Teebu P. wrote: >Hi, I will be heading down to Miami over the NYrs Day Brk and I was >wondering if anyone can recommend any good Carribean(Cuban, Jamaican, >West Indies) restaurants in the Miami area. The "hot" Carribean place in Miami (actually Miami Beach) is Shabeen, it is in over on South Beach at Collins and about 12th Street. It is a trendy place and has SoBe prices, but I was there and it was nice and the food was pretty good. This is the place to go if you do not want to venture into more "local" type places in neighborhoods where an out-of-towner might feel uncomfortable. Otherwise there are dozens. Charlie Byrne * University of Miami * Div of Marine Biology and Fisheries 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149 * Voice: (305) 361-4705 Usual disclamers apply.
Miami, FL
Miami, Cuban/Jamaican/West Indies Restaurants
Teebu P. wrote: >Hi, I will be heading down to Miami over the NYrs Day Brk and I was >wondering if anyone can recommend any good Carribean(Cuban, Jamaican, >West Indies) restaurants in the Miami area. I flew through Miami last spring. The rental car agent and the shuttle bus driver were both Cubano, and they were both enthusiastic about La Carretta. From the Miami airport, go south on 42 (NE LeJune?) to SW 8 St. Turn left. Go just past 37th. La Carretta is on the right circa 36th St. This is in Coral Gables, I believe. I'm no authority on Cuban food, but I liked this place. Most patrons spoke spanish. Some of the help did not speak english. Seemed pretty authentic to me; but like I said, I'm no authority. -Rich
Teebu P. wrote: >Hi, I will be heading down to Miami over the NYrs Day Brk and I was >wondering if anyone can recommend any good Carribean(Cuban, Jamaican, >West Indies) restaurants in the Miami area. > I see that a couple of people have posted suggestions. Let me give you a Cuban American's opinion (who visits Miami on a regular basis - say 2-3 times a year). #1 - Don't go to La Carreta unless you've been out all night partying and every other place is closed. Its the only time that food tastes good. Its known as "Cuban Fast Food." and, #2 - Shabeen is a great Jamaican Restaurant. Its in the lobby of the Marlin Hotel on the NW corner of Collins Avenue and 12th Street in South Beach. You must try their "Shabeen" drink. It packs a punch. Its hard for a Cuban American to be objective about Cuban Restaurant Food, but here are few suggestions. Relatively inexpensive and pretty decent is Versailles on SW 8th Street and SW 35th Avenue in Miami - more your home style cooking. For ritz, try Victor's Cafe on SW 32nd Avenue and SW 23rd Street in Miami. Victor originally had two restaurants in here in New York and just last year opened this one in Miami. For Nuovo Cuban-Miami Cuisine try Yuca in Coral Gables. (YUCA stands for Young Urban Cuban American). In South Beach on Ocean Drive and say 6th Street (unsure of exact street - its next to the News Cafe), I hear the place to eat at is Gloria Estefan's restaurant "Laredo" or something like that. I have many family and friends down there that tell me its great!!! I even here sometimes she is at the restaurant hanging out. All Gloria does seems to turn into gold! I know you didn't ask about italian restaurants, but just down the block from the Shabeen is Mezzanotte (NW corner of 12th and Washington Avenue). P.S. I could go on forever with suggestions for you but I suggest you check out the Zagat's Restaurant Guide for Miami/South Florida. Its been out for just about one year. Or maybe another guide in the travel section of your local bookstore. Hope this little bit helps. Have a great time in South Florida!!!
Don't pass up Yuca in Coral Gables. Fantastic food and excellent presentation. Almost like artwork. Just bring your gold card. For more casual Cuban, The Versailles in Little Havana is a must see and eat. Will remind you of a cuban retro diner of the 50's. The cuban sandwiches are the standard by which many other are judged. Menu is exhaustive. Prices are fantastic. Very casual and lively. Don't miss this place.