Miami is home to some of the finest dining destinations in the US, with an endless array of upscale establishments that marry food with fashion. Still a city to see-and-be-seen, Miami has found its new “street-spot” with fast casual dining that’s as chic and unique as the city itself.
Fashionably fast dining has put on its street clothes in Miami, a place known for people-watching, sun-basking, and trend-setting. Once all about glam and glitz, South Florida’s foodscape has been transformed with casual dining ruling the city’s chicest streets.
This new culture-meets-culinary vibe is abounding at farmers markets, outdoor venues, food trucks, and streeteries popping in every So-Flo neighborhood.
And today’s street-fooderies satisfy a taste for takeout and delivery that’s easy, satisfying, and transportable. Hungry for something new, and removing the notion that fast food has to be unhealthy, Miami has reimagined street-inspired dining, satisfying the palettes of today's eco, social, and health-conscious consumer.
Whether it's the weather, the styles, or just just a sign of the times, Miami has become the street food center of the south, if not the nation. Taking you on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood tour, we’ve compiled a list of can't-miss fast-casual hotspots taking to the trendiest Miami streets.
North Miami Casual Fare
16265 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami Beach
A colorful cantina, uniting Asian flavor with Latino spice, Paquito's Mexican Restaurant has been a North Miami staple since 1990. Well-known for its authentic cuisine, festive atmosphere, jumping sports bar, and live Mariachi sounds, Paquito's delivers a true taste of Mexico. With a menu that features nachos, enchiladas, and fajitas, every dish is prepared with careful thought and fresh ingredients, inspired by family recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
645 W Hallandale Beach Blvd, Hallandale Beach
18421 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar
South Florida’s 100% plant-based burger joint, the Krazy Vegan offers handcrafted burgers, sandwiches, wings, and cheesesteaks to go! Fusing fast food with a healthy living, The Krazy Vegan is the brainchild of South Florida radio host, Alex “Big Lip” Chisholm, a Philly native, who opened first The Krazy Vegan after a health scare inspired him to eliminate meat products from his diet. In addition to burgers, customers can feast on plant-based tacos, Chick’n nuggets, and an authentic Philly cheesesteak, an homage to Alex’s hometown.
Coconut Grove Casual
Experiencing a modern-day renaissance, Miami’s oldest neighborhood is booming with new restaurants, bars, and nature-inspired work spaces. The eclectic bayfront neighborhood is home to some of Miami’s trendiest fast casual dining spots.
Lulu
3105 Commodore Plaza
Offering a wide variety of globally influenced seasonal dishes and drinks in a funky neighborhood setting with a sophisticated vibe in the heart of the grove.
Planta Queen
3105 Grand Ave., Coconut Walk
The popular Miami Beach eatery, PLANTA, has officially expanded and opened its doors to a fully plant-based Asian concept at the redeveloped Coconut Grove CocoWalk. PLANTA Queen offerings include everything from 100% plant-based nigiri, maki & sushi, to bao buns and dumplings.
3190 Commodore Plaza
Bringing sustainability and locally sourced burgers and beers, paired with industrial edginess, LoKal Coconut Grove gets its distinctive signature flavor from its hand-ground beef and fresh ingredients.
Sizzling South Beach
Miami Beach's world-famous Ocean Drive is a destination where Art Deco architecture and fashion shine beside the Atlantic Ocean, with sidewalk cafes serving up every type of cuisine imaginable, lively music, and some of the best people watching in the world.
1458 Ocean Drive
The story of Ocean Drive is ever changing, but this neighborhood hotspot has remained the same for more than 30 years, offering a laid back, classic, memorable, home- cooked experience with a side of people watching and South Beach vibes.
3451 NE 1st Ave Suite 103
In the heart of South Beach, offering a modern and casual atmosphere, Craft South Beach offers comfort food at its best. Ideal for breakfast, lunch meetings, a bite after work, or family get togethers, with a happy hour every weekday from 3 to 7 pm, customers can enjoy casual fare along with a long list of refreshing beverages. With seven locations, and one coming soon to Little Havana, Craft is quickly becoming one of South Florida's fast casual faves.
Bon Bouquet Cafe
3865 Indian Creek Dr, Miami Beach
Located in the vibrant Faena District and Mid Beach area, Bon Bouquet combines classic French cafe culture with the glamor of Miami Beach. A South Beach favorite, this dog-friendly destination offers gluten-free options, an outdoor smoking area, outdoor dining, vegan selections, and a great place to do some serious people watching,
Doral Yards Casual Dining
8455 NW 53rd St
A community gathering space designed to foster local entrepreneurship and culture, Doral Yards brings culinary delights, live entertainment, and round-the-clock events to Downtown Doral.
Della Bowls: A vibrant menu filled with delicious, crave-able, and 100% customizable dishes, Della bowls serves health-promoting, nutrient-dense dishes, made with sustainably sourced ingredients.
YIP: An elevated dim sum fast casual street spot, Yip’s dim sum shifu (master) handcrafts small batches of dumplings and authentic recipes.
Barboka: Latin-Asian Fusion with a new and interesting twist revolving around coal-fired fresh ingredients.
Pokekai: Fast-casual customizable Hawaiian poké bowls, poké tacos, nachos and burgers.
9036 NW 25th St
Celebrating their 9th year in business, Kokai Sushi & Lounge has been a fixture in the Doral community since 2015, bringing the flavor and flair of South America to a Venezuelan-American community. A fusion of Asian and Latin cuisine, this cozy sushi lounge has had a massive presence when it comes to taste, quality, freshness, and tradition.
9899 SW 40th st
(786) 953-7165
Carving out a niche in South Florida’s vibrant food scene, Chifa du Kang, is bringing “chifa” to Miami, honoring a rich cultural exchange between China and Peru. A unique fusion of Asian culinary techniques with bold South American flavors, Chifa Du Kang is part of a revolution in South Florida’s food movement, bringing a taste of Peruvian Chinese culinary gastronomy to Miami’s mainstream.
Learn all about Chifa in our blog post, Spotlight on Chifa Du Kang: Bringing Peruvian Chinese Gastronomy to the Mainstream.
Eclectic Wynwood
Miami’s mecca for creative restaurants, craft breweries, and casual dining, Wynwood has become the go-to spot for South Florida foodies. From the sounds and scenery that fill the Oasis to the cultural diversity of the street eateries, dining in Wynwood has a vibe as vibrant as the art on the walls.
2601 N Miami Ave., Wynwood
Translating the flavor of Miami into its creative offerings, this elevated sandwich shop’s selection of signature baguettes and wraps, all-day breakfast, and unique beverages brings quality and simplicity to the Wynwood community. Proudly sourcing local ingredients to bring freshness and flavor to every dish, Mr Baguette marries culinary creativity with a customer-first concept.
275 NE 18th St
A stylish restaurant pairing sushi, inventive Japanese fusion fare, and lots of sake, Sake Room is quickly becoming one of the most-talked-about sushi spots in South Florida. Popular dishes include Ichiban Tartar, Trio Deluxe Roll, Mandrake Roll, and the Weeds Roll.
The Taco Stand
313 NW 25th Street
Authentic Mexican street food, baja-style breakfast, lunch and dinner plates made with corn tortillas and guacamole and salsas, the Taco Stand's recipes have been handed down from Tijuana family lineage.
NW 23rd Street - Wynwwod
Just three blocks from the Wynwood Walls, 1-800-Lucky is a popuar neighborhood spot offering a wide variety of Asian cuisines, where guests can enjoy many Asian inspired dishes in the heart of Wynwood. 1-800-Lucky’s pan-Asian vendors surround an open dining area, featuring street-style vendors like Poke OG, a place for fresh Hawaiian-inspired poke bowls, Yip for hot bamboo dim sum baskets, b-side for signature sushi, and Taiyaki for delicious desserts.
2335 N Miami Ave.
Always buzzing Wynwood has a new place to hangout. Tucked just off North Miami Ave., Wynwood Oasis is like a street food oasis in the sun. The 35,000-square-foot space boasts outdoor food stalls, an indoor/outdoor cocktail lounge, a large outdoor courtyard with “Tower Bar,” and a stage for live performances. Food choices at the Oasis include Prince Street Pizza, Alidoro, Los Buenos, CHIKIN, and an outpost of the MiMo Mediterranean-focused Mr. Mandolin.
Mimo and Wynwood Oasis
If ever there was a food destination that embodies fast-casual dining at its best, it’s Mediterranean-focused Mr. Mandolin, where the service is fast, but the vibe is chill. Born from an emerging demand for freshly made takeout that’s satisfying, approachable, and transportable, Mr. Mandolin brings authentic Mediterranean cuisine to Miami’s doorstep.
Mr. Mandolin’s second location recently opened in the always happening Wynwood Oasis, Miami’s mecca for creative expression, craft breweries, and casual fare. Mr. Mandolin’s Wynwood location offers a slightly scaled-down, but similar menu as its MiMo spot, sought out by concert-goers and casual food connoisseurs from all over the Miami metro area.
Aventura Casual Feasting
Jam-packed doesn’t even begin to describe the fast casual food scene in Aventura. Kosher fusion, Israeli modern, Elevated- Tex-mex, and NYC casual are just a few of the creative ingredients that make the Aventura menu of eateries.
From the Farmer’s Market, with its nouveau dining, fresh produce and plant stands, to the famed Aventura mall, there are places to experience the best of Miami’s culinary offerings everywhere in this Miami burb.
First arriving in South Florida in 2011, delighting the Hollywood neighborhood with the sizzling selection, HBK Burger recently expanded its footprint to Aventura. With online ordering allowing customers to connect directly through their website and social media, the restaurant delivers burger masterpieces throughout the Miami area. HBK’s menu offers a mix of classic and signature burgers, sandwiches, and straight-from-the-grill dishes.
MiMo 2.0
Driving through MiMo is like jumping inside a vintage postcard, with historically preserved throwback motels and neon signs lighting the streets. But with the trendy food scene chicing up the streets, this up-and-coming gentrified section of the city isn’t your grandparent’s Miami anymore.
7418 Biscayne Blvd
Known for its unusual melted cheese sandwiches that feature unexpected ingredients, like the oh-so-Miami Croqueta Monsieur, which features Cuban-style ham croquettes, ham, cheese, and béchamel; and the S’mores Melt, a dessert version of a grilled cheese featuring roasted marshmallows, chocolate hazelnut spread, and graham cracker crumbles.
Sunny Isles Beach
The Sunny Isles Beach food scene paints a culinary picture of the diversity of the city. From bold Cuban and Peruvian flavors to authentic Uzbeki, Georgian and Russian cuisine, there’s much to savor in this Miami sister city.
18110 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles, Beach
A kosher dairy casual dining experience offers catering delivery, fresh ingredients, and generous portions made from scratch daily in a uniquely creative atmosphere. Highlighted with custom artwork, and striving to accommodate any palate, the menu features fish, sushi, salads and pizza.
Tako Sushi Sunny Isles
17630 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles
Family owned and operated, the flavorful menu offers beautifully presented and enthusiastically crafted displays of fresh Japanese and Thai cuisines.
By Eileen Strauss
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