Hey bargain lovers we know you've spent money on on your trip to Miami, but this sun-kissed paradise does not have to break your vacation budget. We have scoured Miami Beach to uncover the most affordable restaurants to eat and imbibe in for your vacationing pleasure.
South of Fifth (SoFi)
Buon Pane Italiano Bakery: This artisan Italian bakery is hailed as the "best bakery on the beach." Master baker Alberto from the southeast region of Italy—Puglia—bakes everything from scratch—flour, yeast, salt, water and nothing else. A plain slice of pizza or croissant will set you back a mere $1.90 and flavorful olive bread $2.50. 729 5th St., Miami Beach, Florida, 305.646.8144.
Sandwich Qbano: Despite being a Colombian franchise there are some Cuban fare to delight in at Sandwich Qbano, including a $5.80 eight-inch Medianoche made with roast beef, ham, pork, mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and their secret sauce. The Ropa vieja, another Cuban staple, is a local favorite and a steal at $6.20. Tortilla chips ($2.50) are a good side to pair to complete this inexpensive meal. 110 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305.535.3031.
My Ceviche: With four locations throughout Miami, My Ceviche is a no-fuss beach shack serving up wild-caught fish for takeout or delivery. Stop in here for some tasty picnic items on your way to the beach. Choose a taco with your choice of fish, shrimp, octopus or raw tuna for $3.50 or salads made with seasonal fruits and veggies $6.95. 235 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, Florida, 305.397.8710.
South Beach (SoBe)
Larios on the Beach: With all the attention on Cuba these days, the famed Ocean Drive eatery owned by celebrity couple Gloria and Emilio Estefan is the place to be for Cuban cuisine. But we recommend its happy hour too. Grab a seat at the bar Monday through Friday, 3 pm to 7 pm, for some Botran Rum specialty cocktails or craft beer for $7, while wine by the glass is $5 and a menu of light bites with mini-Cuban classics (croquettes, Cuban sandwiches and ceviche) ranges from $5 to $7. 820 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida, 305.532.9577.
Chalan on the Beach: Miami is a hotbed of Peruvian restaurants; you know the country that brought the world ceviche and other inventive fare. If you've never tried the cuisine, Chalan on the Beach is a good opportunity to be an adventurous eater. Traditional dishes like aji de gallina (shredded chicken in a Parmesan cheese sauce) and cilantro beef stew with white race and white beans are inexpensive for $10.95 and $11.95. The desserts (tiramisu, tres leches, suspiro limena, coconut flan) are a steal at $4.95. 1580 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, Florida, 305.532.8880.
Taquiza: Nutritionists say "breakfast is the most important meal of the day" so to stay true to the saying, Taquiza wants to get you started with a big hearty breakfast.
From 8 am to noon, saunter on over for huevos a la Mexicana (Mexican-style scrambled eggs with pico de gallo, cream and tortillas) for $7. They also serve 10 kinds of tacos all-day made with blue corn tortillas for $3.50. Located underneath the Hi Miami Beach Hostel. 1506 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, Florida, 305.748.6099.
The Continental Miami: First there's a resort-style hotel across from the Atlantic Ocean, with a welcoming and friendly vibe—Aloft South Beach. Add an exciting new dining destination by acclaimed restaurateur Stephen Starr—The Continental Miami—and you have a recipe for success.
With a daily happy hour from 5 to 7 pm, this retro diner takes you on a trip to Old Havana with its Dominicana Old Fashioned specialty drink. Prepared with Dominican rum stirred with cinnamon infused coconut water, the drink is only $5. Order a Sapporo, Founders All Day IPA or PBR for $3 if you crave a cold beer. The five $5 bar bites aren't bad either and include chicken sliders, chicken tacos, cheesesteak egg roll, samosas and some hummus, cucumber and pita bread. 2360 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, Florida, 305.604.2000.
Mid-Beach (Collins Avenue from 25th to 50th streets)
The Salty Donut: Take advantage of these sweet treats while you can. This pop-up shop and coffee bar in the backyard of the Confidante Hotel specializes in craft donuts. Open Thursday through Sunday, 8 am until 2 pm (or until sold out, whichever comes first) has hit the right note in Miami. The Salty Donut's menu is ever-changing but at some point you can treat yourself to a guava and cheese brioche donut, maple bacon or a gluten-free baked chocolate cake donut. Prices are all under $10. After September catch them at their new brick-and-mortar location in the Wynwood/Design District neighborhood set to open late-summer 2016. 4041 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, Florida, 305.925.8126.
Talde Miami Beach: What would normally cost you $15 and over, between midnight and 4 am at Talde Miami Beach you can enjoy for $10. That's right the namesake eatery of Top Chef Dale Talde at the ritzy The Confidante, offers a late-night menu of chilled sesame noodles, pork lo mein, Benton's bacon dumplings, samosas and tater tots starting at $5. 4041 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, Florida, 786.605.4094.
North Beach (Collins Avenue from 63rd Street to 87th Terrace)
Sazon Cuban Cuisine: Enjoy traditional Cuban fare and new twists on classic dishes at this family-style restaurant near Northshore Park. The special lunch menu offers entrees for $7.95 that come with your choice of two sides (white rice, black beans, fried sweet plantains or side salad). Besides lunch, Sazon Cuban Cuisine features daily deals on hearty Cuban dishes that include everything from pork fricassee to braised ox tail and Spanish seafood stew in a Creole sauce. 7305 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, 305.861.4727.
Katana Japanese: Since 1993 Katana Japanese has been a hidden gem in the North Beach neighborhood. With a conveyor-type system where you grab the food as it goes by on a boat, this tiny hidden gem can have a lengthy wait. Once you get seated, you can't beat the prices ranging from four-piece California or Dynamite roll for $1.50 to two-piece sushi for $1.75 and shrimp tempura roll for $2.50. 920 71st St., Miami Beach, Florida, 305.864.0037.