Beyond suntanned skin and barely there getups, Miami has a reputation for bold flavors with many cultural influences. From fried pork to fresh fish, the city is a melting pot for dynamic cuisine. Here are the Magic City’s 14 most renowned dishes.
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Miami’s 14 Most Iconic Dishes
They’re, like, so Miami

Empanadas: Novecento
Baked or fried and stuffed with just about every filling under the sun — empanadas are worth the carb load. At Novecento, these pastries are packed with chicken, beef, ham, spinach or cheese, and act as tasty starters or indulgent meals on their own.
Cuban Sandwich: Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop
Pork lovers rejoice at the sight of a Cuban sandwich — prepped with ham, pork, swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles. And at Enriqueta’s, the classic submarine can also come with croquetas for a snack that screams “diet starts tomorrow.”
Key Lime Pie: Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop
While the Florida Keys are just a short drive away, a road trip isn’t required for standout Key lime pie. Sweet, tart, and fashioned with Key limes and a graham cracker crust, Fireman Derek’s version is the real deal.
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Alligator Bites: KUSH
For the adventurous types, Florida alligator bites are worth a sample. Kush jazzes up the fried snacks with creamy garlic and spicy mayo.
Tostones Con Ceviche: Pubbelly Sushi
Like cookies and milk and cheese and crackers, fried plantains and marinated raw fish make a winning combination. Pubbelly Sushi’s hamachi concoction is no exception with ginger, soy, cilantro, and red onion.
Stone Crab Claws: Joe's Stone Crab
If it’s between October and May, it’s stone crab season. Florida’s famed crustaceans are sustainably farmed and served by the plenty at South Beach’s most legendary place to schmooze and be seen, Joe’s Stone Crab. Paired with mustard sauce and offered in multiple sizes, Joe’s stone crabs are as classic as the experience.
Fritas: El Rey de las Fritas
For tricked out Cuban burgers, El Rey de las Fritas is the place to grab them. Made with ground beef, chorizo, onions, and mountains of fries, these souped-up sandwiches produce more serotonin than a summer body ever could.
Ice Cream: Azucar Ice Cream Company
In a city where the temperature averages 77 degrees, a midday ice cream is required eating. Locals can’t get enough of Azucar’s homemade treats with creative flavors ranging from the Miami-favorite Abuela Maria, to balsamic strawberry, to classics like mint chocolate chip.
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Vaca Frita: Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine
With shredded beef, grilled onions, rice, beans, and plantains, vaca frita is the essential Cuban spread. Consistently delivering traditional plates to the Miami population since 1971, Versailles whips up a formidable vaca frita among other Cuban delicacies.
Flan: La Carreta
A fan favorite among Latin countries, flan is always a welcomed party guest. La Carreta offers five varieties including creme brulee with pound cake, caramel, cheese, coconut, and double yolk.
Cafe con Leche: Tinta Y Café
Before there was cold brew, there was cafe con leche. As simple as it sounds with strong coffee and scalded milk, this Spanish beverage is rich in flavor and served hot or cold at Tinta y Café, Coral Gables’ most adorable Cuban coffeehouse.
Pastelitos: El Brazo Fuerte Bakery
Pastelitos are puff pastries stuffed with decadent fillings like cream cheese and guava. While most Miamians have their preferred purveyor, El Brazo Fuerte Bakery stands out among the group.
Churrasco: Graziano's (Multiple Locations)
There’s no better protein fix than a hearty churrasco entree, and with four locations throughout the city, Los Ranchos fires up some of the juiciest charbroiled steaks in town.
Croquetas: Islas Canarias Cafe Restaurant & Bakery
If there was a king of croquetas, Islas Canarias would hold the crown. Available in ham, chicken, fish, or beef, these bite-sized fried darlings command loyal crowds.
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