Salads in Miami

19015 Biscayne Blvd. Aventura/North Miami Beach

305-931-4470

This dual-purpose spot is a bistro and pottery workshop, so artists of all ages can get their paint on while inhaling eye-candy cupcakes and homemade baked goods. In fact, Alisa's Painted Bistro cupcakes were such a hit, they even branched out into a food truck dubbed Alisa's Cupcakery. The Aventura joint also serves up savory foodstuffs like salads and sandwiches including a spinach salad ($8.50), tuna melt paninis ($8.30), cheese pizza slices ($2.95) and basil pesto pasta ($9.00). And if you're looking to pair your pottery painting with some pizza, they offer party packages, too. A place to eat and keep the kids' ADD at bay? Win/win.

1 article

Big Squeeze Juice Bar

18315 W. Dixie Highway, Sunny Isles Beach North Dade

305-935-9544

Breakfast/Brunch, Salads, Smoothies, Vegetarian, Best Of, Menu

Despite our proximity to the ocean, Miami suffers from a tragic lack of laidback shack-type spots to grab grub and an icy drink (no, Ocean Drive's overpriced sidewalk cafes don't count). Luckily, Big Squeeze Juice Bar in North Miami Beach fills in that gaping hole in our dining landscape. The bright, vibrantly painted interior counter and outdoor shaded hut, decked out with tropical plants providing additional shade and bench swings, dish out mostly vegetarian healthful salads and sandwiches (though there are a few chicken and fish dishes), and smoothies and fresh-pressed juices. The falafel sandwich --crisp, cleanly fried chickpea fritters nestled in warm pita bread and topped with a creamy, vegan tahini sauce -- is one of the best renditions in town. And it can be washed down with a low-calorie but flavorful tropical smoothie ($5) blended with coconut milk and honey instead of any animal products or sugar. Additionally, iced smoothie-coffee blends, wheatgrass shots, and lemonades and juices are served. Adding to the hippy-surfer-beach bum vibe, acoustic guitar performances are common.

2 articles

Chocolate Fashion

248 Andalusia Ave. Coral Gables/S. Miami

305-461-3200

Bakery, Cafe, Dessert, French, Salads, Sandwiches, Best Of, Menu

True Francophiles swoon when the words "Chocolate Fashion" are uttered. Just one look into the lighted pastry case is enough to make them sob. There are glazed super-size fruit tarts, delicate cakes and cookies as big as a baby's face, and shot glasses of chocolate mousse topped with chocolate macaroons. Had a bad day? Your sorrows will be forgotten after you try a slice of strawberry soufflé cake or devour a guava-cheese muffin. But there's more to this spot than just the confections. It bills itself as a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, and a bakery, patisserie, chocolaterie, and confiserie (candy store). But "market" should also be added, as they carry everything from Lavazzo coffee to French sardines and rose petal jelly. The menu also offers breakfast items like delicate brioche French toast for $6.95 or flaky quiche for only $3.95. Lunch can include hearty sandwiches that only cost $8.75 or salads ranging from $8.25 to $9.25. Check the website daily for lunch specials, which tend to include one meat dish (like a lamb stew for $12.95), and a fish or low-carb option for about the same price. If your meal doesn't come with bread, ask for it and thank us later. Blessedly the poor service encountered at many local French joints is absent here. You'll get your meal without a hint of snobbery. The décor is forgettable. As for the eatery's name, well, who knows what it means. And who cares? You didn't come here to talk; you came here to eat.

4 articles

The Daily Creative Food Co.

2001 Biscayne Blvd. Midtown/Wynwood/Design District

305-573-4535

Sandwiches, Breakfast/Brunch, Salads, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

The Daily serves a familiar menu of light food, differentiated mostly by the journalistic theme reflected in its playful paperboy logo. Worthy signature sandwiches, almost all named for local and national newspapers, include the very tasty Wall Street Journal (smoked salmon, avocado, tomato, and alfalfa sprouts on thick slices of fresh pumpernickel, with an assertively tingly cucumber/wasabi dressing) and the Miami New Times, one of many vegetarian options. It's also possible to create your own sandwich or salad from a list of several dozen ingredients. And if a panini isn't your thing, dinner is also available, from taste-bud tinglers such as hummus and entrées such as seared tuna and mac 'n' cheese to a local favorite, lechón. Ingredients here are a giant step up from fast-food sandwich chains (which is why the Daily is a bit pricier), especially the impressive fresh breads, as well as sauces tasty enough you'll want to remember to ask for extra.

8 articles

Dune Burgers on the Beach

455 Grand Bay Dr. Key Biscayne

305-365-4500

Burgers, Salads, Best Of, Menu

3 articles

Esevagonte Eatery

6801 SW 8th St #101 Unknown

305-267-0104

Fusion, New American, Pizza, Salads, Sandwiches

Local Miami eatery focusing on fresh ingredients and great dishes. Come visit Miami's newest gourmet pizza, handcrafted sandwiches and fresh salads eatery.

The Fresh Market

2640 S. Bayshore Dr. Coconut Grove

305-854-7202

Deli, Market, Salads, Sandwiches, Retail, Best Of

Fresh Market looks like an old-time general store with better lighting housed in swank digs right alongside Biscayne Bay. Tranquil music and aromatic produce seize your senses as soon as you enter (and, hey, the make-your-own-six-pack-of-beer cooler is definitely engaging), but the island in the center of the store is where the finest array of prepared foods is displayed and dispersed to hungry patrons. The extensive collection includes quiches, meatloaf, barbecued pulled pork, stuffed cabbage, carrot soufflé, sushi (rolled before your eyes), salads, and sandwiches (Reubens to Cubans to Mediterranean-style paninis piled up as if auditioning for a food shop in Milan). But what puts Fresh Market in a league of its own is a stunning lineup of first-class roasted meats: glazed crown ribs of pork roast, plump rolls of herbed turkey breast, chipotle-barbecued baby back ribs so succulent that Shorty's is shaking in its cowboy boots, and five types of darkly bronzed rotisserie chicken - our favorites are the honey-bourbon and whiskey-sage. This is by no means an inexpensive shop, but many of the prepared foods are less extravagantly priced than you might think; chicken costs $3.69 per pound and the aforementioned roasts cost $4.99 to $8.99 per pound. If all that isn't enough to put some pep in your step, grab a cup of freshly roasted coffee from a complimentary dispenser up front.

19 articles

Giardino Gourmet Salads

175 SE 13th St. Brickell

305-372-0301

Salads, Fast Casual, Best Of, Menu

1 article

Giardino Gourmet Salads

2346 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Coral Gables/S. Miami

305-460-6010

Salads, Fast Casual, Best Of, Menu

This small, homegrown take-out café has sprouted several locations throughout Miami-Dade. On the menu is a soup (zuppa) of the day, hummus, several desserts (including some fabulous seasonal fruit mousses), and a few nonalcoholic beverages. But the specialty, like the name says, is salad: 25 combinations of greens and garnishes. Some are traditional, such as the caesar, with anchovy, Parmesan cheese, and romaine; others are internationally inspired original creations, such as the Indian, which comes with red cabbage, golden raisins, shredded coconut, and tahini dressing. Yet no matter what salad you order, all come with your choice of an equal number of imaginative, tasty homemade salad dressings (such as creamy cheese, pesto balsamic vinaigrette, wasabi, and berry, all of which can be bought in take-home bottles) and flavored croutons (try the sweet bread). DIY-minded diners can also design their own salads by choosing any green, four toppings, a dressing, and a specialty crouton. Also possible is a more portable meal: your fully dressed and garnished salad tucked in a rice paper or flour tortilla wrap ($6). And because even the $6.50 "piccolo" (small) salad is meal-size (other portions include the medium "pasta" for $8.75 and the massive "grande" for $11), Giardino offers one of South Beach's biggest bargain lunches, as well as one of its most healthful.

5 articles

Giardino Gourmet Salads

6653 S. Dixie Highway Coral Gables/S. Miami

305-665-1770

Salads, Fast Casual, Best Of, Menu

This small, homegrown take-out café has sprouted several locations throughout Miami-Dade. On the menu is a soup (zuppa) of the day, hummus, several desserts (including some fabulous seasonal fruit mousses), and a few nonalcoholic beverages. But the specialty, like the name says, is salad: 25 combinations of greens and garnishes. Some are traditional, such as the caesar, with anchovy, Parmesan cheese, and romaine; others are internationally inspired original creations, such as the Indian, which comes with red cabbage, golden raisins, shredded coconut, and tahini dressing. Yet no matter what salad you order, all come with your choice of an equal number of imaginative, tasty homemade salad dressings (such as creamy cheese, pesto balsamic vinaigrette, wasabi, and berry, all of which can be bought in take-home bottles) and flavored croutons (try the sweet bread). DIY-minded diners can also design their own salads by choosing any green, four toppings, a dressing, and a specialty crouton. Also possible is a more portable meal: your fully dressed and garnished salad tucked in a rice paper or flour tortilla wrap ($6). And because even the $6.50 "piccolo" (small) salad is meal-size (other portions include the medium "pasta" for $8.75 and the massive "grande" for $11), Giardino offers one of South Beach's biggest bargain lunches, as well as one of its most healthful.

2 articles

Giardino Gourmet Salads

14455 S. Dixie Highway Cutler Bay/Palmetto Bay

305-259-3030

Salads, Fast Casual, Best Of, Menu

1 article

Giardino Gourmet Salads

11402 NW 41st St. Doral

305-629-9553

Salads, Best Of, Menu

This small, homegrown take-out café has sprouted several locations throughout Miami-Dade. On the menu is a soup (zuppa) of the day, hummus, several desserts (including some fabulous seasonal fruit mousses), and a few nonalcoholic beverages. But the specialty, like the name says, is salad: 25 combinations of greens and garnishes. Some are traditional, such as the caesar, with anchovy, Parmesan cheese, and romaine; others are internationally inspired original creations, such as the Indian, which comes with red cabbage, golden raisins, shredded coconut, and tahini dressing. Yet no matter what salad you order, all come with your choice of an equal number of imaginative, tasty homemade salad dressings (such as creamy cheese, pesto balsamic vinaigrette, wasabi, and berry, all of which can be bought in take-home bottles) and flavored croutons (try the sweet bread). DIY-minded diners can also design their own salads by choosing any green, four toppings, a dressing, and a specialty crouton. Also possible is a more portable meal: your fully dressed and garnished salad tucked in a rice paper or flour tortilla wrap ($6). And because even the $6.50 ?piccolo? (small) salad is meal-size (other portions include the medium ?basta? for $8.75 and the massive ?grande? for $11), Giardino offers one of South Beach?s biggest bargain lunches, as well as one of its most healthful.

3 articles

Giardino Gourmet Salads

5241 NW 87 Ave. Doral

786-725-5859

Salads, Fast Casual, Best Of

1 article

Giardino Gourmet Salads

169 E. Flagler St. Downtown/Overtown

305-358-0167

Salads, Fast Casual, Best Of

This small, homegrown take-out café has sprouted several locations throughout Miami-Dade. On the menu is a soup (zuppa) of the day, hummus, several desserts (including some fabulous seasonal fruit mousses), and a few nonalcoholic beverages. But the specialty, like the name says, is salad: 25 combinations of greens and garnishes. Some are traditional, such as the caesar, with anchovy, Parmesan cheese, and romaine; others are internationally inspired original creations, such as the Indian, which comes with red cabbage, golden raisins, shredded coconut, and tahini dressing. Yet no matter what salad you order, all come with your choice of an equal number of imaginative, tasty homemade salad dressings (such as creamy cheese, pesto balsamic vinaigrette, wasabi, and berry, all of which can be bought in take-home bottles) and flavored croutons (try the sweet bread). DIY-minded diners can also design their own salads by choosing any green, four toppings, a dressing, and a specialty crouton. Also possible is a more portable meal: your fully dressed and garnished salad tucked in a rice paper or flour tortilla wrap ($6). And because even the $6.50 "piccolo" (small) salad is meal-size (other portions include the medium "pasta" for $8.75 and the massive "grande" for $11), Giardino offers one of South Beach's biggest bargain lunches, as well as one of its most healthful.

3 articles

Giardino Gourmet Salads

8008 NW 154th St. Miami Lakes

305-512-3272

Salads, Fast Casual, Menu

Giardino Gourmet Salads

5787 NW 7th St. Tamiami

Salads, Fast Casual, Best Of

1 article

Giardino Gourmet Salads

11624 N. Kendall Dr. West Kendall

305-598-8599

Salads, Fast Casual, Best Of, Menu

This small, homegrown take-out café has sprouted several locations throughout Miami-Dade. On the menu is a soup (zuppa) of the day, hummus, several desserts (including some fabulous seasonal fruit mousses), and a few nonalcoholic beverages. But the specialty, like the name says, is salad: 25 combinations of greens and garnishes. Some are traditional, such as the caesar, with anchovy, Parmesan cheese, and romaine; others are internationally inspired original creations, such as the Indian, which comes with red cabbage, golden raisins, shredded coconut, and tahini dressing. Yet no matter what salad you order, all come with your choice of an equal number of imaginative, tasty homemade salad dressings (such as creamy cheese, pesto balsamic vinaigrette, wasabi, and berry, all of which can be bought in take-home bottles) and flavored croutons (try the sweet bread). DIY-minded diners can also design their own salads by choosing any green, four toppings, a dressing, and a specialty crouton. Also possible is a more portable meal: your fully dressed and garnished salad tucked in a rice paper or flour tortilla wrap ($6). And because even the $6.50 ?piccolo? (small) salad is meal-size (other portions include the medium ?basta? for $8.75 and the massive ?grande? for $11), Giardino offers one of South Beach?s biggest bargain lunches, as well as one of its most healthful.

3 articles

Jimmy'z Kitchen

1542 Alton Rd., Miami Beach South Beach

305-534-8216

Puerto Rican, Salads, Sandwiches, Best Of, Menu

Jimmy'z Kitchen's famous mofongo (fried plantains mashed with garlic) has become a foodie rite of passage for many a Miamian. If it's available, get it - they don't serve it every day. Otherwise, the Miami Beach outpost of this lauded local chain serves up lunchtime favorites with a Latin flair. Jerked chicken breast salad, Cubano sandwich, grilled churrasco and cafecitos. Ranging from around $7 to $15, it's a South Beach lunch date that won't break the bank.

6 articles

La Sandwicherie

229 14th St., Miami Beach South Beach

305-532-8934

Sandwiches, Salads, Recommended, Best Of, Readers' Choice, Essentials

Since this French-owned eatery began selling sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and shakes in 1988, a crowd has lingered along the lengthy counter at the flagship location that extends up an alley off 14th Street between Washington and Collins avenues in South Beach. The food is great, but the funky al fresco charm accounts for a large part of the appeal. La Sandwicherie's counter workers begin with fresh, crusty French bread (or an enormous croissant). Then they ply it with the patron's preference of meat, cheese, or a combination thereof, such as ham, turkey, roast beef, salami, and Swiss cheese, as well as more distinctive, Euro-friendly choices such as Camembert, fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, and saucisson sec. Next come crisp toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, hot pickled red peppers, black olives, red onion, cucumber, and cornichons. Garnishes are followed by a finishing splash of tart Dijon-based French vinaigrette. Voilà! A damn good sandwich. La Sandwicherie has expanded from its original counter to additional locations in North Beach, Wynwood, and Fort Lauderdale.

32 articles

La Sandwicherie Brickell

34 SW Eighth St. Brickell

305-374-9852

Sandwiches, Salads, Best Of, Readers' Choice

Since this French-owned eatery began selling sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and shakes in 1988, a crowd has lingered along the lengthy counter at the flagship location that extends up an alley off 14th Street between Washington and Collins Avenues in South Beach. The food is fine, but the funky alfresco charm accounts for a large part of the appeal. La Sandwicherie’s counter workers begin with fresh, crusty French bread, then ply it with the patron’s preference of meat, cheese, or a combination thereof, such as ham, turkey, roast beef, salami, and Swiss cheese, as well as more distinctive, Euro-friendly choices such as Camembert, fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, saucisson sec, and pork/duck liver pâté. Next come crisp toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, hot pickled red peppers, black olives, red onion, cucumber, and cornichons. Garnishes are followed by a finishing splash of tart Dijon-based French vinaigrette. Voilà! A damn good sandwich. La Sandwicherie has expanded from its original Miami Beach counter to additional locations in North Beach, Brickell, Wynwood, and Coral Gables. New Normal: The North Beach location is closed for dine in, but take a sandwich to go and walk one block to the beach for a makeshift picnic.

15 articles

Love Life Wellness Center

584 NW 27th St. Midtown/Wynwood/Design District

305-456-4148

Health and Fitness, Vegan, Smoothies, Salads, Slideshow

5 articles

Mty Smoothie

305 Alcazar Ave. Coral Gables/S. Miami

305-403-6660

Salads, Sandwiches, Smoothies, Best Of

The choices here are overwhelming, the possibilities endless. You could spend days crafting a perfect smoothie — creamy, fruity, low-cal, herbally enhanced, or protein-boosted. Or you could start with a house specialty, such as the Yan & Jan (passion fruit, banana, strawberry, and raspberry) and build whatever elixir you crave. Need a little immune boost? Toss some echinacea into your drink. Are you a scrawny guy trying to tack on a few pounds of muscle? The creatine, weight gainer, and protein powders are for you. Need a natural multivitamin straight from the hive? Order a scoop of royal jelly, a honey bee secretion. Each addition costs about a dollar, so your health-enhancing cocktail shouldn't break the bank. Natural juices such as beet, carrot, celery, and apple are also available, as are wraps, sandwiches, and salads for those who like to chew. Bonus: You can order online or over the phone and have the stuff delivered right to your door. We suspect that service might be especially handy for the "hangover recover super smoothie," featuring blueberry, pineapple, strawberry, orange, gingko biloba, and royal jelly.

1 article

Panera Bread

12205 Biscayne Blvd. North Miami

305-891-5021

Bakery, Cafe, Coffeehouse, Salads, Sandwiches, Soups, Best Of

Panera is nothing like Burger King, KFC, Taco Bell, or any of those old-style chains that are ever-so-slowly sliding into obsolescence. This national bakery shares more in common with corporate cafés such as Starbucks and Einstein Bros., but with a whole lot more than just coffee and bagels. Like, for breakfast, a spinach and bacon baked egg soufflé (in sweet pastry dough) that tastes better than fast food should. And a kids' menu with sandwiches accompanied by organic yogurt and choice of organic milk or organic apple juice. Does Wendy's prepare an all-natural, citrus-herb chicken salad with pecans, Gorgonzola cheese, and white balsamic Fuji apple vinaigrette? Don't think so. Is Blimpie's capable of a smoked turkey sandwich slathered with chipotle mayonnaise and stuffed into an Asiago cheese focaccia? Unh-uh. Will the pressed rosemary focaccia panini with cheese oozing out likely to make Quiznos queasy? Absolutely. Does Mickey D do thin-crust Crispani pizzas topped with roasted cremini and shiitake mushrooms, fresh basil, and fontina and mozzarella cheeses? No sirree. Does Olive Garden use organic Muir Glen tomatoes? Ha! Most salads and sandwiches top out at $6.50, yet Panera is, beyond all else, a full-scale bakery pumping out fresh brownies, bundt cakes, cookies, croissants, scones, muffins, cinnamon rolls (!), and an amazing array of artisan and specialty breads. Good cup of joe, too, but if that's all you want, you could always just go to that specialty chain from Seattle.

1 article

Paradis Cafe

2003 N. Miami Ave. Midtown/Wynwood/Design District

786-409-3774

Salads, Sandwiches

Vagabond Kitchen & Bar

7301 Biscayne Blvd. North Miami

786-409-5635

French, American, Appetizers, Bar Food, Comfort Foods, Contemporary, Continental, Fusion, Salads, Slideshow

Vagabond Kitchen & Bar (no more "Restaurant" in the moniker) in the MiMo District is heir to the place that chef Alex Chang vehemently tried to get locals to embrace. The task of attracting customers to the Biscayne Boulevard eatery now falls upon Julian Géliot and Fabien Chalard of Pléthore et Balthazar in Lyon, France. Helping them realize their vision is chef Roberto Dubois, whose resumé boasts stints at Makoto, Juvia, Klima, and Azul. For the tuna poke toast, Dubois enhances the raw fish through sesame oil, sesame seeds, chives, and a touch of seaweed. He arranges the cubes of ahi tuna atop a warm corn tortilla chip and tops it all off with a dollop of avocado mousse. Miami is going through a poke phase, and though this version isn’t the most exciting interpretation of the Hawaiian staple, it’s fresh, clean, and satisfying. Desserts come from Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop, although Dubois would eventually like to make most of them in-house. Try the chocolate peanut butter pie for a decadent treat or Derek’s key lime version for something lighter.

18 articles

Whisk Gourmet Food & Catering

7382 SW 56th Ave., South Miami Coral Gables/S. Miami

786-268-8350

American, Salads, Sandwiches, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow

Whisk is warm and welcoming, with a clean and uncomplicated decor. A one-page menu echoes the restaurant's comfort level with familiar and popular American favorites such as fried chicken, cornbread, low-country shrimp 'n' grits, and the good old BLT. The staff is all smiles, and at the end of the meal, the patrons tend to be happy as well, including whoever picks up the reasonable bill. The sign says, "Whisk Gourmet Food," but what makes the cuisine at this 75-seater so appealing is its nongourmet nature. Sure, the fare is fresh and fine-quality, but that's really not gourmet — that's simply good. Be sure to finish off any meal with key lime pie.

26 articles

Salads in Miami

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