Taste the Melting Pot of Miami's Latin American Flavors
One of Miami's Oldest Cuban Restaurants - Puerto Sagua
Located at 700 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139, Puerto Sagua is a culinary institution. For Roula, its food has a magical quality that "vuelve a la vida" (brings you back to life). The dishes are delicious, affordable, and you never know who you might encounter. Whether it's sipping on a café con leche or digging into the ropa vieja (beef and tomato stew), Puerto Sagua remains true to its old-school charm. Roula always orders the fish soup as it showcases their expertise in seafood. puertosagua.org; Directions
The restaurant's classic offerings are the best, and they haven't changed over the years. It's a place where you can experience the true essence of Cuban cuisine.
Miami's Pop-up Sensation - Wolf of Tacos
Although not a traditional bricks-and-mortar restaurant, Wolf of Tacos is a must-visit pop-up. Chef Eduardo Lara's talent is evident in every taco and salsa. David, from Oaxaca, Mexico, is a tough critic when it comes to tacos, but he is always impressed by Wolf of Tacos. When you visit, be prepared to stand in line (which moves quickly). If Eduardo is making it, make sure to get the gaonera with melting cheese and thinly sliced beef filet. His attention to service is exceptional, even when you're eating outside on paper. Follow them on @wolfoftacos. thewolfoftacos.com
This pop-up has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offering a unique taco experience.
Unassuming Nicaraguan Gem - Madroño
Found at 10780 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33174, Madroño is a clean and bright family-owned restaurant. The colors and flavors that come out of the kitchen are a pleasant surprise. Everything is fresh and well-prepared. Roula recommends the repocheta, a tortilla filled with cheese and melted on the plancha, topped with her favorite shredded pickled-cabbage slaw. The meat dishes are flavorful and fun, and the prices are unbeatable. Pair your meal with a sangria and a flan before leaving. madronorestaurant.com; Directions
Madroño is a hidden gem that offers a taste of Nicaragua in the heart of Miami.
A Miami Institution - La Camaronera
Since she was about five years old, Roula has been visiting La Camaronera at 1952 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33135. This no-frills Cuban seafood restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors. From truck drivers to businesspeople, everyone enjoys the crispy shrimp with delicate Cuban spices or the minuta sandwich. The Garcia family, the owners, have added tables and chairs while keeping the recipes unchanged. It's a family affair! lacamaronera.com; Directions
La Camaronera is a place where you can enjoy authentic Cuban seafood in a cozy setting.
Colombian Delight - Bandeja Paisa
Located at 9511 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33174, Bandeja Paisa is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving delicious Colombian cuisine for about 15 years. The servers treat customers like family and help them with their orders. The bandeja paisa platter is a feast of steaks, chicharrónes, chorizos, rice, egg, tostones, and avocado. It's all delicious and always busy. Roula loves the ajiaco (not your typical chicken soup). Order more than you can eat and take some home. bandejapaisa.com; Directions
Bandeja Paisa is a bustling restaurant that offers a taste of Colombia in Miami.
Refined Peruvian Restaurant - Salmon & Salmon
At 2907 North-West 7th Street, Miami, FL 33125, Salmon & Salmon is a small, family-owned restaurant that offers refined Peruvian cuisine. If you ask a local Peruvian where to get great ceviche or lomo saltado, this is the place they will recommend. Roula loves the mixto (mixed ceviche with seafood and fish) and the chicha morada (purple-corn juice). The sudado (poached fish in an amazing broth with rice) and the seafood are also delicious. The service is top-notch. instagram.com/salmonsalmonmiami; Directions
Salmon & Salmon is a must-visit for those who love Peruvian cuisine in Miami.
Michelle Bernstein, a James Beard award-winning chef and restaurateur from Miami, has opened her new restaurant, Sra. Martinez, in Coral Gables this winter. Share your favorite Latin American restaurants in Miami in the comments below. And follow FT Globetrotter on Instagram at @FTGlobetrotter.
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