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Captain Jim's Seafood

The Essential Guide to North Miami Restaurants

17 spots the locals love, and will always love

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Granted, North Miami isn't exactly the area you think of when you think of cutting-edge, South Florida cuisine. More it's the land of suburbia, strip malls and Range Rovers, but that doesn't mean that true dining gems can't be found all around the neighborhood.

Whether you're venturing to Aventura to make a stop at the mall, looking to soak up the sun and sand of one of its beautiful (albeit quiet) beaches, or even visiting a relative, there are plenty of solid dining options in the north part of town. No matter you're mood, there's something for everyone and every time of the day, like over-the-top French toast, authentic Thai food, classic Italian eats, or even some healthy juices and bites, the options a plentiful — you just need to know where to look. So here's your guide to eat like a true local at any of these 17 restaurants, listed in alphabetical order below.

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Alaska Coffee Roasting Co.

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Established in 1994, this spot hasn’t lost its touch. Before there was Panther Coffee, Alaska Coffee Roasting stole the show with its pre-approved, perfectly ripened, home-roasted coffee beans. But that’s not all, its also offers a made-to-order pizza served right from a wood-fired pizza oven.

Alaska Coffee Roasting Co.

Bourbon Steak

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Bourbon Steak is an upscale steakhouse in the heart of Aventura. The menu was created by award-winning chef Michael Mina, and offers dishes such as Wagyu Beef tartare and fresh Maine lobster. The polished dining room and refined menu makes this venue perfect for celebrating special events.

Marriott

Captain Jim's Seafood

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If you’re in the mood to to eat seafood so fresh that it was swimming earlier that day, head to Captain Jim’s seafood. The Florida grouper is usually the fish of choice for locals accompanied by Captain’s slaw and hush puppies.

Casa Mia Trattoria

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The epitome of a local neighborhood Italian restaurant, it’s best suited for a low-key night where you go to enjoy its house wine and strike up a conversation with native Italian owner, Paolo Retani. Items on the menu only need simple preparation but are served with quality ingredients – and you can’t go wrong with the linguine alle vongole.

Tony C.

Green Eggs Cafe

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Green Eggs is the place to enjoy an indulgent brunch all week long. You won’t regret trying the skillet Buffalo Chicken Mac n’ Cheese or the Cookie Dough Stuffed French Toast, jus make sure to go with an empty stomach.

Tim S.

Here Comes The Sun

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If you’re craving good, healthy food head to Hear Comes the Sun. The dishes follow a simple formula of a brown rice or vegetable base topped with protein. The best item on the menu is the Sun Sauce – seriously, pour it on everything.

Lou D.

Little Havana Restaurant

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Little Havana is a neighborhood restaurant that offers authentic Cuban food as if it was just delivered from the island itself. The portions are large, making it a fun place to go with friends and family. Be sure to try its tostones with a refreshing Cuba Libre on the side.

mapquest.com

Miami Juice

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Miami Juice is a staple in Golden Beach if you’re looking to eat a fresh and healthy meal. Reward your body by trying its nutritious spin on sundried tomato pizza or a roasted sweet potato platter. And if after your meal you’re still craving something nutritious, there is a health foods market in the back of the restaurant.

fitrats.com

Mignonette Uptown

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The North Miami offshoot of the popular seafood concept from Danny Serfer and Ryan Roman, it features plenty of the classics the restaurant made it so popular like the lobster roll and vast assortment of oysters, plus Uptown only dishes like buffalo scallops, fried chicken and lamb tartare.

TripAdvisor

Oishi Thai

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Self taught Chef Bee dominates the sushi scene in North Miami. Oishi Thai offers simple dishes that let the quality of fish and knifeman-ship shine on their own like the crispy tuna truffle. Don’t be fooled by its location in a strip mall, Oishi Thai is the real deal.

OishiThai.com

Paquito's

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Paquitos is the place to enjoy a full pitcher of margaritas and tacos overflowing with salsa and pico de gallo. Brightly decorated with colorful sombreros, cultural Mexican art, and flags, it even brings in a live Mariachi band on the weekends.

Paquitos Mexican Restaurant

Petit Rouge

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This classic French bistro brings a little taste of Paris to Miami. It’s a quaint spot, with only 15 seats, but despite its size its food is hugely successful, mastering dishes like the Bavette a la Bordelaise.

urbandiningguide.com

Ricky Thai Bistro

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For the most authentic Thai food in Miami, Ricky Thai is the hole in a wall spot to visit. A local couple owns and prepares each dish including specialties like papaya salad and pineapple fried rice. Make sure to get there early enough before it run out of Thai doughnuts.

S F.

Sicilian Oven

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Sicilian Oven serves as Aventura’s classic, neighborhood Italian restaurant. Don’t expect any frills but do expect good hearty Italian dishes like chicken parmesan and homemade meatballs.

tripadvisor.com

Steve's Pizza

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While Steve’s pizza is great any time of the day, its particularly good late night. Open until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, stop by Steve’s for a solid slice of New York-style pizza no matter the hour.

Eater Miami

Timo’s is the place for your classic ‘Miami casual’ restaurant and a great place to dine elegantly, casually, or with a big group. The versatile restaurant serves up a mixed Italian-Mediterranean cuisine, favorites off the menu offers truffle pizza and local fresh fish.

Zaika Indian Restaurant

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Zaika serves modern Southern Indian food for local Southern Floridians. Created by a native Indian chef, the menu features fresh new flavors that can even accommodate a vegan and gluten-free diet. Even though you will mostly likely (and rightfully so) order the Chicken Tikka Masala, try its Lamb Biryani too.

Rebecca N.

Alaska Coffee Roasting Co.

Established in 1994, this spot hasn’t lost its touch. Before there was Panther Coffee, Alaska Coffee Roasting stole the show with its pre-approved, perfectly ripened, home-roasted coffee beans. But that’s not all, its also offers a made-to-order pizza served right from a wood-fired pizza oven.

Alaska Coffee Roasting Co.

Bourbon Steak

Bourbon Steak is an upscale steakhouse in the heart of Aventura. The menu was created by award-winning chef Michael Mina, and offers dishes such as Wagyu Beef tartare and fresh Maine lobster. The polished dining room and refined menu makes this venue perfect for celebrating special events.

Marriott

Captain Jim's Seafood

If you’re in the mood to to eat seafood so fresh that it was swimming earlier that day, head to Captain Jim’s seafood. The Florida grouper is usually the fish of choice for locals accompanied by Captain’s slaw and hush puppies.

Casa Mia Trattoria

The epitome of a local neighborhood Italian restaurant, it’s best suited for a low-key night where you go to enjoy its house wine and strike up a conversation with native Italian owner, Paolo Retani. Items on the menu only need simple preparation but are served with quality ingredients – and you can’t go wrong with the linguine alle vongole.

Tony C.

Green Eggs Cafe

Green Eggs is the place to enjoy an indulgent brunch all week long. You won’t regret trying the skillet Buffalo Chicken Mac n’ Cheese or the Cookie Dough Stuffed French Toast, jus make sure to go with an empty stomach.

Tim S.

Here Comes The Sun

If you’re craving good, healthy food head to Hear Comes the Sun. The dishes follow a simple formula of a brown rice or vegetable base topped with protein. The best item on the menu is the Sun Sauce – seriously, pour it on everything.

Lou D.

Little Havana Restaurant

Little Havana is a neighborhood restaurant that offers authentic Cuban food as if it was just delivered from the island itself. The portions are large, making it a fun place to go with friends and family. Be sure to try its tostones with a refreshing Cuba Libre on the side.

mapquest.com

Miami Juice

Miami Juice is a staple in Golden Beach if you’re looking to eat a fresh and healthy meal. Reward your body by trying its nutritious spin on sundried tomato pizza or a roasted sweet potato platter. And if after your meal you’re still craving something nutritious, there is a health foods market in the back of the restaurant.

fitrats.com

Mignonette Uptown

The North Miami offshoot of the popular seafood concept from Danny Serfer and Ryan Roman, it features plenty of the classics the restaurant made it so popular like the lobster roll and vast assortment of oysters, plus Uptown only dishes like buffalo scallops, fried chicken and lamb tartare.

TripAdvisor

Oishi Thai

Self taught Chef Bee dominates the sushi scene in North Miami. Oishi Thai offers simple dishes that let the quality of fish and knifeman-ship shine on their own like the crispy tuna truffle. Don’t be fooled by its location in a strip mall, Oishi Thai is the real deal.

OishiThai.com

Paquito's

Paquitos is the place to enjoy a full pitcher of margaritas and tacos overflowing with salsa and pico de gallo. Brightly decorated with colorful sombreros, cultural Mexican art, and flags, it even brings in a live Mariachi band on the weekends.

Paquitos Mexican Restaurant

Petit Rouge

This classic French bistro brings a little taste of Paris to Miami. It’s a quaint spot, with only 15 seats, but despite its size its food is hugely successful, mastering dishes like the Bavette a la Bordelaise.

urbandiningguide.com

Ricky Thai Bistro

For the most authentic Thai food in Miami, Ricky Thai is the hole in a wall spot to visit. A local couple owns and prepares each dish including specialties like papaya salad and pineapple fried rice. Make sure to get there early enough before it run out of Thai doughnuts.

S F.

Sicilian Oven

Sicilian Oven serves as Aventura’s classic, neighborhood Italian restaurant. Don’t expect any frills but do expect good hearty Italian dishes like chicken parmesan and homemade meatballs.

tripadvisor.com

Steve's Pizza

While Steve’s pizza is great any time of the day, its particularly good late night. Open until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, stop by Steve’s for a solid slice of New York-style pizza no matter the hour.

Eater Miami

Related Maps

Timo

Timo’s is the place for your classic ‘Miami casual’ restaurant and a great place to dine elegantly, casually, or with a big group. The versatile restaurant serves up a mixed Italian-Mediterranean cuisine, favorites off the menu offers truffle pizza and local fresh fish.

Zaika Indian Restaurant

Zaika serves modern Southern Indian food for local Southern Floridians. Created by a native Indian chef, the menu features fresh new flavors that can even accommodate a vegan and gluten-free diet. Even though you will mostly likely (and rightfully so) order the Chicken Tikka Masala, try its Lamb Biryani too.

Rebecca N.

Related Maps