Miami "unofficial" restaurant guide and reviews (Hialeah, Hollywood: home, live)

[induhvidual]

Do not see a restaurant thread here so lets start one for and by foodies
These are some of my faves.
Please recommend/review your faves here--

LUNG GONG
This is my all time favorite restaurant.
Just west of FIU on sw 8th street, the place is really a bare-bones eatery but the food is fit for the gods.
There are two menus, ask for the authentic chinese menu, the variety is really amazing.
My favorite here is the chili chicken w/peanuts and the pork bellies
Also they make their chicken soup with real chicken stock and it has that chickeney flavor that we all relish. A lot of chinese restaurants use plain water and the soups taste like nothing. Foodies will know what I am talking about. Ask for Sylvia.
I give it five stars

MIAMI SUBS GRILL 14001 sw 88th street
The best grilled wings I have tasted, not too sweet or spicy, juicy meat between the bones and the best meal for under $.
Gyros are pretty good too--

GREEN PAPAYA
If you like vietnamese food, this is the place to go to. Just off the Palmetto on nw 67ave in Hialeah.
I have tried Hy Vong on 8th street and also Pho Thang in Perrine but GP is the better one.

5 GUYS
For a quick burger fix, you cannot afford to ignore these guys.
Located on Kendall drive and 124av, this place serves up 2 patties in between your buns. Try the seasoned fries and free monkey nuts that they serve-

FUDDRUCKERS Doral location
I Like this place because of its buffet style toppings that you can add to your burger. Service is quick, friendly and the place is squeaky clean.
For $, you can't beat it with a stick.

BALI INDONESIAN RESTAURANT
Just thinking of this place makes me want to take the next plane to Indonesia.
I think this must be the only Indonesian restaurant in Miami.
Owned and operated (I think, could be wrong) by two young Indonesian couples, you are made to feel right at home. Try to snag the booth on the left as soon as you enter.
My gf and I visited recently on a rainy day and sat in the booth right by the bay windows where the view stretches out forever, well at least across the street.
Try the combo platter which is large platter with beef, pork and chicken and I forget what else. Combine with assorted sauces, and specially the peanut sauce and you are in heaven.
The two ladies that serve are friendly and extremely charming.
Enjoy and tell them inDUHvidual sent you.
Loc:downtown Miami.

Pizza.
What review of food would be complete without this all American food.
My personal fave is Papa Johns, but I especially like the Big Tomato pies at "The Big Tomato" on 12447 S Dixie Hwy. Yum!!

---To be continued

[doggiebus]

Pizza Kitchen in Pinecrest off of US1, basically a pick-up or delivery place all though they have some plastic chairs outside.

Panera Bread fresh breads and just all around good and cheap. They also allow pets outside.

Deli Lane good food a little of everything and cheap. They also allow dogs outside.

Trattoria Sole Italian (sp???) in South Miami on Sunset Drive. They have gotten a new cook I think because the food has changed (for the good), its really good. Small restaurant, so make a reservation.

Anacapri Italian in Pinecrest off of US1 just north of the Falls. Always great food, small restaurant and always packed make a reservation.

Bonefish Grill Seafood chain, but always great fresh fish.

Samurai Hibatchi style cook across the street from the falls. Entertaining, good food, but always packed, so go early or go late.

Mr. Moes in Coconut Grove, Great bar/Restaurant, always good food, have the mac and cheese here.

Red Fish Grill at Matheson Hamock, great environment, romantic setting, great seafood, make a reservation. The only bad thing is they don't have a full bar.

Ortanique on Miracle Mile in the Gables has great Caribbean food, nice bar.

California Pizza Kitchen Always good, large menu with many choices.

Oceanaire in Mary brickell Village is delicious can't complain other than their price.

Azul on Brikell Key is probably the best restaurant in town, the food presentation is amazing, the service is top notch, and the food is very flavorful with every bite.

JoAnn's Marketplace off of US1 in Pinecrest has great sandwiches and pastries.

[miamiblue]

When I think of a restaurant thread, I think the recommendations should stick to local businesses as opposed to chains. A few of my favorites:

Frankie's Pizza - has been there forever, delicious pizza. They sell half-baked pies and give you a slice to eat on the way home with all orders. Bird Rd and SW 91 Ave.

Blu la Pizzeria del Sole - delicious gourmet style pizza in South Miami on Sunset Dr and US-1.

Casola's - awesome pizza, very casual on US-1 and SW 17 St.

Miami's Best Pizza - a pizza staple, also in South Miami/Gables area off US-1.

The Big Cheese - pizza and Italian fare.

Ciro's - pizza and Italian. Very small dining area, but very intimate; good Italian food and pizza. Across from The Falls.

John Martin's - Irish pub and restaurant, Miracle Mile.

Randazzo's Little Italy - awesome small Italian restaurant in the Gables.

Shibui - incredible and authentic Japanese and sushi in South Miami at Sunset and SW 102 Ave.

Sea Siam - Thai and sushi on US-1 and SW 127 St.

Fox's Sherron Inn - off US-1 in South Miami. Fox's has the city's #2 liquor license (after Tobacco Road). It is a relic with a cult following - you'll know why once you step back in time when you walk through the door. Food is good, atmosphere is dark and intimate restaurant/lounge, the jukebox is free and the clientele are eclectic. Try the Thumbits, medium rare!

[induhvidual]

Originally Posted by miamiblue

When I think of a restaurant thread, I think the recommendations should stick to local businesses as opposed to chains. A few of my favorites:

[. Try the Thumbits, medium rare!

Great post and yes I agree with you. Let's keep the focus on the indies for most part.
C'mon guys, let us know your faves, don't keep no secrets

[promarketing]

Just came from Trattoria Romana on Key Biscayne. I knew there was a pizzeria in off Crandon, but hadn't been to the place in years. Under new management, this Pizzeria has great service and amazingly affordable, good pizza (only $1.99 a slice, with fresh mushrooms just 50 cents more). Very authentic. They also have an extensive menu of Italian pasta, panini, etc., hav free delivery to the Key and Brickell area.

I've copied the contact info here...they are starting out and worth supporting!
Trattoria Romana
260 Crandon Blvd., #E-35
Key Biscayne, Florida 33149
305-361-2111

[planetsurf]

Originally Posted by miamiblue

When I think of a restaurant thread, I think the recommendations should stick to local businesses as opposed to chains. A few of my favorites:

Blu la Pizzeria del Sole - delicious gourmet style pizza in South Miami on Sunset Dr and US-1.

Casola's - awesome pizza, very casual on US-1 and SW 17 St.

Miami's Best Pizza - a pizza staple, also in South Miami/Gables area off US-1.

The Big Cheese - pizza and Italian fare.

John Martin's - Irish pub and restaurant, Miracle Mile.

Shibui - incredible and authentic Japanese and sushi in South Miami at Sunset and SW 102 Ave.

Sea Siam - Thai and sushi on US-1 and SW 127 St.

Spooky -- you must be following me.

I'd add:
Matsuri for sishu. Bird & Red. Always FULL of Japanese folk.

Michy's & Michaels -- the 2 restaurants with the best buzz right now and both GREAT.

Pacals -- awesome and fair $ for what it is.

Por Fin -- only been for lunch, but their menu is the same for both -- they have half orders which is nice. GREAT service and food.

Xixon -- tapas. Real and awesome.

Joannes Marketplace -- take out deli. REALLLY good.


Thanks for the other ideas everyone.

[spyderman33]

Zuper Pollo on Coral Way (cheap and good)
Chocolate also on Coral Way
Romeo's Cafe on Coral Way

Dolores, but can call me Lolita - Next to Mary Brickell Village - Great food..
Rosa Mexicano - In Brickell Village - AMAZING Guacamole...
Balan's - Brickell Village and another one on Lincoln Road

Soyka's - 55th ST and Biscayne Blvd (the pizzeria next door is good too, also owned by Soyka - cant remember the name).

Doral Seafood - In Doral - in the Publix shopping center on 41st and 97 Ave..
Catch of the day - Lejeune right off 836...

Jake's - South Miami
Beverly Hills Cafe - South Miami

One Burger - Next to the Globe in the Gables on Alhambra.

I've heard LeTub is very good but it's in Hollywood so I don't think it qualifies.

This is what I am remembering now... More to come...

[intelfan11315]

Oceanaire: Great seafood restaurant near Mary Brickell on S. Miami Great service!!! (meal will be around 60+ per person)

The Big Cheese: Was mentioned above, great pizza,(and it has been difficult for me to find good pizza in miami) located Just off US1 past SW88 $15 or so for a 16"

Los Tres Amigos: This is my favorite restaurant to go to. It is a Mexican Restaurant for around a $7 meal + $2 dollar drink. Food is great and it always fills me up. The juice they serve is all from Mexico and I can never find them around Miami. Always the same waitress and she's very nice. Located on NW20 st and NW10 ave just down the street from Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Mi Pueblo: Colombian restaurant located in sweetwater, I've been here a few times and every single time the service is great. The meals are very big and almost guranteed to fill you up. Get the Bandeja Paisa. If you are white, it is fun to go to, I had 3 different waitresses come and start speaking with me. About $10+ drinks. Located on 10910 W. Flagler.

Camillas: Brasilian restaurant all you can eat for $10. Meat, BlackBeans and rice, good meal, good price. It is a buffet, so service isn't anything to brag about, but the people are always nice and if you need something they will get it for you right away. Located downtown on SE2nd st.

[planetsurf]

Been to Le Tub. The burgers are REALLY good and it's a fun experience. They were letting my kids feed 4 foot tarpon with frozen shrimp while we waited for a table.