A quaint tapas bar tucked away in Downtown Miami, Rincon Escondido serves some of the best food in town. With an unpretentious atmosphere, this restaurant in the centre of the Wynwood neighbourhood is the perfect spot to eat before a night out in the area. Come here to enjoy dinner in the dimly lit dining room, some Spanish guitar and a great selection of Rioja.

Owned by two Argentinian sommeliers, these guys know a thing or two about wine and great empanadas. Set in an outdoor patio with twinkling market lights hanging overhead, the ambiance and impeccable service at Bunbury is hard to beat. Decorated with playful, lighthearted comic strips on the walls and large chalkboards showcasing their specials and wine selections, this relaxed Miami restaurant lounge is a must. Fill your boots with the Bunbury empanada, which is stuffed with prosciutto, brie and mushrooms.

Mandolin is a local favourite serving the best Greek and Turkish food in Miami. Tucked away in a quaint one-storey wooden building (formerly a home), the restaurant is set in an outdoor courtyard that extends into an open kitchen. Candles lighting the Santorini-blue tables create an island feeling that transports you straight to summer. Get the grilled octopus.

This café is headed up by Zak Stern, one of Miami’s greatest bakers. With the help of his fans through a Kickstarter campaign, Stern was able to open this bakery that has seen locals queuing up to get a taste of his heaven-sent open-faced sandwiches, soups, pastries and freshly baked breads since day one (the sourdough fig and rye is a favourite). Visit for the best breakfast or lunch in a humble environment.

Acclaimed chef Gastón Acurio hit the Miami restaurant scene running. With one of the best outdoor areas overlooking the Miami River, La Mar is a sophisticated place to indulge in exquisite Peruvian food and pisco sours. The restaurant, located in the Mandarin Hotel, delivers you flawless ceviche, tiraditos and Peruvian dishes served tapas style and perfect for groups. Reservations are recommended.

This kitschy-institution of Cuban cuisine is a must. At this quintessential Cuban restaurant, everything on the menu is good but the pastelitos really stand out. To really soak up the atmosphere, stand at the counter, order a caffecito and get a feel for the Little Havana crowd. If you can’t make it to Little Havana, try to get one at the airport if your flying via the international terminal.

A classic Miami spot, eat in or order online and bring it to the beach for a luxurious picnic. Established in 1913 before Miami was even a city, it started as a mom and pop shop but not so long after became a place for the gliteratti and celebrities. Notoriously hard to get a table, they don’t take any reservations.

These artisanal doughnuts will put your office offerings to shame. Serving flavours like très leches and flan plus mini doughnuts with shots of prickly pear that you inject yourself, there are items on the menu you couldn’t dream up. Still need convincing? They also serve Intellegenstia coffee. On your way.

This pastel-coloured eatery feels like it could be in Brooklyn, with kombucha available on tap. A great spot for a casual breakfast, menu items include hummus and grain bowls (and for less saintly fare, the counter is lined with cookie jars). Before you leave, be sure to order on of their artisan popsicle for when the Miami heat gets a little sticky.