Miamis Globaler Tisch — Kubanische, Haitianische, Venezolanische & Karibische Küche
Miami's food culture (the most diverse in the American South, reflecting the extraordinary cultural mix of the Miami metropolitan area — the most Latin American major city in the United States, with an estimated 72% Hispanic population in Miami-Dade County and significant communities from Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Haiti, Jamaica, and virtually every other country in the Caribbean and South America): Miami's restaurant scene is simultaneously the most culturally authentic Latin food destination in the US and an increasingly sophisticated fine dining destination.
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Ceviche 105 — Peruvian-Colombian Fusion at Its Best
Ceviche 105 (SW 8th Street, Little Havana) is Miami's most acclaimed Latin American fusion restaurant — the namesake ceviche (fish marinated in 105 varieties of citrus combined with aji amarillo, red onion, and tiger's milk) is the anchor dish of a menu that crosses Peruvian, Colombian, and Ecuadorian coastal traditions; the Causa Limena (layered potato cake), tiradito, and lomo saltado define the menu's Peruvian-Nikkei chapter.
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Haitian Food — Griot and Pikliz in Little Haiti
Haitian cuisine (often described as the most underrated in the Caribbean) centers on griot (twice-cooked pork: marinated, boiled, then deep-fried) served with pikliz (fermented cabbage, carrots, and Scotch bonnet peppers) and fried plantains — the best Haitian restaurants in Miami concentrate along NE 2nd Avenue in Little Haiti; Tines Haitian Cuisine and Le Jardin serve the definitive version for $12–18 per plate; Sunday afternoon griot is the most important communal meal in Haitian Miami.
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Venezuelan Arepas — The Bread of the Diaspora
Venezuela's political crisis (2014–present) drove 7+ million Venezuelans out of the country — Miami's Venezuelan community (estimated 100,000+) has established areperas (arepa restaurants) across Doral (the 'Little Caracas' of Miami's western suburbs) and Miami Beach — La Moon (Brickell, open 24 hours) and Mia's Arepas (Miami Beach) serve the Venezuelan cornmeal pocket stuffed with pabellón (shredded beef, black beans, white rice, sweet plantain) for $8–14.
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Zuma Miami — Japanese Robata in a Waterfront Setting
Zuma Miami (270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, EPIC Hotel, 2010) is the most commercially successful Japanese restaurant in Miami — the izakaya concept (sharing plates, robata grill, sushi bar) translates to a waterfront Biscayne Bay terrace overlooking the Miami skyline; the miso-marinated black cod, the spicy beef tenderloin with sesame, and the tempura seasonal vegetables are signature dishes; Sunday brunch ($95, unlimited mimosas and sake) is the most requested reservation in Miami Beach.
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Mandolin Aegean Bistro — Greek-Turkish Food in Buena Vista
Mandolin Aegean Bistro (4312 NE 2nd Avenue, Buena Vista, 2009) is the most celebrated Mediterranean restaurant in Miami — the garden courtyard (fig and olive trees, string lights, mismatched vintage furniture) creates a Greek island atmosphere; the menu covers Greek-Turkish mezze (feta with honey, grilled octopus with capers, shrimp saganaki) and is entirely sourced from small-scale Mediterranean producers; dinner for two costs $90–140 without wine.
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Versión Tasting Cocktails — Miami's Best Cocktail Culture
Miami's cocktail scene (primarily in Brickell, Wynwood, and Miami Beach) reflects the city's multicultural ingredient palette — The Corner (Brickell) serves guanabana-and-rum cocktails; Coya's pisco sour program uses 5 varieties of Peruvian pisco; Coyo Taco's mezcal bar pours 30 single-village agave spirits; the cocktail bars of the 1 Hotel South Beach (garden setting, ocean backdrop) serve $22–30 cocktails using local herbs, tropical fruits, and artisanal spirits exclusive to their programs.