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Dining at Miami Airport (MIA): A Complete Guide with Real Options
Hungry before your flight or during a layover? Miami International Airport (MIA) offers a dining scene as diverse as the city itself. From Cuban pastries and tacos to burgers, vegan dishes, and bars with tropical cocktails, this airport has it all... though not always at a good price. In this guide, we help you quickly locate what to eat based on your terminal, schedule, and preferences.
Quick Answers for Eating Well at MIA
- Are there 24-hour options? Yes, several vending machines like Carlo's Bake Shop Express and Bunnie Cakes (vegan cupcakes) are available all day. Dunkin' Donuts and Subway in the Central Terminal also operate 24/7.
- Where to get good coffee? Café Versailles is the undisputed classic for a strong Cuban coffee and a pastry, although some travelers report that the quality can be inconsistent.
- Vegan or healthy options? In addition to cupcakes from Bunnie Cakes, you'll find natural snacks, salads, and fresh bowls at places like La Pausa and Ice Box Café.
- Eating without breaking the bank? Although MIA is expensive, Chef Creole is highly praised for its generous portions and reasonable prices. La Carreta is also an economical option to try authentic Cuban food.
- Short on time? Café La Carreta and Café Versailles are known for their fast service, ideal for grabbing something typical without risking missing your flight.
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Quick Comparison Table by Restaurant Type at MIA
👉 Swipe right to see the full table
| 🍽️ Type of Food | Featured Locations | Location | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥪 Cuban Food | Café Versailles, La Carreta, Estefan Kitchen, Sergio’s Cuban | North (D), Central (E), Satellite E | 5:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| 🍕 Pizza & Pasta | 305 Pizza, Maestro Della Pizza, Pizza Hut, Villa Italian Kitchen | All terminals | 7:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| 🍗 Fast Food | Burger King, Wendy’s, Subway, Nathan’s Famous, KFC | North (D), Central (E, F), South (H, J) | 6:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| 🍣 Asian / Sushi | Sushi Maki, Manchu Wok | North (D), Central (E) | 10:00 am – 9:00 pm |
| ☕ Coffee & Sweets | Starbucks, Juan Valdez, Bunnie Cakes, Carlo’s Bake Shop | All terminals | From 4:00 am / some 24h |
| 🌱 Healthy / Vegan | Bunnie Cakes, Ice Box Café, La Pausa, Farmair's Market | North (D), Central (F), South (H/J Connector) | 6:00 am – 9:00 pm |
| 🍹 Bars & Pubs | Corona Beach House, The Clover Irish Pub, Samuel Adams, Stella Bar | All terminals | 11:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| 🍤 Caribbean / Creole | Chef Creole, Chefs of the Caribbean, Island Chicken Grill | Central (E), North (D), South (Connector) | 10:00 am – 7:00 pm |
The Passenger Verdict: Favorites and Questioned
Overall, travelers agree that the dining scene at MIA reflects the multicultural identity of Miami. However, the predominant feeling is frustration with the high prices, inconsistent quality, and poor customer service. Many restaurants add an automatic 18% tip, even for counter service or QR code orders, which causes discontent. The food is often described as "cold," "dry," or "old," especially at fast-food locations.
Traveler Favorites
- Chef Creole (Central Terminal): It is the clear winner in reviews. Travelers, including flight crews, recommend it for its authentic, tasty Caribbean food served in generous portions at prices considered reasonable for an airport. The staff, especially Gary, receives constant praise for their friendliness and excellent service.
- Corona Beach House (North Terminal): Valued for its relaxed atmosphere, fast and friendly service (highlighting Hiram and Francesca), and food that exceeds the airport average. It's a popular spot to spend time during a layover, although beware of the drink prices, which do not appear on the menu and can be a surprise.
- La Carreta (Central Terminal): Another highly appreciated Cuban option for its authenticity, speed, and moderate prices. It's a safe bet for trying traditional dishes like roasted pork without risking missing your flight.
- La Pausa (South Terminal): Stands out for offering a quieter and more elegant experience. The staff (like Alain and Natalia) receive praise for their attentiveness. Although the prices are high, the quality of the food and cocktails make it a valued refuge.
Mixed Reviews and Warnings
- Café Versailles (North Terminal): It's an icon, but the experience is a gamble. While some travelers love their *cortaditos* and pastries, many others complain about stale food, burnt coffee, and rude staff who demand a tip at the counter.
- The Clover Irish Pub (North Terminal): Attracts with its pub aesthetic, but complaints are recurrent: slow service, mediocre food at high prices, and the imposition of an automatic 18% tip for poor service.
- Bud Light Lounge (South Terminal): Widely criticized. Travelers describe it as dirty, with poor-quality frozen food at exorbitant prices and a QR ordering system that doesn't work well, all with an automatic 18% tip for non-existent service.
- Fast Food (Nathan's, Villa Pizza, Dunkin'): The disappointment is general. The food is often cold or poorly prepared, the service is slow and unfriendly, and the prices are much higher than outside the airport. Many locations do not even offer the full menu.
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🍽️ Full List of Restaurants and Cafes by Terminal
Here is a complete list of all the dining establishments present, organized by terminal:
Operating hours and availability are subject to change without prior notice.
North Terminal
305 Pizza
Second level, gate D27.
Pizza, panini and more.
7:30 am – 10:00 pm
Au Bon Pain
Second level, gate D44.
Soups, salads, artisan sandwiches.
5:00 am - 9:00 pm
Bacardi Mojito Bar
Second level, gate D53.
Bar.
6:00 am - 9:00 pm
Bunnie Cakes
Second level, gate D21.
Vegan cakes and cupcakes.
24 hours
Café Versailles
Second level, gates D5, D20 and D44.
Cuban food, pastries, sandwiches, Cuban coffee.
5:00 am - 9:00 pm
Carlo's Bake Shop Express
Second level, gate D34.
Cakes from Carlo's Bake Shop.
24 hours
Chefs of the Caribbean
Second level, gate D29.
Caribbean cuisine.
10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Clubhouse One
Second level, gate D24.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Casual dining, bar, burgers, salads.
6:00 am - 9:30 pm
Corona Beach House
Second level, gate D23.
Restaurant and sports bar.
6:30 am - 9:30 pm
Dunkin' Donuts
Second level, gate D41.
Donuts, bagels, coffee.
4:00 am - 11:00 pm
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Level 2, gate D26.
Bagels, coffee, espresso, sandwiches, snacks, sweets.
5:00 am - 9:00 pm
Estefan Kitchen Express
Level 2, gate D27.
Modern Cuban food, flatbreads, cocktails.
7:00 am - 10:00 pm
Fig & Fennel
Level 2, gate D28.
Mediterranean food, wraps, healthy options.
7:00 am - 9:00 pm
Halfmoon Empanadas
Second level, gate D29.
Empanadas.
7:30 am - 7:00 pm
Ice Box Café
Second level, gate D8.
Healthy dishes, salads, sandwiches.
6:00 am - 11:00 pm
Islander Bar & Grill
Level 2, gates D4 and D49.
American and Caribbean food, breakfasts.
6:00 am - 9:30 pm
Jose Cuervo Tequileria
Second level, gate D11.
Mexican cuisine, tequilas.
4:00 am - 9:30 pm
Juan Valdez Café
Second level, gate D23.
Colombian coffee, pastries and snacks.
5:30 am - 8:00 pm
KFC
Second level, departures.
Fried chicken.
11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Ku-Va Restaurant & Bar
Second level, departures.
Cuban cuisine.
5:00 am - 10:00 pm
La Carreta
Second level, gate D37.
Classic Cuban dishes.
4:30 am - 9:30 pm
Manchu Wok
Second level, gates D21 and D44.
Chinese fast food.
10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Misha’s Cupcakes
Level 2, gate D29.
Desserts, cupcakes and pastries.
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
My Ceviche
Second level, gate D29.
Ceviches and seafood.
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Nathan’s Famous
Second level, gates D21 and D37.
Hot dogs and fries.
7:00 am – 9:30 pm
Peet's Coffee
Second level, gate D51.
Coffee, tea, pastries.
6:00 am – 8:30 pm
Pizza Hut Express
Second level, boarding.
Pizza, pasta, wings.
11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Shula’s Bar & Grill
Level 2, gate D17.
Steaks, burgers.
10:00 am – 8:30 pm
Spring Chicken
Second level, gate D22.
Fried chicken.
7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Starbucks
Gates D10, D32, D1 and checkpoint 2.
Coffee shop.
4:30 am – 9:30 pm (varies by location)
Subway
Second level, gate D10.
Fresh sandwiches and salads.
6:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sushi Maki
Second level, gate D29.
Sushi, rolls and Asian dishes.
6:00 am - 10:30 pm
Sweet Indulgences
Second level, gate D26.
Treats, sweets.
6:30 am – 8:45 pm
TGI Friday’s
Second level, gate D36.
Burgers, appetizers, beers.
7:00 am - 9:00 pm
The Clover Irish Pub
Second level, gate D30.
Irish pub, bar food.
6:00 am – 9:30 pm
The Counter
Second level, gate D33.
Burgers, cocktails.
10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Villa Pizza
Level 2, gates D21 and D43.
Homemade pizza and pasta.
1:00 pm - 9:00 pm / 8:00 am – 9:30 pm
Wendy's
Second level, gate D19.
Burgers and salads.
6:00 am – 9:30 pm
Wynwood Warehouse Bar
Level 2, gate D24.
Bar.
11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Central Terminal
Concourse E
Air Margaritaville
Pre-security, second level.
Restaurant and bar, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cold drinks, beers, signature dishes.
7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Burger King
Second level, pre-security.
Fast food.
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Café La Carreta
Arrivals, first level, pre-security.
Cuban cuisine, pastries, croquettes, sandwiches and homemade dishes.
5:00 am - 10:00 pm
Chef Creole
Departures, second level, pre-security.
Seafood, Bahamian/Creole cuisine, traditional American dishes.
10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Chick-Fil-A
Opposite gate E2.
Fast food.
5:00 am - 11:00 pm
Jackson Soul Food
Next to gate E2.
Traditional soul food.
5:00 am - 11:00 pm
Maestro Della Pizza
Next to gate E7.
Pizzeria.
Samuel Adams
Second level, gate E7.
Bar.
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sergio’s Cuban
Next to gate E5.
Cuban coffee shop.
6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Subway
Second level, pre-security.
Sandwiches, salads.
24 hours
The Great American Bagel
Next to gate E9.
Bagels, sandwiches, paninis, coffee, Cuban desserts.
Viena
Pre-security, seventh floor of the airport hotel.
Drinks, cocktails, appetizers, beers, wines, fresh food, salads, steaks, pasta, breads.
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Satellite E
Café Versailles
Departures, second level.
Cuban food, pastries, sandwiches, Cuban coffee.
5:00 am – 9:00 pm
La Colombe & The Great Bagel
Next to gate E23.
Coffee, bagels, sandwiches, baked goods.
6:00 am – 9:00 pm
Pizza Hut Express
Departures, second level.
Pizza, pasta, wings, desserts.
9:00 am – 9:15 pm
Stella Bar
Boarding, second level.
Bar.
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sushi Maki
Second level.
Spring rolls, salmon miso, sushi tacos.
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wynwood Bar
Second level, departures.
Bar.
11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Concourse F
Budweiser Brewhouse
Next to gate F12.
Full bar, appetizers.
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Café Versailles
Departures, second level, pre-security.
Cuban food, pastries, sandwiches, Cuban coffee.
5:30 am - 11:00 pm
Dunkin' Donuts
Departures, second level, pre-security.
Donuts, bagels, coffee.
24 hours
Farmair's Market
Gate F10.
Fresh breakfasts, sandwiches, salads, wraps.
11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Guava & Java
Gate F14.
Pastries, coffee, baked goods.
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Maestro Della Pizza
Gate F14.
Pizzeria.
Concourse G
Au Bon Pain
Second level, pre-security.
Soups, salads, artisan sandwiches.
5:00 am - 9:00 pm
Budweiser Brewhouse
Gate G10.
Full bar, appetizers.
8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Bunnie Cakes
Between gates G10 and G16.
Vegan cakes and cupcakes.
24 hours
Chili's Too
Second level, pre-security.
Burgers, salads, appetizers.
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Farm2Air Market
Gate G8.
Sandwiches, salads, snacks, desserts.
8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Guava & Java
Gate G9.
Pastries, coffee, baked goods.
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Villa Italian Kitchen
Second level, boarding.
Homemade pizza and pasta.
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
South Terminal
Concourse H
Bud Light Lounge
Gate H12.
Full bar, appetizers.
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Carlo's Bake Shop Express
Gate H11.
Cakes from Carlo's Bake Shop.
24 hours
Heineken Bar
Gate H6.
Beers, snacks.
10:30 am - 6:30 pm
Nathan’s Famous
Gate H9.
Hot dogs, fries.
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Pizza Hut
Gate H12.
Pizza, pasta, wings, desserts.
11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Quizno's
Gate H12.
Toasted sandwiches, soups, salads.
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Starbucks
Gate H5.
Coffee shop.
5:00 am - 8:00 pm
Subway
Gate H7.
Sandwiches, salads.
5:00 am - 8:00 pm
H/J Connector
Bongos Cuban Café
Second level.
Cuban cuisine, croquettes, palomilla steak, roasted pork.
10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Esspresamente Illy
Second level.
Italian coffee, desserts.
6:00 am - 7:00 pm
Famous Famiglia
Second level.
Pizzas.
10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Farmair's Market
Second level.
Fresh breakfasts, sandwiches, salads, wraps.
6:00 am - 8:00 pm
Gilbert’s Food Bar
Departures, second level.
Sandwiches, baked goods, desserts, snacks, coffees.
6:30 am - 9:30 pm
Island Chicken Grill
Second level.
American breakfast, burgers, Caribbean dishes.
12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
La Pausa
Second level.
Full kitchen and bar, specialty cocktails, wine, beer.
11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Concourse J
Burger King
Food court area.
Fast food.
5:00 am - 10:00 pm
Carlo's Bake Shop Express
Gate J11.
Cakes from Carlo's Bake Shop.
24 hours
Corona Beach House
Gate J11.
Vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options, kids' and adults' menu, beers, wines, cocktails.
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Earl of Sandwich
Gate J8.
Made-to-order sandwiches.
6:00 am - 10:00 pm
Famous Famiglia
Second level.
Pizzas.
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
La Pausa
Second level.
Full kitchen and bar, cocktails, wines, beers.
11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Starbucks
Gate J7.
Coffee shop.
5:30 am - 10:00 pm
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Summary: The Best of Each Terminal
- North Terminal: It's the hub for Cuban food. Café Versailles is the iconic spot, though risky. For a more consistent and relaxed experience, Corona Beach House is a safe bet.
- Central Terminal: Caribbean food shines here. Chef Creole is the airport's hidden gem, highly recommended for its flavor and value. La Carreta is another excellent option for quick and authentic Cuban food.
- South Terminal: For a quieter, higher-quality meal. La Pausa offers elaborate dishes and a good atmosphere, ideal for escaping the airport chaos.
Practical Tips for a Better Dining Experience at MIA
- Plan according to your gate: The distances are enormous. Check your gate before deciding where to eat to avoid last-minute rushes.
- Beware of hidden prices: Some bars, like Corona Beach House, don't show drink prices on the menu. Ask before ordering to avoid a $50 surprise for two cocktails.
- Automatic tipping is the norm: Many restaurants automatically apply an 18% tip, even if you order at a counter. Check your bill.
- Don't expect fine dining from fast food: Major chains like Nathan's or Villa Pizza receive very negative reviews for their cold, poor-quality food and deficient service. It's often better to opt for a local-flavored spot.
✅ Final tip: If your flight is very early or arrives late at night, your options are extremely limited. Confirm which 24-hour locations are actually open in your terminal and consider bringing your own snacks.