Orange Bowl info: Any Miami residents have restaurant recommendations?
My husband and I are heading down on the 30th and looking for a place for dinner that night. Any locals have recommendations? We'd love to avoid chains or anything glitzy or super expensive. I love local and ethnic places. We're staying near Surfside and Bal Harbour but wouldn't mind going down to South Beach. Thanks, I'm sure others would welcome some thoughts as well.
December 18th, 2021 at 10:27 AM ^
Find the hole-in-the-wall places that make authentic Cuban sandwiches. You won't be sorry.
December 18th, 2021 at 12:28 PM ^
Can’t agree more with this! Enjoy some Cuban Coffee as well.
December 18th, 2021 at 1:11 PM ^
Miami has good Cuban sandwiches. Tampa has better ones. The salami is key, my friends.
Signed,
Obviously biased Tampa native.
December 18th, 2021 at 10:39 AM ^
Puerto Sagua gets strong recommendations in South Beach for Cuban; people rave about Tap Tap for real Haitian food there, which is hard to find.
Was thumbing through the photos on my phone, because we found a cheap Cuban place last time that was--though very run down--packed and off the chain great. Had hand-painted images of Celia Cruz on the mirrors and stuff. Poked around but cannot yet come up with a name.
December 18th, 2021 at 12:22 PM ^
Tap Tap has been closed for awhile.
December 18th, 2021 at 10:42 AM ^
My wife and I really enjoyed CVI.CHE 105 (Peruvian food), which is a few blocks west of where you'll be.
December 18th, 2021 at 11:04 AM ^
Peruvian food is amazing. I have never been to Miami so I can’t offer much but I have been to Peru and their food is some of the best anywhere. Aji de gallina seems strange but it is one of the best dishes in the world.
December 18th, 2021 at 12:18 PM ^
This looks like a good place -- thanks.
December 18th, 2021 at 11:01 AM ^
There is a pretty big handful of Peruvian restaurants in the Miami area. We have an insane amount of really good fish caught offshore every day. Add that up, and you get some really really good Ceviche. Don't leave Miami having missed a Peruvian meal or two.
Stone crab is pretty expensive but really good, and almost any fresh fish will be good (Snapper, Tuna, Mahi, Black grouper, Wahoo, Swordfish are all caught offshore here or in the Gulf)
And it's not fancy, but I would suggest you slum it just a bit and find one Cuban Sandwich while you're here.
Finally, this isn't New York City so the local internet reviews are not snobby. To be as sure as you can that you're going somewhere good, go for 4.5 stars rated places or higher.
December 18th, 2021 at 11:58 AM ^
We were there ten years ago and went to a Peruvian place called Chalan on the Beach that was pretty good. El Chalan (same owners) seems to be regarded as a good place, too.
December 18th, 2021 at 11:17 AM ^
Not to be that guy, but yelp is pretty good. Sort by "most reviews" and usually you find something pretty good.
December 18th, 2021 at 11:23 AM ^
I’ll second this. We’ve been to Miami quite a few times and I use Yelp instead of any one person’s recommendation. Look for anything with a 4.5 rating.
December 18th, 2021 at 12:02 PM ^
I will use Yelp, too, but I always think people who live in the area may know places that Yelpers don't pick up on or conversely, know which places are overrated on Yelp. I live in Chicago and I read reviews that I can immediately tell are tourists who are just looking for an "experience" rather than good food. I'm strongly in the food over experience group.
December 18th, 2021 at 3:40 PM ^
We somewhat eliminate that problem by eliminating the places with 4 or 5 $$$$ signs! The best places we’ve eaten in our travels are moderately priced local spots.
December 18th, 2021 at 3:46 PM ^
For Italian, either Osteria del Teatro or Cafe Prima Pasta. Neither are glitzy but great food.
December 18th, 2021 at 11:24 AM ^
I’m no expert but I thought Versailles in Little Havana was pretty damn good. It was telling to me that there were clearly a ton of local people there at 11 pm
December 18th, 2021 at 3:44 PM ^
100% the ceviche there is dope too.
December 18th, 2021 at 11:30 AM ^
OP, if you like Indian food this might be a good pick:
December 18th, 2021 at 4:04 PM ^
That place looks unbelievably good, on the list for my next trip.
December 18th, 2021 at 11:48 AM ^
If you're looking to go for a nice meal I would try Joe's stone crab. Very good stone crabs and fried chicken. Gets very busy so it helps to slip the guy in the front $50-$100 to get in. If you are looking to try some good Cuban food you should try Palacio de los jugos. In the Bal Harbor mall there are multiple really good places to go but somewhat expensive. I would start with Makoto if you are into sushi. Also, would try out carpaccio and "The Grill" at Bal Harbour if you can. If you want a good restaraunt to go with the kids I would go to Flanigan's in Surfside (Try the ribs!!). Not a huge fan of the South Beach area but try Mister 01 pizza for very, very good pizza. About 10 minutes from Surfside is a great Indian place called Zaika.
December 18th, 2021 at 11:50 AM ^
Let me know if there is any specific foods you are looking for and I can help you out.
December 18th, 2021 at 1:26 PM ^
You slip a guy $100 to get the best fried chicken? I’m in awe of you.
December 18th, 2021 at 2:52 PM ^
I thought that was something that only happened in movies. I think my life must be pretty pedestrian.
December 18th, 2021 at 7:47 PM ^
Yessir, its almost impossible to get a table if you don't know someone or slip the guy some cash. A friend told me those guys make 300k$+ per year. I only go there for special occasions such as Michigan making the playoffs lol.
December 18th, 2021 at 7:47 PM ^
Yessir, its almost impossible to get a table if you don't know someone or slip the guy some cash. A friend told me those guys make 300k$+ per year. I only go there for special occasions such as Michigan making the playoffs lol.
December 19th, 2021 at 1:22 PM ^
This is true, and they don’t take reservations. It’s a great place to eat.
I also recommend Estiatorio Milos in Miami Beach. Best meal I have ever eaten - phenomenal Mediterranean food, really nice ambiance. Be ready to drop some serious $$, but you will not be disappointed.
December 18th, 2021 at 12:02 PM ^
The Surf Club in/near Bal Harbour. South Beach sucks. The better restaurants are on the mainland. Mandolin Aegean Bistro is fun and Michael’s Genuine is an old favorite.
December 18th, 2021 at 1:22 PM ^
I second this. Was in South Beach last month and was NOT impressed at all. Everything was overpriced. $25 for a "large" Long Island that came in one of those clear Solo cups.
December 18th, 2021 at 2:17 PM ^
LOVE Mandolin. I'm at Mr Mandolin probably every other weekend
December 18th, 2021 at 5:02 PM ^
Café La Trova is another fun place for Cuban food and music
December 18th, 2021 at 12:17 PM ^
Surfside is basically North Miami Beach, so some places already mentioned are good - Cvi.Che 105 is good for peruvian. The North Miami Beach location is the smallest of the three locations, I believe. The Surf Club is good, but expensive. Found it overrated a bit given that it's a Thomas Keller place.
If you're willing to venture out of Surfside area:
Markus Samuelsson opened up Red Rooster in Overtown a few months ago. I've eaten there twice, it's amazing. The original Red Rooser of his is in Harlem.
Ariete in Coconut Grove is very good. Modern take on cuban style food.
Macchialina in South Beach for very good Italian. If you want something close to you, there is a traditional southern Italian place called Prima Pasta nearby which is good.
Mandolin, mentioned here already is a great Greek place in Midtown area. Also in Midtown is Mignonette, one of my personal favorites.
Lots of really good dining options in Miami but will have to expand out of the Surfside area.
December 18th, 2021 at 12:33 PM ^
If I am going to pay for these seats - I am going early and staying late and eating out the house.
The No Name Restaurant
December 18th, 2021 at 1:15 PM ^
Classics like Havana Harry’s (good luck getting in that night) or Versailles. Breakfast - right next door at Cafe Versailles or Cafe Venales. Go on a brewery crawl in Wynnewood area.
December 18th, 2021 at 1:20 PM ^
My two cent:
Ceviche 105 (I've only been to the Lincoln Road location) - I agree with what many others have already noted. I'd suggest trying the 4 ceviche sample ($45 if I recall correctly) along with the Cilantro risotto. Peruvian ceviche is a bit different than Mexican ceviche (basically Pico de gallo + shrimp or fish). The Peruvian version doesn't look quite as appetizing, but tastes better IMO. The Peruvian version typically comes with sweet potato, corn and purple onion strips alongside the fish. The big difference is the fish to filler ratio is much higher for Peruvian ceviche in relation to Mexican ceviche. Peruvian ceviche comes with a healthy amount of fish/shrimp, making it a better value.
Las Olas Cafe (South Beach) - whole in the wall with great Cuban sandwiches that can be shared because of how they're cut. Bread is superb. Lines get extremely long but tends to move quickly. They typically have a a good selection of fresh cooked food at the counter where you can sort of see what you want before you order. Totally for locals and extremely popular. Be warned, parking isn't fun. I typically park at the bank parking lot on the corner and eat quickly to avoid tickets.
Lobster Shack (South Pointe Park) - very good lobster rolls in an upscale part of town. Rolls typically go for about $25 bucks and include Crab/Shimp (along with spicy versions, etc) in addition to lobster. Also available are lobster (without rolls) and shrimp/fish/lobster tacos. Also try the gelato place right down the street. Take a stroll along the ocean (Literally one block away) if time permits. The water at that particular strip is pristine.
Smith and Wollensky in South Pointe Park (If you want to splurge on a steak) - Go for the Tomahawk steak for 2. Will run you about $200ish if memory serves me right. One of the best steaks I've ever consumed, in an oceanfront setting. The view + meal tandem is unbeatable.
December 18th, 2021 at 1:49 PM ^
If you have to go to South Beach for dinner definitely stay away from anything near the beach (i.e. Collins, Ave, Ocean Drive, Washington, Lincoln Road, etc.). Horrible service in a tourist trap area, you will be bitterly disappointed. The west side of the island is more local-oriented (e.g. Alton Road, West Avenue, Sunset Harbour area). TBH you will have a better dining experience if you go to the Design District / Midtown / Wynwood for dinner. There are numerous awesome restaurants there that are locals-oriented and the in-the-know visitors. South Beach these days now caters to the lowest common denominator in global tourism.
If you want to stay closer to Surfside then the North Beach area of Miami Beach (just south of Surfside) has mini-downtown area at 71st Street which has a number of South American-oriented restaurants (the area is know as Little Buenos Aires).
December 18th, 2021 at 1:57 PM ^
Bacon Bitch for chicken sandwiches or breakfast sandwiches.
B Bistro + bakery for the best French toast I’ve ever had in my life.
I know you said you aren’t looking for anything too fancy but Komodo is great for Asian cuisine.
Bonus: Casa Tua for an over the top palate experience. This is my go to for anyone looking for anniversary/celebratory dinners. Took my fiancé here after proposing to her. Quite literally the chef’s kiss.
Bonus bonus: Giannis (aka Versace mansion) okay food for the price, it’s really about the ambiance and honestly the best service I’ve ever had.
December 18th, 2021 at 2:27 PM ^
My favorite places to eat in Miami:
- Lucali pizza in South Beach
- Sanguich de Miami for cubano sandwiches in Little Havana
December 19th, 2021 at 7:06 AM ^
I’m pretty sure Lucali is the best pizza I have ever had. It’s a must visit every time I’m in Miami.
Joes Stone Crab is the other place I’d visit I’d you haven’t been before, it feels like one of those “you have to try once” places.
December 18th, 2021 at 2:30 PM ^
Any thoughts specifically for lunch at South Beach? Thinking of going day of game.
December 18th, 2021 at 4:07 PM ^
27, otherwise the majority is sub-par touristy in SB
December 19th, 2021 at 12:04 AM ^
It is certainly touristy, and expensive (see my post below). But as a tourist it was a really nice place to visit. Pretty sure I could not afford to live there. A single guy in our golf group though was smitten with all the eye candy and wanted to move there immediately.
December 18th, 2021 at 7:51 PM ^
Mister 01 pizza is very good but there likely will be a wait. HuaHua's tacos has amazing fried chicken burritos if you're down for that. La Sandwhicherie is very good as well. Shake Shack and Doraku on Lincoln Road in South Beach are pretty good as well.
December 18th, 2021 at 3:24 PM ^
Prime 112 is fantastic! A little on the pricey side but really good food.
December 18th, 2021 at 3:50 PM ^
If you're in Miami a visit to Little Havana is highly highly recommended. Great food, great coffee, great music, and all essentially unique in quality and scale in the country to that locale. Get a cubano, some cafecitos, a hearty stew with crispy rice, tostones, and the large carribean avocados. Caribbean cuisine can be heaven.
December 18th, 2021 at 4:01 PM ^
One of my fave restaurant/experiences in Miami, great Cuban food and the decor/atmosphere a total trip. https://www.versaillesrestaurant.com/
27 is a sublime and unique restaurant in South Beach that also has amazing cocktails and attached bar called the Broken Shaker, both are part of the Freehand Miami hotel/hostel thing and it always has a great crowd/vibe, so you can eat dinner then stay for drinks/party before heading out late night. Reservations definitely required for restaurant seating. Otherwise take care in South Beach, a lot of tourist traps, especially close to the water.
https://freehandhotels.com/miami/foodanddrink/
Also fantastic:
Cuban: https://www.havana1957.com/espanola-way/
Peruvian/ceviche: https://www.ceviche105.com/
America/fried chicken/waffle dish to die for, they are in a few cities, but I wouldn't call it a chain - Yardbird: https://www.runchickenrun.com/miami/
Drunk Bitch (bar) /Bacon Bitch (brunch): https://baconbitch.com/
December 18th, 2021 at 4:03 PM ^
Puerto Sauga
December 18th, 2021 at 5:28 PM ^
Avoid the Bru's Room, that's a Buckeye bar. Or better yet, go in there and remind them why you're down there!!! Go Blue!!!
December 18th, 2021 at 7:48 PM ^
I got roped into going to a tailgate in the parking lot of Bru's Room before the 2006 game. If you thought they'd have toned the rancor down a bit around a Michigan fan because Bo died the day before, you would be very, very wrong. They were assholes!
December 19th, 2021 at 12:00 AM ^
Spent a weekend playing golf at Doral 7 years ago on a guy's trip. Had a great time and had dinner/drinks at South Beach one night. Went to a bar and spent $14 for a single 12oz bottle of Coors Light. It was really nice and fun but be ready to spend mucho dineros in that part of town. The tourists are the life blood and they hammer that shit hard.
EDIT: one more thing to add. The eye candy for us guys was, uh, not too shabby.