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What's your favorite neighborhood restaurant in Miami? Here's what readers told us
There are so many questions about Miami's booming restaurant scene. Why is everything so expensive? Why is there never any parking? Why are there are 12 Italian restaurants per block?
Navigating this magical yet frequently aggravating culinary world can be frustrating and expensive, which is why we asked readers to make some suggestions, specifically about the hidden gem restaurants they love. You know, the sort of places you know about because you live nearby, where there's no fussy atmosphere. Restaurants that won't set you back hundreds of dollars, where you don't have to worry about dressing like an influencer and — most important — that the food is reliably good.
Read more: Where are Miami's best neighborhood restaurants? Miami Herald staffers share favorites
Many of you responded, and we thank you. Even those of you who recommended L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, which is in fact a wonderful two-star Michelin restaurant but not exactly a relaxing, laid-back neighborhood gem. Neighborhood gems don't generally have $350 tasting menus.
Also, we rejected any responses of Flanigan's, if only because everyone knows Flanigan's and its rib rolls are on the Mount Rushmore of Miami neighborhood dining. It is many things but not a hidden gem.
Here are some of the restaurants you recommended.
Most recommended restaurants
The restaurant recommended most frequently was FreshCo Fish Market & Grill in Kendall, a seafood market and restaurant that features some of the best hogfish in town. Reader Lucinda Salazar wrote that it's 'like no other in the community, casual and down-to-earth, but the food is incredible. The flavor profile is as if you were in Key West.'
Katrina Mirazo, who has dined in the restaurant and ordered fresh fish to grill at home, praised the service and the food: 'Everyone is kind, helpful and caring. The food is also exceptional. Everything is fresh and made to order. The flavors are delicious and spark joy on your taste buds.'
7tyone Restaurant and Coffee Bar, a Venezuelan spot in Miami Beach, received the second-most number of votes. Andrea Cabrices writes that going there 'feels like you're eating Grandma's food, and the environment there is so warm and friendly they make you feel you're home.'
Jean Marc De Silva (and others) recommended another Miami Beach spot, Cafe Avanti, which he called a 'solid classic Italian restaurant where you will never be disappointed with what you choose.'
Pinecrest's Trattoria Luna also earned a few votes. 'From the moment you enter the restaurant and are greeted by the owner, you feel as if you have been a guest at the restaurant forever. The extensive menu and quality of the food has never been disappointing,' writes Richard Jacobs.
Butcher and sandwich shop Babe's Meat & Counter near Palmetto Bay also gathered a few votes. 'Consistently good food that can be healthy if you want or naughty if you need it,' writes Dan Boda, who went on to praise the wine list and 'well-curated drinks,' as well as the attentive staff that will 'remember your name and your order.'
Argentine restaurant Fiorito in Little Haiti drew responses as well. Jeffrey Saadeh describes it as serving 'delicious Argentine and Italian food in a casual but charming restaurant with a sweet outdoor patio' and praised the reasonably-priced steaks and the homemade chimichurri sauce.
Reader Bruce Kusens recommended Petit Gourmet Diner in Aventura, but he hesitated at first. 'Shush, don't tell anyone,' he jokes, worrying that it will get too popular. 'They have great food and service in a small, relatively noise free environment, which makes it ideal for actually being able to have a conversation there. Never had a bad meal there.'
Other recommended restaurants
Sometimes the food is so good you'll travel to somebody else's neighborhood for it. 'It takes a lot to get me from West Kendall to Hialeah, but La Fresa Francesa has me hooked at least once a month. Tastefully decorated in French bistro style with exceptional service,' writes Donald Dauernheim. 'The food is simply incredible.'
Chris Fonte recommends Over Under in downtown Miami: 'Hip and vibey scene, then boom! They hit you with the best burger in Miami. Great place to hang with an array of different humans who are there for one thing — a good time.'
Andrea Martin likes Pizza D'Light in North Bay Village, calling it the best kept secret in the area. 'The menu is healthy, varied and delicious! Food quality is constantly great. Neighbors usually order take out or delivery, but I love to sit there and chill after a busy day.'
Sara B. Levitan recommends Tomato & Basil in North Miami, applauding their vegan options. 'Their food is delicious. The owner is nice, and the service is great.sandwich. Even the deliveryman is nice!'
At Basilico in Miami Springs, 'the food is excellent and has been consistently good for the 15 years we have been going,' writes Saul Sanders. 'Service is always warm and friendly and not just to regulars. The owner also has a well curated wine list at very fair prices for a Miami restaurant.'
Ana Ordonez's favorite is the Italian restaurant Caffe Portofino in Palmetto Bay because of 'the ambiance, the service and excellent food,' she writes. 'Never had a bad meal.'
John Iturriaga praises Habana Vieja in Miami: 'Nice Cuban restaurant with friendly service and good prices.'
Lucia Pizzeria in Kendall is the favorite of Francois Illas, who writes: 'Food, service and ambiance make this my favorite neighborhood restaurant.'
Norman Canter recommends Rosaluna Cafe, an Italian spot in downtown Miami: 'Everything is made in house. Homemade pastas, desserts, sauces and a very European stylish place to dine both in and outside.'
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