Best Restaurants Near Miami International Airport — Eat Like a Local

Miami guide: real food walking/short-cab from airport. Real, specific, no fluff.

Arriving in Miami: A Foodie's Guide to the Airport and Beyond

Miami International Airport (MIA) is one of the busiest airports in the country, but it's also a great place to start your foodie adventure in Miami. As you exit the airport, you'll be greeted by a plethora of dining options, from quick bites to sit-down restaurants.

Grabbing a Quick Bite at the Airport

• La Carreta: A Miami institution since 1976, this Cuban restaurant has locations throughout the airport. Try their famous croquetas and sandwiches.
• Shake Shack: This modern day "roadside" burger stand serves up some of the best burgers in the city. You can grab a quick bite at any of the airport locations.
• Green Mango: For a taste of Southeast Asian cuisine, head to Green Mango, which offers a variety of dishes, including noodle bowls and curries.

Once you've grabbed a bite, you're ready to start exploring Miami. The airport is located in the city's central business district, but you'll likely want to head to one of the many neighborhoods that make up the city's culinary scene.

Miami's Hottest Neighborhoods for Foodies

Miami is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and culinary offerings. Here are a few of the hottest neighborhoods for foodies:

The Design District: Upscale Eats and Unique Shops

• The Broken Shaker: Located in the Freehand Miami hostel, this trendy bar serves up craft cocktails and creative small plates.
• Michael's Genuine Food & Drink: This farm-to-table restaurant offers a seasonal menu that changes frequently, but always features fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Wynwood 25: For a taste of the Design District's art scene, head to Wynwood 25, which features a rotating art gallery and a menu of creative small plates.

Wynwood: Street Art and Street Food

• Ball & Chain: This historic bar and lounge is a hub for live music and dancing, and also serves up a menu of Cuban-inspired street food.
• Wynwood Diner: This 24-hour diner is a great place to grab a late-night bite or early morning breakfast.
• El Exquisito: For a taste of authentic Cuban cuisine, head to El Exquisito, which offers a menu of traditional dishes like ropa vieja and arroz con pollo.

Little Havana: A Taste of Cuba

• Ball & Chain: Yes, Ball & Chain has a location in Little Havana as well, and it's just as lively as the one in Wynwood.
• El Pub: This historic bar is a hub for live music and dancing, and also serves up a menu of Cuban-inspired street food.
• Versailles: For a taste of authentic Cuban cuisine, head to Versailles, which offers a menu of traditional dishes like ropa vieja and arroz con pollo.

What to Avoid in Miami

While Miami has a lot to offer, there are also some neighborhoods and restaurants that you might want to avoid. Here are a few to steer clear of:

South Beach: Touristy and Overpriced

While South Beach is a great place to people-watch and take in the sights, it's also one of the most touristy areas of the city. You'll find a lot of overpriced restaurants and shops, but not a lot of authentic culinary experiences.

Coconut Grove: Overhyped and Overpriced

Coconut Grove is a charming neighborhood, but it's also one of the most overhyped areas of the city. You'll find a lot of overpriced restaurants and shops, but not a lot of authentic culinary experiences.

Getting Around Miami

Miami is a large city, and getting around can be a challenge. Here are a few tips for navigating the city:

Ride-Sharing and Public Transportation

• Uber and Lyft are widely available in Miami, and can be a convenient way to get around the city.
• The Miami-Dade Transit system includes buses and trains, and can be a cost-effective way to get around the city.
• The Metrorail is a convenient way to get to many of the city's major neighborhoods, including Wynwood, Little Havana, and the Design District.

With this guide, you're ready to start exploring Miami's culinary scene. From the airport to the neighborhoods, you'll find a wealth of delicious food and drink options to choose from. Just remember to avoid the touristy areas and overpriced restaurants, and you'll be well on your way to a culinary adventure in Miami. Don't forget to take advantage of a currency exchange app like Portability to make the most of your trip.