In the vibrant culinary landscape of Kendall, Miami, you’ll find a delightful mix of flavors and cuisines waiting to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor exploring the area, these top 10 Kendall restaurants promise an exceptional dining experience. In this guide, we’ll take you on a gastronomic journey, highlighting the best dishes, ambiance, and reasons why each restaurant deserves a spot on your must-visit list.
1. Ghee Indian Kitchen
Ghee Indian Kitchen is a Miami gem, where traditional Indian dishes meet a unique Miami twist. The bhel puri chaat, a fusion of bhel puri and ceviche, is a must-try. Fresh ingredients sourced from Ghee’s own farm in Homestead ensure a delightful dining experience.
- Location: Kendall
- Good for: Exploring Unique Indian Fusion
- Famous Dish: Bhel Puri Chaat
- Why Visit: Experience Indian cuisine with a Miami twist, sourced from their own farm in Homestead. Try the turmeric-marinated fish and avocado-infused bhatura.
2. Apocalypse BBQ
Apocalypse BBQ, located amidst the greenery of Killian Greens golf course, offers mouthwatering burgers, wings, and smoked cafecito-rubbed ribs. Be prepared for a short wait, but it’s worth it for the delicious food and occasional free beer.
- Location: Kendall
- Good for: Mouthwatering Barbecue
- Famous Dish: Cafecito-Rubbed Ribs
- Why Visit: Located on Killian Greens golf course, this spot serves incredible burgers, juicy wings, and ribs. Get there early, as they often run out of items due to high demand.
3. Hungry Bear Sub Shop
Hungry Bear Sub Shop is all about customization. Create your dream sandwich with a wide array of ingredients, from teriyaki sauce to muenster cheese. It’s a judgment-free zone for sandwich enthusiasts.
- Location: Kendall
- Good for: Customizable Sandwiches
- Famous Dish: Build Your Own Sub
- Why Visit: Create your dream sandwich with endless combinations. It’s a judgment-free zone where you can craft your own delicious masterpiece.
4. Vegan Cuban Cuisine
Experience the best of Cuban flavors with a vegan twist at Vegan Cuban Cuisine. Their “beef” empanadas and Cuban sandwiches made with mojo-seasoned jackfruit are exceptionally tasty, even for carnivores.
- Location: Kendall
- Good for: Authentic Cuban Vegan Food
- Famous Dish: “Beef” Empanadas
- Why Visit: Experience the flavors of traditional Cuban cuisine with a vegan twist. Don’t miss the “beef” empanadas and the outdoor seating reminiscent of Cuban cafeterias.
5. Shibui Japanese Restaurant
Shibui Japanese Restaurant, a Kendall staple since the ’80s, offers a range of traditional Japanese dishes. Try sukiyaki, beef tataki, and age dashi tofu in a retro, two-story loft setting reminiscent of the late ’70s.
- Location: Kendall
- Good for: Traditional Japanese Dishes
- Famous Dish: Sukiyaki
- Why Visit: Enjoy classic Japanese dishes in a retro two-story loft setting. Try sukiyaki, beef tataki, age dashi tofu, and oshitashi.
6. Shorty’s Bar-B-Q
Shorty’s Bar-B-Q, a Kendall institution for 70 years, offers solid barbecue. Their spare ribs, baked beans, and coleslaw are crowd favorites. And don’t miss their indulgent key lime pie for dessert.
- Location: Kendall
- Good for: Classic BBQ
- Famous Dish: Spare Ribs
- Why Visit: A Kendall institution for 70 years, Shorty’s offers solid barbecue. Try the spare ribs with a side of baked beans and coleslaw.
7. Jamaica Kitchen
Jamaica Kitchen brings Chinese-Jamaican fusion to Kendall. Enjoy jerk chicken and shrimp fried rice in a relaxed strip mall setting. Pair your meal with a refreshing peanut punch.
- Location: Kendall
- Good for: Jamaican-Chinese Fusion
- Famous Dish: Jerk Chicken
- Why Visit: Experience the unique blend of Chinese and Jamaican cuisine. Try the jerk chicken and peanut punch.
8. Fritanga Monimbo
Fritanga Monimbo offers Nicaraguan delights in Kendall. From grilled skirt steak to braised lengua, their menu is a treat for casual diners. Most prefer takeout, but there’s some indoor seating available.
- Location: Kendall
- Good for: Authentic Nicaraguan Fare
- Famous Dish: Grilled Skirt Steak
- Why Visit: Enjoy grilled skirt steak, queso frito, braised lengua, and fresco de chia in a casual setting.
9. South Garden Chinese Restaurant
If you’re a dim sum lover, South Garden Chinese Restaurant is your go-to spot. Visit on weekends for the full push cart experience. Their baked roast pork buns and fun gor are simply irresistible.
- Location: Kendall
- Good for: Dim Sum
- Famous Dish: Baked Roast Pork Buns
- Why Visit: Visit on weekends for the full dim sum experience. The restaurant offers delicious baked roast pork buns and fun gor.
10. Ernesto’s Mexican Taco Shop
Ernesto’s Mexican Taco Shop satisfies your Tex-Mex cravings. Try a chimichanga, quesadilla, or carne asada fries while sipping on horchata. The combination platters are perfect if you can’t decide.
- Location: Kendall
- Good for: Fast-Casual Tex-Mex
- Famous Dish: Chimichanga
- Why Visit: Enjoy Tex-Mex favorites like chimichangas and quesadillas. Ernesto’s is the ideal spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
In the heart of Miami’s Kendall neighborhood, a world of culinary delights awaits. These top 10 restaurants offer a diverse range of flavors, from Indian-Miami fusion to classic barbecue and plant-based Cuban cuisine. Whether you’re dining with family, friends, or on a solo adventure, Kendall’s dining scene has something to satisfy every palate. So, venture into Kendall’s vibrant food culture, savor unforgettable dishes, and create cherished memories in this gastronomic haven. Remember, the best way to explore Kendall is one delicious bite at a time.
