Where to Eat Puerto Rican Food in Miami

In Miami, you can find cuisines from around the world, from beloved Colombian restaurants to iconic Cuban spots, that transport you with just one bite. Puerto Rican cuisine belongs firmly in that conversation. The city is home to Puerto Rican restaurants so authentic, it can feel like you’re eating on the island itself. From garlicky mofongo and crispy alcapurrias to slow-cooked meats, arroz con gandules, and desserts that taste like they came straight from someone’s abuela’s kitchen, Miami’s Boricua kitchens deliver comfort with real soul. These are places where recipes are passed down, portions are generous, and hospitality is just as important as the food.

Whether you’re chasing the most authentic mofongo in town, seeking out a family-run restaurant that feels like a celebration, or pulling into a no-frills food truck quietly serving some of the best Puerto Rican food in Miami, these spots get it right. Below are the best and most authentic Puerto Rican restaurants across Miami and South Florida, from beloved neighborhood institutions to hidden gems worth the drive, each offering a true taste of the island — no passport required.

El Bajareque

El Bajareque is the kind of spot people hear about from a friend and then immediately understand the hype, delivering authentic and comforting Puerto Rican flavors that keep diners coming back again and again. Here, you’ll find delicious mofongo, chuletas, masitas de puerco, pasteles en hoja de guineo, arroz con gandules, flan, and alcapurrias, with other favorites ranging from oxtail with rice, red beans, and maduros to shrimp mofongo in Creole sauce and hearty sopa de mondongo. Do yourself a favor and run here for a true Puerto Rican meal; everything is rich, soulful, and absolutely delicious. 278 NW 36th St., Miami; 305-576-5170; elbajarequerestaurant.com.

El Bayú de Wela Sara

El Bayú de Wela Sara has earned its place among the best Puerto Rican restaurants in South Florida by delivering deeply rooted, soulful cooking, driven by “El Sueño del Chef Iram Ayala.” Inspired by his beloved grandmother, Sara, Iram Ayala channels Taíno traditions and classic Boricua flavors into dishes he cooks, as he says, “con mucho amor y cariño.” The Downtown Hollywood spot pairs empanadas, skirt steak with Puerto Rican rice, and mofongo with lively weekend shows and a welcoming, family-style atmosphere that feels celebratory without losing its cultural heart. From traditional comfort dishes to inventive vegan and vegetarian Puerto Rican options, El Bayú is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. 1917 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 954-367-2706; elbayurestaurant.com.

Chefs On The Run

Owned by proud Puerto Rican duo Jessica Ujaque and chef Jodrick Ujaque, Chefs On The Run reflects their heritage, creativity, and deep love for bold, comforting flavors. The restaurant blends a bohemian, Puerto Rican-inspired spirit with an assortment of dishes that move effortlessly from mofongo to burgers to globally inspired specials. That sense of pride shows up in both the food and the space, from rotating daily specials to walls filled with local art. It’s a small, soulful spot that feels personal, expressive, and unmistakably rooted in Puerto Rican culture. 10 E. Mowry Dr., Homestead; 305-245-0085; chefsontheruninhomestead.com.

Isla Del Encanto

Isla Del Encanto has officially reopened after a major remodel, emerging bigger, brighter, and better than ever with an expanded dining room, striking new décor, and a full-service bar that elevates the experience. The refreshed menu blends longtime favorites with new additions, including standout mofongo plates topped with churrasco or shrimp, crackly picadera platters, mamposteao loaded with juicy steak, and comforting bowls of chicken asopao. The atmosphere feels unmistakably Puerto Rican and deeply home-style, with warm service that treats guests like family and live music adding to the energy on weekends. After months of anticipation, the Kendall favorite is back in full force, delivering the same authentic flavors that made it a neighborhood staple, now in a space worthy of the wait. 12850 SW 120th St., Miami; 305-234-1754; isladelencantorestaurant.com.

Mofongo Restaurant Calle 8

Mofongo delivers a standout selection of traditional Puerto Rican food with generous portions and warm, attentive service. For Boricua diners, the experience feels transporting, bringing together the flavors, atmosphere, and hospitality that instantly evoke home. First-time visits often turn into return plans, whether for casual meals or special celebrations like birthdays, where the staff makes the occasion feel genuinely meaningful. While the newer, larger space may feel different from the original, the food remains exceptional, making this an easy and enthusiastic recommendation. 1672 SW Eighth St, Miami; 786-359-4418; mofongorest.com.

El Rinconcito de Santa Barbara

El Rinconcito de Santa Barbara Restaurant stands out as one of Miami’s best Puerto Rican restaurants because it delivers island-style cooking that feels both deeply traditional and consistently executed. The kitchen shines with dishes like mofongo, along with classics such as churrasco with congri rice and the generously portioned bandeja boricua, all known for bold flavors and share-worthy portions. Add warm, family-style hospitality and live music that turns dinner into a celebration, and it’s the kind of place that keeps locals returning when they want Puerto Rican food done right. 2050 W 56th St., Ste. 33, Hialeah; 305-819-5590; elrinconcitorestaurant.net.