It's always nice having a last foodie hurrah before heading back home from the Magic City. Or what if you're starving the minute you hit the runway? Whether you plan to stay in South Beach, Coconut Grove or Coral Gables, sustenance straight off the jet bridge is highly recommended.
No need to grab a bite inside the airport (although I must say, there are some pretty great food options nowadays, like the Southern-inspired Spring Chicken from the Yardbird family and Beaudevin, the 42-seat wine and cheese bar, within MIA's terminals) because just minutes from the airport there are plenty of options including fresh seafood, Spanish tapas, Cuban comfort food, of course, a brewery and even a casual aviation-themed eatery.
Make the first stop after landing or a final stop before departing in Miami - you want every minute of your trip to count, right? - at any of these five restaurants and you won't be disappointed.
94th Aero Squadron
At Miami's 94th Aero Squadron you can listen to air traffic control and watch jets take off regularly, all while noshing on fresh dishes straight from the sea including shrimp scampi, Cajun-seared scallops, and Mediterranean Branzino. This spot also offers a Champagne Sunday Brunch in its 200-seater dining room. At $35.95 per person (and $17.95 for kids), you can fill up on omelettes, crab legs, waffles and lots of bubbly. Chances are you'll be ready for a nap after eating here and there's no better place for a siesta than on the airplane.
Tank Brewing Company
Maybe it's a brew you're craving straight away. In Doral and just a hop and a skip away from the airport, Tank Brewing Company features more than 10 local beers on tap at all times including seasonal, small batch and limited series. That's not all. This brewery hosts live musicians, charity events and even vinyasa yoga so you can get centered while getting a little tipsy, too. The folks behind Twisted Fork Kitchen provide the food menu here - and you can never go wrong with candied pork belly, confit duck nachos or sweet and savory guava soy braised short ribs.
Catch of the Day
You may not have heard of this place (I recently discovered it myself), but boy will it be hard to peel you away once you've experienced it. Catch of the Day, just two miles from the airport is a hidden little tropical oasis with a tiki-style indoor bar, outdoor seating, and live music. Head to Catch for stone crabs, snow crabs, a whole cooked fish or a buttery lobster dinner. Bottles of wine are priced moderately and the restaurant, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, boasts happy hour seven days a week!
Madrid Tapas y Vino
Get a taste of Spain and enjoy live music daily at this wine and tapas spot. The menu at Madrid Tapas y Vino is extensive and happy hour on weekdays from 4 pm to 7 pm means half off all drinks! From classic small plates to meat and cheese boards, sandwiches and paellas, Madrid has it all and the ambiance truly feels like you've teleported to Europe. Satisfy your sweet tooth here, too, with Crema Catalana (a variation of homemade creme brulee), almond pie or a creamy and delicious egg flan.
Versailles
Because you must have good Cuban food as much as possible while in Miami, Versailles is the go-to spot (and it's been operating for almost 50 years!). Not only is there a Little Havana location that includes a bakery and full-blown restaurant that's open, but there are also a handful of Versailles cafes inside the airport as well. The Calle Ocho flagship restaurant is open late (1 am on the weekdays and 2:30 am Fridays and Saturdays) so no need to fear if you land a little later than expected. Cafe con leche, pastelitos, and a Cuban sandwich are the best, if not the only, way to start your weekend in Miami.
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