Here are 10 of the most popular restaurants in Homestead, Florida. This list covers a range of cuisines that reflect the area’s diverse culture, from authentic Mexican and Caribbean flavors to classic American BBQ and farm-to-table dining.
1. Chefs on the Run Gastro Pub
This is widely considered one of the best spots in Homestead, known for its creative “Puerto Rican-American” fusion. It started in 2011 with Chef Jodrick Ujaque and has won multiple awards for its burgers.
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Unique Factor: A true “gastropub” experience with a high-end culinary touch in a casual setting. The menu is constantly evolving with creative daily specials.
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Popular Items: The Chef La Burger (award-winning), Mofongo (mashed plantains with garlic and cracklings), and the Ño! Chicken Sandwich.
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History: Established in 2011 by Chef Jodrick Ujaque, who brought his background in fine dining to a more accessible, family-friendly environment.
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Location: 10 E Mowry Dr, Homestead, FL 33030 (Downtown Homestead)
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Positive Review: “Comfort food on steroids. Every burger is a masterpiece and the mofongo is the best I’ve had outside of Puerto Rico.”
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2. Shiver’s BBQ
A local institution, Shiver’s has been serving hickory-smoked BBQ for over 60 years. It is often the first stop for people heading down to the Florida Keys.
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Unique Factor: Authentic, slow-cooked BBQ smoked for 12+ hours. The atmosphere is quintessential “Old Florida” with picnic tables and a rustic vibe.
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Popular Items: Baby Back Ribs, Beef Brisket, Burnt Ends, and their famous Cornbread Soufflé.
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History: Family-owned and operated since 1950, making it one of the oldest restaurants in the area.
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Location: 28001 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033
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Positive Review: “The meat literally falls off the bone. You can smell the smoke from the parking lot. A must-stop on the way to the Keys.”
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3. White Lion Cafe
Housed in a charming white cottage, this restaurant feels less like a business and more like dining at a friend’s home.
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Unique Factor: The building was originally an antique shop, and it retains that eclectic, cozy decor. It has a very loyal local following due to its “hidden gem” status.
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Popular Items: Meatloaf, Crab Cakes, Fresh Catch of the Day, and homemade desserts.
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History: Opened in 1989. The owners originally planned to open a tea room/antique shop, but the food became so popular it evolved into a full-service restaurant.
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Location: 146 NW 7th St, Homestead, FL 33030
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Positive Review: “A magical little place. It feels like you are eating in Grandma’s dining room. The service is incredibly warm and personal.”
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4. Yardie Spice
A husband-and-wife team runs this highly-rated spot blending Jamaican and Haitian cuisines.
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Unique Factor: It perfectly fuses the bold spices of Jamaica with the savory depth of Haitian cooking. The owners are known for personally greeting guests and explaining the menu.
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Popular Items: Oxtail, Curry Goat, Jerk Chicken, and Griot (fried pork chunks). They also have excellent vegan options like “Leon’s Legumes.”
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History: Small, family-run business that has grown rapidly in popularity due to word-of-mouth reviews about their authenticity.
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Location: 225 S Krome Ave, Homestead, FL 33030
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Positive Review: “The most authentic Caribbean food I’ve found in Florida. The owners treat you like family, and the oxtail is tender and rich.”
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5. The Redlander Restaurant (at Schnebly Winery)
Located inside the Schnebly Redland’s Winery, this is an open-air, farm-to-table dining experience set amidst waterfalls and tiki huts.
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Unique Factor: The setting is unmatched—you are dining in a lush tropical garden. They use local tropical fruits (avocado, coconut, lychee) in both their food and their famous fruit wines.
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Popular Items: Avocado Dippers, Guava Glazed Wings, and the Schnebly Burger.
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History: Part of the Schnebly Winery estate, which pioneered making wine from tropical fruits rather than grapes in South Florida.
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Location: 30205 SW 217th Ave, Homestead, FL 33030
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Positive Review: “The ambiance is breathtaking. It feels like a tropical vacation. The avocado wine is a must-try!”
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6. Taqueria Morelia
For those seeking authentic Mexican street food, this is the local favorite. It is often cited as having the “best tacos in town.”
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Unique Factor: This is not Tex-Mex; it is authentic Michoacán-style cuisine. They have a salsa bar that allows you to customize your heat level.
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Popular Items: Tacos al Pastor, Carne Asada, Barbacoa, and their authentic Fruit Juices (Aguas Frescas).
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History: Opened in 2007 by a family from Michoacán, Mexico. They have expanded to a second location due to high demand.
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Location: 1875 NE 8th St, Homestead, FL 33033 (and a Florida City location)
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Positive Review: “Real deal Mexican food. The tortillas are fresh, the salsa bar is amazing, and the prices are unbeatable.”
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7. Casita Tejas Mexican Restaurant
A staple in Historic Downtown Homestead, Casita Tejas offers a comfortable, sit-down Tex-Mex experience.
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Unique Factor: Known for massive portions and a festive, colorful interior. It’s a go-to spot for large families and celebrations.
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Popular Items: Sizzling Fajitas, Wet Burritos, and their complimentary Chips and Salsa (often praised as fresh and warm).
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History: Family-owned and serving the community since 1987.
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Location: 27 N Krome Ave, Homestead, FL 33030
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Positive Review: “I’ve been coming here since I was a kid. The food is consistently delicious and the portions are huge.”
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8. Bangkok Cuisine
A hidden gem for Thai and Sushi lovers, operating in a simple strip mall but delivering high-quality Asian cuisine.
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Unique Factor: They grow many of their own herbs and spices, which makes their curries exceptionally fresh. It is one of the longest-standing Thai restaurants in the area.
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Popular Items: Pad Thai, Duck Curry, Tiger Roll (Sushi), and Thai Donuts.
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History: Family-owned and operated since 1997.
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Location: 45 N Homestead Blvd, Homestead, FL 33030
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Positive Review: “Don’t let the strip mall exterior fool you. Inside is the best Thai food in South Dade. The curry is rich and flavorful.”
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9. Havana Spice
This spot offers a modern take on Cuban cuisine with a lively atmosphere.
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Unique Factor: A polished, slightly more upscale look compared to typical cafeteria-style Cuban joints. They often feature live music and have a full bar.
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Popular Items: Lechon Asado (roast pork), Vaca Frita (crispy shredded beef), and Tostones Rellenos.
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History: A newer addition compared to some others on this list, but it quickly established itself as the premier spot for sit-down Cuban dinner in Homestead.
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Location: 30530 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033
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Positive Review: “Great atmosphere and even better food. The Vaca Frita was crispy and flavorful, and the mojitos were perfect.”
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10. Portofino Coal Fired Pizza
If you are looking for Italian food, this is the top recommendation in Homestead, specifically for their pizza.
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Unique Factor: They use a genuine coal-fired oven (anthracite coal), which cooks pizzas at 900 degrees, giving them a unique char and crispy crust that standard ovens can’t replicate.
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Popular Items: Signature Coal Fired Wings (served with caramelized onions), Margherita Pizza, and Rigatoni alla Vodka.
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History: Located in a busy plaza, it has become the standard for “pizza night” in Homestead for those wanting something better than delivery chains.
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Location: 650 NE 22nd Terrace, Homestead, FL 33033
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Positive Review: “The wings alone are worth the trip—smoky and delicious. The pizza crust is perfectly charred.”
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