By Maria Jose Fernandez
Graduation and summer break are around the corner for students. This is the best time of the year for discovering new places, having fun with friends, and relaxing. According to The Miami New Times, Miami is known as one of the most diverse cities in the world. There is always something new to find and explore about different cultures, especially in their cuisines.
The Buccaneer conducted a survey of 66 students to rank the top restaurants in Miami and 24.2 percent chose Little Havana, 18.2 percent chose La Industria Bakery & Café, and 12.1 percent chose Moshi Moshi.
Here is the list of the top eight restaurants you must dine in for a tasty graduation dinner, for a stress-free lunch or simply before heading back to your hometown this summer:
1) Little Havana Restaurant – 12727 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami.
If you like Caribbean food, you must visit Little Havana Restaurant for its authentic Cuban cuisine. It is a homestyle family friendly restaurant that brings the Cuban seasoning and spices to your palette. Two of their most popular dishes include the pork fillet simmered in a tangy tamarindo sauce and the breaded fish broiled with a cilantro sauce. Meal prices are accessible between $7.99-$15.99.
For social drinkers, a full bar with a Spanish sangria waits for you.
2) La Industria Bakery and Café – 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami.
If you are a brunch lover, you will love this Dominican and Puerto Rican singer’s café. Nicky Jam’s café is known for its delicious pancakes. The price range is $10 to $70. La Industria offers a selection from sweet treats to Latin American dishes, mostly Venezuelan and Puerto Rican.
3) Moshi Moshi – 7232 Biscayne Blvd, Miami.
To all sushi lovers, Moshi Moshi is another place to add to your list of favorites. This restaurant offers traditional Japanese dishes like sashimi, fried rice, ramen and teriyaki dishes, and homemade ceviche and tiraditos. They have a 24-hour, wallet-friendly menu with a fun and happy environment placing them as one of the favorite Japanese restaurants for locals. Prices range from $5 to $50.
4) Amara at Paraiso – 3101 NE 7th Ave, Miami.
Amara at Paraiso is a restaurant that mixes all the Latin American flavors. Inspired by the tropical vibes that Miami brings with all its diversity, this restaurant brings a welcoming environment to Biscayne Bay. With sophisticated vibes, it is the ideal place to take someone on a friendly dinner or date with cuisines ranging from $31 to $50.
5) El Novillo – 15450 New Barn Rd #110, Miami Lakes.
Meat lovers will enjoy this family-owned Nicaraguan steakhouse with their churrasco and delicious chimichurri sauce. Since 1985, they have kept a Central American spirit with their delicious tres leches and their delicious carne asada is affordable starting at $24.99 per person.
6) CVI.CHE305 – 1245 Lincoln Rd, South Beach, Miami Beach.
Peruvian food has one of the richest gastronomical plates in all Latin America. CVI.CHE305 is a twelve-year awardwinning Peruvian restaurant with locations in Downtown Miami and Aventura Mall. Known for its authentic, fresh ceviche and lomo saltado, their price range varies from $7.00 to $90.00 depending on the plate.
7) Chef Creole Seasoned Restaurant – 2100 NW 42ND Ave Miami International, Concourse E, Miami.
If you love Haiti and its spices, this is the menu for you. Chef Wilkinson Sejour grabbed his native recipes and created his Caribbean cuisine with a Creole twist. His spicing techniques and seafood cooking make dishes like his barbecue ribs, fried chicken, and lobster tail more special. The price range is between $7.00 to $40. This restaurant has various locations including the Miami airport and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
8) Forte dei Marmi – 150 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach.
For pasta lovers, Forte dei Marmi is one of the best recommendations of Italian restaurants. Located on the southern tip of Miami Beach, it is a chic and classic restaurant offering handmade pasta and the best Italian wine-list ranging from $50 and over.
After a long semester full of challenging stress, this well-deserved vacation around the city is needed during this new chapter for seniors and break for students. And getting a taste of all its contents is the perfect summer in Miami.