Miami is known for South Beach, Cuban food and sweet cocktails. However, there’s more to the Miami food scene than ropa vieja and daiquiris on Ocean Drive. South Florida is home to a thriving Haitian population and they’ve brought their flavorful food with them to the Sunshine State. Where (and what) should you eat when exploring Miami’s Haitian restaurants? Look no further.
Tap Tap Mural. Courtesy of Graham & Sheila
1. Tap Tap Haitian Restaurant – The only things more vibrant than the food at Tap Tap are the colorful murals that cover virtually every wall in the restaurant. The staff is friendly, the food is full of big flavors and the prices are reasonable. Be sure to try the fried whole snapper and the grilled conch.
819 5th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139
2. Le Lambi – Perhaps the best fish stew in all of Miami and delicious street food dishes in spicy sauces fill the air at Le Lambi with the smells of a proper Haitian kitchen. The only bad news? It’s temporarily closed as they repair the space after a recent fire.
13714 Kendall Drive, Kendall, FL 33156
3. Chez Le Bebe – Adventurous eaters will enjoy the goat’s head soup (like Andrew Zimmern did). The rest of you can dig into the oxtail and enjoy portions so big that you’re bound to have leftovers. What it lacks in ambiance it makes up for in big flavor.
114 NE 54th Street, Miami, FL 33137
4. Chef Creole – A mini Miami empire of Haitian cuisine created by Chef Ken Sejour, Chef Creole even has the Anthony Bourdain seal of approval. Be prepared to sweat, as Chef Sejour is not afraid to bring the heat in his stews.
Multiple Locations
5. Chez Rosie – Go early if you want the goat or oxtail, as they often sell out because of the popularity of their delicious preparations. The prices are low and the portions are large.
5961 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33127
Dinner is served at Tap Tap. Photo by Mike Barish.
About the author
Mike Barish is a freelance travel writer, host and regular contributor to Gadling. He is a universally respected expert in the SkyMall catalog whose work has appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, Budget Travel, World Hum, One+ and Intelligent Travel. He has hosted Chevrolet’s Cruze-arati web series, SOYJOY's Real Take On campaign and the Mike & Alex’s Travel Show podcast. Mike is based in New York City where he lives with his fiancée and their two dogs.
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