10+ Must-Try Foods in Miami and Where to Find Them
Miami’s food scene is as bold as its skyline. From late-night Cuban sandwiches to fresh seafood straight off the boat, this city knows how to eat. If you’re looking for must-try foods in Miami and where to find them, this list has you covered. These dishes define the city’s flavor—no tourist traps, just real food locals swear by.
Must-Try Foods in Miami and Where to Find Them
1. Stone Crab
More than a meal, stone crab season is part of Miami’s identity. Served chilled with mustard sauce, the meat is sweet and tender. Only the claws are harvested, allowing the crabs to regrow them. The long-standing seafood institution in South Beach serves one of the best versions, but other spots also deliver high-quality options
- Where to find it: Joe’s Stone Crab
- Location: 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach
- Phone: 1 305-673-0365
2. Pastelitos
Flaky layers filled with guava, cheese, or ground beef make pastelitos a go-to snack. A cafecito on the side balances the richness. The Cuban bakery known for its ventanita culture keeps them fresh daily, while other cafés offer solid versions as well.
- Where to find it: Vicky’s Bakery
- Location: 3765 W Flagler St, Miami
- Phone: 1 305-200-3675
3. Tostada & Café Con Leche
Cuban bread, toasted and buttered, meets a steaming cup of sweet coffee. The right way to eat it? Dunk the tostada in the café con leche before taking a bite. A well-known Miami institution and other family-run cafés serve it just right.
- Where to find it: Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine
- Location: 3555 Southwest 8th Street Miami
- Phone: 1 305-444-0240
4. Arepas
A crispy outer layer with a soft inside, arepas are filled with everything from cheese to shredded beef. Originally Venezuelan and Colombian, they’ve become a Miami favorite, working for breakfast, lunch, or late-night cravings. Several well-known restaurants offer solid versions, each with its own take.
- Where to find it: Doggi’s Arepa Bar
- Location: 1246 SW 22nd St, Miami
- Phone: 1 305-854-6869
5. Medianoche
A pressed sandwich similar to the Cubano but served on soft, slightly sweet bread. The blend of ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles melts together for a balanced bite. A well-regarded sandwich shop and several cafeterias keep this classic on the menu.
- Website: Old Havana’s Cuban Bar and Cocina
- Location: 1442 SW 8th St, Miami
- Phone: 1 786-518-2196
6. Flan
A smooth, caramel-topped custard that shows up at every family gathering in Miami. The balance of rich, creamy texture and deep caramel flavor makes it a staple dessert. A local Cuban eatery and a few Latin bakeries serve traditional versions made fresh daily.
- Where to find it: Sazon Cuban Cuisine
- Location: 7305 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
- Phone: 1 305-861-4727
7. Paletas
More than a frozen treat, paletas are packed with real fruit, creamy fillings, or a drizzle of chocolate. Some shops stick to mango and strawberry, while others experiment with flavors like dulce de leche or cookies and cream. Several paleta shops across Miami specialize in these handcrafted treats.
- Where to find it: Morelia’s Ice Cream Paletas
- Location: 185 NW 25th St, Miami
- Phone: 1 305-985-0504
8. Key lime pie
Tart, creamy, and topped with either whipped cream or meringue, this dessert relies on fresh key lime juice for its signature flavor. A well-established seafood restaurant and a beloved local bakery both serve some of the best slices in town.
- Where to find it: Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop
- Location: 2545 N Miami Ave Bay 1, Miami
- Phone: 1 786-703-3623
9. Ropa Vieja
Tender, shredded beef simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and spices. Served with rice and plantains, this Cuban classic is a go-to for comfort food. A long-running Cuban diner and a few upscale Latin restaurants make some of the best versions in Miami.
- Where to find it: Havana Vieja
- Location: 944 Washington Ave, Miami Beach
- Phone: 1 786-739-9749
10. Ceviche
Fresh fish marinated in lime juice with onions, cilantro, and sometimes a touch of spice. Some variations add mango or avocado for extra texture. Several Peruvian restaurants in Miami offer top-quality ceviche, keeping the flavors bright and bold.
- Where to find it: Ceviches By Divino MiMo
- Location: 6411 Biscayne Blvd, Miami
- Phone: 1 305-639-8756
11. Empanadas
A crispy, golden shell with fillings like beef, chicken, or cheese. Some versions lean toward sweet, with guava and cream cheese as a popular option. A well-known Cuban restaurant and a few Venezuelan cafés serve fresh-baked empanadas daily.
- Where to find it: The Empanada’s Downtown Miami
- Location: 230 NE 4th St, Miami
- Phone: 1 305-699-0663
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