Get Into The Spice Of Miami's Food Scene

Join the South Beach crowd that hovers outside Bodega’s neonlit food truck facade. Order the flavorful tacos, burritos and other Mexican quickservice dishes. What’s this south-of-the-border cuisine’s secret sauce? Multiple layers of heat (peppers) and crunchy textures (chicharrónes).

After 6 p.m., a hidden blue door leads to a 2,448-square-foot speakeasy lounge, where the Mexican beer, tequila and mezcal cocktails flow until 5 a.m. Happy hour is 6–8 p.m. ($2 tacos; halfprice drinks). Enter before 10 p.m. to skip the velvet rope.

Our picks:

1. Quesadilla con Rajas.

2. Carnitas Tacos (pulled pork, red onion, cilantro, Cuban Mojo).

3. Nutella Paletas (brightly colored popsicles).

Visit this rooftop penthouse restaurant for a special, memorable evening. Gaze at the gorgeous, panoramic pink-orange sunset views and the soothing Atlantic Ocean in the distance; it’s a crucial part of the culinary experience. When you’re through gasping at the wonder of Miami’s scenery, you’ll find new wonders as you concentrate on the food.

Your taste buds will be as fulfilled as your eyes when you dine on the delectable trinity of French, Japanese and Peruvian cooking styles. This romantic and heavenly high-dining moment is not to be missed.

Our picks:

1. Japanese Hamachi Espuma or Lobster Ceviche.

2. Seared Foie Gras.

3. Angus NY Strip Steak or Seared Tuna (sashimi grade).

Your lasting impression of this Coral Gables– district restaurant will be, “This is some of the best-tasting, most sophisticated Jamaican cuisine on the planet.” Every morsel, from appetizer to dessert, is a study in refined cooking that puts ingredients, flavor and presentation first.

Proprietor Delius Shirley (co-owner of Cliff Hotel, in Negril, Jamaica) and co-owner and executive chef Cindy Hutson have created a consistently stellar menu. The friendly atmosphere makes you feel like you’re dining in their stately island home.

Our picks:

1. Ortanique Chardonnay and Jumbo Lump Crab Cake

2. Savory West Indian Style Bouillabaisse

3. Sweet Potato Bread Pudding

The hip-hop vibe is so strong at House of Mac that you can feel it before you walk through the door. Bounce to the reggae soul playlist; order up some of the best-tasting mac and cheese you’ll ever eat.

It’s no wonder the Williams sisters, Rick Ross and Pitbull get their soul food fix here. Derrick Turton, aka Chef Teach, keeps his Overtown neighborhood restaurant as homey and humble as the wildly popular food truck that started his fame. Dig in to the chicken, burgers and thincrust pizza.

Our picks:

1. Fried Chicken Wings

2. Show some love for the M&C—try the Lobster Mac & Cheese (the Jerk Pasta rocks, too)

3. Red Velvet Cake.

These spots are fast and fab

C’est Magnifique

Munch on fresh fried snapper and tender oxtail at the Haitian/ Bahamian Chef Créole Seasoned Kitchen.

Design District Dining

By day, Three serves yummy Huevos Rancheros. At night, its rooftop No. 3 Social Bar & Lounge slings tasty cocktails.

Eat more. Pay less.

Make a budget-friendly fuel stop at the Lincoln Eatery food hall. French cuisine, sushi, sandwiches and nitrogen ice cream are up for grabs.

Run Chicken Run

Sip on a refreshing Fresno Watermelon Mojito at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, and bite into a Crispy Chicken Biscuit.

Club Med

Brunch at Boulud Sud, downtown in the JW Marriott Marquis hotel, offers Mediterranean cuisine, chicken-apple sausage and a smokin’ DJ!