4 Must-Go Places to Eat and Drink in Miami
Pubbelly
This might be a bold statement, but Pubbelly should be your first stop in Miami because it is mine! If you love sushi with a spin, this is the place for you! They are known to fuse Japanese and Latin-inspired dishes, which led them to be awarded the 2020 Miami New Times Readers' Choice Award for "Best Sushi." Hands down, it is the best sushi I have had.
Now, depending on where you are in Miami, you can visit their locations at Brickell, Pembroke Pines, or Miami Beach. I love this Miami Beach location because you can have lunch here right after landing and head straight to the beach minutes later! Or if shopping is more your speed, there are great little shops you can check out near this location.
My favorite dishes are the Rock Shrimp Tempura, which has avocado (if you are allergic to avocados like I am, they are happy to take it out), mango, spicy tuna, and spicy mayo. I also recommend getting edamame with the spicy sauce. You won't regret it, especially if you dip the sushi in that sauce instead of soy. I really love how this place gets creative with its dishes!
Versailles Restaurant and Café
Versailles, a must-visit restaurant in Miami, has held the title of 'World's Most Famous Cuban Restaurant' since its opening in 1971. It has been a gathering place for Miami's Cuban exiles, celebrities, and politicians, a testament to its iconic status. The restaurant's unique blend of French aesthetics and 1970s vibes may surprise you, but the delicious Cuban cuisine more than makes up for it.
I had their Dolphin "Mahi-Mahi" Fillet with garlic sauce, served with yellow rice, sweet plantains, and a Mojito. Don’t worry. The fillet is mahi-mahi (also known as dolphinfish), NOT the mammals we all know and love. I was very impressed with the Mojito because it wasn't too sweet or overpowering. The whole meal was really good, and I would come back here again.
After dinner, I went next door to Versailles Bakery. When in Rome, right? This bakery has every pastry, bread, and dessert you can imagine, and they are made in-house from scratch! I decided to get a Key Lime Pie slice. I will say their version is more tart than the one in Key West.
Now, if you aren't a bakery person, I would recommend "La Ventanita," the walk-up coffee window, to get yourself the famous "cafecito." This strong, sweet espresso is a staple in Cuban culture and a must-try when in Miami.
Tapelia
I was told this place has the best Paella, which I will say was pretty damn good. You can order three different Paellas: seafood, meat, and vegetarian. I picked the seafood. The only "downside" of getting the Paella as a solo traveler is that I couldn’t finish it. This would be a perfect dish to share with friends; other than that, it was so good.
I did not opt for the lobster because I was there solo. This is a must-stop while you are in the Miami Beach area. They are ideally located on Lincoln Road, which is excellent for shopping and walking off the Paella. You are also not too far from the beach!
Rosa Sky
If you are a person who loves city views, have a drink or two. This place is for you! Rosa Sky is a rooftop bar in the heart of Brickell, Miami. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the skyline. It was recommended to me by a friend who lives in Miami as a place you need to go, so I visited on my last night. Parking isn't easy there, so I suggest you park a couple blocks down at the mall and walk.
Stepping into the elevator at Rosa Sky, you're immediately greeted by vibrant art and a special message on the ceiling. As the doors open onto the rooftop, you're welcomed by a fun, cool, and kind of sexy décor. I visited during sunset when the place was starting to come alive with the evening's energy.
Drinks were expensive, but you pay for the view and the vibe. I highly recommend you go and experience the vibes. Right before I planned to leave, I met this woman who was celebrating her birthday solo, and we chatted about traveling, especially solo traveling. That made me stay for one more drink and enjoy the sunset a little more.
This is a great place for solo travelers because of its welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to meet new people. The rooftop bar setting is perfect for striking up conversations and making new friends.
As you can see, there are different types of places to to visit, from low-key to more fancy options. That is how I like to try different places: mixing in low to high, especially if they have a great view! In the comments, tell me what place you like the most and what places I should visit the next time I'm in Miami for work!
