If you're looking for good eats in Downtown Miami, there are plenty of worthwhile options.

 

Aguacate's just opened in the spot formerly known as Upper Crust Sandwiches in the arcade at 100 Biscayne (it's in a tunnel running through the building). They do an assembly line "roll your own" burrito or taco thing that's tasty and cheap. You pick your level of hot or green or guac and you're all set.

Stoupsy's Greek is still a favorite. The grill is hot and the chicken or gyro meat is fresh. Sandwiches are rolled on middle eastern flat bread that's thicker and tastier than pita. Greek salads and even a "South Beach Diet" special are really popular. Thursday's vegetarian stuffed eggplant special is a ritual for some people. They are also opened for made to order breakfast weekdays.

Next door is Old Time Pizza. Individual pan pizzas here are thin crust and fresh made.

Offerdahl's Grill is a bagel and chicken chop place (where did all these chicken chop places come from?) They also do a steak topped option if you're feeling beefy.  The Johnny's House salad with crasins & sunflower seeds is a staple. They make an effort to mix it up a little.

Top of the food chain remains La Loggia on Flagler. Light Italian, divine Chicken Milanese, a lawyer filled happy hour... best food in this price range - Downtown facing the old courthouse. Check out their new sidewalk seating option. Daily happy hour drink specials and free tidbits at the bar. People also like Rigatti's around the corner on S. Miami Ave, but it's smallish & often too crowded to sit at lunchtime.

Sushi Bento downtown has cooked Bento box lunches for $10 include miso soup, a small salad, and entrees including shrimp and veg tempura, gyoza dumplings, chicken or pork katsu, a California Roll etc.  Very pleasant and filling for ten bucks.

Union Square Cafe in the Palm Court is still crowded. Folks love the "sandwich AND" specials and the turkey lunch sells out too. Pretty typical menu - 2 soups du jour, 2 daily hot specials, salads with toppings including grilled fish, chicken, shrimp... They make a pleasant cobb salad with chicken and fresh avocado.

New in the neighborhood is Habibi Grill, a Lebanese spot in the arcade where Giovanna's got their start. Still working out the kinks, but the mixed middle eastern platter is a good choice with hummus, tahini, stuffed grape leaves etc. There is a meat and a vegetarian version.

In the same arcade, Lila's Bistro features daily lunch specials & has a really strong following. Friday's spicy noodle dish is a home run. Can't figure out all the ingredients but it's a keeper!

Around the corner, the Jamaican Cafe has a daily special that's filling and reasonable. Jerk chicken, oxtail etc. Service varies so don't visit if you're in a huge hurry. It's great to have this option in Downtown where the typical salad/sandwich places out number all else.

Mario the Baker opened a small storefront by the Courthouse on Flagler. It's no match for the 135th /Dixie Highway original, but a few slices and a garlic roll can make anyone's lunchtime a happier place.

The Gourmet Carrot changed hands again and is now The Golden Carrot? Same menu pretty much. Ironed flat sandwiches like a tuna spinach melt, a chicken melt, fresh squeezed juices and salads.

Premo's makes sandwiches to order.  An example of a menu item is curry chicken salad with golden raisins. The daily specials are always a value with a bag of any sort of chips and a drink included. They make a huge Cuban sandwich grilled flat - a little Americanized in flavor - but a foot long nonetheless.

If you're wandering a bit off the grid, have lunch on the patio at Tobacco Road. You won't want to return to work. Burgers, salads, grilled chicken options. Daily specials on the board are hit or miss.

Next door is a real FIND - the River Oyster Bar is getting crowded at lunch time. You can belly up to the bar and try a light tuna tartare, a bevy of freshly shucked oysters from around the globe, a smallish grilled mahi sandwich served with houuse made rosemary potato crisps. The best-kept secret is a pulled pork sandwich that's got well-sauced chunks of delicious smoky meat on a brioche bun... at a fish house! Imagine.

Addresses>

Aguacate's 100 S Biscayne Blvd

That Old Time Pizza Inc 360 SE 1st St

Union Square Cafe 200 S Biscayne Blvd # 200

Stoupsy's of Athens 350 SE 1st St

Sushi Bento 125 SE 3rd Ave

Offerdahls 195 SE 3rd Ave

Premios Deli 1 SE 3rd Ave

Lila's Bistro (& Habibi) 140 SE 1st Ave

Jamaica International Cafe 119 SE 1st Ave

Rigatti's Cafe 100 S Miami Ave

La Loggia Restaurant 68 W Flagler St

Mario the Baker 25 W Flagler St

Golden Carrot 201 NW 1st Ave

River Oyster House (Tobacco Rd.) 650 S Miami Ave

Enjoy!