Miami has always been a melting pot of cultures. From the Bahamians that came to work at the Peacock Inn in the 1870s to influx of Cuban immigrants in the 1960s. Miami didn’t just welcome people with open arms, but also embraced their heritage, culture and cuisine. Thanks to this vibrant mix, we get to sample a whole spectrum of soulful to spicy treats in this epicurean paradise.

So, where can you find the best Latin and Caribbean food in Miami?
 
Cuban
Versailles in Little Havana brings the true taste of Havana to Miami. Topping the list of iconic eateries, you’ll get authentic empanadas, plantains and Cuban sandwiches that’ll have you coming back for seconds.  More solid options in Little Havana include El Exquisito with its vica frita and mojo, Tinta y Café with its leche evaporada, Doce Provisions with its chorizo croquettes and Villa Havana Café with its home-cooked flavor.
Cubano doesn’t just rule Little Havana, spreading across to Miami Beach you’ll find Havana 1957 serving irresistible roast chicken, Puerto Sagua Restaurant dishing out exotic ox tails, and Las Olas Café offering a lip-smacking, value-for-money menu ready to satisfy your every empanada and sandwich fantasy.

DOCE PROVISIONS at "Little Havana" - 541 SW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33130

DOCE PROVISIONS at "Little Havana" - 541 SW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33130

HAVANA 1957 at "Española Way" - 405 Española Way, Miami Beach, FL, 33139
 
Jamaican
Get a taste of traditional Jamaican jerk chicken, brown stew and oxtail at Little Haiti’s Clive’s Café. Dig into 11 types of Jamaican patties and 15 types of Jamaican pastries at the Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill. For soul food with a twist, sample Jamaica Kitchen’s Suey Mein and stew ox tail or get the traditional variants with a chinese kick at Jamrock Kitchen.

Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill - 18316 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33169

Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill - 18316 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33169

More Caribbean Delights
Cuban and Jamaican isn’t all we’ve exported from the Caribbean. There are tons of eateries showcasing the diverse flavors of the islands. Chef Creole’s Seafood & Catering wins over with spicy seafood and a giant outdoor grill. Conch Heaven is for authentic Bahamian seafood with a menu glorifying its namesake sea snail. Fill up on hefty Roti with chicken, beef or goat at Caribbean Delite.

Mention Haitian food and South Beach’s Tap Tap deserves an honorary mention for its Kabrit Nan Sos (or goat stew). Caribbean tapas are best served at the Ortanique on the Mile. And, no one does Caribbean comfort food better than Naomi’s Garden Restaurant & Lounge.

Tap Tap Restaurant at South Beach - 819 5th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Spanish
Authentic Spanish eats are best served at Xixón. Dig into some mouthwatering duck croquettes, la gallega and top it off with the sweet and crunchy Turron ice cream. The best Spanish tapas and seafood paella await noshing at the Jamon Iberico Pata Negra. Another great spot for traditional tapas is Los Gallegos, while El Carajo serves some delicious sangria and chorizo. Edgewater’s Rincon Escondido Tapas is a ‘hidden gem’ worth exploring for its pulpo a la gallega, sangria and chalkboard specials. And, for entertainment paired with great Spanish fare, get to Lola’s Gourmet.

Xixón - 2101 SW 22nd St, Miami, FL 33145

Jamon Iberico Pata Negra - 10 SW S River Dr, Miami, FL 33130

Mexican
For a taste of authentic Mexican, head to Bodega and indulge in some mouthwatering Tacos (especially their longaniza), amazing barbacoa and their extensive tequila bar to wash it all down. Taquiza offers traditional Mexican with their totopos and tacos stealing the show. 
Mi Rinconcito Mexicano’s signature tacos and enchiladas will have you coming back for more.

Bodega at South Beach - 1220 16th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Bodega at South Beach - 1220 16th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
 

Peruvian
Get precious Peruvian at CVI.CHE 105 in South Beach or Downtown. This is the place to fill up on ceviches, tiraderos and pisco drinks. Bring an appetite to Sabor a Perú as it offers gigantic portions of some of the most addictive seafood soups, choros a la chalaca and jalea. El Chalán is home to a huge variety with their chaufas, jalea mixta and seafood tacu tacu topping the charts. 

CVI.CHE 105 at South Beach - 1245 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139

El Chalán - 7971 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33155
 

Argentinean
Graziano’s in Brickell is the best pick for coffee and pastelitos as well as generous steaks  paired with a mouthwatering selection of wines. For the best dulce de leche from Argentina get to Novecento in Brickell. PM Fish & Steak House delivers topnotch tuna tartar to grilled octopus and potato soufflé to crème brûlée in a classy setting. The La Patagonia Argentina Steakhouse is also worth a try for its top entrana, chimichurri and churrasco.

PM Fish & Steak House at Brickell - 1453 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130

Novecento at Brickell - 1414 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131
 

Venezuelan
For authentic Venezuelan, head to Doggi’s Arepa Bar in MiMo District with its must-try tequenos, pepito mixto and excellent trabajo. Another Venezuelan delight is Cardon Y El Tirano, known for its mouthwatering Yuca balls, arepitas and bombolini for dessert.

Cardon Y El Tirano - 3411 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

Cardon Y El Tirano - 3411 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
 

Colombian
San Pocho tops the list of Colombian eateries, with some calling the food comparable to mom’s home cooking. A trip here definitely calls for a taste of the sancocho, mondongo and obviously, flavorful empanadas. At El Cielo by Juan Manuel Barrientos, expect the unexpected. Also, its star chef was named the Top 50 Chefs in Latin America 2 years in a row. Come here for the papardelle, ‘tree of life’ and absolutely sinful Choco therapy. However, for all those late-night binges, La Moon is your best bet. Their arepas, supermoon perro and salchipapas will have you coming back for more.

El Cielo at Brickell- 31 SE 5th St, Miami, FL 33131

El Cielo at Brickell - 31 SE 5th St, Miami, FL 33131
 

Brazilian
A visit to the upscale Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse will have you know why people can’t have enough of the cuisine. Start off with garlic mashed potatoes, sink your teeth into the huge variety of rodizio and top it off with a filet mignon (if you have the space to do so). Save your appetite for the pocket-friendly Texas de Brazil. They’ll win you with heart-warming sides of mashed potatoes and bananas, and then have you head over heels with their Picanha, churrasco, Sirlon, lamb and sausages.

Texas de Brazil - 11401 NW 12th St, Miami, FL 33172

Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse - 836 1st St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

More Latin Bites
If you’ve never had Nicaraguan, try the carne asada and fritangas at Pinolandia and you’ll be hooked. Chayito’s Fritanga serves some amazing Nicaraguan gallo pinto, queso frito and churassco for a taste of the land of lakes and volcanoes.

Take a trip down El Salvador with the Cabanas Restaurant for its equally delicious and well-priced salsa to pupusas and carne asada. Not far behind is the Latin House Grill with its chimi burrito and Champ burger that people swear by.

Think we missed a spot? Leave a comment and get your favorite spot noticed.