TASTE 2024 miaminewtimes.com 22 TASTE 2024 miaminewtimes.com 22 M iami is home to a pleth- ora of incredible restau- rants, and most of them receive plenty of press and fan- fare. But some places with deserv- edly devoted followings manage to fly under the radar, and they might be the most special of all. Below, listed in alphabetical order, are 9 of those wonderful but underrated establishments: Miami’s best hidden gems. THE BUTCHER SHOP AND DELI 14235 S. Dixie Hwy., Palmetto Bay 305-253-9525 This old-fashioned meat counter and Cuban deli is a Pinecrest hidden gem, offering casual bites like pan con lechón and some of the best breakfasts in the area. Whether you stop by for breakfast or lunch or arrange for them to cater your Nochebuena, this unpretentious hole in the wall is guaranteed to satisfy. DON MAGUEY MEXICAN RESTAURANT 4747 W. Flagler St., Miami 786-558-5650 You know you’re in for a treat as soon as you step into Oaxa- can gem Don Maguey. The place is small but quaint, and the complimentary chips are delicious. Expect authentic, flavorful, and juicy dishes. The service, welcoming the minute you walk through the door, is a rarity in these harried times. EL CARAJO INTERNATIONAL TAPAS & WINE 2465 SW 17th Ave., Coral Gables 305-856-2424 Some of the best tapas in Miami can be found in a Coral Gables gas station convenience store. Past the shelves of motor oil, sodas, and potato chips, you’ll find El Carajo, a thoroughly charming wine and tapas bar that offers a 2,000-bottle wine list and a roster of tapas and main plates that’s nearly as exten- sive. Even better, wine and food alike are exceptional values. ENRIQUETA’S SANDWICH SHOP 186 NE 29th St., Miami 305-573-4681 A simple sandwich shop at Wyn- wood’s northeast corner, Enri- queta’s remains a holdout in the race to turn Miami into a sea of condominiums and Lululemons. The restaurant is one of the most democratic in the city, its clien- tele a steady stream of construc- tion workers, galleristas, tourists, and dwellers of the aforemen- tioned condos (David Beckham once paid a visit), all dropping by for their cafecito fixes and Cuban sandwiches (which are outfit- ted with a bonus in the form of croquetas pressed into the bread along with the meat and cheese). GUADALAJARA MEXICAN RESTAURANT 8461 SW 132nd St., Pinecrest 786-242-4444 Yes, the expected offerings domi- nate the menu. But Guadalajara goes a step beyond by offering authentic Mexican fare. Patrons in search of a light meal would do well with the caldo de res (beef stew), which comes with slices of lime and freshly made tortillas. For larger appetites, the tamales are delicious and filling. But the most impressive dish served here is the whole red snapper, marinated with spices and onions, deep fried, and served with your choice of sides. MARY’S COIN LAUNDRY (MARY'S CAFE) 2542 SW 27th Ave., Miami 305-443-6672 Mary’s Coin Laundry and Cafeteria opened in 1982 as a simple washhouse. Owner Victor Sanchez, a construc- tion worker and son-in-law of the Mary for whom the place is named, noticed that young people preferred to wash their clothes at night, so he added a coffee window. Through the years, the building expanded, the coffee window was trans- formed into a café, and the joint began 24-hour service. Whether you’re of a mind to down a medianoche sandwich, sip a cup of café con leche, or order a choripan, you’re in for an oh-so-very-305 treat at Mary’s. MATSURI 5759 Bird Rd., Miami 305-663-1615 Since 1988, Matsuri, tucked in the middle of a strip mall west of Coral Gables, has been one of the best places in Miami for authentic — and astonishingly affordable — sushi. The menu contains dozens of options, including nonsushi dishes, but what stands out are the numerous traditional Japanese delicacies rarely found in the United States — like ankimo (monkfish liver) and nama uni, sparkling-fresh sea urchin. Also always available: toro, the buttery tuna belly, at far friendlier prices than you’ll find elsewhere in Miami. MI RINCONCITO MEXICANO 1961 SW Eighth St., Miami 305-644-4015 The décor at Mi Rinconcito is sparse, the fare simple — just like you’d find at a south-of-the- border cantina. Guests begin with complimentary thick tortilla chips and thin, potent red salsa. Tacos are rolled around your choice of pork, lamb, tongue, ground beef, chicken, chorizo, and so forth, adorned only with onions and cilantro. Other offerings include quesadillas, flautas, sopes, and home-cooked specialties such as pozole: a hearty, richly spiced stew of pork, ham hock, and hominy. SHADDAI FINE LEBANESE CUISINE 9519 S. Dixie Hwy., Pinecrest 786-401-7714 A culinary oaisis tucked in a strip mall, Shaddai is owned by Bethlehem-born Anton Sam- mour, AKA Chef Tony, who has been cooking Lebanese food since he was 8 years old. His wife, Elizabeth, a native of Guatemala, works the front of the house. If you make it through the plethora of appetizers, you will be greeted by kebabs, lemon chicken, rack of lamb, and spicy fish. You might also be greeted by a server saying, “Con permiso,” as she reaches to fill your water, reminding you that you’re still in Miami and not at the crossroads of the Mediter- ranean Sea and the Middle East. Service may be slow, but for now, there’s only one person in the kitchen, and he says, “I would rather have people wait a bit longer than have a bad meal.” [email protected] Photo by Alexandra Klumpp of @BeyondSouthBeach Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant 9 underrated Miami restaurants. Dig These! BY NICOLE LOPEZ-ALVAR
