Miami is a world famous destination for Latin food. But what many of you my dear visitors and tourists don’t know is how different this food can be from country to country. Most of the people ask me the same question: where I can eat Cuban food. Yes, Cuban food is what you would mostly relate to Miami, after all, who can forget the Scar Face… but Cuban food is very different from food from other countries.
The second mistake most of my tourists make is to go to some very famous and expensive Cuban restaurant expecting to taste real Cuban food. Of course you are going to like it, but honestly, there is nothing better than having your lunch in small street cafes.
Cuban Food
The best way of tasting Cuban food and Latin flavors would be in a one and only Palacio de Los Jugos. There are several locations around Miami and the one on the 6th street in Miami beach is the last addition. It is a takeout style but you can eat in. It is what is the fast food establishment in Latin America. This is where you go to grab your lunch or dinner for the whole family.
Suggestions…?? oh, I would not know where to start… I think you just have to get there and see it for yourself. A warning: if you are on a diet…. don’t even think about it. I mean you can get your steamed veggies and a salmon but seriously? Are you going to the legit Cuban place for that? Just go and have a cheat day!
Palacio de los Jugos is located 555 Jefferson Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 and opens 7am-10pm
Colombian Food
Second, on my list is a Colombian food. Because Colombian food and Cuban food even if have some similarities are absolutely not the same. La Ventana is the place where you go for your Colombian cuisine cravings. Patacon and arepa would be the most exotic dishes to try, but of course, you have the whole menu to choose from.
La Ventana is located on 710 WASHINGTON AVE 33139 MIAMI BEACH and is open 10am-11pm
Peruvian Food
The most popular and the most traditional, in my opinion, Peruvian dish is ceviche and papas a la huancaina. There are several places that call themselves the best and the most original Peruvian places in Miami Beach but the best ceviche I’ve eaten (and the best for the price too) is at Andina. It is located in a kinda hidden spot that even many locals don’t know. I really hope they don’t get to close because of that because the food there is absolutely amazing. I had many Peruvian friends and I’ve eaten many homemade Peruvian dishes and can tell you this place is absolutely legit. Once there, order chicha morada for your drink. It is made from purple corn and it is sweet and very refreshing.
Andina is located on 1751 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139 and opens 11am-10pm
Argentinian Food
Next, let us move south on a map and visit an Argentinian place. Maya Grill is the one where you want to go. I love it so much that I even have a dedicated post about Maya read it here and another one here. Located right in the middle of Lincoln road also provides entertaining people watching, offers great happy hour. Advice, go hungry. you can start with a happy hour and taste some Argentinian empanadas and chorizo, have some cocktails and then transition to Parilla Argentina. Every country makes it’s Parilla and every region of the world has its own way of preparing it. Argentinian is my favorite. It comes with a selection of different meats and sausages. My recommendation is to order it with a side of veggies no more. This way you will be able to taste all flavors to perfection.
Maya’s Grill is located on 809 Linclon rd, Miami Beach and opens 8am-12am
Venezuelan Food
I want to finish with a place that is very dear to me. Charlotte Bakery that will provide you with delicious Venezuelan dishes. Charlotte was here long before the big wave of Venezuelan immigrants came. I remember times when it was basically the only place where you could eat Venezuelan food in Miami and it keeps being the truest to Venezuelan traditions.
Your order must contain an empanada, I suggest with shredded beef or chicken but if you don’t eat meat then get the one with cheese and beans called domino. Tequeno is another very traditional Venezuelan appetizer. There is no wedding or birthday without those little things. Don’t confuse them for cheese sticks, they are not. Originals are made with cheese but you can try the one with cheese and guava. And for the last part, you absolutely must try cachapa. This is so unique Venezuelan dish that you will not find it in any other cuisine. Cachapa is made from fresh corn and it is like a corn pancake. It is filled with cheese and topped with cream. You can request the filling to be with shredded beef or chicken which is a very traditional option and even has funny names in Spanish like beef and cheese is called Pelua what means hairy and chicken and yellow cheese is called catira which is the blond one. To drink, get yourself a malta. It is a no alcoholic sweet drink made from malt not everyone likes it because of the sweetness but you have to try it at least once.
And if you feel adventurous try arepa. I know you tried arepa in a Colombian place, but even that both countries are neighbors and are called sister countries their arepas are completely different. They are made differently from a different type of ingredients and will taste completely different.
Charlotte Bakery is located on 1499 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 and opens 7am-10pm
Mexican food
Of course could not miss. There are so many good Mexican places here on the beach but if we are not talking tacos quesadillas or fajitas I would suggest Tequztlan. This place is located deep into residential area family owned It offers a variety of dishes from different parts of Mexico. Suggestion: take a dish called Tour to Mexico. it is a sample of different types of dishes from different parts of Mexico. (it is a big dish) and also they have the best guacamole on the beach as well as a huge collection of tequilas which you can taste. Just choose one.
And as for tacos, if you are looking something more street style, simple but good get to Taco Rico (located right across the street from Charlotte Bakery) And if it is Monday you can get a 99c taco. for my Keto diet friends I recommend fajita bowl which is absolutely delicious.
Taco Rico is located at 409 15th St. Miami Beach, FL 33139 and opens 10:30am-10:30pm
El cafesito
You cannot spend a day in Miami without your Cuban cafesito.
While you can get them anywhere I recommend Davids Cafe. Family owned, this cafe was located next to the beach before and recently moved to a more residential area. Located on Alton Rd it is a perfect place for you to sip your coffee and even maybe learn some words in Spanish.
