authentic paradises, with large patios and terraces to eat a delicious breakfast or an appetizing sandwich outdoors.
So, if you enjoy eating on a budget to have the opportunity to taste many more dishes, here are some of the best affordable restaurants in Miami.
- Green Gables Café: 327 Alhambra Cir, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Specialties: Green Gable’s veggie burger, turkey hash, avocado and hummus baguette.
- Spris Artisan Pizza: 3201 N Miami Ave, #102, Miami, FL 33127. Specialties: delicious margherita, fra diavolo and pesto pizza.
- Five Guys: 1500 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Specialties: burgers, fries, and refill drinks.
- El Mago de las Fritas: 5828 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33144-5036. Specialties: frita a caballo, majestic tamales en hoja, and delicious mango smoothie.
- La Sandwicherie: 34 SW 8TH Street, FL 33130. Specialties: cheese sandwiches, delicious salads, and milkshakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now, we will answer the questions most tourists ask regarding the best restaurants to visit in Miami.
What restaurants are there near Miami Airport?
You can find several restaurants near Miami International Airport, such as Versailles Restaurant, La Parrilla, and Bulla Gastrobar.
And if you are staying in this area, keep in mind that most of them offer delivery service.
Which are the restaurants where celebrities dine in Miami?
Here’s a selection of Miami restaurants that celebrities love: Seaspice, Papi Steak, El Cielo, Prima Pasta, and Nai Yara, which have been visited by celebrities such as Shakira, Lionel Messi, Beyoncé, Jay Z, Maluma, Sofía Vergara, Dwayne Wade, and even Michelle Obama.
Thank you for making it this far! I hope this post made you smile and eager to try these delicious treats. See you at the next one!