Little Havana's Hidden Gems: Your Local Recommendations
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Best Cuban sandwich in Miami?
Ms. SoFlo
Miami - Smash N’ Go 🍔 🛻🍔 Your favorite smash burger spot in SoFlo! What I Had: 🍔 OG Burger 🍔 Wagyu Melt 🍔 Chicken Sandwich 🍽️Chicken Bites 🍽️ Guava & Cheese Empanada 🥛 Chocolate Milkshake
The OH
A perfect lunch date❤️ Casa Tua Cucina Loved and a must try dish- truffle mushroom fettuccine fettuccine with wild mixed mushrooms, black truffle & parmesan cheese fonduta👌👌 Craving sushi but your friend wants pasta? We’ve got you covered at Casa Tua! 🍣🍝
Time Out Miami
Eleventh Street Pizza serves up two kinds of pies that both are stellar representations of their pizza genres. While a monster slice of NYC-style pep does a great job soaking up late-night drinking, the finest things here are thick Sicilian slices, big towers of dough covered with cupped pepperoni, wild maitake mushrooms with caramelized onions and a Provencal number with roasted red onions, confit garlic and pepperoncini. Time Out tip: The Japanese milk bread garlic rolls are both sweet and savory, so much so that you’ll probably want a second order for dessert.
Time Out Miami
Angelina's Eatery & Cafe Angelinas is Midtown’s neighborhood coffee shop, and a rebrand in 2022 brought on both a cleaner look and new menu to the space. Now, you can grab a delicious shakshuka with a drip coffee, or opt for other AM hits like avocado toast and sandwiches. It’s a great spot for a simple Sunday morning, a midweek break, or a quick cortado to go.
Dish Miami
At Fiola Miami, the marriage of exceptional food and wine is an art form. Their extensive, carefully curated wine list boasts a diverse selection of Italian and international labels, ensuring the ideal complement to your chosen pasta. Pastas can change, but if you spy the wagyu beef cappelletti or the caviar “carbonara” on the menu, make sure you order at least one of them (but ideally both). This is a fine dining establishment, so expect a hefty price tag, but it’s definitely worth splurging.
Dish Miami
Coral Gables’ talk of the town is Maíz y Agave, a gorgeous three-story restaurant taking over one large corner on Miracle Mile. Here, the new concept promises to take guests on an immersive journey into the heart of Mexican cuisine and culture. Choose from three different locations to enjoy a meal: El Patio on the first floor offers a cool, calm ambiance, Los Balcones on the second floor showcases artwork by talented Oaxacan artisans inside a chic dining room, and La Azotea on the rooftop features upbeat tunes, lush greenery, and plenty of room to spread out. The expansive menu highlights the restaurant’s sacred staples—corn (maíz) and agave—with dishes like fresh guacamole topped with lobster al pastor, aguachile de camarón, tacos, and a fall-off-the-bone pork shank served with Istmeño-style mashed potatoes. Even better, Maíz y Agave offers live mariachi performances three times a week, adding an extra layer to the experience. You’ll feel like you’re in Oaxaca without having left Coral Gables.
See also
Gladeview Dining Guide: Local Experiences & Foodie Favorites Near Miami
Time Out Miami
Monty’s Raw Bar is a tried-and-true spot on the water suitable for rowdy college students and families alike. Thatch-roofed, open-walled miniature tiki huts surround a stage from which reggae and calypso bands do their damnedest to persuade the crowds to dance. From post-work drinks to weekend brunch offered every Saturday and Sunday, there’s never a wrong time to hit up Monty’s for an indulgent meal and some boozy drinks overlooking the water. Time your visit with the live tunes: every Thursday from 5 to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4pm.
Time Out Miami
Books & Books is a beloved independent shop stocked with bestsellers but also lots of small publishers. You can rely on their knowledgeable employees to guide you through the store’s vast selection of books and to help you select your next page-turner. In need of a last-minute gift for someone of any age? Books & Books has quite a range of options, from fun notebooks to swanky coffee table books. And don’t forget to check out the kids’ section upstairs while you’re at it.
Time Out Miami
David T. Kennedy is a charming waterfront park with walking/cycling trails, a dog park, outdoor fitness equipment, volleyball courts and the Instagrammable “Miami”-etched benches that face Biscayne Bay. After a scenic workout or some leisurely dog- and people-watching, cool down with a frozen lemonade from the A.C.’s Icees truck, which has had a permanent spot in the parking lot for more than four decades.
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
ADDiKT at W Miami The 15th floor rooftop of the W Miami is quite impressive. Both spacious and luxurious, it is home to a 90 meters long rooftop infinity pool, and to the rooftop bar and restaurant ADDiKT. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, here you can enjoy breathtaking views over Biscayne Bay and the city skyline, along with fantastic and global dishes from Executive Chef Ricardo Jarquin and crafted mixology cocktails.
Time Out Miami
Legion Park Farmers’ Market Legion Park is the place to be on a beautiful Saturday morning, as tents pop up from Biscayne Boulevard all the way to Biscayne Bay. Run by Urban Oasis Project, which oversees some of Miami’s most important farmers markets, you’ll find produce from local favorites like Little River Cooperative and French Farms, artisan-made goods like fresh breads, hummus and empanadas (the Chilean ones are excellent), and even dog treats. (Don’t worry, Fido always gets a free sample.) In the morning, a hundred or so yogis gather under the Spanish-oak draped banyan trees for a donation-based yoga class, and then stock up on goods from some of the new age vendors onsite. When to go: Saturdays 9am–2pm, year-round
Time Out Miami
Coconut Grove Farmers’ Market The Coconut Grove Farmers Market is probably Miami’s most well-known. Every Saturday, Homestead's Glaser Organic Farms transforms an unoccupied corner of Coconut Grove into a full-fledged produce market with dozens of fruit and vegetable stands, a raw bar featuring prepared foods and salads and coolers filled with cold-pressed juices and nut mylks. There’s even velvety vegan ice cream for sale and several rows of picnic tables where you can sit and enjoy your bounty. Along its periphery, you’ll find other local vendors selling honey, homemade soaps, handmade jewelry and other artisanal items. And the setup and breakdown are so fascinating to watch! Much like the circus leaving town, everyone quickly dismantles their tents and packs up just after sunset, leaving no trace of the bustling day on the empty gravel lot. 3300 Grand Ave, on the corner of Margaret St and Grand Ave. When to go: Saturdays 10am–7pm, year-round
The Restaurant Guide
Elastika: New social club in the Design District serving modern American dishes in an amazing setting. Inspired by Miami’s international community and The Moore’s century-long legacy of art, design and culture, Elastika acts as a culinary canvas, where eclectic dishes and soulful cooking come to life in an approachable environment. The Moore Miami Building holds the unique distinction of being the first and oldest standing building in the Miami Design District. Impeccably preserved, it’s been a venue of rotating uses in recent years, for art fairs and private events, public markets and chic parties. But today, every inch of this 90,000–square-foot building is getting put to good use; especially the first floor with Elastika, an architecturally stunning restaurant with flavors to match. The abstract floor tiles, curved sage seating and Taj Mahal quartzite on every surface evoke a feeling of serene playfulness, but the true star of the entire room is Elastika itself, a sculpture by Zaha Hadid commissioned for the inaugural Design Miami in 2005 for which the restaurant is named. There is no feeling quite like sitting under it, imagining it expand and contract like putty as it stretches from the bottom all the way up to the fourth floor of this light-filled space.
See alsoExplore the Vibrant Local Community in Gladeview near Miami: Trending Discussions & Anonymous Posts
Dish Miami
Dinner at Shimuja Ramen This Friday, July 26, find us slurping away at Shimuja Ramen, a beloved South Florida gem. Since opening its doors in Miami in 2018, Shimuja Ramen has quickly become a local favorite, earning the title of “Best Ramen Shop in Miami 2024” from The Miami New Times. Originally founded in Kagoshima City, Japan, in 2011, Shimuja Ramen brings its rich heritage to Miami through the culinary artistry of Chef and Owner Keiichi Maemura. Chef Maemura’s meticulous 13-hour pork-bone broth forms the heart of an extensive ramen menu that includes delicious vegetarian options. Shimuja Ramen is known for its richly flavored broths and fresh ingredients. Their standout dish, the Kagoshima Special, is a delightful combination of smoked pork belly, mixed vegetables, scallions, naruto, fried burdock, a soft-boiled egg, and thick wavy noodles. Other favorites like the Satsuma Tonkotsu and Tokyo Shoyu offer a more classic approach to authentic flavors straight from Japan. Don’t miss out on the quintessential Florida ramen either — the Key Lime, prepared with chicken slices, key lime juice, lettuce, red onion, scallion, thin straight noodles, and half soft boiled egg.
Dish Miami
Forget fancy attire and head to El Turco for a casual yet delicious culinary adventure. Their menu, filled with traditional Turkish specialties, is sure to please every palate. Indulge in some manti dumplings, sample their flavorful dips like hummus and cacik, or savor the rich flavors of their lamb casserole. With its relaxed atmosphere and authentic fare, El Turco is the perfect spot for a low-key night out.
Time Out Miami
Lucky Strike Miami The first and only bowling alley in Downtown Miami, this entertainment hub recently opened in the sleek Miami Worldcenter. You’ll find 28 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, an expansive arcade, a craft cocktail bar and a more intimate VIP area with six private bowling lanes and dedicated service. If your crew gets hungry, the food menu covers classics like chicken wings and tacos along with more sophisticated fare like Moroccan steak and Caribbean mahi-mahi. Close to downtown attractions like the Kaseya Center and Brickell Avenue, this spot is conveniently located and a great option for an indoor activity on rainy or sweltering summer days.
MIAMI EATS GUIDE
Palo Quemao Miami: Check out this Colombian restaurant in Midtown! 🇨🇴 Experience the vibrant flavors and rich culture of Colombia right here in Miami. From mouthwatering arepas and empanadas to delicious bandeja paisa and fresh ceviche, this restaurant offers an authentic taste of Colombia that you won’t want to miss. 🌴✨ Perfect for a casual lunch, a festive dinner, or just enjoying some great food with friends. Dive into the heart of Colombian cuisine and feel the warmth of its hospitality.
Dish Miami
Caná Wine Shop just opened a new location on Coral Way and we are psyched about it! Shop for new and exciting wines from around the globe 🌎 but that’s not all, drop in for happy hour from 4-6pm, Mon-Fri, at Undisclosed, a speakeasy hidden inside this gorgeous wine shop. And on Thursdays, enjoy wine tasting from 5-9pm 🍷.
Dish Miami
Ironside Pizza Miami is perfect spot for a sun-soaked lunch with family, friends or solo. Wood fired Neapolitan Restaurant in the Upper Eastside of Miami 🍕🍝 Besides pizza, this gem offers panini, salads, and a few other delights. From timeless classics to inventive specialties, we've got something to satisfy every craving.
Dish Miami
El Turco Restaurant Miami This tucked-away spot serves up authentic Turkish cuisine in a charming outdoor setting. Escape the bustle of the city at El Turco and enjoy vibrant meze platters and satisfying main dishes like manti, lamb casserole, and Doner sandwhiches. 🇹🇷 The Most Famous Turkish Eatery in the World 🌍 Recognized by Michelin guide Bib Gourmand in 2022-2023 and 2024
See alsoDiscover Local Networking Events & Trending Community Gatherings in Gladeview Near Miami
Dish Miami
Miami Barsecco Restaurant Enjoy their tantalizing margaritas—the spicy cucumber margarita will awaken your taste buds—and pair them with gourmet tacos. The eatery and lounge is home to some delicious wagyu Asian street tacos, birria taquitos, and baja chicken tacos. Stylish restaurant + lounge transforming from bright and airy to sensual and inviting by night. Open for Happy Hour, Dinner, Late-night & Brunch. Every Wednesday, all ladies receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco. 🥂 Cheers!
Time Out Miami
Miami Spice 2024, the city's annual pre-fixe summer dining extravaganza, returns, and here's what you need to know. Miami Spice is a two-month dining promotion across Greater Miami when top eateries offer more affordable, prix-fixe menus at lunch and brunch ($30 or $35) and dinner ($45 or $60). When is Miami Spice 2024? Miami Spice runs from August 1 through September 30. Some of the deals run Monday through Sunday, though many restaurants opt to offer their Miami Spice menus during off-peak hours.
The Restaurant Guide
Joe’s Stone Crab: America’s Premier Seafood Restaurant For 111 Years 🦀 Summer days call for Oysters on the Half-Shell! Fresh, delicious, and waiting for you at Joes Stone Crab. Open all season long.
MIAMI EATS GUIDE
French breakfast in the Ьшфьш Aventura area you will find in La Boulangerie Boul'Mich 🇫🇷 French style bakery with a Latin twist!
MIAMI EATS GUIDE
Coffee Break Enjoy! ☕️ in Bal Harbour is the perfect place to stop by after a beach day for some good desserts and coffee 🧁 ☕️ Come for delicious bites and good vibes!
Time Out Miami
The best view in Miami and the city's finest representation of Peruvian Nikkei puts out a brunch that ought to be on the list of anyone who relishes a midday splurge. Aside from executive chef Diego Oka buffet, the brunch includes a full entree from the dinner menu and also a tower of desserts delivered tableside. The $135 price includes endless pours of many drink options, including the house specialty pisco sour, a fresh, foamy cocktail that'll get your Sunday started right.
The Hungry Post
This is a diner for Miami. And yes, it includes a ventanita. If you’re going with one other person, the best seat in the house is at the bar. If it’s a group we’d sit inside at one of their booths or outside for people-watching. You can pretty much stop by Chug’s at any time of the day for an all-day breakfast experience. It’s also a great option for Saturday and Sunday. This is the meal you deserve when craving a hearty breakfast, it’s also a great spot for a work meeting. Order the best Cast Iron Pancake (these may take up to 25 mins to come out of the kitchen), slow-cooked in clarified butter and warm maple syrup with an order of Beltran’s Bacon, thick steak cut bacon with smoked maple syrup. Chug’s is open Monday – Wednesday from 7:30 AM – 3 PM, Thursday – Saturday from 7:30 AM – 10 PM, and Sunday from 7:30 AM – 7 PM.
See alsoTop Cocktails and Local Insights: Discover Gladeview's Best Bars Near Miami
The Hungry Post
Right next to a railroad crossing, you’ll arrive at an unpretentious and minimalistic house. Immediately when entering OGAWA, you’ll feel as if you’ve landed in Japan. Tucked away in Little River, Alvaro Perez has opened his fourth and newest Japanese restaurant that just earned a well-deserved Michelin Star. As you turn the corner of the dining room, you will be met with the most impeccably set Omakase bar. Feel free to enjoy a pre-dinner drink in their peaceful Japanese garden in the back or take a seat, and get ready for Chef Masayuki and Chef Royce’s thoughtful Omakase journey. At Ogawa intimacy and ‘kikubari’ (the Japanese art of caring for others) are valued at the highest level. This very personal dinner experience for 11 guests at a time focuses on seasonal and unique Japanese ingredients flown in daily. The first part consists of crudos with cooked dishes from the kitchen between each course. Next, you’ll move on to the most incredible sushi flight, followed by a miso soup, and finish off with desserts (that’s not a typo, there’s more than one). Our favorite dishes when we went included the best Hotate Nigiri we’ve seriously ever had, balanced with a touch of Key lime and salt (we literally won’t shut up about it); the Ensui Hokkaido Uni Gunkanmaki which is preserved in salt water so you can taste the Uni right from its natural habitat; the Uni and Ikura Hand Roll; and a special shout out to the Matcha Mochi Cookie Anko with Satsumaimo (Japanese sweet potato) Ice Cream by Chef Jamie, picture your childhood Whoopie Pie but soooooo much better.
MIAMI EATS GUIDE
Coffee Break Enjoy! is the perfect place to stop by after a beach day for some good desserts and coffee 🧁 ☕️ Cool off this summer and enjoy a delicious brunch at Coffee Break! See you there!
Local Recommendations for Little Havana Near Miami
Little Havana, a bustling neighborhood near Miami, is a vibrant cultural hub known for its rich Cuban heritage, lively streets, and mouth-watering cuisine. For those looking to explore beyond the typical tourist spots, here are some local recommendations and secrets to experience Little Havana like a true local.
Savor Authentic Cuban Cuisine
When it comes to food, Little Havana is a paradise. Start your culinary journey with a visit to Versailles Restaurant, a local institution known for its authentic Cuban dishes like "ropa vieja" and "arroz con pollo." For a more intimate dining experience, try "La Camaronera," a hidden gem where you can relish fresh seafood, especially the renowned shrimp sandwich.
Don’t miss out on the "Cuban cafecito," a rich, sweet espresso that locals sip throughout the day—head to "Café La Trova" to enjoy one alongside live music, capturing the vibrant spirit of the neighborhood. Another must-visit spot is the "El Pub Restaurant," where you can try the quintessentially Cuban "medianoche" sandwich.
Stroll Down Calle Ocho
The heart of Little Havana is Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street), a lively thoroughfare filled with colorful murals, souvenir shops, and family-owned businesses. Walk down this street to discover hidden art galleries like "Agustin Gainza Arts and Tavern," showcasing Cuban contemporary art. On the way, take note of "Domino Park," where locals engage in animated games of dominoes—a tradition worth watching.
Experience "Viernes Culturales," a monthly cultural event on the last Friday of each month that transforms Calle Ocho with music, dance, and street performances. This is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Discover Intimate Music Venues
Live music is an integral part of Little Havana’s charm. For a true taste of the local music scene, visit "Ball & Chain," a historic bar that offers live salsa bands and a vintage vibe. For a more low-key experience, Soya e Pomodoro, although slightly outside Little Havana, offers a cozy atmosphere with live jazz performances.
Another notable mention is "Hoy Como Ayer," where you can catch an array of Latin music performances. The intimate setting and lively ambiance make it a favorite among locals.
Explore Unique Boutiques and Shops
Little Havana is home to an array of unique boutiques that provide locally made goods and vintage finds. "Sentir Cubano" is a charming store offering Cuban souvenirs and collectibles, while "Nini & Loli" features unique toys and gifts perfect for families. There's also "CubaOcho Museum & Performing Arts Center" which doubles as a bar, gallery, and vintage bookstore, offering a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
For aficionados of cigars, "Little Havana Cigar Factory" provides a comprehensive selection of fine cigars, showcasing the area’s storied tradition of cigar making. Watch artisans roll cigars by hand and savor the rich aroma that fills the air.
Gain Local Insights Through Anonymous Chats
Want to uncover more insider secrets? Kikihub allows you to engage in local anonymous chats that can provide real opinions and insights about Little Havana. Through these conversations, you can get trending topics and discover off-the-beaten-path recommendations from people who truly know the area.
From finding the best places for nightlife to uncovering hidden spots for the most authentic experiences, Kikihub empowers you to explore Little Havana in depth.
Experience Cultural Institutions
Little Havana’s heritage is preserved through its cultural institutions. "Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center" not only offers unique artworks but also hosts live performances that delve into the history and culture of Cuba. This venue is more than just a museum; it's an enriching experience of Cuban heritage.
Visit the "Tower Theater Miami," one of Miami’s oldest cultural landmarks. This historic venue screens independent and international films and is a critical touchstone for the community. The theater’s aesthetic charm and historical significance make it a must-visit.
With these local recommendations, you can immerse yourself in the essence of Little Havana, discovering its rich culture, engaging atmosphere, and delectable culinary scene.
