The Garcia brothers initially opened La Camaronera in 1966 as a fish market. Ten years later, the brothers decided to add deep fryers and u-shaped counters to the market and began selling the day’s catch. Today, the family owned, Cuban fish fry and fish market continues to be a popular spot serving a variety of fish dishes including the much talked about pan con minuta (fried snapper sandwich), fried shrimp platter, and conch fritters.  

For more than a century, Joe’s has been the stone crab destination. But there’s more than just stone crabs here. Along with a slew of seafood dishes available, other highlights include a (surprisingly) inexpensive half fried chicken, key lime pie, and free parking for all patrons dining at Joe’s — which in itself pays for the fried chicken and key lime pie.

Versailles has been on the map since opening more than four decades ago and a common place to find politicians seeking political support as well as tourists and locals wanting to eat Cuban food. With a variety of hearty and reasonably priced daily specials such as vaca frita de pollo (shredded fried chicken) and arroz imperial (chicken and rice with ham, mayo, and melted cheese), Versailles keeps patrons happy and coming back for more.

What began as a counter service pizzeria in 1982, is now a bustling eatery serving up some of the largest slices of pizza in Miami. While there is no doubt that most frequent Casola’s for the pizza, the subs and croissant sandwiches should not be overlooked—plus patrons get to sample the pizza while waiting on orders.

While the debate over Miami’s best croqueta will always prevail, the scale tends to tip towards Isla Canarias. The family owned restaurant was established in 1977 and now also has a café/bakery serving those looking for a quick bite. Enjoy traditional Cuban cuisine with fifteen daily specials available for lunch and dinner, as well as breakfast every day of the week.

In late 1984 Tropical Chinese opened its doors in a strip mall on Bird Road. Serving Hong Kong style cuisine and push cart dim sum, those craving Chinese food head here for that fix. The menu highlights include the two-course Peking duck carved table side for the crispy skin with pancakes and then returned to the kitchen where it is wok sautéed with vegetables and back to the table to consume, the spicy Szechuan peppercorn fish, and the curry coconut beef hot pot.

Get that chili dog fix at family owned Arbetter’s, where the chili recipe comes from the Italian born matriarch of the family—the cheese fries are also a customer favorite. The eatery opened in Downtown Miami back in 1959 and relocated to its current location about twelve years later. The location isn’t fancy but it keeps the prices down and the customers returning and after all, isn’t it all about the food?  

Miami’s home of the square pizza has had a devoted following since 1955. Pizza lovers have been enjoying slices on the premises as well as at home for many years. Frankie’s half-baked pizzas are ideal to take home and eat later or to have shipped to those who want a slice of home.

While the sticky bun king is only open for a little less than half a year, South Floridians flock to Knaus Berry Farm when it does open its doors. The lines are long but worth the wait. The concept began with a roadside strawberry stand and grew into what has become a Redland’s staple in 1959. Aside from the popular sticky buns, Knaus Berry Farm also sells produce, baked breads, pies, cheesecakes, and jellies. Make sure to grab a shake to go or enjoy while picking some fresh berries on the farm.