Traveling can work up one heck of an appetite. Luckily, Miami International Airport has plenty of restaurants in every terminal with grab-and-go or local dining options. You may want to book tickets with a longer layover to check out these airport eateries.
North Terminal
Cafe Versailles
The original Cafe Versailles opened in 1971, and Cuban exiles immediately found a taste of home in South Florida. It’s now a Miami institution, and the line to grab a piping hot Cuban coffee or the famous Cuban sandwich can get quite long. The yuca croquettes are a delicious quick snack. The “Calle Ocho Special” is stacked high with turkey, sweet ham, bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on crispy Cuban bread. The plantain chips it’s served with are dangerously addictive. You don’t have to take a trip to the airport to enjoy Cafe Versailles; the restaurant ships nationally through Gold Belly.
Beaudevin
Long layovers call for a glass of world-class wine and a snack. Beaudevin has just the right vintage by the glass and the perfect food item to pair with it. Wine is served in by the glass, bottle, or in a three-ounce tasting portion making it easy to sample your way around the globe. Beaudevin has taken some of the guesswork out of wine tasting and prepared various flights like the “Provocative Pinots” and a tour of Italy. The obligatory cheese and charcuterie boards are available, but a few tartines also bring out the best in each glass.
Central Terminal
Cafe La Carreta
Not a lot of time between connections? Grab a Cuban snack on the go from Cafe La Carreta. It serves all of the best Cuban comfort foods like pastelitos, croquetas and sandwiches on crusty bread. The imperial saffron rice with juicy chicken, peas, roasted peppers and hard-boiled egg will make anyone within sniffing distance jealous of your meal. A shot of Cuban espresso will give you the jolt you need to shake off the jet lag.
Sushi Maki
Chill vibes and bright, fresh sushi is what you’re in for at Sushi Maki. There are no preservatives, no artificial ingredients, and absolutely zero pretenses here. Start with the gyoza (little pockets of flavor joy), the tuna tataki or the chicken yakitori skewers. A wide selection of creative rolls or sushi is available by the piece, either sashimi or nigiri style—or dine Polynesian-style with a poke bowl. Then, keep the fun flowing with a glass of bubble tea in flavors like lychee, taro, guava and passionfruit.
South Terminal
Gilbert’s Food Bar
Start the morning out right with a pastry from one of Miami’s most famous Cuban bakeries. Gilbert’s Food Bar opened its original location in 1928 and quickly became a favorite neighborhood spot. The location in the south terminal is always busy, with weary travelers grabbing a coffee and a quick bite. There are latin staples like croquetas, pastelitos, and empanadillas. Next, feed the whole family with a platter. The Spanish tortilla serves eight and is a steal at only $15. Or try the 45-piece brunch platter with croquetas, bocaditos, menesier and a whole lot more.
Nathan’s Famous
Lots of New Yorkers migrate to Miami for the winter. Thankfully, there’s a little taste of home waiting for them at the gate. Nathan’s Famous serves up the illustrious dogs, burgers, and its renowned crinkle-cut fries all day long. Get your dog the way you want it: Chicago-style, sauerkraut, chili cheese, or as the fan-favorite two dog combo with fries and a drink. If you’re in the airport bright and early, Nathan’s also serves a limited breakfast menu, including bagels, egg sandwiches, muffins and a breakfast burger.
