Nothing packs flavor quite like Caribbean food. The cuisine pulls from the varied cultures that make up the region. It’s a mix-up of African, European, and Asian flavors to create one-of-a-kind culinary explosions. Miami, with its large Caribbean population, is home to some of the best Caribbean food in the country.
Whether it’s traditional flavors that stay faithful to their island homes or new spins on old favorites, every restaurant on this list has something special to offer.
Jrk!
You might not think of rice bowls when you think of the Caribbean but rice is an ever-present and beloved staple in every Caribbean country. Often served with a bean (or peas) of some sort, the grains are cooked in coconut milk and spices until soft, flagrant, and flavourful. Jrk!, the inventive spot operating out of the Treats Food Hall in the Aventura Mall, takes the flavor of the Caribbean and layers it on top of perfectly cooked, flavorful rice.
Customers can build their bowls from a combination of rice/grain, protein or vegan substitutes, and additional toppings such as chili roasted broccoli, pineapples, plantains, and salsa. The restaurant offers many sauces, all crafted in-house. In addition, there are beloved Jamaican sides including patties, bammy, and rum cake. Stop by Jrk! at 19565 Biscayne Blvd. Ste. FH10, Aventura, FL 33180, United States
Manjay Restaurant
Manjay means “food” in Haitian Creole, and the Manjay restaurant’s authentic menu more than lives up to the name. The restaurant is the manifestation of owner Christian Dominique’s love for his home country. The modern restaurant synthesizes his experience running one of the top hotels in Haiti with a love for food instilled in him by the matriarchs in his family.
The playful menu consists of everything from classic conch fritters to a Haitian take on avocado toast. The Manjay Restaurant has two locations — at the Citadel 8300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33138, United States and Wynwood 2618 NW 5th Ave, Miami, FL 33127.
Naomi’s Garden Restaurant and Lounge
Not many restaurants can boast a history as rich as their menu but Noami’s Garden Restaurant and Lounge isn’t most restaurants. Yaron and Shula Yemini, immigrants from Israel, migrated to the US in 1974. They opened a sort of “proto-food truck” delivering classic Middle Eastern food such as falafel, hummus, and samosas. Following a shutdown by the relevant agencies for selling food without a permit, they eventually reopened but pivoted to Haitian food to serve their immediate clientele.
Today the humble restaurant is a beloved favorite and a pillar of the local community. The simple menu keeps food cheap but with poultry, meat, seafood, and vegan options, there’s something at Naomi’s Garden for everyone. Naomi’s Garden Restaurant and Lounge is located at 650 NW 71st St, Miami, FL 33150, United States.
100×35 Cocina Con Raíces
Puerto Rico is 100 miles tall and 35 miles wide and Cocina Con Raices translates loosely to “Kitchen with Roots,” reinforcing without any doubt that this spot is unapologetically Puerto Rican. Classic Puerto Rican dishes such as mofongo, alcapurrias, and bolitas de queso are served in a classy American pub style. More than just the food, the mojitos from the bar are to die for, and every Friday patrons are treated to live music.
The restaurant is open every day but Sundays and can be found at 520 West Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139.
Caribbean Delite Restaurant
A Trini restaurant through and through, Caribbean Delite’s simple menu is for roti lovers. Half the menu is dedicated to the delicious flatbread which can be filled with chicken, goat, shrimp, beef, and vegan options. If roti isn’t your bag, Delite still has you covered with many rice dishes. On top of that, there’s Trinidadian favorites such as doubles, kurma, shark & bake, and dhal.
Caribbean Delite promises an authentic and affordable Caribbean dining experience. It’s located at 9491 SW 160th St, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157.
