Top 5 Budget-Friendly Lunches in Miami

Published: April 25, 2025

Miami is known for its vibrant culinary scene, from upscale dining to food trucks serving authentic international cuisine. While the city boasts many high-end restaurants, there are plenty of hidden gems where you can enjoy a delicious lunch without emptying your wallet. This guide will take you through the top 5 budget-friendly lunch spots in Miami that combine quality, flavor, and affordability.

1. El Palacio de los Jugos - Little Havana

Address: 5721 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33144

A Miami institution since 1977, El Palacio de los Jugos (The Juice Palace) is a vibrant outdoor food counter that offers authentic Cuban cuisine at incredibly reasonable prices. The colorful market atmosphere adds to the experience, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

What to Order:

• Cuban Sandwich ($7.99): A perfectly pressed sandwich with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread.
• Lechón Asado Plate ($9.50): Slow-roasted marinated pork with rice, beans, and sweet plantains.
• Fresh Fruit Juices ($3.50-$5.00): Try the mamey, guanabana, or passion fruit for an authentic tropical experience.

El Palacio offers generous portions that often provide enough for two meals. The food is prepared fresh, and the flavors are authentic. It’s a cash-only establishment, so come prepared. The bustling atmosphere and communal seating make it a great place to mingle with locals.

2. Ms. Cheezious - MiMo District

Address: 7418 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138

What started as a food truck has become one of Miami’s favorite comfort food spots. Ms. Cheezious specializes in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches that elevate this childhood classic to new heights, all while keeping prices affordable.

What to Order:

• Classic Grilled Cheese ($6.00): American cheese on country wheat bread, simple yet perfect.
• Short Rib Melt ($8.95): Braised short rib, jack cheese, and caramelized onions on sourdough.
• Frito Pie Melt ($7.95): House chili, American cheese, jalapeños, onions, and Fritos corn chips.

The restaurant has a relaxed, retro vibe with outdoor seating that’s perfect for Miami weather. They also offer daily specials that provide even more bang for your buck. Pair your sandwich with their crispy fries and a craft beer during happy hour for a complete meal under $15.

3. La Camaronera - Little Havana

Address: 1952 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33135

This family-owned seafood joint has been serving some of the freshest and most affordable seafood in Miami since 1966. What began as a fish market has evolved into a beloved eatery that maintains its no-frills approach while delivering exceptional flavor.

What to Order:

• Pan con Minuta ($8.00): Their signature fried snapper sandwich with the tail still attached, served on Cuban bread with tartar sauce.
• Shrimp Empanadas ($3.50 each): Perfectly crispy empanadas filled with seasoned shrimp.
• Fried Seafood Combo ($11.95): A mix of crispy fish, shrimp, and calamari that’s perfect for sharing.

La Camaronera initially operated as a standing-room-only establishment, but they now offer seating. The restaurant maintains its authentic, unpretentious atmosphere, focusing on what matters most: fresh, delicious seafood at prices that won’t break the bank.

4. Della Bowls - Wynwood

Address: 2818 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33127

For health-conscious diners looking for an affordable lunch option, Della Bowls in Wynwood offers plant-based bowls that are as nutritious as they are delicious. Located in The Wynwood Yard, this spot provides a refreshing alternative to typical budget lunch options.

What to Order:

• Forbidden Bowl ($10.95): Black rice, sweet potatoes, kale, pickled onions, toasted seeds, and curry sauce.
• El Mexicano Bowl ($10.95): Brown rice, black beans, plantains, pico de gallo, avocado, crispy tortilla strips, and chipotle sauce.
• Build Your Own Bowl (starting at $8.95): Choose your base, vegetables, protein, toppings, and sauce for a customized meal.

The casual outdoor setting allows you to enjoy Miami’s beautiful weather while dining. All ingredients are fresh, locally sourced when possible, and prepared with care. The portions are generous enough to keep you satisfied through the afternoon.

5. Versailles Restaurant - Little Havana

Address: 3555 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

Known as “The World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant,” Versailles has been a cornerstone of Miami’s culinary landscape since 1971. While it’s a tourist destination, locals still frequent it for authentic Cuban cuisine at reasonable prices, especially during lunch hours.

What to Order:

• Daily Lunch Specials ($8.95-$12.95): Rotating options like ropa vieja (shredded beef), picadillo (ground beef), or arroz con pollo (chicken with rice).
• Media Noche Sandwich ($7.95): Similar to a Cuban sandwich but served on sweet egg bread.
• Croquetas ($1.25 each): Ham croquettes that are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

The restaurant’s vintage décor with mirrored walls and ornate furnishings transports you to pre-revolutionary Cuba. Service is quick and efficient, making it a perfect lunch spot when you’re pressed for time. Don’t miss their ventanita (coffee window) for a post-meal Cuban coffee that costs less than $2.

Tips for Budget-Friendly Dining in Miami

To make the most of your culinary adventures while keeping costs low, consider these tips:

1. Visit during lunch hours: Many establishments offer lunch specials that are significantly cheaper than dinner prices.
2. Look for “daily specials”: These often provide the best value and allow you to try seasonal offerings.
3. Explore ethnic neighborhoods: Little Havana, Little Haiti, and Little Nicaragua offer authentic cuisine at local prices.
4. Share plates: Portions are often generous enough to split, especially at Latin American and Caribbean restaurants.
5. Follow food trucks: Miami has a vibrant food truck scene with excellent affordable options that change locations.

Conclusion

Miami’s culinary landscape offers something for every budget. These five establishments prove that you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a delicious, satisfying lunch in the Magic City. From Cuban classics to gourmet grilled cheese, health-conscious bowls to fresh seafood, these spots represent the diverse flavors that make Miami’s food scene so exciting.

Whether you’re a local looking to expand your lunch rotation or a visitor trying to experience authentic Miami cuisine without breaking the bank, these budget-friendly options deserve a place on your culinary itinerary. Each offers a unique atmosphere and flavors that represent the cultural melting pot that makes Miami’s food scene so vibrant and appealing.

For more budget-friendly dining tips, check out our article on Five Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipes Under $15 or How to Meal Prep Like a Pro for ways to save money on meals throughout the week.