What Food To Try in Miami and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Miami for 2025.
National currency: US Dollar, symbol — $ (international currency code USD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Miami cafes and restaurants
$25
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $15
$102.5
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $70
$10
Combo Meal
Starting from $8.7
What to Try in Miami
Must-try Dishes
Mortadella Sandwich - Sandwich de Mortadella (Italian cold cut sandwich) - Thick slices of savory mortadella on crusty bread, often topped with pickled vegetables or cheese. Locals love to grab one for a quick lunch at casual eateries or food markets, savoring it while standing at the bar.Arepas - Arepas (cornmeal pancakes) - Grilled cornmeal patties filled with cheese, meats, or avocados, served warm and often topped with spicy sauces. You’ll find these hearty treats being enjoyed by locals at breakfast or as a filling snack on the streets of Wynwood.
Ropa Vieja - Shredded Beef Stew - Tender pulled beef slow-cooked with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, served over rice with black beans on the side. This dish is a staple in Cuban households and is commonly enjoyed during family dinners, especially on weekends.
Conch Fritters - Buñuelos de Concha (fried conch balls) - Crispy bites made from conch meat, herbs, and spices, served with a tangy dipping sauce. Popular at beachside restaurants, they make for a great appetizer at sunset, although some locals enjoy them as a snack throughout the day.
Cuban Sandwich - Sandwich Cubano (pressed pork sandwich) - A sandwich layered with marinated roast pork, ham, pickles, mustard, and Swiss cheese, pressed until warm and crispy. Best enjoyed during lunch or late afternoon at vibrant cafes, but avoid ordering it too early or late in the day – it’s definitely a daytime treat.
Pasta con Leche - Pasta with Milk (dinner or snack) - Pasta cooked in sweetened milk and topped with cinnamon, sometimes served as a dessert but enjoyed as a savory side in many homes. This unusual combination highlights how Cuban cuisine creatively blends flavors, making for a comforting dish any time of day.
Filete de Pescado - Grilled Fish (typical daily catch) - Freshly grilled local fish, usually seasoned simply with citrus and served with arroz congrí (black beans and rice) and plantains. Traditionally eaten for lunch during the fishing season when the catch is freshest, it captures the essence of Miami's coastal culture.
Fried Yucca - Yuca Frita (fried cassava) - Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this starchy treat is often served with a garlic dipping sauce. It's a popular accompaniment for many main dishes and is best enjoyed in the late afternoon or evening with friends over good conversation.
Desserts & Drinks
Cuban Coffee - Café Cubano (sweet espresso) - A robust shot of espresso brewed with sugar, giving it a rich, sweet flavor. Locals enjoy it at any time of day but especially in the morning, as they gather in cafes for socializing and a quick boost of caffeine (don’t be surprised if someone orders a “colada” which is just a larger version for sharing!).Passion Fruit Juice - Jugo de Maracuyá (refreshing fruit drink) - Made from fresh passion fruit, this juice bursts with tropical flavor and is often mixed with sugar to enhance its natural sweetness. Commonly served over ice, it's a perfect refreshment during Miami’s hot summer days at beachside stands or local markets—just make sure to drink it quickly before it melts!
Mango Daiquiri - Daiquiri de Mango (tropical cocktail) - A delightful blend of fresh mango puree, rum, and lime juice, served frozen or shaken over ice. It's typically enjoyed during Miami's lively beach parties or on a warm evening at one of the city's vibrant bars—watch out, these can go down a little too smoothly!
Guava Pastry - Pastelito de Guayaba (flaky pastry) - A sweet and buttery pastry filled with guava paste and sometimes cream cheese for an extra creamy touch. Best enjoyed warm from a local Cuban bakery, these treats make for a delightful breakfast or snack that's often enjoyed on-the-go by locals—just don’t mistake it for the similar cream cheese pastry (trust me, they’ll know!).
Ice Cream - Nieve (local frozen dessert) - Made with fresh tropical fruits and coconut milk, this delightful treat is often sold by street vendors and comes in flavors like mamey or coconut. Best enjoyed on a hot afternoon while strolling through Little Havana, it’s a refreshing way to cool down—expect it to be slightly more textured than traditional ice cream, which is part of its charm.
Food and Groceries in Miami
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $3.48 |
| Bananas | $2.02 |
| Oranges | $4.6 |
| Potatoes | $2.98 |
| Apples | $6.37 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $2.12 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.73 |
| Imported Beer | $3.01 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $12 |
| Milk 1L | $1.16 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $14.94 |
| Chicken | $14.72 |
| Cigarettes | $8.99 |
| Rice | $4.79 |
| Local Cheese | $12.51 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
The late afternoon in Miami brings out a fascinating rhythm in the local dining scene. As the clock ticks closer to 5 PM, entire families can be seen trickling into beachfront eateries, eager for the “happy hour” deals. It’s during this time that locals savor their post-work drinks, often with a few appetizers to share. The sound of clinking glasses and laughter fills the air, contrasting with the quieter mid-afternoon hours just before.
When it comes to meal times, Miamians typically enjoy lunch between 12 PM and 2 PM, while dinner often starts around 7 PM and stretches well into the night. You’ll notice that many restaurants fill up quickly during these prime dining hours. Prices vary widely depending on the district; for example, a casual lunch with decent-sized portions can set you back about 30-50 MAD in neighborhoods like Wynwood, compared to similar meals that might run around 70-100 MAD in Brickell, where the clientele leans toward the more upscale.
Locals often prefer to pay in cash. While credit cards are accepted at most establishments, cash can speed up the process, especially at busy spots where queues can grow long. Tipping is the norm and usually between 15-20% of the total bill, so be prepared for that when calculating your meal expenses. It’s also a good idea to mention that some places might add a service charge directly to the bill, which can be confusing for first-time visitors.
One dining custom to embrace is sharing meals. It's common for groups to order several dishes and divvy them up—a practice that not only allows for trying different flavors but also fosters a sense of community at the table. Just be cautious of assuming your table will automatically get all the condiments or sides—sometimes you have to ask!
A common tourist mistake is thinking that dining options are limited to restaurants alone. Many locals enjoy street food, especially in areas like Little Havana, where you can grab delicious Cuban sandwiches and fritas at a fraction of the price (like 15-25 MAD for a hearty bite).
As the seasons shift, dining habits change too; summer months often see a burst of outdoor dining options pop up, making the most of the balmy evenings. Conversely, during the hectic winter tourist season, reservations become almost mandatory, especially in popular areas like Miami Beach. Those looking to explore dining experiences should plan for earlier meals to avoid the rush, particularly on weekends.
The beauty of Miami's food culture lies in its eclectic mix of influences, drawing from the city's diverse population. Whether you're feasting on fresh seafood at a bustling marina or noshing on a quick snack from a food truck, there’s always something new to taste and a local habit to adopt. Enjoy the experience—and don’t rush the meal.
When it comes to meal times, Miamians typically enjoy lunch between 12 PM and 2 PM, while dinner often starts around 7 PM and stretches well into the night. You’ll notice that many restaurants fill up quickly during these prime dining hours. Prices vary widely depending on the district; for example, a casual lunch with decent-sized portions can set you back about 30-50 MAD in neighborhoods like Wynwood, compared to similar meals that might run around 70-100 MAD in Brickell, where the clientele leans toward the more upscale.
Locals often prefer to pay in cash. While credit cards are accepted at most establishments, cash can speed up the process, especially at busy spots where queues can grow long. Tipping is the norm and usually between 15-20% of the total bill, so be prepared for that when calculating your meal expenses. It’s also a good idea to mention that some places might add a service charge directly to the bill, which can be confusing for first-time visitors.
One dining custom to embrace is sharing meals. It's common for groups to order several dishes and divvy them up—a practice that not only allows for trying different flavors but also fosters a sense of community at the table. Just be cautious of assuming your table will automatically get all the condiments or sides—sometimes you have to ask!
A common tourist mistake is thinking that dining options are limited to restaurants alone. Many locals enjoy street food, especially in areas like Little Havana, where you can grab delicious Cuban sandwiches and fritas at a fraction of the price (like 15-25 MAD for a hearty bite).
As the seasons shift, dining habits change too; summer months often see a burst of outdoor dining options pop up, making the most of the balmy evenings. Conversely, during the hectic winter tourist season, reservations become almost mandatory, especially in popular areas like Miami Beach. Those looking to explore dining experiences should plan for earlier meals to avoid the rush, particularly on weekends.
The beauty of Miami's food culture lies in its eclectic mix of influences, drawing from the city's diverse population. Whether you're feasting on fresh seafood at a bustling marina or noshing on a quick snack from a food truck, there’s always something new to taste and a local habit to adopt. Enjoy the experience—and don’t rush the meal.
Tourist Reviews
All photos and texts belong to their authors
The breakfast is tasty and diverse. There’s an abundance of fruits and they are of excellent quality. It costs just over $20, which is quite justified. 😊 »