Where To Eat in Miami

I recently traveled to Florida to celebrate my birthday. I checked out a few spots based on recommendations of TV personalities, friends and locals. Here is my round up of faves. Check them out when you're there.

Boteco

Legit, the most Carioca place I've ever been in the U.S. Carioca is the word that means a person or thing from Rio de Janeiro. I've been to Brazilian spots in Atlanta, Washington DC, Los Angeles and New York. This place was very special. I only wish I had my samba sisters with me.

The DJ played all of my faves from Timbalada to Zeca Pagodinho. And the live band played all the latest and greatest in pagode.

We went on Saturday (my actual birthday) which is their weekly feijoada (a dinner centered around black bean stew). The caipirinhas were on point, the food was delicious, the atmosphere was lively and colorful. It was a great time.

DineWithDani recommends: The caipirinhas are perfect.

La Camoronera Seafood Joint & Fish Market

This spot is tucked in Little Havana, which is not exactly a neighborhood that most tourists venture to. I didn't feel unsafe when I got there, but we did drive through some areas that looked bombed out, abandoned and forgotten. The restaurant is small, but the service is fast and pleasant. Locals know and respect this place with good reason.

DineWithDani recommends: Anything involving shrimp is the reason you go. Period. 

The Rusty Pelican

This is a classic upscale seafood restaurant. Every Floridian knows, has been or recommends this place. Located on Key Biscayne, it offers a stellar waterfront view of Downtown Miami. The menu hits all the marks: oyster, lobsters, fresh fish and delicious sides. This was a surprise dinner for me and it didn't disappoint.

Tip: Sit outside at night and enjoy the view. It is very romantic. The couple across from us couldn't stop making out. They felt it! You will too.

DineWithDani recommends: The oysters and lobsters are actually not overpriced.

Flanigans Seafood Bar

This spot may be the opposite of the Rusty Pelican: a local chain of hole-in-the-wall, dive bars serving up seafood classics. One thing I noticed: almost nothing on the menu is fried. But you can get a whole fish with two sides for a nominal price. You'll find lots of beers to choose from, a full bar and loads of TVs tuned to sports. This is paradise for my man. Beer, sports, seafood, flip-flops-level casual attire and loud music. No wonder he was excited to show me this spot.

DineWithDani recommends: The clam chowder surprised me, as did the shrimp alfredo and smoked fish dip!

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar

GOLD STAR: This southern restaurant in South Beach rivals some of the top spots in Atlanta. The server (who was from Atlanta) said they were known for their Chicken & Waffles & Watermelon. Girl, what? I mentally moved past the addition of watermelon and ordered the entree which is meant to be shared. It was perfection. The music is retro. The cocktails are hand-crafted and strong. And the guests are a hodgepodge of locals, tourists, celebrities and notables. I sat next to someone from the cast of Empire (who was on a date). That's all I'm going to say. LOL. The tables are so tight together, however, that I could have eaten off their plates. But instead, I talked to the couples on the other side of me about all kinds of shenanigans and we shut the restaurant down with raucous laughter. All in all one of my favorite nights in Miami. I can't wait to go back.

DineWithDani recommends: Obviously, the Chicken & Waffles & Watermelon are worth ordering, but also the charred okra is a great addition.

A Touch of Cuba

On our last day, we went on an adventure looking for something obscure I'd heard about. This worked up an appetite and we thought back to the Cuban spot that looked packed out at 9am. Around 11am we stopped there for an early lunch. This teeny spot in Hallandale serves Cuban classics with a smile. And much like the rest of Hallendale: no muss, no fuss. And it's all good in the hood.

DineWithDani recommends: The coffee. I'd never go to Starbucks again if I lived near this place.