Get Into The Spice Of Miami's Food Scene

By Dwight Brown · December 27, 2019December 18, 2019

On its surface, Miami is best known for its sandy beaches, yacht-filled waters, vibrant nightlife and trendy events like the culture-filled Art Basel. However, if you dig a little deeper you’ll notice that the popular hotspot also has a buzzing foodie scene that is as spicy as the bikini-wearing travelers who stroll the city’s shores.

From grub on the go, to mac and cheese like you’ve never had it before, Miami is the place to be for jet setters who can appreciate a good meal. Check out a few of our favorite Miami hotspots that we know will fill you up and leave you begging for more. Thank us later.

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila

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).

bodegataqueria.com

Juvia

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).

juviamiami.com

Ortanique

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

ortaniquerestaurants.com

House of Mac

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.