If you've got Caribbean fare on the brain, you're in luck: we've found the freshest Miami eateries to quell your cravings. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for classic island fare.
La Completa Latina
650 N.E. 79th St.
La Completa Latina is an all-day, cafeteria-style and a la carte Cuban spot. Located at 650 N.E. 79th St., it serves breakfast foods all day in addition to its coffee, sandwiches and plates.
On the menu, look for sandwiches like the chivito, piled with steak, bacon, ham, cheese, eggs, lettuce, tomatoes and onions. The daily specials for cafeteria food include fish in Creole sauce and beef Cuban style. For dessert, diners can finish things off with a plate of guava shells and cheese.
With five stars out of just two Yelp reviews so far, the signs look good for the new eatery.
"Food is great and the service is awesome. The owners are very friendly and attentive to their customers," approved Yelper Nayda M.
La Completa Latina is open from 8 a.m.–9 p.m. daily.
Mofongo
1644 S.W. Eighth St., Little Havana
Mofongo is an upscale new Puerto Rican restaurant, located at 1644 S.W. Eighth St. in Little Havana. It has multiple versions of the eponymous mofongo (green plantains mashed with salt, garlic and olive oil in a wooden pestle), as we recently reported.
Diners can expect to find signature dishes like the mofongo relleno camarones, a shrimp-stuffed mofongo; or skirt steak mofongo with garlic cream. To accompany the meal, look for cocktails like piña colada and sangria, and desserts like tres leches cake or guava-topped cheesecake.
Mofongo's current Yelp rating of 3.5 stars out of 41 reviews indicates the newcomer is finding its way, but it's still early days.
"Portion sizes were pretty big, presentation was great, and the food was delicious! The side of arroz con gandules was also decent," said Yelper Ileana P., but also called the food "overpriced."
Yelper Tiffany A. praised food but noted, "The service was a mess... They would literally only come over to our table if we called them for something because they were running around overwhelmed."
Mofongo is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 11 a.m.–midnight on Friday-Sunday. (It's closed on Monday.)
Paladar & Grill
6799 W. Flagler St., Flagami
Paladar & Grill is a Cuban-Puerto Rican hybrid restaurant located at 6799 W. Flagler St. in Flagami.
Diners can start the meal with appetizers such as queso frito (fried cheese) and croquettes. Signature entrees include the Caribbean salmon and mofongo stuffed with skirt steak or shrimp. (You can check out the full menu here.)
Early customers are excited about Paladar & Grill, which currently holds five stars out of three reviews on the site.
"Finally some good Puerto Rican food at a good price," said Yelper Peter V., who was one of the first users to visit Paladar & Grill on August 24. "Great service. The mofongo was delicious. ... Clean and very cozy place."
Carlos C. agreed, "My mofongo filled with shrimp was absolutely delicious. The staff is super friendly and food very affordable!"
Paladar & Grill is open from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.–7 p.m. on Sunday.
