The Best Restaurants near Little River
Covering our favorite steakhouse, a unique Japanese experience and the best food hall in Miami
Mar
30
2022
Keep this guide handy when you’re in the area and are looking for the best restaurants near Little River.
If you have ever found yourself roaming the historic neighborhoods of Little River, Little Haiti, MiMo, and Buena Vista, you will find that in-between small strip malls, old motels, and a deeply cultured community, a world of food awaits. We have found all the little gems that will make your next adventure a food-driven one. So sit back and relax as we give you our round-up guide of go-to’s to check out in Little Rive, MiMo, and Buena Vista.
SUNNY’S STEAKHOUSE AT LOT 6 (temporarily closed)
Address: 7357 NW Miami Ct
Cuisine: American/Steakhouse
Sunny’s Steakhouse at Lot 6 in Little River went from a summer 2020 pop-up favorite to finding its way back to Lot 6 once again, after popular demand. Redefining the idea of what a conventional steakhouse is like, owners Will Thompson, Chef Carey Hynes, and the Jaguar Sun team deliver exceptional hospitality and an impeccable bar program under a magical Banyan tree in Little River. For those of you who haven’t had a chance to dine under the stars and enjoy that cool Miami breeze, we want to make sure you get the full experience when it comes to what you’ll be eating.
Start yourself off with a cold, crisp Sunny’s Martini, and while you are sipping on that get a round of Kusshi Oysters with a selection of mignonettes for the table. Treat yourself to the famous Parker House Rolls that are served with a light and creamy honey butter and the Wagyu Beef Tartare with leek ash aioli. All we can say is chefs kiss*. And if you are looking for something just a little more filling the Rohan Duck Breast and Australian Wagyu Strip are the grand slammers to have. But really you can’t go wrong with here. We’ve tried it all and everything is good.
They are closed for the summer of 2022 with plans of re-opening as a year-round restaurant! In the meantime, you can always stop by Jaguar Sun in downtown for pastas and cocktails.
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THE CITADEL
Address: 8300 NE 2nd Ave
Cuisine: Food hall
If you are looking for a place that lets you eat good, drink good, and do a little bit of retail therapy then look no further. Supporting local is the motto here, with maker-driven retails and local artisanal vendors. Inspired by all the great public gathering spaces that you can find around the world, the Citadel brings that concept to life in the Little River neighborhood. Cuisines from a variety of different backgrounds come to life in this food hall. Whether you are in the mood for Italian pasta, some Caribbean flair, or even rustic Thai food you will find that all your cravings can be satisfied.
We recommend checking out Lil’ Laos for some Crispy Chicken Wings and a Pork Rib plate. If you are in the mood for a classic, then check out USBS Burgers and fries and order yourself a Smoke Signal Burger with a side of fries. We recently tried Poke-San and loved it. Probably one of the best poke bowls we’ve had in recent time! Make sure to build your own and as for protein pick yellowtail. They also have delicious Kani rolls made with crab stick salad, masago dressing sushi rice, wrapped in pink soy paper, and served with warm sesame soy vinaigrette. Oh and for a sweet finish, stop at Frice Cream for some delicious ice cream.
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OFF SITE
Address: 8250 NE 2nd Ave
Cuisine: American
Located in Little River, this nano-brewery packs a big punch in great beer and incredible food. Offsite opened back in November of 2021 and though they have only been open for a couple of months, it’s no secret that what they are pushing out is badass beer and bites. Though the menu remains small, you will find that every dish is a perfect example of how good a classic can be. Get yourself the Country Cuban Sandwich with roasted Berkshire pork, 12 month aged Benton’s country ham, Laubscher swiss, house mustard, pickles, and an emulsified lechon jus. And if that didn’t already have you drooling try their House Made All Beef Hot Dog with sauerkraut, curry mustard, and everything bagel seasoning. Seriously, get it. So, grab your friends and come sit back with some beers and room to eat.
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TRAN AN
Address: 215 NE 82nd St
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Giving you a taste of home, Chef Jon Ngyuen takes influence from his family’s hometown in Hanoi to curate a menu of classics ranging from pho, Bánh mìi, and salads that are intoxicatingly addicting. From market stall to brick and mortar, Tran An will have you becoming a regular after just one visit. Situated in a little strip between El Portal and Little River, Tran An welcomes you in with a warm family environment and soul-touching dishes. So, if you are looking for a place that will instantly satisfy those cozy hometown feels, then make your way over. Some of our favorites include the Vietnamese Chicken Slaw with shredded white cabbage, red onion, herbs, and crispy garlic. The Green Papaya Salad with red onion, pickled slaw, and herbs dressed in Grandma Sauce topped with crushed peanuts, and the Chicken Pho with red onion, pickled bean sprouts, and herbs.
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BOIA DE
Address: 5205 NE 2nd Ave
Cuisine: Modern Italian
Since opening back in 2019, the flame for Chef Alex Meyer and Chef Luciana Giangrandi has not gone out. If you have driven past a small strip mall and have seen a glowing pink exclamation point, then you have found your destination. Boia De offers some culinary love to Chef Giangrandi’s Italian background roots, so think freshly made pasta, brodo, polenta, and of course one of the best tiramisu’s we’ve ever had. Did we also mention an insane natural wine list selection?! Whether you’re here for date night or a solo outing, the trip here will always be worth it. We recommend ordering a little bit of everything, but we know that can seem overwhelming so here are our favorites. Order yourself the Potato Skins with Stracciatella, hard egg, and caviar or the Luci’s Chopped Salad to start. Work yourself down to the pasta section and try out the Bufala Ricotta Gnocchi ala Norcina with black truffle and Romagna sausage or the Tortellini in Brodo with foie gras, duck confit, duck prosciutto, and a duck brodo. And as we mentioned earlier, end the meal with a Crispy Tiramisu.
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CAFÉ KUSH
Address: 7700 Biscayne Blvd
Cuisine: French
If you haven’t heard of or eaten at a Kush restaurant, then let us put you on really quick. No matter the concept that is being introduced to the South Florida community they deliver every. single. time. Located in the MiMo district you will find Café Kush located at the Gold Dust Motel A retro-style European bistro with some Miami flair. Start off with the Beef Carpaccio done with a horseradish mustard aioli, hard-boiled egg, and some mixed greens. Now don’t get nervous about this one, just take our word for it. The fried frog legs or Cuisses de Grenouilles from the Gulf of Mexico are a must paired with three different sauces: honey sriracha, bbq, and a creamy garlic sauce. If that isn’t your style then try the French Onion Burger layered with sauteed onions, gruyere cheese, parmesan crisp, and truffle mayo on a challah bun served with a side of French fries. And if you have room to spare end it with a sweet slice of Key Lime Pie.
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PHUC YEA
Address: 7100 Biscayne Blvd
Cuisine: Vietnamese/Cajun
Considered one of the first pop-up concepts to grace Miami, Phuc Yea has been delivering great food since 2016 and is still thriving. Half Vietnamese and Half Cajun you are getting a culinary melding from the wonderful chefs helming the kitchen front. With Aniece Meinhold’s Vietnamese heritage and Chef Cesar Zapata’s Colombian roots, they come together to provide soulful, family-rooted plates that make you feel like you’ve been transported into their family’s home. If you find yourself here with a large group or even a hot date, we recommend getting yourself a nice little spread to share. We would say fill your table with the pan-fried Sesame Chicken Dumpling with Szechuan nuoc cham, black vinegar, scallion, and cilantro. Or the PY Noodles with garlic butter, oyster sauce, and parmesan cheese. And if you are ready for a finger-lickin’ good plate then order the Vietnamese Seafood Jalea with crispy fried local jumbo shrimp, soft shell crab, cod, calamari, yuca, herbage, lemongrass, chill sate, sriracha aioli.
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TIGRE
Address: 620 NE 78th St
Cuisine: Argentinean
If you have found yourself driving through Little River on Biscayne blvd and have passed the famous Coppertone girl sign then you are getting right where you need to be. Just a little further up on Biscayne nestled by a manatee sanctuary and off the beaten path is Tigre. A modern Argentinan concept inspired by traditional Buenos Aires cafes and neighborhood bistros or “bodegones”. If you are looking for a waterfront dining experience and also don’t have a jet on standby to dash off to Argentina, don’t stress. Tigre offers a small plate menu with a powerful flavor punch. With vegetable-forward dishes, perfectly grilled meats, and seafood it’s no wonder this hidden gem is a fan favorite. Grab yourself a seat on the waterfront deck for a shared dining experience and order yourself the Palmito Salad with grilled heart of palm, chicories, shaved fennel & parmesan, and preserved lemon vinaigrette. We also recommend the Remolachas al Rescoldo with coal-roasted beets, truffled cashew crema, tangerine, roasted hazelnuts, and mint.
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KOJIN
Address: 8222 NE 2nd Ave
Cuisine: Japanese
Chef Pedro Mederos and Chef Katherine Randolph formerly of dim sum pop-up E&P Dmplngs (now closed) have taken over the backroom bar inside of Hachidori Ramen in Little River with their washoku concept: Kojin. Washoku means “food from Japan” in Japanese which represents what Chef Pedro is creating at this 10-seat counter bar. Most of the ingredients and techniques used at Kojin are Japanese. However, there are some surprises here and there.
Kojin offers two versions of The Chef’s Selection menu. The 6-course menu for $75, with a sake pairing for $40, and the 10-course for $120 with a sake pairing for $55. Whichever you decide we highly recommend doing the sake pairing. Chef Pedro is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to sake. So you’ll not only get to taste some delicious, rare sakes but also get an education. And what’s better than learning with a little buzz?! Thought so.
The menu is constantly evolving so a seasonal visit is a must. Currently, on the spring menu, Chef Pedro and Executive Sous Chef Raul Gonzales are offering a refreshing Heirloom & Citrus Salad with cucumber and chive; a Hokkaido Milk Bread with umami butter; and Littleneck Clams with miso consume that will successfully ruin any miso soup you’ve ever had before. There’s also a Stripped Bass with white kimchi, leeks, yuzu as well as a Duck with roasted jus and hakurei turnips right before you hit desserts by Chef Katherine.
This is a special place. We don’t get experiences like this in Miami. So take note. Come with an open mind. Get ready to broaden your horizons and learn about Japanese cuisine. Reservations are required. Click HERE to book!
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