When you think of a trip to Miami, the beach comes to mind first.

You can enjoy South Beach, check out the palm trees, and wander around Brickell or Wynwood at night, right?

But wait. If you come all the way to Miami, it would be a shame to just settle for mediocre food.

This city blends American cuisine with Cuban, Caribbean, and Latin American cultures, so the food can vary greatly from one neighborhood to another.

If you had to pick a famous spot to visit in Miami, Joe's Stone Crab is hard to overlook.

Established in 1913, it's a long-standing icon in South Beach. As the name suggests, the stone crab claws are the signature dish, served with cold crab meat dipped in their special mustard sauce. Visiting during the Florida stone crab season truly makes you feel like you're in Miami.

Next up is Little Havana. You can't talk about this area without mentioning Versailles Restaurant.

This famous Cuban restaurant, which opened in 1971, attracts many tourists but is also a symbol of the Cuban community in Miami.

You can enjoy dishes like Cuban sandwiches, ropa vieja, and picadillo here.

However, it would be a bit disappointing to leave without trying a cup of Cuban coffee.

Miami has many small coffee stands known as ventanitas.

Ordering a strong and sweet Cuban coffee from one of these is part of the local culture.

You might look at the small cup and think, "What is this?" but once you taste it, you'll understand.

Then, take a stroll down Calle Ocho and check out Domino Park to really soak in the Little Havana vibe.

If you're looking for a more modern Miami atmosphere, head to Wynwood.

Famous for its murals and galleries, this neighborhood also has plenty of restaurants and bars.

There are places like KYU, which combines Asian cuisine with barbecue style, making it great for dinner and drinks with friends.

On the other hand, if you want to experience a more upscale vibe, Brickell is the place to be.

With high-rise condos and hotels, there are many fine dining options here.

Restaurants like La Mar by Gastón Acurio serve sophisticated Peruvian cuisine, and there are also well-known spots like Komodo.

Of course, looking at the bill can suddenly clear your mind.

Dining out in Miami, especially in South Beach and Brickell, can be quite pricey.

It's not uncommon for a proper dinner with several drinks to exceed $100 per person.

That said, Miami isn't just a city of expensive food.

If you head towards Little Havana or Hialeah, you'll find many local eateries where Cuban people regularly dine, offering hearty meals at relatively affordable prices.

In Little Haiti, you can also enjoy Caribbean dishes like Haitian-style meat and rice, and plantains.

Ultimately, the best way to enjoy food in Miami is not to just chase after the famous restaurants.

One day, have stone crab in South Beach, the next day enjoy a Cuban sandwich and coffee in Little Havana, and another day, try a small local restaurant.

That's how you'll discover why Miami is such an exciting food city.