Joe Jonas’ Favorite Places to Eat and Drink in Miami

Earlier this week, popular food creator (and New Times‘ Best Influencer 2024) Mr. Eats305 sat down with Joe Jonas at Caracas Bakery to talk about his favorite places to eat and drink in Miami. The conversation turned into a Miami food tour by Jonas, who has quietly lived in the city for “six, seven years now.” They had a roughly 15-minute conversation, during which he listed the places where he eats the most, his favorite neighborhoods, and the food he loves the most. The biggest surprise? Almost none of his picks are on Miami Beach.

They kicked off the convo asking Jonas what his neighborhood was, and Jonas did not even blink. “Little River,” he says. He talks about watching pop-ups grow into full restaurants, friends launching their own spots, and chefs finally getting “the space they deserve.” He says Little River ranked first when he moved here, and nothing has changed since. He points out how the blocks drift into Little Haiti and MiMo, but it’s the food that matters. “It was always my favorite,” he says.

Jonas pairs Little River with Coconut Grove. He talks about taking his kids to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and mentions how an exhibit we went to felt like a Brazilian rainforest. “It’s magical,” he says, and he recommends parents go in the morning or afternoon.

Joe’s Favorite Cities in the US (Hint: He Loves the 305)

Jonas spends most of his year on the road, so he ranks food cities fast. “New York,” he says when asked which city has the best food scene. Then he calls Miami a “strong second.”

He discusses how many chefs have moved in and how the city’s food scene continues to expand. His go-to flavors are clear. “Cuban is probably my favorite,” he says, with Caribbean close behind. He mentions Osaka and its Peruvian influence, saying the sushi scene here shocked him in the best way. “It’s crazy,” he says. “Some of the most amazing sushi.”

Joe Date Night Picks

Casa Tua is his top date night answer. “It’s so beautiful,” he says, praising the Italian dishes, the wine, and the small bar tucked inside. For quieter nights, he picks Soya e Pomodoro downtown. He also recommends Portosole in Coral Gables. “Phenomenal,” he says.

Then comes one of his favorite curveballs. El Carajo, the tapas spot inside a gas station. “It’s good for a double date,” he says, because he likes watching people realize where they are eating.

Joe’s Favorite Bars and Restaurants

Jonas starts with Sur Empanada. He talks about the hand-built patio in the back and says it is one of his favorite lunch spots. Los Felix follows, which is one of New Times‘ top ten spots in Coconut Grove. “Legit,” he says, pointing to the vinyl, the open kitchen, and the energy around the room.

His favorite pick is Walrus Rodeo. “I’ll die on that hill,” he says. He talks about the pizza, the rotating specials, and the tight space where the menu changes frequently. He also shouts out Boia De, another spot he visited early in his Miami life, and the sister restaurant to Walrus Rodeo.

For after-dinner drinks, he names Zey Zey and Dante’s HiFi. He goes to Dante’s when he wants vinyl-heavy sets and standout cocktails.

Joe’s Miami Coffee Circuit

Suite Habana sits near the top of his rotation, which was named New Times’ Best Coffeehouse 2025. Jonas talks about showing up at 7 a.m. during the COVID period and having Manny unlock the door so they could talk while the shop opened. “They were so welcoming,” he says. The coffee is “strong as hell,” which he loves.

Caracas Bakery, where the interview takes place, is his favorite bakery in the city. “This is the best baker in Miami,” he says. He lists sourdough, pastries, and jokes about working out so he can eat more. He also mentions Baker and Barista as another go-to stop.

Jonas concludes by discussing the individuals behind these establishments. He mentions Suite Habana again, the greeting he gets at El Bagel, and the chefs and staff who pulled him into the city’s everyday rhythm. “Miami feels like family,” he says.

He talks about slow mornings on his balcony, savoring coffee over the water, and meals in neighborhoods that visitors often miss. Food anchors him here as much as anything else. “I can call it home,” he says, and the way he talks about these spots leaves no doubt he means it.