Mestiza Cafe Miami — Restaurant in Miami

I went to this cafe to study for a few hours and get a caffeinated beverage. I typically go to Aura Bistro in the Mint-Ivy-Wind condo complex since they have amazing handmade in house empanadas but wanted to just give this place a chance. It was pretty empty inside.

I ended up purchasing an iced latte with light ice which was almost $6 and a chicken empanada which was approximately $4 with tax. The empanadas are frozen and just reheated-I saw a worker get frozen ones and bring them to the front area cash register area as that area has a door to the kitchen.

The drink was brought to me and was filled to the brim with ice and a little bit of beverage. It was 98% ice and 2% actual beverage. I let it go, assuming the worker just forgot that I asked for light ice. Mistakes happen. The chicken empanada was so bland, dry and seemed like it had zero seasoning. I added salt and pepper to try to help it a bit but that didn't help either. Shrugged it off. Protein is protein.

I finished my empanada and was halfway done with my latte which had already become very watery matcha from the ice. Again, I wasn't bothered because I didn't have very high expectations for this place anyway and just wanted to study and have something to eat/drink that would be close by the apartment buildings here. Usually I am much more critical of food but this place is just a random cafe. At this point I stepped away to refill my personal water bottle.

When I came back, my latte and napkins I had been using had been taken away. I was not finished with my drink, but I assumed the waiter thought I was done and had taken it away. Ok, fine. It was extremely watery so I didn't lose anything important. Since I was planning to stay a little while longer, I thought I'll order something else in a few minutes again.

I continued working on my laptop and what seemed to be a middle aged woman in her 40s or so who may be an owner of the place came in. She looked at me a few times with her eyebrows visibly scrunched up only when she was looking in my direction-obviously looking a bit peeved maybe because I didn't have any food or beverages on my table. I'm assuming she thought I was just using the area without purchasing anything.

She was giving orders to the employees and taking a million photos of one of their very aesthetically lacking coffee cup in various areas of the restaurant.

She kept glaring at me and looking at my table to assess the lack of food and drink I had and at this point I decided to get up and order something just so she'd stop glaring as this had been going on for at least 5-7 minutes. I tried giving her a smile to placate her. If she was really concerned about me not purchasing anything, she could've just asked the worker if I had ordered anything.

I ordered a beef empanada, hoping it would be better than the chicken. The worker informed me it would take 15 minutes to make. I said that I was fine with the wait. I'm not sure if the owner saw me order as she was very busy taking a photograph of a white paper coffee cup.

I went back to my table to continue studying and 30 minutes later, my empanada was brought to the table (wait time was supposed to be 15 as mentioned before). The owner lady looked at me again and saw that I had food. The beef empanada was also lacking flavor. I ate my empanada and decided to leave. This kind of attitude and strange behavior from a grown woman was making me uncomfortable. Will definitely not recommend getting matcha or empanadas from here again. Would also not recommend coming in general because the owner is so odd and makes things uncomfortable. Aura Bistro's empanadas and drinks are a thousand times better. Their beef and their spinach empanadas have the best texture and flavors. Their dough is also delicious. Aura's prices are much better for all of their food. Mestiza's prices are worse and their...

A true hidden gem! From the moment I walked in, I felt I was about to have a special experience. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a beautiful mix of modern charm and artistic touches — the perfect setting for a peaceful coffee break or a casual meet-up. The service is thoughtful and friendly, and it’s clear that every detail has been carefully considered — from the presentation of the dishes to the overall care of the space. Now, the coffee… absolutely exceptional. The espresso is rich and aromatic, and the milk-based drinks are perfectly balanced. I also tried one of the brunch options and was genuinely impressed by the quality of the ingredients and the creativity behind the menu. Truly a place worth discovering (and returning to again and again). A refreshing moment of quality and good taste in the middle of the daily rush. Highly...

The cafe is beautiful. They did an excellent job decorating.

My concern is with their kitchen and food prep. The cooked food has given both my boyfriend and I severe stomach issues lasting 2-3 days both times we have dined. We have tried the following: salmon sandwich, chicken salad wrap, empanadas, smoothies, amongst other small things. We tried for the 2nd time yesterday to have lunch (to see if it was just a one off instance) and between then and today, our stomachs have again been in shambles.

Living in the community that houses Mestiza, it is a BEAUTIFUL spot and location. They are clean (from the what I can see) , but all is overlooked for me when the food causes...