Where locals eat in Miami

The neighborhood places residents go back to, with what to order at each.

12 places in Miami · by Chef Amazing · updated October 20, 2026
Photo: Wilfredor, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons

1. 1

   Islas Canarias

   Kendall

   Get: the ham croquetas and a cafecito

   The croqueta most Miamians name first.

   3804 SW 137th Ave, Miami, FL 33175 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
2. 2

   Mandolin Aegean Bistro

   Aegean · Buena Vista

   Get: the grilled octopus and the Turkish manti

   A garden of Greek and Turkish cooking.

   Critics: 79% liked it, from 4 reviews (2010 to 2026). Read Michelin Guide 2026, The Infatuation 2026, Time Out, Miami New Times 2010.

   The crowd: 4.6 of 5 on Google (3,361 ratings).

   4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
3. 3

   Michael's Genuine Food & Drink

   Design District

   Get: the wood-oven roasted chicken

   A reliable neighborhood room since 2006.

   Critics: 75% liked it, from 5 reviews (2010 to 2026). Slipping: the recent write-ups are worse than the old ones. Read MICHELIN Guide 2026, The Infatuation 2024, Time Out Miami 2021, The Leftovers Miami 2026.

   The crowd: 4.3 of 5 on Tripadvisor (1,405 ratings).

   130 NE 40th St, Miami, FL 33137 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
4. 4

   Sanguich de Miami

   Little Havana

   Get: the Cubano with a guava pastry

   Pork marinated for a week, pressed on house bread.

   Also on these lists: Long lines in Miami, The best Cuban sandwich in Miami.

   2057 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
5. 5

   Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop

   Wynwood / Edgewater

   Get: the pan con bistec and a cortadito

   A breakfast and lunch counter for regulars.

   Also on the list: Breakfast and sandwiches in Miami.

   186 NE 29th St, Miami, FL 33137 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
6. 6

   Garcia's Seafood Grille & Fish Market

   Miami River

   Get: the whole fried yellowtail snapper

   A fish market on the river since 1966.

   398 NW North River Dr, Miami, FL 33128 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
7. 7

   El Palacio de los Jugos

   Cuban market · Flagami

   Get: fresh sugarcane juice, a tamal and chicharrones

   Cuban market eating.

   5721 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33144 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
8. 8

   Frankie's Pizza

   Westchester

   Get: the square cheese pie

   A family pizzeria open for about 70 years.

   9118 SW 40th St (Bird Road), Miami, FL 33165 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
9. 9

   Tropical Chinese

   Cantonese dim sum · Westchester

   Get: dim sum on a weekend morning

   The city's first stop for Chinese food.

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
10. 10

    La Camaronera

    Cuban seafood · Little Havana

    Get: the pan con minuta, a fried snapper sandwich

    A seafood counter locals still love.

    1952 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33135 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
11. 11

    Shorty's Bar-B-Q

    Barbecue · South Miami

    Get: the spare ribs and the cole slaw

    A log-cabin barbecue room since 1951.

    9200 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33156 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
12. 12

    Chug's Diner

    Coconut Grove

    Get: the Cuban breakfast sandwich and a cafecito

    A Grove diner with Cuban accents.

    Also on the list: Breakfast and sandwiches in Miami.

    3444 Main Hwy, Miami, FL 33133 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing