Us Miamians are fortunate to have so much variety when it comes to restaurants, bars, and bakeries. We can literally travel to a different country every day of the month and still have many more countries to hit…that’s from a food perspective! These past few weeks, I have been making it a point to hit some new spots that are transporting me to places such as Portugal, Peru, and even Cuba (of course). I’d like to share three new spots that I have recently tried that are well worth a visit for some delicious eats or refreshing drinks!
Majestic Portuguese Bakehouse- Oh my goodness! Looking online for the past few months at their scrumptious “pasteis de nata” (heavenly custard-filled pies in a flaky crust that hale all the way from Lisbon), I finally visited this morning! Why did I not go sooner? These incredibly sweet treats were just as delicious as they are in Portugal and the coffee was also fantastic! I love this place because it is conveniently and centrally located near Coral Gables and has free parking, which for Miami is a bug bonus! The ambiance is super charming and reminiscent of a quant café in Old Lisbon. I must go back to try their breads and other delicious menu items, such as their sandwiches and croquettes, all made fresh in-house! Their slogan “we are going to make your heart smile” and oh did they ever! Thank you for opening such a wonderful place in Miami! Obrigada! https://www.majesticbakehouse.com/
Ataco by Divino- I love the play on words of this restaurant…it could be read as “a taco”, meaning just one or in Spanish “ataco”, which means I attack! This is exactly what I wanted to do when I tried their octopus and shrimp tacos. These tiny melt-in-your-mouth tacos are often served during happy hour and are a fusion between Peruvian, Japanese, and Mexican cuisine. The flavors in this restaurant transport you to 3 different countries all in one location. They also serve delicious drinks such as mango margaritas, amazing fusion appetizers including tostones topped with chicharrones (plantains with crunchy pork bites), and more! This place is tucked away in charming Miami Springs, the part of Miami where we hold most of our classes. Parking here is also easy and free, and it is easy to grab a table or a seat at the bar at most hours of the evening. Que rico! https://atacobydivino.com/
Cerveceria La Tropical– This super trendy brewery recently opened in the Wynwood district and though when you initially walk up to it, you think you must have inserted the wrong address into your GPS, the second you walk through the gate you are welcomed with this feeling of being in Old Havana. They have a lovely garden with tropical plants with ample seating. And as you work your way towards the extensive bar inside the large hall, you are surrounded by funky tables and an ambience that is very much Miami! This brewery had originally been open in 1888 in Havana Cuba and has now become one of Miami’s newest beer spots. Check out the full history on their website as it is quite fascinating. I can’t speak highly enough of the refreshingly delicious beers and friendly staff. But I was also thoroughly impressed with the modern spin on traditional Cuban appetizers such as the beer can bread with guava butter and the bacalao fritters. They also have live music on weekends and other fun events. Salud! https://www.cervecerialatropical.com/