A Perfect Dinner in Miami Includes Pasta and ’90s Hip-Hop

Miami has always been diverse, but it wasn’t until recently that the melting pot integrated itself into the city’s local cuisine. “There are not too many cities where you can find Jamaican, Cuban, Haitian, Mexican, Colombian, Italian, French, Lebanese, and Peruvian food in the same five-mile radius,” says chef Nando Chang. “What’s really cool is when these cultures intersect, and that’s what makes Miami, Miami.”

He and his sister, Valerie (both are 2023 F&W Best New Chefs), have also contributed to making Miami what it is today — their family-run Peruvian concepts, Itamae, B-Side, and Maty’s, are some of the hottest, freshest restaurants in town. Since 2001, the siblings have lived in Miami and have become experts on anything and everything the city has to offer. Here are their all-time favorite places to eat, drink, and shop in Miami.

Nando:

Ultimate brunch

“Might be nostalgia kicking in here, but a perfect weekend breakfast for me is dim sum. I love seeing a table full of different dumplings, fried squid, and steamed ribs with black bean sauce. Sang’s or Gold Marquess would be my top choices.”

Pastry power

“I really enjoy True Loaf Bakery’s almond croissant, and the guava and cream bomboloni is [wildly] good. I also love the weekend-only lemon scones from Flour & Weirdoughs.”

Cocktail hour

“The Green Ghoul at Jaguar Sun made by the one and only Will Thompson is my favorite cocktail.”

Pasta patio

“I think my favorite patio is at Macchialina. Between Jacqueline Pirolo’s wine selections, chef Michael Pirolo’s pastas, and ’90s hip-hop, you can count on having a great time.”

Comfort food

“My favorite under-the-radar restaurant is Blue Collar by chef Daniel Serfer. They serve unpretentious comfort food like oxtail and griot. A section of the menu is dedicated to seasonal vegetables, and you can’t miss out on their Key lime pie. Everything at this restaurant is super delicious, and it’s always so consistent.”

Valerie:

Born and bread

“Go to Miami classic Zak the Baker for their baguettes and pastries. We love supporting father-and-child duos (just like us) at Caracas Bakery. We especially love their sourdough — so much so, we sell it at Maty’s.” 

Wine not?

“We love to go to NIU Wine in downtown to see what co-owner Karina Iglesias and manager Shannon Gable’s picks for the week are. We never know what we’re drinking, but we know it’s always going to be delicious.”

Marvelous markets

“Proper Sausages is our local butcher shop that also has a great selection of wines, veggies, pickles, and an awesome pantry. Every Saturday, we head out to Legion Park Farmers Market to visit our local farmers and buy any last-minute ingredients for specials. Get there early — you might be able to get advice from a lot of chefs as you pick out your veggies.”

Dinner with a view

“We love going to visit chef Diego Oka at La Mar, not only for the view but also for the delicious food.”