Looking for the best Haitian food in Miami? Here’s a quick guide to the top 10 Haitian restaurants loved by locals and visitors alike. From traditional dishes like griot (fried pork) and diri djon djon (black mushroom rice) to unique dining experiences, these spots showcase Miami’s rich Haitian culinary scene.
- Chef Creole: Iconic spot for seafood and griot, featured on No Reservations.
- Naomi's Garden Restaurant & Lounge: Outdoor garden dining with jerk chicken and soursop juice.
- Tap Tap: Vibrant South Beach restaurant with murals, live music, and Creole dishes.
- Clive's Cafe: Jamaican-Haitian fusion, famous for jerk chicken and curry goat.
- Le Lambi Restaurant: Cozy Kendall spot known for conch dishes and live guitar music.
- Piman Bouk Restaurant: Little Haiti favorite for home-style griot and fried goat.
- Fritay Lakay: Road trip-worthy for authentic Haitian street food like tassot cabrit.
- Manjay Restaurant: Modern Haitian cuisine with vegan options and bold flavors.
- Chez Le Bebe: Cash-only comfort food with affordable griot and oxtail dishes.
- Kasa Champet: Rustic countryside vibes with family-style meals and live music.
Plan your visit: Most places accept casual attire, offer takeout, and have varying parking options. Reservations are recommended for weekends.
Quick Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Specialty Dish | Location | Atmosphere | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chef Creole | Griot, Oxtail Stew | Little Haiti | Lively | Featured on No Reservations |
| Naomi's Garden | Jerk Chicken | Little Haiti | Garden Dining | Outdoor seating, Caribbean vibe |
| Tap Tap | Creole Seafood | South Beach | Artistic, Energetic | Murals, live music |
| Clive's Cafe | Jerk Chicken, Oxtail | Little Haiti | Casual | Jamaican-Haitian fusion |
| Le Lambi | Lambi a la Yole | Kendall | Cozy | Live guitar, conch specialties |
| Piman Bouk | Griot, Fried Goat | Little Haiti | Relaxed | Authentic home-style cooking |
| Fritay Lakay | Tassot Cabrit | 70 miles north | Casual | Haitian street food |
| Manjay Restaurant | Vegan Tofu Bowls | Doral, Citadel | Modern | Contemporary Haitian cuisine |
| Chez Le Bebe | Griot, Oxtail | Little Haiti | Simple | Affordable, cash-only |
| Kasa Champet | Clay-pot Maize | North Miami | Rustic | Farm-to-table, live troubadour music |
These restaurants highlight the vibrant flavors and culture of Haiti, making Miami a hub for authentic Caribbean dining experiences.
Ultimate Haitian Food Tour With @ChrisMustList In Miami!!
1. Chef Creole
Opened in 1989 by Wilkinson "Ken" Sejour in Little Haiti, Chef Creole is known for serving hearty portions of seafood and Haitian favorites like griot (fried marinated pork) and queue boeuf (oxtail stew), all prepared with traditional spices and flavors.
The restaurant gained widespread attention after Anthony Bourdain highlighted it on No Reservations. Since then, Chef Creole has become a go-to spot across Florida, celebrated for its flavorful dishes, lively vibe, and friendly service. Whether you choose to dine in or grab takeout, it offers an authentic taste of Haitian cuisine. Up next, check out Naomi's Garden Restaurant & Lounge for another vibrant Haitian dining experience.
2. Naomi's Garden Restaurant & Lounge
Nestled in Little Haiti, Naomi's Garden Restaurant & Lounge offers a welcoming backyard garden where Haitian hospitality shines through its Caribbean-inspired dishes and laid-back barbecue vibe. It's a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.
Their jerk chicken is a standout, packed with bold, spicy flavors. Pair it with their house-made pikliz and a refreshing soursop juice to enjoy a true Haitian dining experience.
"At Naomi's, it's business in the front, enchanting garden in the back." – Mariana Trabanino, Staff Writer, The Infatuation
In March 2025, The Infatuation gave Naomi's Garden an 8.1 rating, recognizing it as one of Miami's top spots for outdoor dining, Haitian cuisine, and Little Haiti charm. Afterward, check out Tap Tap for its energetic vibe and seafood dishes.
3. Tap Tap
Since 1994, Tap Tap has been serving Haitian cuisine in a space filled with vibrant murals and rotating artwork by artists like Wilfrid Daleus and Jude "Papa" Loko-Thegenus. It's become a beloved spot for both locals and visitors in South Beach. The restaurant's decor is just as captivating as its food, featuring murals of everyday life, portraits of voodoo saints, a Rara festival-themed room, and decorative elements like tile serpents and metal sculptures.
"It's the only place on South Beach that truly represents my culture - through food, music, and art", says regular patron Natascha Magliore.
The menu offers a variety of Haitian favorites, including malanga fritters, herring-stuffed avocado, stewed goat in Creole sauce, and shrimp in coconut sauce. Specials like spiny lobster and the daily fresh catch keep things interesting. To top it off, live Haitian folk-jazz performances every Thursday and Saturday add a lively atmosphere to the dining experience.
"We showcase Haiti's richness beyond Hollywood stereotypes - its flavors, music, and art", says General Manager Gary Sanon-James.
Named after Haiti's colorful share taxis, Tap Tap wraps up meals with desserts like sweet potato pie, coconut pudding, and banana fritters. Up next, Clive's Cafe brings a fresh take on traditional Haitian breakfast and brunch.
4. Clive's Cafe
Located in the heart of Little Haiti after moving from its original Wynwood spot, Clive's Cafe has been a go-to for Jamaican flavors and a lively Caribbean vibe. While its roots are in Jamaican cuisine, the cafe has become a symbol of Little Haiti's diverse Caribbean culture. Popular dishes include jerk chicken, curry goat, and oxtail, all served in generous portions with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Clive's has racked up accolades over the years, including "Best Caribbean Restaurant" (2024) and "Best Inexpensive Restaurant" (2020). It also boasts a 4.4-star rating on Google from 1,753 reviews.
"Clive's serves our favorite version of jerk chicken in Miami."
Diners rave about the tender meat, rich gravy, and hearty portions, all enjoyed to the sound of reggae music. The casual setting makes it feel like a slice of Jamaica in Miami. For decades, Clive's has been a cornerstone of Miami's Jamaican food scene, and its move to Little Haiti has only deepened its connection to the local Caribbean community, blending Jamaican and Haitian culinary traditions.
Next, discover Le Lambi Restaurant's exquisite seafood specialties.
5. Le Lambi Restaurant
Tucked away in a Kendall strip mall, Le Lambi offers a taste of Haiti in a cozy, country-house-style setting. The dining room, with its slatted windows and faux tiled awning, creates a warm and welcoming vibe.
The menu highlights the Lambi a la Yole - a flavorful conch dish cooked in a vibrant Creole sauce. Other options include deep-fried fish, Marinade de Morue fritters, hearty goat and fish stews, riz et pois (rice and beans), and a fritay platter. Gabriela Garcia points out the unique touch of guests pouring their own water behind the counter, while live guitar music adds to the relaxed atmosphere. The unhurried service and bold dishes make it feel like you're dining in Haiti itself. As Brenda Benoît Dudley puts it, the menu "bursts with the genuine flavors of the Caribbean".
For a spicier twist and street-style Haitian classics, head north to Piman Bouk.
6. Piman Bouk Restaurant
Located in Little Haiti, Piman Bouk is the go-to spot for Haitian cuisine. Their menu features standout dishes like griot - crispy marinated pork paired with spicy pikliz - as well as fried goat, oxtail stew, and pork stew. The Infatuation rates it a 7.5 for its authentic flavors and consistent quality. Locals love the home-style cooking, relaxed atmosphere, and welcoming Haitian hospitality.
Don’t miss the bakery next door, where you can grab classic Haitian patties.
Afterward, check out Fritay Lakay for street-style fritays.
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7. Fritay Lakay
Drive about 70 miles north of Miami, and you'll find Fritay Lakay, a spot known for its Haitian street-style fritay. Fritay, which translates to "fried fare", includes crispy meats like tassot cabrit (fried goat) and griot (fried pork), served alongside plantains, breadfruit, and a spicy, tangy condiment called pikliz. One standout on the menu is the Fritay Snapper, which highlights the bold, vibrant flavors that define Haitian street food.
Fritay Lakay brings an authentic street-food experience with a commitment to traditional cooking techniques. It's a perfect destination for a road trip and a great way to explore the Haitian flavors that enrich Miami's diverse food scene. Up next, check out how Manjay Restaurant puts a modern spin on these classic Haitian dishes.
8. Manjay Restaurant
Manjay Restaurant brings a fresh twist to Haitian cuisine, blending bold flavors with a modern flair under the guidance of chef Christian Dominique. Located in Doral and The Citadel Food Hall, the restaurant serves up generously portioned dishes like jerk chicken bites, tender Steak Frites, vegan tofu bowls, and classic conch fritters. The combination of vibrant spices, friendly service, and reasonable prices makes it a standout. Up next, explore the traditional home-cooked flavors of Chez Le Bebe in North Miami.
9. Chez Le Bebe
Located in Little Haiti, Chez Le Bebe has been serving hearty Haitian comfort food for 28 years. Known for its griot - crispy fried pork that's tender inside - and flavorful oxtail in a rich Creole sauce, this spot keeps locals coming back for more.
Popular dishes and prices:
- Griot Full (with Rice): $15
- Oxtail: $10
- Fried Goat: $10
- Fish: $12
- Chicken Wings: $7
The food takes center stage here, with no need for flashy décor. The diri kole (Haitian rice and beans) gets rave reviews for its seasoning and texture, while the bannann peze (fried plantains) are served hot and perfectly salted.
"Hidden gem - it's all about the food." – Marlene C.
"Short of having a Haitian grandmère up to her apron strings in pigs' feet at home, you aren't likely to find better-tasting and less-expensive Haitian comfort food than this." - Natalia Molina
If it's your first visit, try the griot or oxtail. And don’t forget - it’s cash only!
Up next, discover Kasa Champet's countryside-inspired flavors.
10. Kasa Champet
Nestled in North Miami's Little River neighborhood, Kasa Champet (which translates to "country home") welcomes guests with a cozy, countryside-inspired atmosphere. The space features rustic wooden benches, woven baskets adorning the walls, and lush potted plants. Chef Claudy Pierre brings Haitian farm-to-table traditions to life with dishes like clay-pot maize, hearty gombo stew, and buffay (smoked beef), all served family-style.
Some standout menu items include the lambi brochettes ($15), clay-pot maize infused with herbs ($12), and diri djon djon ($14). On weekend evenings, live troubadour performances showcase rural Haitian music, adding to the warm and relaxed dining experience.
With Kasa Champet's inviting charm in mind, let's explore how Haitian cuisine has shaped Miami's food scene.
Haitian Food's Impact in Miami
Since the 1970s, Haitian immigrants have shaped Miami's food scene, turning Little Haiti into the heart of Haitian cuisine. Dishes like griot, diri djon djon, and pikliz are now staples that influence fusion menus across the city.
The Caribbean Marketplace in Little Haiti mirrors Port-au-Prince's Iron Market, offering a vibrant cultural experience. Nearby, the Little Haiti Cultural Complex showcases exhibitions and performances, adding depth to the area's cultural offerings. After trying some of the top Haitian food spots, take time to explore these iconic locations.
Many of these restaurants are run by first-generation immigrants who stay true to their culinary roots while catering to Miami's diverse tastes.
Planning Your Visit
Here’s how to make the most of your trip:
- Check hours and reservation details: While most places welcome walk-ins, reservations are a good idea for weekend groups. Casual attire is perfectly fine.
- Plan for parking: Options differ by location - some have on-site lots, while others rely on street parking or nearby garages. During busy times, consider using a ride-share service.
- Payment and dining options: Credit cards are accepted everywhere, and takeout or delivery is available. To avoid crowds, visit outside peak lunch or dinner hours, or opt for an early dinner.
Final Thoughts
With insights on hours, parking, and reservations, you're set to explore Miami's Haitian food scene. These ten restaurants stand out as important spots, each offering a glimpse into Haiti's heritage through bold flavors and traditional dishes.
From cozy garden courtyards to energetic evening spots, these places showcase the depth of Haitian cuisine. Expect rich spices, welcoming hospitality, and lively atmospheres that will make you want to return for more.
FAQs
What are the must-try dishes at the best Haitian restaurants in Miami?
Miami is home to some incredible Haitian cuisine, and there are a few standout dishes you simply can't miss. Conch Creole, BBQ ribs, and fish fillet fries are must-tries at Good Times Cuisine. At L'Auberge Restaurant, their soup joumou and stewed chicken with cashews (poulet en sauce noix) are local favorites. If you're craving something fried, griot (fried pork), fried goat, and akra are highlights at Lakay Food Spot.
For a unique twist, Li Cho serves up a delicious fried chicken sandwich, while Pates Plus is famous for its pates and tender langue de boeuf (ox tongue). Pack Supermarket offers a comforting plate of fried chicken with rice, beans, and pikliz, a spicy Haitian slaw. And if seafood is your thing, Fidele Seafood Restaurant's fried fish is a must.
These dishes showcase the rich flavors and cultural significance of Haitian cuisine, making them perfect for anyone exploring Miami's vibrant food scene.
What should first-time visitors know when dining at a Haitian restaurant?
For your first visit to a Haitian restaurant, consider trying a mix of dishes to truly explore the depth of Haitian cuisine. Must-try dishes include griot (crispy fried pork), soup joumou (a flavorful pumpkin soup often enjoyed on special occasions), and poul fri (Haitian-style fried chicken).
Don’t hesitate to ask your server for recommendations or explanations if you're unfamiliar with certain dishes. Haitian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and vibrant spices, so be ready for a delicious and memorable experience!
How has Haitian cuisine shaped Miami's food culture?
Haitian cuisine has played a vital role in shaping Miami's diverse food scene. With one of the largest Haitian communities in the United States, Miami has embraced the rich flavors and traditions of Haitian cooking, making it an integral part of the city's culinary identity.
From vibrant neighborhoods to family-owned eateries, Haitian restaurants have introduced locals and visitors alike to authentic dishes like griot, tassot, and diri ak djon djon. These establishments not only offer delicious meals but also celebrate the cultural heritage of Haiti, creating a unique and flavorful influence on Miami's overall dining experience.
