We could literally list hundreds of "best buy" restaurants in the area but here's just ten by Steven Goodman & Jay Michaels
Here we go again, another one of our top ten lists about one of the greatest dining areas in the Country and that is Mimi/Dade County, Florida! Now when most people envision the South Florida scene, Miami area in particular, they think of the more "pricey" eateries that line the beautiful coastline. However, those of us really in the know, can dine out regularly in the Southland without putting a pinch on the budget. We could literally list hundreds of "best buy" restaurants in the area but here's just ten to wet the appetite without having you reach for the Rolaids when you get the check! Let's eat!
VAN DYKE CAFÉ 846 Lincoln Road Miami Beach , FL 33139 (305) 534-3600 Hours: 8A -2A daily Van Dykes Café like its cousin the News Café offers great bistro style fair at great prices. For Lunch or Dinner Burgers, Salads, Soups, and Sandwiches all are fresh and tasty. I am particularly fond of an excellent Grilled Portobello and Peppers pannini, served with seasoned fries for $8.95. Though similar in the West Coast meets Brassiere style of the News Café’ – Van Dyke’s is unique in its’ fabulous Jazz Lounge upstairs - where local and international Jazz legends can be found playing every night of the week. The Menu upstairs is the same as in the café and a 5.00 music charge is added only to sit at a table, you can dig the sounds and the scene free of charge at the bar. A delight for the palate as well as the ears, Van Dykes is definitely a Miami best buy.
Average Price $2.00 -$17.00
VERSAILLES RESTAURANT 3555 SW Eighth St Miami, FL 33135-4196 (305) 444-0240 Hours:8A- 2A daily No list of Best Buy Restaurants in Miami could possibly be complete without a trip to Calle Ocho (8th Street) in Little Havana and a sample of our Cuban Cuisine. And one of the best is the Versailles Restaurant. Versailles, basically a Cuban Dinner, is the place to go to sample real Cuban cooking. A favorite of locals and tourists alike, Versailles is where you want to go to enjoy a heaping helping of Arroz Con Pollo (Chicken and yellow rice) and other quintessential Cuban favorites like pulled pork, Palomilla Steak, and Media Noce – a world famous grilled Cuban sandwich of pork, ham and cheese. A real family restaurant, bring the kids and fill your stomachs on good “stick to your ribs” food without emptying your wallet. But save room for dessert for some of the best Flan and Rice Pudding this side of Havana –all washed down with a Cuban coffee of course. Open late Versailles is also a great place to have a hardy meal before clubbing it down on South Beach.
Average Price $2.00 -$17.00
HIRO JAPANESE RESTAURANT 3007 NE 163rd Street North Miami Beach, FL 33160 (305) 948-3687 Hours:11A- 3:30A daily
What makes a “Best Buy”? – usually good food, at great prices, and lot of it. Hiro's qualifies on all counts many times over. Probably one of the best kept secrets in Miami – Hiro’s is in an unassuming strip mall just west of A1A on 163 street - and yet offers a great atmosphere, friendly service, and some of the freshest sushi in town at unbeatable prices. My wife and I find ourselves there at any time of day or night, they are perfect for a midnight snack at a table or the sushi bar. An extensive menu of individual rolls, Sushi and Sashimi, Hiro's also offers many dinner specials and combinations for the “uninitiated”. Even if you have never tried Japanese food, you will find something to savor on Hiro’s menu, and if you are a fan of Kimuchee Buta or Ika Maru, you are bound to be pleased.
Average Price $2.00 -$17.00
S&S DINER 1757 NE 2nd Avenue Miami, FL 33132 305-373-4291 Open Daily- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Now here is a place that many of my media associates and business tycoons as well frequent when they want true "home cooked" meals. The S&S Diner is an experience in itself. Many days you will have to wait for a seat at their popular counter, but trust me it is worth it! I go back time and again for the ever popular Meat Loaf. I don't know if I really like the Meat Loaf as much as I love the heaping portion of "just like Mom used to make" mashed potatoes and gravy.You will never go wrong with the daily specials as well. The place reminds you of something from 40 years ago the check will also remind you of dining many years ago as well!
PIZZA RUSTICA 863 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-674-8244 Open 24 hours Call me a "pizza snob" if you will, but hey I'm an Italian! When you were raised in the pizza capital of the world, the great northeast, you can't but help separate the good from the bad when it comes to pizza. It's in the "nose" you know? Those of us that are "pizza aficionados" know the minute we walk in, it's in the sauce! That's what you will get when you step into Pizza Rustica there is an indoor counter that doesn't seat many, and honestly I have mostly had takeout here. This is one of the best pizzas I have ever eaten no matter what your choice of toppings the dough and the sauce are the best! You may also want to try their variety of Italian specialties as well. The best part? You can get scrumptious pizza day or night 24/7! Great Pizza for not a lot of Lire' (and you thought I was going to say dough)!
THE FRONT PORCH 1418 Ocean Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-531-8300 Open Daily 8am to 10pm Ask any of the "Miami Beachers" where is the best place to grab one of the best breakfasts on the beach? The answer will be unanimous, The Front Porch. I must honestly say one of my favorite breakfast foods is French Toast, I don't know what they do to it here, but it is absolutely one of the best I have ever eaten. And don't bypass lunch or for a light dinner as well. I recommend if you love burgers than order one up you will not be disappointed. The setting is perfect, as well, especially if you sit on the porch (hence the name of this popular establishment). From Breakfast to Salads and everything in between good value, great food at The Front Porch.
CANTON 16780 NW 67th Avenue Miami Lakes, FL 33016 305-821-1111 Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner When we think of "best buy" dining we are likely to think of Chinese. From childhood memories of mounds of food being brought to the table in family style, we always knew we wouldn't leave a Chinese restaurant with hunger pangs. In addition to great portions and great prices we also want great food and that is exactly what you will get at Canton. There are five locations in Miami/Dade County and each one is consistent. I've said it many times my gauge of a good Chinese restaurant is in the Won Ton Soup, it's the "promissory note" of what is to come. If the soup is good the rest of the meal will follow suit. That is what I experienced the first time I visited Canton and why it is at the top of my favorites list. And when you speak of "best buys" you can't beat the Canton lunch special at $4.95!
THE BIG PINK 157 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-532-4700 Open Daily for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Their advertising campaigns have said, "Real food for real people" and nothing is closer to the truth at The Big Pink. Aptly named for this pink corner structure, locals and tourists alike never walk away hungry from here. What do I recommend here? That is easy, everything! From Breakfast to Dinner I have never been disappointed at this popular eatery. One of the best Grilled Chicken Salads that I have ever tasted and if you like fries, you won't be disappointed at the "bucket" they put in front of you. Try their fountain as well they make awesome milkshakes and ice cream sodas.
CAFE TU TU TANGO 3015 Grand Avenue Coconut Grove, FL 33133 305-529-2222 Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner Here at the trendy CocoWalk, where you would expect much higher priced restaurants, sits Cafe Tu Tu Tango. This is one of the most popular gathering spots in the Grove. From the moment you step onto the porch of this place you feel welcomed and relaxed. The atmosphere is "artsy" that's because this place was originally an artist's loft, and you will still be surounded by some unique Spanish style artwork. What I like to do when I'm here is to order assorted appetizers along with a cocktail or nice wine. This is a fun place to be with friends and do the sharing thing. From the Spring Rolls to the Calamari there is plenty to choose from. Or if you are in the mood for a full dinner the chef cooks up some of the best and most creative dishes in Miami. It doesn't take two to Tango but it is much more fun when you stop into Cafe Tu Tu Tango!
THE RASCAL HOUSE 17190 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33154 305-947-4581 Open Daily for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Rounding out our "best buy" list had to be an all time favorite of the Miami Beach crowd young or old. It's the famous Rascal House! From showbiz headliners to the guy down the street, the Rascal House has pleased thousands of customers every single day. This is an honest to goodness "New York Deli" from the Matzo ball soup to a real corned beef sandwich you will not be disappointed by any of the menu selections. And let me give you fair warning, the Rascal House sandwiches are stacked high so you may want to take half home and save room for one of their homemade desserts! Again, great food at a great value everyday!
There you have it, once again, this writer's attempt to narrow down just ten eateries from a list of literally hundreds of "best buys" in the Miami/Dade County area. As I always say try these and then make up your own list as well, but this will be a good start. And remember dining out should be an experience that is enjoyed and every meal out does not have to be a gourmet feast with a price tag to match, there are lots of great values out there, so enjoy! Until next time, Salute!
The Top List of Best Buy Restaurants - Miami, FL