The First Timer’s Guide To Eating In Miami

If the Cuban sandwich is Miami’s leading lady, the frita is the scene-stealing character actor who never quite gets the spotlight they deserve. Plus, you really won’t find a proper version of this “Cuban hamburger” outside of Miami. So go pay your respects at El Rey De Las Fritas, a Little Havana institution that makes the best one in town.

Miami is a ceviche town, and the city’s full of perfectly fine versions. But if you want a ceviche that will become a core memory, go to Maty’s. Their spicy, citrusy ceviche mixto packed with octopus, geoduck, lobster, and more might make a single tear roll down your cheek.

Few South Beach cliches are more fun to embrace than a big, frozen drink. But don’t get some sort of sugary hangover potion that costs $30. Go to Sweet Liberty and behold the world’s best piña colada. What’s its secret? Probably some combination of ground up coffee beans and the fact that you’re on vacation.

We know we just said to never eat on Ocean Drive, but there’s one exception: The Palace. Is the food that good at this classic LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant? No. The reason you’re going is the drag brunch, featuring two hours of bottomless mimosas and the very best sidewalk drag show of your life.

There’s going to be a line at Zak. But the rotating babka, bagels, and salmon bacon at this kosher bakery are always worth a little patience. Plus, they do that thing where they'll text you when your table is ready, which allows you to kill time by wandering around Wynwood for 30ish minutes.

Before you inevitably settle for the 5pm outdoor table at Carbone, stop and ask yourself: just how badly do you need decent yet overpriced rigatoni with an above average chance of sitting next to Jake Paul? Instead, grab a table at Macchialina, another perpetually hot South Beach restaurant that actually makes the best Italian food in the city.

Miami doesn’t stand against the wall with its hands in its pocket. We dance—well past most reasonable bedtimes. Downtown is the epicenter of our 24 hour nightlife, and Club Space is where you want to be when the sun comes up. The covered outdoor terrace floods with natural light while everyone continues to ignore the fact that it’s literally 7am.

The unfortunate truth is that most Miami waterfront spots are either weird clubstaurants or overpriced tourist traps, and the views are hit or miss. But you should do everything in your power to be at The Cleat when the sun sets. This waterfront bar is at the edge of a state park, with 360 views that will make the group chat unbelievably jealous.

Most restaurants that feel like a big, loud party are not places you want to be eating. But Cafe La Trova is a rare exception. And this spot is not only one of Miami’s best Cuban restaurants—but it’s a party seven nights a week, with bartenders who occasionally whip out instruments to play along with the band.

Instead of fighting for a table at Joe’s, visit their takeout spot next door. Get fried chicken, some stone crab claws, key lime pie, and walk it all over to South Pointe Park for a picnic. Go during sunset and the waterfront park will be alive with people dancing, slacklining, and having dramatic influencer photoshoots.