Where to Enjoy Delicious Comfort Food in Miami

A cheesy pizza tends to help fade away any daily distress with its warmth. A true treat is personalizing it to your specific taste, topping it with whatever accouterments you crave. That’s truly the cherry (tomato) on top of the cake (er, pie). Vegetable lovers can rejoice with a slew of options like eggplant, zucchini, kale, and peppers, while meat lovers aren’t far behind with vast selections of salami, sausage, and pepperoni. Plus, if you’re not a fan of marinara, there’s a whole section of white-sauced pizzas just for you.

Sometimes you just need to get your hands dirty to destress. Well, at this barbecue joint there are plenty of options where you’ll find yourself savoring every bite as sauce drips down your hand. Brisket and pulled pork sandwiches are piled high with juicy meat while tender ribs and saucy wings await you with their timeless and cherished messiness. Take a break, pick up a fork, and don’t forget the watermelon salad, mac and cheese, and elote sides.

This is Latin comfort at its best. Discover celebrated chef Michelle Bernstein’s take on it and you’ll be craving it next time you’re in a rut.  But before you even get to your table, stop by the bar (it was named one of the World’s 50 Best Bars) and sip on a typical daiquiri or mojito. For dinner, order classic dishes like the arroz con pollo or lechon. Bernstein also shines with new takes on traditional dishes like the Cuban sandwich empanadas and lobster croquetas.

This French-inspired bistro is serving up comfort food with plenty of joy-inducing carbs. For a sweet treat try the croissant French toast served with vanilla cream and berries or the pastelito pancakes with cream cheese mousse and guava preserve. If you’re looking for savory, order the croque madame, a classic French sandwich stuffed with smoked ham, Swiss cheese, and the creamiest Dijon bechamel that’s then topped with shredded gruyere and a poached egg. Then get ready for the best full-belly nap you’ve ever had.

If you’re looking for an impressive spread of comfort food that will embrace your appetite, then this diner has it all. On the menu you’ll find latkes, conch fritters, Cuban sandwich spring rolls, spicy oxtail, and a Philly cheesesteak. It’s open daily for lunch and dinner plus Sunday brunch so regardless of when the hunger hits, this quintessential Miami diner’s menu – reflective of the city’s medley of cultures and cuisines – is open and ready to welcome you in.

Call 305-756-0366 for reservations.

What started as a humble taco stand in Mexico has transformed into a multi-state enterprise and we’re lucky enough to have two (more outposts forthcoming) locations here. Satisfy your taco craving with its selections that range from pasture-raised Berkshire pork to refried black beans with sweet potatoes. Whether you opt for a taco, burrito or quesadilla, expect the tortillas to be fully loaded.

Diner classics get a makeover at this Manhattan import. Its location under the lush trees makes it the perfect spot for all-day dining in a serene setting. New York-style lox bagels and custom omelets share the menu with a steamy matzo ball soup and a gooey tuna melt. And if you want to up your brunch game, try the seared veal dumplings or latke royale served with its own tin of caviar and all the necessary embellishments.

There’s something about buttery, carb-heavy, decadent Southern fare that comforts us. Well, Yardbird excels in classic Southern dishes with an elevated twist. Start with one of its signature old fashioneds and pair it with the ever-creamy deviled eggs topped with smoked trout roe and the skillet cornbread served with dreamy honey butter. Satisfy your hankering for fried chicken with its chicken and waffles specialty. It would be a sin to eat here and not order it. Other rich options include shrimp & grits and the sweet tea braised short rib.

Call 305-538-5220 for reservations.

One of Miami’s comfort food trailblazers, this Wynwood darling has stood the test of time. Its unique menu offers suggestions to dishes you didn’t even know you were hungry for. The truffle grilled cheese, chicken pot pie, and meatloaf are American classics that won’t disappoint. If you’re a bruncher, the chicken and waffle sandwich, sticky buns or chocolate dipped waffle will all ease your Sunday scaries.

Warm Caribbean hospitality, savory Jamaican cuisine, and an artsy vibe are all staples here. The brightly painted space reflects the food’s radiant flavors. Rice, seafood, and sweet and smoky jerk reign supreme here with tropical dishes like jerk chicken, crispy whole snapper, goat curry served with rice, and oxtail served with rice and peas. 

Call 786-334-5150 for reservations.

The brick-and-mortar of the famed food truck grants you access to its melt-in-your-mouth (and all over your hands) sandwich creations without having to track down the moving vehicle. Come here for cheese overload in all its glory. But you won’t find just a basic grilled cheese here. Its menu offers uncommon concoctions that are worth every bite like the Frito pie melt with house chili, American cheese, and Fritos, the grilled harvest with spiced apples and Havarti cheese or the crabby cheese melt with crab salad and sharp cheddar. 

Call 305-989-4019 for reservations.