Miami doesn’t exactly have a dearth of pricey dining options. Restaurants with glitzy ambience, so-so $20 sushi rolls, and uninspired $30 stuffed chicken are ubiquitous. So often, these restaurants are all flash and no substance. What’s harder to come by are restaurants that offer unbeatable value: great food at prices that won’t make you blanch. These underrated establishments do exist, though. To prove it, we’ve hand-picked five Miami restaurants that serve delectable cuisine at a bargain.
Buena Vista Deli
Image via Flickr by joyosity
Located in Miami’s Design District, the Buena Vista Deli is a must-visit for a budget-friendly traditional French breakfast. Here, you can dine on artisan-crafted French breads, homemade jellies, chocolate eclairs ($3.95), and chocolate croissants ($2.50). The restaurant serves breakfast beginning at 7 AM every day and serves casual lunch and dinner items, most of which are $7.95 and under, until 9 p.m.. The ambience is like that of a French café, with outdoor dining available on the patio.
Con Sabor a México Carnitas Estilo Michoacán
A gem of Little Havana, this taqueria delivers unique, authentic Mexican tacos with gourmet taste at prices that will remind you of Taco Bell. This tiny shop serves beef tripe tacos ($2) and carnitas tacos ($1.75) with toppings like cilantro, lime, homemade salsa, and chopped onion. The most popular item on the menu by far is the tacos campechanos, tortillas stuffed with chicharron and pork shoulder. Open from Sunday to Thursday at 11 a.m., Con Sabor offers patio dining as well as takeout.
Harry’s Pizzeria
Also in the Design District, Harry’s Pizzeria offers artisan, full-pie pizzas for under $15 each. The creativity of the menu will delight diners as much as the prices. Unique items include the arancini (fried rice balls made with local mozzarella and topped with jalapeño béarnaise) and the MGFD bacon pie (pizza with carmelized onion, gruyere, potato, and arugula). Open from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Harry’s has a modern ambience and patio dining.
La Sandwicherie
A South Beach favorite, La Sandwicherie is where the locals go for a stellar sandwich under $10. On French, wheat, or croissant bread, you can devour sandwiches like the $8.20 Tropical (avocado, mozzarella, papaya, mango, and pineapple) and the $9.40 SOBE Club (turkey, avocado, and brie). Don’t skimp on their famous housemade vinaigrette! Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 a.m., and diners can enjoy their ‘wiches at the restaurant’s outdoor bar.
Yakko-San
For inexpensive sushi and Japanese tapas, you can’t beat Yakko-San in North Miami Beach. Among the 100+ items you’ll find on the menu are sashimi, nigiri, and signature dishes like the $7.50 crispy pork onion salad (fried pork with cherry tomatoes and a homemade soy-based sauce). Even better, this uber-chic restaurant is open from noon till 3 a.m. every day.
There are many great restaurant options adjacent to hotels and resorts in the greater Miami area. You can enjoy a meal out on the town for less than $20 per person then unwind at your hotel, satisfied knowing you got a great meal and a great room for an unbeatable price.
