Explore international flavors right
in South Florida through our
new section, Passport Courant
Ever since I was a child, my parents would take me on trips around the world, introducing me to authentic home-cooked meals from Greece, Europe, and South America. Later, as a teenager and adult, I continued to travel, experiencing new cuisines, and my path ultimately led me to appreciate the artistry of chefs and their diverse culinary talents.
Considering my love of travel and food, what better time to welcome you to the premiere of Passport Courant, a new section dedicated to exploring South Florida’s rich diversity of global food. Here, Courant Miami spotlights restaurants offering authentic dishes from various countries, allowing you to experience culinary traditions from around the world—without traveling more than a few miles from home. Whether you’re craving Greek, Spanish, Peruvian, or Japanese cuisine, South Florida is a true melting pot of flavors waiting to be discovered.
Located in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood, Estiatorio Milos, simply known as Milos, brings the soul of Greece to South Florida. Founder Costas Spiliadis, originally from Patras, near the ancient Greek city of Olympia, built a restaurant around his love for sharing wholesome, simple dishes with loved ones. Using the finest ingredients sourced from Greek fishermen and farmers, Milos emphasizes minimal manipulation of its ingredients. Instead of typical Greek comfort food like moussaka or pastitsio, you’ll find expertly crafted Greek spreads, such as taramosalata, tzatziki, and htipiti, served with homemade grilled pita. Other standout dishes include poached lobster with endive, radicchio, and fennel, and a tomato salad with sweet onions and creamy feta. For meat lovers, their lamb chops paired with Greek fries are a succulent treat.
From the Iberian Peninsula comes the charming Casa Xabi in Coconut Grove, where Basque-born Chef Xabi Oteiza showcases his deep knowledge of Spanish cuisine. His love for the flavors of northern Spain is evident in every dish. Casa Xabi has been delighting patrons with its famous croquetas de jamón for over a decade, even before the restaurant existed. Another highlight is the salpicón de langosta con pulpo, a vibrant lobster and octopus salad dressed with olive oil, citrus, and olive caviar. For those who enjoy bolder flavors, the txiperones a lo Pelayo—squid cooked with caramelized onions and calamari ink—are a must-try. And don’t miss his signature stewed rice with squid ink.
Peru’s culinary scene has gained international recognition, thanks to its biodiversity and cultural heritage. James Beard Award-winning chef Valerie Chang pays homage to her grandmother’s Peruvian recipes at Maty’s Miami, adding her own creative touch to traditional dishes. Standouts include a refreshing scallop crudo with thin-sliced grapes, cilantro oil, and charred jalapeños. For a heartier option, the oxtail saltado, slow-cooked in its own juices, and the picarones (Peruvian doughnuts) with butternut squash, pumpkin, and brown sugar-anise syrup are showstoppers.
While French restaurants often come and go, Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro offers a timeless experience with its menu of classic French bistro dishes. Seasonal fare like salade Lyonnaise with poached egg, steak frites, and roasted chicken with hen-of-the-woods mushrooms keep diners coming back for more. If you’re in the mood to indulge, don’t miss the gnocchi à la Parisienne or the boudin blanc with creamy potato purée, French plums, and beurre noisette.
Ogawa in Little River is a love letter to the artistry of Japanese cuisine. Venezuelan-born owner AlvaroPerez Miranda, the first Latino in the U.S. appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for Japanese cuisine, hasbrought together Chefs Masa and Royce to create a menu rooted in the traditions of Edomae sushi.Ogawa’s kappo menu is a rotating selection of seasonal dishes. Some highlights include uni udon, renkon manju (a lotus root cake filled with vegetables, shrimp, and scallops), and sujiko tororo with homemade salmon roe. The meal concludes with delicate sushi and a refreshing Japanese musk melon sorbet.
A new Italian gem in Miami, Piegari hails from Argentina, where it earned its reputation for handmade pasta and authentic Italian dishes. The elegant yet welcoming atmosphere makes it ideal for family gatherings or a night out with friends. Favorites include the fritto misto of calamari and zucchini, and thehouse-made squid ink fettuccine with shrimp and lemon garlic cream. If you have room, their Milanese alla Napoletana is another highlight that shouldn’t be missed.
