Miami has one of the largest Puerto Rican communities outside the island, and its restaurant scene reflects that. In fact, Miami is known as the foodie capital of the United States. The selection ranges from casual neighborhood spots to mom-and-pop shops that have been open for generations to more polished takes on island classics. If you’ve been looking for a guide to Puerto Rican food you should try in Miami, from mofongo to pernil to the best alcapurrias in the city, we’ve got you covered.
To compile our recommendations, I collected recommendations from family and friends across Miami and cross-referenced them with online reviews and local coverage. I also consulted with the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of South Florida for community recommendations and ate at most of these spots to corroborate the information. To give our list an insider’s perspective, I spoke with Chef José Mendín, a five-time James Beard-nominated chef who was born and raised in Puerto Rico and has cooked in Miami for 28 years. Chef Mendín told us, “Puerto Rican food is bold, flavorful, strong, something you’re always going to remember.” And with those words in mind, here are our picks for the eight Puerto Rican places in Miami that deliver exactly that.
1. El Bajareque
Before Wynwood became known for murals and bottomless mimosa brunches, it was a Puerto Rican enclave, and El Bajareque has been open in the neighborhood for over 50 years. Miami New Times recommends “run[ing] here for a true Puerto Rican meal,” and after tasting their food, I can wholeheartedly second this recommendation.
Chef Mendín goes here whenever he’s in the mood for real Puerto Rican rice and pigeon beans, but he also recommends their stews. “It’s a mom-and-pop shop, been run for a long time in the same family,” he said. “You’re going to get some traditional Puerto Rican dishes here.”…