The Hottest Spots for Haitian Food in Miami

Photo credit: Ivan’s Cookhouse
Photo credit: Ivan’s Cookhouse

Miami has plenty to offer when it comes to Caribbean cuisine. But, just where can you find the best Haitian food? Here are just a few of the Haitian restaurants you’ll want to check out.

Tap Tap Just about every list out there has Tap Tap as a mainstay of Haitian cuisine in Miami. Named after the colorful jitneys that line the streets in Haiti, the restaurant is equally as colorful in its decor. Known for its conventional take on traditional Haitian dishes, the hot spot boasts some tasty offers: a whole fish in lime sauce, stewed oxtail, shrimp in coconut sauce; these are just a few of Tap Tap’s most popular menu items. Be sure to sample one of the restaurant’s signature mojito drinks too.

Chef Creole With six separate locations in Miami, there’s no denying the popularity of this restaurant and the chef behind it.  Chef Wilkinson “Ken” Sejour is known for his mastery of seafood with a Creole flair. Conch is just one seafood specialty Chef Creole has perfected. So sought-after are the spicy sauces that the restaurant even markets its own sauces for purchase.

Ivan’s Cook House Chef Ivan Dorvil is proud of his Haitian ancestry as well as his life in America, a combination that melds well together through his cuisine. Ivan’s Cook House offers an upscale take on a mixture of Haitian and Asian-inspired dishes. A true mark of success for any chef these days, Dorvil took home the winning title on the Food Network’s cooking competition show Chopped.

Naomi’s Garden Restaurant and Lounge Of course some good Haitian food has to be found in Miami’s Little Haiti section. And Naomi’s is no exception. This family-owned, mainly takeout spot has been a favorite in the neighborhood for many years with loyal patrons coming back again and again. Naomi’s is run by Haitian cooks who use a mixture of seasonings to create what is considered the restaurant’s signature taste.

Piman Bouk  Another Little Haiti mainstay, this spot is known for its griot, which is a popular Haitian dish. The tiny spot also draws a crowd for its offering of Haitian patties and delicious baked goods, such as Creole bread. The cafe/bakery has a casual, no-frills vibe, perfect for a quick and tasty bite to grab while sightseeing in Little Haiti.

Elizabeth Hazard is a writer, producer and photography editor in New York City. Her work has appeared in various publications and websites. She frequently writes about art & culture, fashion and history.

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