Cafe Paraiso

Downtown day workers have been grabbing a quick lunch at this Cuban sandwich stand along Andrews Avenue for years, since it was known as Sury’s. But recently, the walkup counter has been taken over by the property’s original owners, who have cleaned the place up and revamped the menu. Where the old stand was dirty […]

Candela Restaurant

In South Florida, where the recent small-plate obsession has tainted our palates (and pockets) with pricey, upmarket concept foods, we have no understanding of the Spanish art of celebrating food and drink. But at Candela Restaurant in Wilton Manors, you can get an idea of what it’s all about. Just one block south of Oakland […]

Cielito Lindo

This long-standing restaurant serves Tex-Mex dishes in a quaint setting that looks like a Mexican cottage. It’s named after a classic Mexican tune played by Mariachi bands and not the famous Los Angeles restaurant. You’ll find platos tipicos like enchiladas, chimichangas, fajitas, and burritos along with Latin/Cuban dishes like masas de puerco, chicken and steak […]

Don Carlin Cuban Restaurant

This busy, sun-lit restaurant feels like a small Cuban café straight out of Miami. But Don Carlin is way out west in Broward, near Sawgrass Mills Mall. Area workers filter in for filling lunch specials, none more than $8.99, that for rabo encendido, or stewed oxtail. Steak palomilla, thin and cooked on the griddle till […]

Jimmie’s Chocolates and Cafe 47

In 1946, Jimmie Vonglis and his family escaped war-torn Europe for a new life in the States. A year later, he opened the doors to Jimmie’s Chocolates in Dania Beach. Vonglis is long gone, and the shop has changed hands several times since then, but his legacy lives on at his original storefront, which is […]

La Bamba Mexican & Spanish Restaurant

La Bamba offers typical Mexican fare of burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas, plus the occasional taco meal. However, it’s not the individual plates but the combos that make La Bamba special. No way you’d be hungry after downing a chicken enchilada, chile relleno, and a beef taco served with yellow rice and refried beans. Located in […]