The streets of Miami Beach are lined with high-end dining establishments teeming with the smells of Peruvian, Cuban, Caribbean, Asian and American cuisine – sometimes all at once. What other cities call "fusion" has a name of its own in Miami Beach: "Floribbean." Prepare to be impressed with its taste and the relatively cheap prices. The South Beach area does have its share of moderately priced eateries, but the most affordable options are tucked away on the side streets. When it comes to meals, some signature Miami Beach dishes visitors should try include stone crab, ceviche, empanadas, Cuban pork sandwiches and pastelitos (pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings).
Seafood lovers swear by Joe's Stone Crab, saying the stone crab claws served here are succulent. The only caveat is that this eatery doesn't take reservations and because it's so popular, there's often a wait (well worth it, though, according to visitors). Las Olas Café earns high marks for its tasty traditional Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, plantains and authentic café con leche. Many of Miami Beach's best hotels are also home to some of the area's best restaurants. OLA in the Eurostars Vintro Hotel offers Latin American dishes while Hakkasan in the Fontainebleau Hotel plates Cantonese cuisine and dim sum. What's more, several top chefs operate restaurants in Miami Beach that are lauded by visitors, including Scott Conant's Scarpetta (also in the Fontainebleau) and José Andrés' The Bazaar (located in SLS South Beach).
To taste the best of Miami Beach and beyond, you should consider attending the South Beach Food & Wine Festival. The five-day event, held every February, draws the biggest celebrity chefs and cutting-edge recipes.
