If you’re craving carbs, Miami’s got you covered. From cheesy pastas and pizzas to Cuban sandwiches filled with flavor, these spots will leave you fueled up and ready to roll. Here’s where to hit up for a serious carb fix.
Café La Trova
In the heart of Little Havana, Café La Trova delivers a Cuban carb overload with its signature dishes. Start with their serrano ham croquettes and steak empanadas and then move on to their arroz con pollo, a savory and comforting Cuban classic that’s all about the perfect balance of seasoned rice and tender chicken. This dish is as filling as it is flavorful. If you’re looking to experience great live music while getting your carb fix, Café La Trova is where you want to be. Plus, the world-class cocktails are an added bonus—their bar program is renowned for good reason.
Café La Trova is located at 971 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33130. For more information, visit their official website.
Costa Med
Upscale with a Mediterranean flair, Costa Med serves up some of the best carb-heavy dishes on the island. Dig into their fried calamari and crab cake pops, or enjoy something a bit heartier like lobster ravioli or Parmesan risotto for a rich, indulgent meal. And don’t sleep on their French onion soup—it’s outstanding.
El Turco
Craving carbs with a Turkish twist? El Turco in the Upper East Side is where you’ll find it. A customer favorite is the lamb over rice, which is self-explanatory—it’s simple yet there’s a depth of flavor that checks all the boxes. Another dish to keep your eye on: the manti. These are homemade tiny beef stuffed dumplings topped with caramelized tomato sauce and garlicky yogurt sauce; you will not want to share, so make sure you get your own order. The avocado egg simit (bagel sandwich) is also worth a bite, especially if you’re more in the mood for breakfast/brunch.
Hutong
Brickell’s Hutong is one of the area’s top spots for refined Chinese cuisine. Our favorite thing to do here? Load up on dim sum offerings like truffle mushroom bao, lobster bao, pork dumplings, and prawn dumplings.
Other carb-heavy favorites that we can’t get enough of are veggie spring rolls, seafood fried rice, and dan dan noodles. What we’ve listed doesn’t even make a dent in the extensive menu, so expect a lot of other tasty fare during your visit. Regardless of what you get, you’re going to need a nap afterward (we speak from experience).
Hutong is located at 600 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit their official website.
Koko
At Koko in Coconut Grove, carbs come with a side of bold Mexican flavors. The handmade tortillas are at the heart of many dishes here, from tacos to enchiladas and more. These soft, warm tortillas are the ultimate vessel for whatever delicious filling you choose, whether it’s Yucatan-style baked pork, spicy shrimp, or something more exotic. If you’re looking to end your meal with something sweet, save room for their churros with chocolate. Koko is all about big flavors and hearty, carb-heavy dishes that will leave you ready for a nap.
Koko is located at 2856 Tigertail Ave. Coconut Grove, FL 33133. For more information, visit their official website.
La Natural
Pizza is the ultimate carb vehicle, and La Natural in Little River does it better than most. Known for their delicious sourdough pies, their pizzas are as light and airy as they are flavorful. The provolone and Calabrian chili is a fan favorite, with some nice heat that isn’t overpowering. For something just as flavorful but less spicy, consider the white sauce pizza with prosciutto speck and basil. Every slice at La Natural is a testament to the art of dough, and you’ll be thinking about this meal long after it’s over.
The Lobster Shack
For a seafood twist on classic carbs, The Lobster Shack in Miami Beach serves up comfort food with a kick. While their lobster rolls are legendary, the real star of the show for carb lovers is their decadent lobster mac. This dish combines tender lobster chunks with rich, gooey macaroni that’s the epitome of indulgence. With two convenient South Beach outposts, Lobster Shack is the perfect place to dig into carb-heavy, lobster-loaded dishes after a day in the sun.
