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Stone Crab, Joe’s Stone Crab Restaurant, Miami Beach Photo by Hoberman Collection/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Miami’s 13 Most Iconic Restaurant Dishes

The Magic City’s signature dishes that are worth seeking out

by Juliana Accioly and Olee Fowler Updated
1 comment / new
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by Juliana Accioly and Olee Fowler Updated
1 comment / new
Photo by Hoberman Collection/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Miami’s most iconic dishes are part of the memory of many people. Multiculturalism is woven into many aspects of the Magic City’s life, and culinary destinations reflect this in their menus of offerings.

Some of these eclectic food items have evolved to become the most beloved among the locals and helped create the identity of Miami’s unique scene. From simple snacks to dishes that capture the hearts, souls, and stomachs across the city can be found in almost every neighborhood, be it at corner snack restaurants or in fancy establishments. This is the bucket list of Miami’s 13 most essential dishes to enjoy now and again.

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Arepas at Doggi's Arepa Bar

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Several Latin American countries have made the arepas an integral part of their cuisine. Made of pre-cooked corn flour (masarepa) and water, these hearty pancakes are grilled and then stuffed with everything from avocado to meat to cheese, making for a light meal or hand-held dish to eat on the go. Miamians are serious about their arepa fix, and Doggi’s serves some of the best iterations in town, including a Mexican version filled with churrasco, avocado, and pico de gallo. 

7281 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138
(786) 558-9538
(786) 558-9538

Also featured in:

Jerk Chicken at Clive's Cafe

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Caribbean flavor profiles are one of the foundations of Miami’s culinary landscape, and for more than four decades, locals have been visiting Clive’s for a proper Jamaican experience. The no-frills restaurant is known for its jerk chicken featuring fragrant, fiery hot, and smoky flavors all at once. Owner Pearline “Miss Pearl” Murray offers the soulful dish during lunch and dinner, accompanied by two sides, such as potato salad and plantains or a hearty portion of rice and peas. 

5890 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
(305) 757-6512
(305) 757-6512

Also featured in:

Key Lime Pie at Icebox Cafe

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Award winners for its 9-inch-deep Key Lime Pie, this slice boasts all the right flavors and textures: sweet, tart, crunchy, and creamy. The custard is infused with juice from limes straight down the Florida coast and topped with a whipped cream dollop.

1855 Purdy Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 538-8448
(305) 538-8448

Also featured in:

Late-Night Sandwich at La Sandwicherie Miami Beach

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La Sandwicherie has been the place to go for a late-night meal in South Beach since the height of Miami Beach’s ‘90s nightclub era. The large sandwiches are created on a baguette filled with pate, brie cheese, lettuce, and tomato, topped by a wildly popular French vinaigrette (also sold onsite by the bottle) and served until 5 a.m. every day.

229 14th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 532-8934
(305) 532-8934

Also featured in:

Fried Pork Chunks (Masitas de Puerco Fritas) at Puerto Sagua Restaurant

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Cut into cubes, or “chunks,” marinated in mojo, boiled, and fried in their fat, allows these little nuggets to get nice and crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. The chunks are often served alongside yuca and rice but may also be found in a sandwich.

700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 673-1115
(305) 673-1115

Pan Con La Minuta (Fried Fish Sandwich) at La Camaronera Seafood Joint and Fish Market

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The pan con minuta is said to be the favorite fish sandwich of many, and rightfully so. A tailed snapper filet is dredged in flour and cracker crumbs and then fried. A soft Cuban sandwich bun holds in the warm crunch of the fish and delicately supports the secret sauce and chopped onions in your hands.

1952 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33135
(305) 642-3322
(305) 642-3322

Also featured in:

Pastelitos at Karla Cuban Bakery (Multiple locations)

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Pastelitos are flaky turnover-style pastries made from a thin dough that is crimped at the edges and fried. In Miami, the Cuban pastry is eaten for breakfast, lunch, and even as dessert. Years of family baking tradition passed on to generations is why Karla Bakery maintains its popularity. Take a number and gaze at the selections available filled with tropical fruits and cream cheese, but make sure to pick the fan favorite pastelito de carne packed with a hearty serving of its marinated ground beef. 

6474 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33144
(305) 267-9000
(305) 267-9000

Stone Crabs at Joe's Stone Crab

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A seasonal meal of stone crabs at Joe’s is an experience every Miamian should have at least once. The restaurant that prides itself in discovering the sought-after crustacean some 100+ years ago is still serving them every season in its iconic South Beach location. The claws are chilled, cracked, and served with its equally popular mustard sauce, as it should be.

11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 673-0365
(305) 673-0365

Also featured in:

Cuban Sandwich at Versailles Cuban Bakery

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It’s hard to put a label on Miami’s most iconic dish, but if there had to be one, the Cuban Sandwich might just fit the bill. A true collaboration between Cuban migrant workers and Floridians in the late 1800s and the early 20th century, this spin on the old ham and cheese is most often found simply with fresh Cuban bread, yellow mustard, roasted pork, baked ham, Swiss cheese, and sliced dill pickles.

3501 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
(305) 441-2500
(305) 441-2500

Also featured in:

Frita at El Mago De Las Fritas

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There are several must-eat burgers in Miami, but there is something about the tried-and-true pork and beef mixture that makes up the Cuban frita. The magic is simple: a single or double patty, a soft bun, toppings of handmade potato sticks, fried egg, croquetas, and cheese. El Mago de Las Fritas on Calle Ocho lives up to its “wizard of the fritas” name with the “Big Magic,” an over-the-top iteration that uses fried tostones as the middle bun.

5828 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33144
(305) 266-8486
(305) 266-8486

Also featured in:

Empanadas at Graziano's Market

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Miami has no shortage of tasty empanadas to choose from, but the version at Graziano’s reigns supreme. The savory turnovers here are offered Argentine-style and loaded with everything from cheese and tomatoes to chorizo, then baked just right until golden. 

2301 Galiano St, Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 460-0001
(305) 460-0001

Also featured in:

Croquetas at Islas Canarias Restaurant

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Miamians always have room in their stomachs for a croqueta or two. The bite-sized fried roll is a mouthful of flavors and textures, with its crispy exterior of breadcrumbs giving way to a creamy, delicately spiced core of meat, fish, or vegetables. Islas Canarias has been serving the city an old-school Cuban iteration of the snack for over four decades, and its heart-shaped croqueta box is one of the most coveted local Valentine’s Day gifts in town. 

13695 SW 26th St, Miami, FL 33175
(305) 559-6666
(305) 559-6666

Also featured in:

Rum Cake at the Original Lucilas Cake

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Moist, dense, and delicious rum cakes can be served as often as your morning cup of tea or held as dear as a holiday treat. Recipes range from fruit and nuts all the way to chocolate and ginger, but two things remain the same: they’re all greased in a Bundt cake tin, and they all contain plenty of rum.

7120 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33155
(305) 668-0060
(305) 668-0060

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Arepas at Doggi's Arepa Bar

7281 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138

Several Latin American countries have made the arepas an integral part of their cuisine. Made of pre-cooked corn flour (masarepa) and water, these hearty pancakes are grilled and then stuffed with everything from avocado to meat to cheese, making for a light meal or hand-held dish to eat on the go. Miamians are serious about their arepa fix, and Doggi’s serves some of the best iterations in town, including a Mexican version filled with churrasco, avocado, and pico de gallo. 

7281 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138
(786) 558-9538
(786) 558-9538

Jerk Chicken at Clive's Cafe

5890 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127

Caribbean flavor profiles are one of the foundations of Miami’s culinary landscape, and for more than four decades, locals have been visiting Clive’s for a proper Jamaican experience. The no-frills restaurant is known for its jerk chicken featuring fragrant, fiery hot, and smoky flavors all at once. Owner Pearline “Miss Pearl” Murray offers the soulful dish during lunch and dinner, accompanied by two sides, such as potato salad and plantains or a hearty portion of rice and peas. 

5890 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
(305) 757-6512
(305) 757-6512

Key Lime Pie at Icebox Cafe

1855 Purdy Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Award winners for its 9-inch-deep Key Lime Pie, this slice boasts all the right flavors and textures: sweet, tart, crunchy, and creamy. The custard is infused with juice from limes straight down the Florida coast and topped with a whipped cream dollop.

1855 Purdy Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 538-8448
(305) 538-8448

Late-Night Sandwich at La Sandwicherie Miami Beach

229 14th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

La Sandwicherie has been the place to go for a late-night meal in South Beach since the height of Miami Beach’s ‘90s nightclub era. The large sandwiches are created on a baguette filled with pate, brie cheese, lettuce, and tomato, topped by a wildly popular French vinaigrette (also sold onsite by the bottle) and served until 5 a.m. every day.

229 14th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 532-8934
(305) 532-8934

Fried Pork Chunks (Masitas de Puerco Fritas) at Puerto Sagua Restaurant

700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Cut into cubes, or “chunks,” marinated in mojo, boiled, and fried in their fat, allows these little nuggets to get nice and crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. The chunks are often served alongside yuca and rice but may also be found in a sandwich.

700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 673-1115
(305) 673-1115

Pan Con La Minuta (Fried Fish Sandwich) at La Camaronera Seafood Joint and Fish Market

1952 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33135

The pan con minuta is said to be the favorite fish sandwich of many, and rightfully so. A tailed snapper filet is dredged in flour and cracker crumbs and then fried. A soft Cuban sandwich bun holds in the warm crunch of the fish and delicately supports the secret sauce and chopped onions in your hands.

1952 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33135
(305) 642-3322
(305) 642-3322

Pastelitos at Karla Cuban Bakery (Multiple locations)

6474 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33144

Pastelitos are flaky turnover-style pastries made from a thin dough that is crimped at the edges and fried. In Miami, the Cuban pastry is eaten for breakfast, lunch, and even as dessert. Years of family baking tradition passed on to generations is why Karla Bakery maintains its popularity. Take a number and gaze at the selections available filled with tropical fruits and cream cheese, but make sure to pick the fan favorite pastelito de carne packed with a hearty serving of its marinated ground beef. 

6474 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33144
(305) 267-9000
(305) 267-9000

Stone Crabs at Joe's Stone Crab

11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

A seasonal meal of stone crabs at Joe’s is an experience every Miamian should have at least once. The restaurant that prides itself in discovering the sought-after crustacean some 100+ years ago is still serving them every season in its iconic South Beach location. The claws are chilled, cracked, and served with its equally popular mustard sauce, as it should be.

11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 673-0365
(305) 673-0365

Cuban Sandwich at Versailles Cuban Bakery

3501 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

It’s hard to put a label on Miami’s most iconic dish, but if there had to be one, the Cuban Sandwich might just fit the bill. A true collaboration between Cuban migrant workers and Floridians in the late 1800s and the early 20th century, this spin on the old ham and cheese is most often found simply with fresh Cuban bread, yellow mustard, roasted pork, baked ham, Swiss cheese, and sliced dill pickles.

3501 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
(305) 441-2500
(305) 441-2500

Frita at El Mago De Las Fritas

5828 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33144

There are several must-eat burgers in Miami, but there is something about the tried-and-true pork and beef mixture that makes up the Cuban frita. The magic is simple: a single or double patty, a soft bun, toppings of handmade potato sticks, fried egg, croquetas, and cheese. El Mago de Las Fritas on Calle Ocho lives up to its “wizard of the fritas” name with the “Big Magic,” an over-the-top iteration that uses fried tostones as the middle bun.

5828 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33144
(305) 266-8486
(305) 266-8486

Empanadas at Graziano's Market

2301 Galiano St, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Miami has no shortage of tasty empanadas to choose from, but the version at Graziano’s reigns supreme. The savory turnovers here are offered Argentine-style and loaded with everything from cheese and tomatoes to chorizo, then baked just right until golden. 

2301 Galiano St, Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 460-0001
(305) 460-0001

Croquetas at Islas Canarias Restaurant

13695 SW 26th St, Miami, FL 33175

Miamians always have room in their stomachs for a croqueta or two. The bite-sized fried roll is a mouthful of flavors and textures, with its crispy exterior of breadcrumbs giving way to a creamy, delicately spiced core of meat, fish, or vegetables. Islas Canarias has been serving the city an old-school Cuban iteration of the snack for over four decades, and its heart-shaped croqueta box is one of the most coveted local Valentine’s Day gifts in town. 

13695 SW 26th St, Miami, FL 33175
(305) 559-6666
(305) 559-6666

Rum Cake at the Original Lucilas Cake

7120 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33155

Moist, dense, and delicious rum cakes can be served as often as your morning cup of tea or held as dear as a holiday treat. Recipes range from fruit and nuts all the way to chocolate and ginger, but two things remain the same: they’re all greased in a Bundt cake tin, and they all contain plenty of rum.

7120 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33155
(305) 668-0060
(305) 668-0060

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