Entrance to Domino Park, an iconic treasure in Little Havana, where many locals spend the day playing dominoes.
Photo courtesy of Isabella Martinez
The Magic City is a hot tourist destination that many locals brag about because they live where people travel to vacation. Miami-Dade County welcomed approximately 27.2 million visitors in 2023, according to Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Miami is filled with a culture and soul unlike any other city in the United States. People come for the year round perfect weather and beaches, but it's the rich culinary scene of bold Latin and Caribbean flavors that makes their visit memorable.
“Miami loves its trends and sometimes there’s a sameness to popular restaurants in this city. But the ones that really take off have a concept that is like a unique fingerprint all their own,” said Ryan Pfeffer, senior editor at The Infatuation Miami. “Even if they’re serving dishes you’ve had before, they do it in a way that feels personal.”
Pfeffer has written hundreds of restaurant reviews and recommendations for five years. As someone who was born and raised in South Florida, Pfeffer has been able to witness the transformation of the restaurant industry over the years.
“Miami’s restaurants have truly never been better,” he emphasized. “We just put out our annual Best New Restaurants list, which is the biggest one to date. I think that’s a testament to the quality of restaurants we’re seeing open in Miami.”
The 305 is the place that takes tourists’ taste buds on an adventure with flavors from the Caribbean and South America. The restaurants give locals a taste of home and visitors a reason to try a dish they have never before.
“I believe food and restaurants are culture,” said Pfeffer. “Whenever I travel, I’m most interested in seeking out restaurants. They tell you so much about a city, about its people, their various tastes and specialties.”
Miami is known for its prominent Cuban culture found all along Calle Ocho in Little Havana. The street is full of live music with people dancing, ventanitas for a classic cafecito, and endless restaurants for a taste of some traditional Cuban food.
Mark Brown, a visitor from Texas, holding a coconut he got from a street vendor.
Photo courtesy of Nicolas Osorio.
A few steps away from Domino Park is Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina, a jaunty little joint that has its doors wide open. The sounds of a live band, the smells of savory spices, and the energy from employees welcomes anyone who passes by.
“We aim to transport ourselves to the era of Cuban splendor before the Revolution with a vintage decoration style from those years through its music and of course its flavors,” explained Manuel Karim, manager at Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina.
The menu offers authentic cuisine ranging from Cuban sandwiches to croquetas that many tourists are eager to taste for the first time as a part of their Miami experience.
“[Little Havana] was actually on my to-do list, so I’m excited to come [here],” said Mark Brown, a Texas resident who traveled to Miami to meet family. “We just had lunch over here [Old’s Havana]. The lamb and everything [I ate was] top-notch.”
Local businesses were a key factor in Brown’s decision to choose this particular restaurant over a chain like Sergio’s Restaurant, which also specializes in Cuban cuisine.
“If I’m going to go to any place in a unique spot like this, I want to try the authentic cuisine,” he expressed.
Azucar Ice Cream Company is next to the iconic Ball & Chain, a spot for live salsa music in Miami.
Photo courtesy of Isabella Martinez.
Another staple in Little Havana is Azucar Ice Cream Company. Suzy Batlle, a former banker and real estate agent, opened the business 13 years ago after learning how to make ice cream in small batches.
“We invented an ice cream called Abuela Maria, which is guava cream cheese and Maria crackers,” said Batlle. “It was insane, everybody went crazy. I trademarked it and that's probably our most popular flavor.”
Customers are transported to Cuba from the flavors of the ice cream to the interior design of the business. Batlle says the inspiration behind the decor of the business came from her grandmother.
“These are the same tile floors, replicas of what you would see in Cuba today. I did guayabera seating, I stole guayabera from my family,” said Batlle, “Little by little, I just wanted to make it such a Cuban experience.”
Customers at Azucar Ice Cream Company decide which homemade flavors of ice cream to choose from.
Photo courtesy of Isabella Martinez
According to a report from the National Restaurant Association, the greater Miami - Fort Lauderdale - West Palm Beach metropolitan area is responsible for a total output of $53.92B from solely eating and drinking in 2024.
“Miami is hungry for thoughtful, original, personal concepts. The restaurant industry is a notoriously difficult one, but I think if you start there, you’re setting yourself up for success in Miami,” explained Pfeffer.
It’s no secret that Calle Ocho plays a big role in boosting the restaurant industry in South Florida. The vibrant colorful streets full of art, the sound of salsa echoing through the street, and the variety of cultural dishes catered to every palate.
“This is such a beautiful area and so cultured and so authentic," said Batlle. “It's still an area that people can come to and see that [Cuban] experience and that's what I like to live in.”
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