Miami Food Guide for Students

Miami Food Guide for Students

Miami is bursting with art and culture, sunshine, and, most importantly for hungry students, incredible food!

Navigating a new city on a student budget can be tricky, which is why we’ve created this Miami food guide to help you discover the best food in Miami without breaking the bank. 

What food is Miami famous for?

First, let’s talk about the iconic tastes of Miami. You can’t truly experience the city without sampling these local favorites.

Fresh seafood

Being a coastal city, seafood is a staple in Miami cuisine, including: 

  • Conch fritters
  • Fried shrimp
  • Grilled fish (grouper, snapper, Wahoo, Mahi-mahi)
  • Stone crabs (in season from October 15 to May 1) 
  • Mahi-mahi served in ceviche, tacos, or sandwiches
Latin American foods

The flavors of Miami are deeply rooted in its vibrant Latin heritage, with foods such as:

  • Arepas
  • Empanadas
  • Ceviche
  • Fish tacos
Cuban cuisine

Miami’s rich Cuban heritage has a strong influence on the local food scene, with favorites like:

  • Cuban sandwich: roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread
  • Ropa vieja: shredded beef slow-cooked in tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and bell peppers
  • Lechon asado: roast pork
  • Yuca con mojo: cassava (yuca) with garlicky mojo sauce
Key lime pie

You can’t say you’ve lived in Miami until you’ve tried a slice of sweet and tangy Key lime pie. This must-try dessert is a refreshing treat after a day in the sun.

Budget-friendly food in Miami

Finding delicious and affordable food is key for students. Here are some ideas for finding cheap meals in Miami:

Food trucks 

Miami’s thriving food truck scene offers all sorts of delicious options at reasonable prices. As you explore the city, keep an eye out for trucks serving tacos, burgers, Asian fusion, BBQ, and much, much more. They often park in places where people tend to gather, near breweries, parks, or busy street corners. You can type food trucks in Google Maps to find one near you.

Little Havana

This neighborhood is a goldmine for affordable and authentic Cuban food. Many family-run restaurants in La Havana offer daily specials that are both delicious and budget-friendly. Grab a pan con bistec (steak sandwich) or a plate of arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) for a satisfying and cheap meal.

Happy hour specials

It’s common for restaurants to offer happy hour menus where certain foods and drinks are cheaper for a few hours on specific days of the week.

Where to eat in Miami

To help you navigate the best places to eat in Miami, here are a few neighborhood highlights with student-friendly options.

Little Havana 
  • 2.5 miles west of MIU
  • Explore Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) for countless restaurants and cafes
Little Haiti
  • 4.5 miles north of MIU
  • NE 54th Street is a good place to start exploring this neighborhood’s colorful buildings and tasty Caribbean food
Wynwood
  • 2.4 miles north of MIU
  • Known for its street art, Wynwood is also full of trendy cafes, casual eateries, and food halls

Discover Miami’s unique flavors for yourself

This Miami food guide is just your starting point: the city is a culinary playground waiting to be explored. Here are some strategies to find the best food in Miami:

  • Walk around, see what looks and smells good, and notice which places are full of people (that’s usually a good sign).
  • Use websites and apps like Google Maps, Yelp, or Trip Advisor to find places to eat in Miami. Pay attention to price ranges and reviews.
  • Follow local food blogs and Miami-based food accounts on social media to stay updated on new openings, special deals, food festivals, and food-related events.
  • Ask locals and your fellow students for their favorite spots.

Now all you’ve got to do is grab some friends and start eating!

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