Found yourself in Downtown Miami‘s bustling scene, where office spaces sprawl alongside an array of mouthwatering lunch destinations? From fish caught just moments ago to authentic tacos dripping with sauce and even an upscale pan-Latin buffet, we’re willing to bet you won’t be skipping lunchtime.
Garcia’s Seafood Grill & Fish Market
Oh, Garcia’s. A true Miami institution. This restaurant does our beautiful ocean right. The classic seafood spot opened in 1966 when the Garcia brothers established their first fresh seafood market and wholesaler. With time, people caught wind of the freshest catch and demanded that a restaurant be opened to serve the sea’s bounty as fresh as can be. Thus, the riverfront restaurant we all know and love was opened. 50 years later, Garcia’s continues to operate their fresh-catch market as well, selling and serving nothing but locally and responsibly sourced, daily-caught seafood varying on what the fishermen bring to shore each day.
Stopping by here on any given day of the week for lunch is outright bliss. When, in season, the stone crab here brings in crowds from near and far. As fresh as can be, served with Garcia’s famous creamy mustard sauce on the side. The whole yellowtail snapper, blackened, grilled, or fried, brought straight from the Florida Keys, is a bestseller known to make all landlubbers battle for the last bite. And please don’t leave without trying specialties like the tuna tostones or the crispy-crunchy conch fritters. Grab a seat on the deck, order a bottle of wine to accompany the marine fair, and relish in the joy of Miami life.
Garcia’s Seafood Grill & Fish Market is located at 398 NW N River Dr, Miami, FL 33128. For more information, visit their official website.
Manna Life Food
Whether you’re vegan or just enjoy some healthy fare once in a while, make sure to stop by Manna Life Food for lunch. The restaurant prides itself in serving nothing but plant-based, locally sourced food. Not only that but the dishes are made from scratch every day and are vegan and gluten-free through and through.
On the menu, find everything from smoothies and savory bowls to arepas, ceviches, and noritos (nori-wrapped burritos). There’s also a bar serving plenty of espresso and tea-based beverages as well as juices. Oh, and a bakery to boot, with freshly baked cookies, muffins, and donuts. The gluten-free superfood arepas, however, are raved about throughout town. They come baked with plenty of filling choices like veggies & pesto, falafel, or avocado with a spirulina chimichurri. Pair that with a coconut frappuccino, and you’ve got yourself one of the most satisfying, guilt-free lunches there is.
Manna Life Food is located at 80 NE 2nd Ave Alfred Dupont Building, 80 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132. For more information, visit their official website.
Meraki Greek Bistro
Stopping by Meraki Greek Bistro for lunch is a celebration on any given day of the week. The Greek bistro can’t help but transport you straight to the sunny isles where life is slow, and food is full of soul and flavor.
In the best of Greek traditions, the menu is filled with a myriad of mezze, salads, fresh-off-the-grill “psita,” seafood delicacies, and dishes meant to be shared by families and friends alike. The eyes truly run wild here and are often bigger than the stomach, which is why we recommend making at least one lunch date here per week, trust us.
Something to start your journey off with the dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) and spanakopita (spinach and feta pie). Then, make your way to the bigger plates, such as the seared scallops with a side of halloumi salad or the juicy lamb skewers served with fresh pita, greek fries, grilled veggies, and, of course, tzatziki. Whatever you do, though—save room for the homemade baklava.
Meraki Greek Bistro is located at 142 SE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit their official website.
Tacos El Porky
Tacos are always a stellar lunch choice, and El Porky has some of the best in Downtown Miami. The no-frills taqueria pours all its energy into making the downright tastiest, most authentic tacos you’ll find this side of the border, so don’t expect any smoke or mirrors.
As the name suggests, the specialty here is pork and lots of it. The menu is short and sweet, and we recommend getting one of each: the al pastor with juicy sweet pineapple and signature salsa porky, the chochi-taco with crispy chicharron, and the gringa with pastor served on a cheesy flour tortilla. The taqueria also offers convenient “kits” with 32 oz of meat of choice and 20 tortillas for those taking the feast back to the office. Feeling a little extra peckish for lunch? Go straight for the tortas.
Tacos El Porky is located at 16 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33130. For more information, visit their official website.
Toro Toro
Toro Toro is an elevated Pan-Latin dining experience—a masterful restaurant specializing in global techniques and premium cuts of meat and lots of it. Beware: you probably don’t want to bring your vegan coworkers here. And while Toro Toro would be more likely to make the lists for best date night or private dining restaurants, their lunch is simply not to be missed.
Looking forward to the endless lunch at Toro Toro is precisely what has us crawling out of bed Monday morning. It’s the ultimate beginning-of-the-week treat. Indulge in specialty salads and rodizo, Brazilian-style, all-you-can-eat selections of premium grilled meat and seafood that change daily. Diners can also opt for the extensive a-la-carte lunch menu featuring delicacies such as the Peruvian ceviche, the otherworldly Toro Toro burger with bacon morita jam, and the lobster mac and cheese with chorizo breadcrumbs. Oh, did we mention bottomless sangrias?
Toro Toro is located at 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit their official website.
