Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Florida's signature dessert: a graham-cracker crust filled with tart key lime curd thickened with sweetened condensed milk, topped with whipped cream and a wedge of fresh lime.
Key lime pie was likely invented in the late 19th century in the Florida Keys, where the small, intensely tart key limes (Citrus aurantiifolia) grew wild and sweetened condensed milk (invented by Gail Borden in 1856) was the only available shelf-stable dairy on the islands. The chemistry is unique: the citric acid in lime juice causes the condensed milk to thicken without heat, so the original 19th-century version was uncooked. Joe's Stone Crab in Miami Beach has served the dish since 1913 and is the most-cited Miami canonical address.
3 editor picks for Key Lime Pie in Miami, ranked by editorial score. All Miami signature dishes · Key Lime Pie across every city.
Joe's Stone Crab in Miami Beach is the 1913 South of Fifth seafood cathedral, serving chilled stone crab claws with mustard sauce from October 15 to May 1.
OrderJumbo or large stone crab claws with the mustard sauce and a side of creamed spinach.
TipNo reservations for dinner; arrive by 5pm or use the take-away counter next door for the same claws to-go.
Versailles in Miami is the Calle Ocho Cuban institution that has poured cafecito since 1971 and remains Little Havana's political water cooler at 3555 SW 8th.
OrderVaca frita with maduros and a cafecito at the walk-up ventanita.
TipThe dining room queues at lunch; the ventanita pours cafecito from 8am and pastelitos run all day.
Yardbird in Miami Beach is the Lenox Avenue Southern table that put 27-hour brined fried chicken on the South Beach map and runs brunch through dinner daily.
OrderThe chicken n watermelon n waffles plate; the chicken alone is the order if you only want one bird.
TipBook the patio if it's open. Locals brunch Saturday before the queue takes the dining room past 1pm.
Key Lime Pie makes more sense with someone from Miami explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Guided tour · 2h 30m
Experience the thriving culinary scene of Miami's Little Havana and enjoy tasty, authentic Cuban cuisine. Learn about local history and culture as you explore one of M...
Guided tour · 2h 30m
Explore Wynwood, Miami, and discover one of the largest open-air museums in the world, known for its street art. Taste your way through this neighborhood while learnin...
Guided tour · 2 hours
Discover the vibrant heart of Miami on a guided tour of Little Havana. Learn about the history of the Cuban diaspora, see colorful art, and savor a "secret" tropical treat.
