The Garcia brothers initially opened La Camaronera in 1966 as a fish market. Ten years later, the brothers added deep fryers and u-shaped counters to the market and began selling the day’s catch. Today, the family-owned Cuban restaurant and fish market continues to be a popular spot serving various seafood-focused 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 a staple in Miami since its opening more than four decades ago. The Calle Ocho restaurant is a popular place for politicians stumming up political support alongside 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 restaurant serving up some of Miami's largest slices of pizza. While there is no doubt that most frequent Casola’s for pizza, the subs, chicken wings, and croissant sandwiches should not be overlooked. This spot stays open late on the weekends, making it an ideal post-evening out stop; just make sure to bring cash as it is still a cash-only operation.

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 cafe and bakery serving those looking for a quick bite. Enjoy traditional Cuban cuisine with over a dozen daily specials available for lunch and dinner, and 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, 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 sauteed 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 counter-service hot dog restaurant 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 and at home for many years. Frankie’s half-baked pizzas are ideal for taking home and eating later or shipping to those who want a slice of home.

Though it’s only open seasonally (October to April), Knaus Berry Farm is probably one of the best-known stops when in Homestead. Locals and tourists have no shame when it comes to waiting for hours in line to feast on the warm sticky buns fresh out of the oven. If the weather is right and the winter has been cool enough, strawberry picking is also an option. Don’t forget the milkshakes — pro tip: this line is usually much shorter for them and makes for an ideal snack while waiting for the buns.