86 June 18–24, 2026 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES with Publix now having to compete with the likes of Trader Joe’s and Aldi. A few factors set the downtown Miami location of Whole Foods apart, mainly its extensive hot and fresh food selection and spacious seating area. The Amazon-owned chain may be known for pre- mium quality, but discounts such as half-price sushi on Fridays and the $7 two-slice pizza deal make it one of the best spots for a quick and economical lunch in the neighborhood. Plus, there’s free parking for customers, which is a serious luxury in downtown. Just try not to think about the Bezos of it all. BEST BAKERY (MIAMI-DADE) Baker and Barista 4582 NE Second Ave. Miami, 33137 786-721-2300 bakerandbaristamiami.com Clara Baio, who learned Sicilian baking from her grandparents in Italy, handles the ovens. Antonija Atanasova, a career barista origi- nally from Macedonia, handles the espresso. Together they run a small, focused bakery on a quiet stretch of Buena Vista that feels unassuming until you notice the consistent stream of regulars coming and go- ing. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the operation is tight and unfussy with a lineup of coffee, tea and other drinks alongside a rotating selection of baked goods that change through- out the day. Arrive early for the sourdough cinnamon roll before they sell out, or grab the za’atar egg danish or maple pecan crois- sant. As the morning moves on, the case shifts toward sandwiches and savory options. Truth be told, it’s hard to miss no matter what you choose. It’s always good to check Instagram stories before you head over to see what’s coming out of the ovens that day. BEST BAKERY (BROWARD) Croissan’Time French Bakery 1201 N. Federal Hwy., #4a Fort Lauderdale, 33304 954-565-8555 croissantime-french-bakery.weeblyte.com For more than three decades, Croissan’Time French Bakery has set the standard for French baking in South Florida. The longtime Fort Lauderdale favorite draws daily crowds for buttery croissants, crusty baguettes, elegant pastries and desserts that taste as though they came straight from a Parisian pâtisserie. While the line often stretches through the bakery, it moves quickly thanks to knowledge- able staff who help newcomers navigate the impressive selection of breads, quiches, cakes and sweets. Regulars rave about everything from the chocolate mousse cake to the impos- sibly good baguettes (which many consider the best they’ve had outside of France). A small but thoughtfully curated market stocked with imported European specialties adds to the experience, making it easy to leave with far more than you planned to buy. BEST BREAD (BROWARD) Wicked Bread Co. 1263 S Pine Island Rd. Plantation, 33324 305-912-7323 wickedbread.com Eddie and Betty Diaz first built a following at Yellow Green Farmers Market where their cinnamon bread became a weekend obses- sion, then pushed through the pandemic with deliveries and online orders before opening a Plantation storefront in 2024. Now the scent alone does half the marketing. Their signature loaf lands some- where between bread, cinna- mon roll and dessert fever dream. It’s fluffy, gooey, coated in cinnamon sugar and driz- zled with homemade cream cheese icing. The shop ex- panded into pastries, cof- fee and ice cream, but the main event remains that famous cinnamon bread, sold Wednesday through Sunday until closing or sell- out, whichever comes first. The menu also gets playful with limited and special loaves aplenty, proving the Diaz family knows exactly when to behave and when to get wild. BEST DELI Ocean Deli Market 1941 Liberty Ave. Miami Beach, 33139 305-538-9330 instagram.com/oceandelimarket Most people think of Miami Beach restau- rants and imagine tourist traps and expensive fine dining establishments (and Joe’s Stone Crab). For those of us who just want a simple, cheap lunch, this convenience store between the beach and the convention center, a block south of Collins Park, is a lifesaver. There’s a sandwich counter serving up Cubanos and other quick bites, a hot food bar with rice- based dishes, and all the snacks and other conveniences you’d expect from a humble bodega. It’s the perfect place to stock up for a beach picnic or avoid getting gouged by the food vendors at Art Basel. Eªt & Drink
