Looking to uncover all that Isle of Normandy has to offer? Get to know this Miami Beach neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a Venezuelan bistro to a sushi and Thai spot where the cooks are known for their culinary skills and ability to carry a tune.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in Isle of Normandy, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.
1. 7tyone Restaurant & Coffee
Topping the list is the Venezuelan spot 7tyone Restaurant & Coffee. Located at 1130 Normandy Drive, it's the highest rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 140 reviews on Yelp.
Yelpers rave about the eatery's Venezuelan breakfast, which comes with arepa tortillas, eggs cooked to order, shredded beef and black beans topped with Santa Barbara cheese.
A range of Venezuelan staples — including arepas, empanadas and cachapas (griddle cakes) — anchor the menu, but you'll also find Italian pizza and pastas, and American burgers and barbecue ribs. There's also an array of espresso drinks and fresh juices.
2. Katana Japanese Restaurant
Next up is sushi bar and Japanese spot Katana Japanese Restaurant, situated at 920 71st St. With four stars out of 454 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite.
The menu features more than 40 sushi roll varieties, from California rolls to spicy tuna and shrimp tempura. Floating sushi boats also make it an ideal location date night or a group outing. Expect Katana to be crowded most nights — but that's all part of the charm. And when it comes to favorite menu items, like dumplings and gyozas, crab salad, seared tuna with spicy mayo, Yelpers agree it's worth the wait.
3. Sawaddee
Sushi bar and Thai spot Sawaddee is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 6968 Bay Drive, four stars out of 393 reviews.
At this cozy spot, don't be surprised if you hear cooks singing in the kitchen. Menu highlights include curried fish, basil beef, red curry made with chicken or veggies. and the garlic fried rice plate. Lunch specials come with steamed rice, egg rolls and a bowl of soup. And for dessert, try the popular fried cheesecake or banana and tempura ice cream.
4. Taste Buds of India
Taste Buds of India is another neighborhood go-to, with four stars out of 167 Yelp reviews. Head over to 946 Normandy Drive to see for yourself.
Courtesy of Chef Arvind Kumar, who studied hospitality in his native Kolkata and Scotland, this eatery boasts classics popular across India, vegetarian options, and dishes that fuse Indian and Chinese flavors, according the Miami New Times. Must-try items include chana masala made with tomatoes and chickpeas (ginger, garlic, coriander and garam masala add the right amount of spice) and a roasted eggplant mash that gets its kick from coriander, cumin, garlic plus a house blend of spices.
5. Restaurant Salon Canton
And then there's Restaurant Salon Canton, a local favorite with four stars out of 94 reviews. Stop by 916 71st St. to hit up the Chinese spot next time you're in the neighborhood.
Homesick Venezuelans and curious Americans flock to this small eatery from chef Bobby Acon, whose family has run restaurants in Costa Rica, Panama and Venezuela, reports Miami.com. Stand out menu items include the barbecue pork spare ribs, which are marinated overnight in a mixture of brown sugar, soy sauce, mustard, peanut butter and tomato paste. Also try the cream of corn and chicken soup, Mongolian chile and garlic beef, and Peking duck sautéed with vegetables.
