Dining on a Budget in Miami

It’s fun to splurge, but locals will tell you some of the best bites don't require a big budget. And, let's be real, who doesn’t want a delicious meal that doesn’t cost a fortune? Luckily, Greater Miami and Miami Beach is a destination so culinarily diverse that finding cheap, delicious eats is never a challenge. Here are our picks for the best restaurants in Miami that won’t break the bank, clocking in at $20 or less.

El Palacio De Los Jugos

If you’re driving around Miami and spot bright red-and-yellow awnings, you’re likely near an El Palacio de los Jugos. The Miami staple has been serving Cuban cuisine since 1977.

With over a dozen locations throughout the city, a traditional home-cooked meal or tropical juice is never far away. Locals swear by the Especial breakfast: eggs cooked to order, ham, bacon, French fries, grilled Cuban bread and a café con leche, all for under $12.

La Sandwicherie

Crisp baguettes. Soft croissants. A beloved vinaigrette. The French-inspired sandwich counter La Sandwicherie has been a go-to for quick, monster sandwiches for decades, especially for lunch or a bite at the beach, and as a cure for late-night cravings.

There are locations across Miami, including South Beach, Wynwood and North Beach, all with menu items priced around $12 or less. Whether you go with a classic turkey and ham or the French salami, every bite is piled high with colorful veggies.

The Taco Stand

The Taco Stand in Wynwood channels the energy of Tijuana’s bustling street taco stalls. Its dining area may be small, but the flavors are anything but. Tacos, burritos and quesadillas are made fresh to order, with favorites like the al pastor ($3.99), layered with rotisserie-marinated pork, pineapple, cilantro and onion.

If you’re extra hungry, the California burrito piles flame-grilled steak, fries, cheese, guacamole and sour cream into one hefty tortilla. Don’t skip the grilled corn on the cob with mayo, Cotija and chili powder. There are also locations in South Beach and on Calle Ocho in Little Havana.

Chuggie’s

Award-winning chef Michael Beltran brings Cuban comfort food to a casual counter at Chuggie’s in Coconut Grove. The nostalgic, no-frills burger joint keeps prices refreshingly low, with nothing on the menu over $11.

Miamians love the Frita Royale, stacked with a chorizo patty, mojo ketchup, pickled onions and papitas. We also recommend the classic Chuggie burger, chicken nuggets, shaker fries and soft serve. Little ones can even enjoy The Happiest of Meals, a kid-friendly choice featuring a surprise prize.

Order from a kiosk, grab a yellow picnic table outside and don’t forget to stop by the photo booth for post-meal fun.

Shima Japanese

Ordering sushi doesn’t always have to be an expensive experience. At Shima Japanese in Miami Lakes, plates of inventive rolls, nigiri, poke and hot dishes glide through the dining room on a conveyor belt, and the design on each plate tells you the price.

Most rolls run around $5 to $6, making it dangerously easy to keep grabbing them as they pass by. With plenty of variety on the belt, consider this a go-to whether you’re enjoying a casual date night or meeting up with friends.

Sanguich

Few things are more Miami than a well-made Cuban sandwich, and Sanguich is one of the city’s most celebrated spots to order one. Founded by a couple of Miami natives with deep Cuban-American roots, the Little Havana shop (with additional locations across town) draws crowds for its authentic flavors and quality ingredients, with most menu items under $15.

Go for the pan con croqueta or pan con lechón: crispy-skinned roasted pork and onions tucked into buttered, pressed Cuban bread.

The Original Daily Bread Marketplace

One visit to The Original Daily Bread Marketplace explains why locals tend to keep this place hush hush. The Middle Eastern market and cafe in Coconut Grove serves up flavorful eats at prices that will make you do a double take.

Skip the indecision and go straight for a combo plate, like the gyro platter with sliced lamb and beef, hummus, tabbouleh and Greek salad. Or mix and match a few smaller bites, like falafel, kibbeh and stuffed cabbage, for a satisfying sampler, all while keeping the bill around $15 to $16.

Piola

Brickell is not exactly known for budget-friendly dining, which makes Piola’s weekly lunch special somewhat of a rare find. The Italian pizzeria, originally founded in Treviso in 1986, has long been a neighborhood favorite, turning out thin brick-oven pies, handmade gnocchi and traditional pastas.

Keep it simple with a classic Margherita, or try something indulgent like the Truffle & More with Alfredo sauce, shiitake mushrooms, fontina, sliced potatoes, rosemary and truffle oil. The $18 lunch special includes a soup or salad, a main dish and a glass of wine or soft drink. Additional locations include Miami Beach and Doral.