Just wrapped up the South Beach Food & Art Deco Tour with Miami Culinary Tours as a solo traveler — and wow, what a flavorful journey! We had cuisine from multiple cultures and it really showcased the diversity of food in Miami!
Our guide Orlando brought the culture and cuisine of South Beach to life, starting with a tropical Miami Vice smoothie at Dulce Cafeteria —it’s a refreshing blend of mango, pineapple, banana, and papaya that set the tone perfectly.
From there, we indulged in Argentinian picadillo empanadas, stuffed with seasoned beef, green olives, potatoes, and onions — a classic street food that showcases South America’s rich culinary heritage.
As we strolled through the iconic Art Deco District, we stopped at the historic Tony Hotel and Breakwater Hotel, soaking in the pastel colors, bold lines, and vintage glamour that define this 1930s architectural movement.
At Havana 1957, we sampled authentic Ropa Vieja — tender flank steak slow-cooked in Creole sauce, served with crispy plantains. This dish has roots in Cuba’s history and evokes the nostalgia of Havana’s golden era — 1957 — also remembered as the heyday of the classic Chevy Bel Air.
We paused by the legendary Versace Mansion before heading to Naked Taco, where we learned about the origins of tacos — first crafted by Mexican silver miners who wrapped their food in salted tortillas.
Next up: Call Me Cuban, a spot owned by Gloria Estefan, where we tasted delicious chicken croquetas — a creamy blend of chicken, cheese and sauce, fried to golden perfection.
We ended on a sweet note at Estefan Kitchen Express with a cafecito (a bold Cuban espresso) and a churro with dulce de leche — the perfect finale to a tour that satisfied every craving.
Between the food, the stories, and the history, this tour was the perfect way to experience the heart and flavor of South Beach. Highly recommend if you’re...
Read moreLittle Havana Food Tour was the Best My husband is a foodie and was so excited to go on the Little Havana Food and Walking Tour in Miami. I just wanted to see Little Havana. I’m a vegan so most things like this don’t have much, if anything, for me. I was still excited. I love tours! We met Bianca, our tour guide, and she was thrilled to be taking us around her city. Evidently Bianca had emailed each member of the tour, but I didn’t receive it. Too bad. In it she asked about any dietary restrictions. So, standing at our first stop where we told about ourselves, I told her I was a vegan but I had no expectation of eating anything and not to worry about any accommodations. Well, that amazing Bianca made one call and boom! I was able to sample everything!! I was blown away!! I had vegan empañadas to Cubans. It was SO delicious!! She explained so much history along the way without being in any way preachy. From Cuban coffee to Domino Park to sugar cane juice. All of it infused with the culture of Cuba and Little Havana! It was so interesting. I am so grateful for Bianca as our tour guide! My husband, who is very particular, loved the food, bought some Bella cigars and enjoyed the entire tour! I STILL can’t believe she made our FOOD tour vegan friendly!! With the snap of her fingers! If you’re a vegan, you KNOW how this usually goes! In restaurants there are very few choices, but on a food tour, you are NOT going to be able to participate!!! I am still amazed at the resourcefulness of Bianca! If you’re in Miami, do yourself a favor and check this out!! I...
Read moreI booked the 5 p.m. Little Havana Food and Walking tour and couldn’t be happier with the choice. Yes—it was insanely hot, so a portable fan is definitely your best friend. But despite the heat, the entire experience was a blast for me and my teenage daughter!
Danny, our guide, brought so much life to the tour. A Cuban native with a quick wit, he kept us laughing while sharing deep insights into Cuban culture—without getting political. His passion really came through when explaining the artistry behind Cuban cigars and the intricate process of making Cuban coffee (another added treat to enjoy!).
One of the highlights was visiting a cigar factory, where we met a master roller and learned firsthand how premium cigars are crafted using traditional tools and techniques. But let’s talk about the purpose of the tour - the food! Each bite was a celebration of Cuban flavors. From the hearty Cuban sandwich to flaky empanadas, pastelito de coco (a delicious coconut pastry I wished I had with the Cuban coffee), and the iconic Abuela Maria ice cream, it was a full-on feast. There's no way you can still be hungry when it's over!
The tour also featured live Cuban music and moments that gave us a deeper appreciation for the soul and spirit of the community. If you love tasting your way through culture and soaking up stories with heart, add this experience to your...
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