The best restaurants Miami

Timetable

Most restaurants are open all day long, although this is less the case since the pandemic. The restaurants have slightly different hours than in France, as Americans eat dinner earlier than we do. So you can easily get a table at 5pm and the restaurant will close around 10pm, later if it has a bar. It is therefore better to check the schedule in advance to avoid disappointment. Some fast food restaurants and diners can operate 24 hours a day.

Budget & Tips

You can eat on the run for less than 10 US$ but it will usually be tacos or sandwiches. In a traditional restaurant, you will find dishes from 15 US$, up to 60 US$ or more depending on the range. The bill can quickly rise if you add a drink and dessert. It is very common to ask for a doggy bag if you do not finish your plate.

To eat healthy at a reasonable price, you should know that large supermarkets like Publix or Wholefood Market have huge catering departments. You can find salads to compose, hot dishes such as soups, marinated meats or cooked vegetables. The principle: you choose a tray (different sizes to choose from) that you fill with whatever you want. The price per kilo is indicated next to each dish, and you pay the total amount at the cash desk. Traditional pizza slices and sushi are also available. It is also possible to customize your sandwich on the spot. You'll see a lot of locals in the aisles, especially in the evening. Indeed, the inhabitants of Miami as well as the Americans in general cook less than the Europeans.

What costs extra

The prices displayed on the menus are exclusive of taxes. A 6% tax and tips must be added. It is indeed very bad manners not to leave any tip. In general, the minimum is 15% of the price before tax. Keep in mind that the final cost of your meal will be higher. You can leave tips in cash, or add them manually via the TPE when paying by credit card. Tipping is not required in fast food restaurants.

Be aware that in some tourist areas such as South Beach, tips are automatically included in the bill. Be sure to check this before you pay, or you may end up paying them twice!

The local way

Most bars and restaurants in Miami offer happy hours on weeknights, usually between 4pm and 7pm. This is an opportunity to enjoy drinks and dishes at reduced prices. On weekends, brunch is common in most restaurants in the city: pancakes, waffles and eggs Benedict are yours! It is also not uncommon to see restaurants offering breakfast at any time of the day (the famous all day breakfast).

Traveling to Miami is also an opportunity to discover world cuisines, especially Cuban cuisine. To you the Cuban sandwich (hot sandwich with ham, roasted pork and cheese) or thearroz con pollo (rice with chicken) to be accompanied by guava pastries and a Cuban coffee (sweetened during the extraction). You'll have the most choices in the Little Havana neighborhood.

Finally, don't be surprised when you read the menus: the appetizer is called appetizer, and the main course is called entree.

Smokers

Smoking is not allowed in restaurants, but some allow smoking on the terrace. Otherwise, there are smoking areas nearby.

Tourist traps

On Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, very touristy streets, it is interesting to compare the prices of the restaurants and the reviews on the platforms. Indeed, some restaurants do not hesitate to inflate their prices while the quality is not necessarily there.