Must-Try Eats: The Best Food Spots in Miami, Seattle, and Phoenix

When we travel back to places we’ve visited or lived, we have certain food spots we have to visit. If you’re a foodie like us looking for your next culinary adventure, these three cities have incredible eats you won’t want to miss. From Cuban sandwiches in Miami to fresh seafood in Seattle, here are the go-to places to eat in each city.

Miami: A Flavor Explosion of Latin and Seafood Delights

Miami is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene reflects that. Here’s where to eat:

• Versailles Restaurant (Little Havana) – No trip to Miami is complete without stopping at this Cuban institution. Their Cuban sandwich and cafecito (Cuban coffee) are legendary.
• Joe’s Stone Crab (South Beach) – A must-visit for fresh seafood lovers. Try their stone crab claws and famous Key lime pie.
• CVI.CHE 105 (Downtown) – One of the best Peruvian spots in town. Their ceviche is fresh, tangy, and absolutely delicious.
• Kaluz (Fort Lauderdale) – A waterfront dining experience with a modern American menu and fresh seafood options.
• Little Havana Restaurant (Multiple locations) – A top spot for authentic Cuban cuisine, offering delicious ropa vieja and vaca frita.
• Red Ginger (South Beach) – A great place for Asian fusion cuisine, known for its sushi and robata-grilled dishes.
• Tarka Karahi and Kabab House (Coral Springs) – A must-visit for lovers of Pakistani and Indian cuisine, famous for its karahi and kababs.
• Al Salam Halal Mediterranean Restaurant (Plantation) – A fantastic spot for Middle Eastern food, featuring shawarma, falafel, and hummus.

Seattle: Coffee, Seafood, and Teriyaki

Seattle is known for its coffee culture, unbeatable seafood, and a surprisingly strong teriyaki scene. Here’s where to grab a bite:

• Toulouse Petit (Queen Anne) – A fantastic spot for Cajun & Creole-inspired brunch with dishes like shrimp and grits.
• The Pink Door (Pike Place Market) – A cozy, romantic Italian spot with mouthwatering lasagna and seafood pasta.
• Un Bien (Formerly Paseo)(Ballard) – Famous for their Caribbean-style grilled pork sandwiches, this hidden gem is worth the trip.
• Ichi Teriyaki (Lynnwood) – Located North of Seattle, Ichi Teriyaki is a standout in Seattle’s teriyaki game, known for its rich, flavorful sauces and tender meats.
• Wild Ginger (Multiple locations) – A Seattle staple offering delicious Pan-Asian cuisine, including their famous seven-flavor beef.
• Ivar’s (Multiple locations) – Whether it’s their fish and chips or their clam chowder, Ivar’s is an essential stop for seafood lovers.
• Tat’s Deli (Pioneer Square) – A top spot for East Coast-style Philly cheesesteaks and hoagies.
• Maltby Café (Maltby) – A bit outside of Seattle, but worth the trip for their giant cinnamon rolls and hearty breakfasts.
• Din Tai Fung / Dough Zone (Multiple locations) – The best places in town for soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) and other delicious dim sum dishes.

Phoenix: Southwest Flavors and Bold BBQ

Phoenix brings bold flavors to the table with its mix of Mexican, Southwestern, and BBQ favorites.

• Barrio Café (Central Phoenix) – Known for its gourmet Mexican food, especially the cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork).
• Little Miss BBQ (South Phoenix) – If you love smoked meats, their brisket and pork ribs are a must-try.
• The Breadfruit & Rum Bar (Downtown) – A unique spot serving up amazing Jamaican jerk chicken with a killer selection of rum.
• Kura Sushi (Multiple locations) – A fun, conveyor belt sushi experience with fresh rolls and Japanese dishes.
• 99 Ranch (Multiple locations) – A must-visit Asian supermarket with a food court featuring authentic Chinese, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese eats.
• Tikka Shack (Multiple locations) – A casual Indian eatery offering flavorful butter chicken and tikka masala.
• Feringhee (Chandler) – Upscale Indian cuisine with modern takes on classic dishes like lamb chops and tandoori specialties.
• Taqueria Mi Casita (Chandler) – A hidden gem serving some of the best authentic street tacos and burritos in town.
• A Sushi & Grill (Tempe) – A great all-you-can-eat spot for Japanese sushi, grilled meats, and hibachi-style dishes.

Final Bite

Whether you’re craving seafood in Seattle, Cuban cuisine in Miami, or Tacos in Phoenix, these food spots will make your trip unforgettable. Have you been to any of these? Let us know your favorites!