Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Miami (Kendall), FL

SUNSET. Accomplished Thai cookery and authentic decor reel in diners at this neighborhood favorite. Many dishes,...

SUNSET. Accomplished Thai cookery and authentic decor reel in diners at this neighborhood favorite. Many dishes, particularly curries, pack a potent kick, but less adventurous diners are pleased to find more subtle flavors as well. Popular choices include seafood, vegetable spring rolls, basil chicken and a classic pad Thai. Coconut ice cream caps it all on a delicately sweet note, and prices are decidedly un-Miami.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm; Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-10:30pm; Sat 12:30pm-10:30pm; Sun 5pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

SOUTH MIAMI. Beloved Shorty's has been filling Miami's rumbling stomachs since 1951. Down-home, Southern-style barbecued...

SOUTH MIAMI. Beloved Shorty's has been filling Miami's rumbling stomachs since 1951. Down-home, Southern-style barbecued ribs, along with pulled pork and beef brisket, are the draw. Everything comes with Shorty's original sauce and your choice of sides: fries, slaw, corn on the cob, baked sweet potato or garlic bread. Don't bother trying to keep your hands clean ­ it simply isn't possible. And since nothing goes better with barbecue than cold beer, order a pitcher to share while you dig in. You won't leave hungry, but you may make a few new friends ­ communal tables are the shoulder-rubbing norm.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DORAL. What started as one restaurant has grown to a chain of six bustling eateries. The success has been exceptional,...

DORAL. What started as one restaurant has grown to a chain of six bustling eateries. The success has been exceptional, and it's a fitting tribute to the award-winning menu that folks often come back for more ­ and recommend Los Ranchos to their friends. The cuisine has hints of Latin American, Cuban and Nicaraguan styles. Sample the delectable Gallo Pinto, spicy fried rice and red beans, or go the traditional route with their claim to fame ­ the churrasco. This center-cut tenderloin, chargrilled to perfection, is a favorite with regulars. Early-bird dinner specials are an impressive bargain.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11:30am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DORAL. When you're craving a quick burrito, bypass that fast food chain and head straight for Mrs. M's! It's just as...

DORAL. When you're craving a quick burrito, bypass that fast food chain and head straight for Mrs. M's! It's just as quick and economical, but there's no comparison in taste. Everything on the brief menu is good, from burritos to tacos to fajitas, and it all comes with a side of tortilla chips. You can even score a combination plate or a salad. Don't forget to stop by the salsa bar ­ each of the several varieties is made fresh daily. Nothing pre-packaged could even come close!

Hours: Sun-Wed 11:30am-9pm; Thu-Sat 11:30am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

CORAL GABLES. This tiny, family-owned favorite features some of the best Vietnamese cuisine in the area. The decor is...

CORAL GABLES. This tiny, family-owned favorite features some of the best Vietnamese cuisine in the area. The decor is simple and minimal, providing a clean, serene setting for your meal. Delicious meat, seafood and vegetarian offerings are available, and each dish can be customized to your ideal level of spiciness. Sample great salads, such as green papaya or spicy calamari, and filling noodle dishes topped with savory sauces. Caramelized prawns and grilled salmon with mango are two seafood favorites. A nice wine list and a short but stellar dessert menu make this an all-around winner. Business casual attire.

Hours: Mon-Wed 11:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-10pm; Thu 11:30am-3pm, 6:30pm-10pm; Fri 11:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-11pm; Sat 5:30pm-11pm; Sun 5:30pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

LITTLE HAVANA. Surrounded by Cuban and Spanish eateries, this Vietnamese gem is always crowded with regulars who...

LITTLE HAVANA. Surrounded by Cuban and Spanish eateries, this Vietnamese gem is always crowded with regulars who appreciate the cuisine's spicy, subtle flavors. Don't expect lovely decor ­ the room is sparse and plain, and the service has a reputation for being a bit slow. But your patience will be rewarded with some of the best Vietnamese food in Miami. Have an exotic beer and then enjoy the pork, a winner in a unique sauce made with ground nuts. Or try dolphin in mango sauce with crisp, flavorful spring rolls ­ a specialty of the house. Various fresh catches are always available, typically enhanced by sauces featuring tropical fruit and herbs.

Hours: Wed-Sun 6pm-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

COCONUT GROVE. Middle Eastern restaurants are few and far between in Miami, but Daily Bread offers a delectable array of...

COCONUT GROVE. Middle Eastern restaurants are few and far between in Miami, but Daily Bread offers a delectable array of tabouli, baba ghanoush and lamb or beef kebabs, all served with generous portions of fresh pita bread. Daily specials may include lamb and cauliflower with preserved lemon, and gourmet sandwiches and salads satisfy on-the-go patrons. Quick service and wallet-friendly prices also please, and the baklava is widely regarded as some of the best in town.

Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-8pm; Sun 11am-5pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Offering simple Florida cooking at its best, Garcia's serves the area's freshest seafood at incredible prices....

DOWNTOWN. Offering simple Florida cooking at its best, Garcia's serves the area's freshest seafood at incredible prices. A location on the Miami River grants picturesque dining, complete with picnic tables and umbrellas, and the super-casual ambience is much prized by regulars. They also swear by the dolphin sandwich, hushpuppies and crab cakes. Some items sell out quickly, but the staff can steer you to other satisfying options, and daily specials are always reliable. And don't forget to sample the seafood dip!

Hours: Sun-Thu 10:30am-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 10:30am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Open for breakfast and lunch, this Cuban cafeteria keeps the Design District well fed on everything from bacon...

DOWNTOWN. Open for breakfast and lunch, this Cuban cafeteria keeps the Design District well fed on everything from bacon and eggs (along with café Cubano, of course) to handmade sandwiches.

Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:45pm; Sat 6:30am-2pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , Diner's Club

SOUTH BEACH. No-frills Puerto Sagua is a long-standing institution in South Beach, where restaurants come and go with...

SOUTH BEACH. No-frills Puerto Sagua is a long-standing institution in South Beach, where restaurants come and go with frequency. This one has continued to please the fickle masses with traditional Cuban comfort food and unfussy decor. Native Cubans savor authentic shrimp in garlic sauce, fried plantains and grilled Cuban sandwiches stuffed with ham, pork and cheese. Late hours also make Puerto Sagua a perfect stop-off after a show or a night of club-hopping.

Hours: Daily 7:30am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club