Credit: restaurantclicks.com
Miami is world famous for many reasons. People flock from all over the globe to enjoy the white sugar sand beaches, historic locations, and other Miami attractions, but what I love the most about this Atlantic Coast paradise is the restaurant scene.
The only cities that really compare to Miami in terms of high-end restaurants are places like New York City and Los Angeles.
There’s a fine-dining, celebrity-chef-owned restaurant on almost every corner down here in Miami, not to mention the more lowkey spots that only a true Florida foodie would know about.
If you want to know more about the greatest places to eat in Miami, just keep on reading because I’ve got a whole list of restaurants you need to try.
Best Restaurants in Miami
I travel a lot, and the first thing I do in any city is find all the best restaurants near me, and boy did I come back with a lot when I spent time in Miami, Florida. Check them all out below!
Boia De Restaurant
5205 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Phone: 305-967-8866
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When it comes to hidden gems, it’s hard to find one better than Boia De. This unassuming restaurant is actually home to some of the best Italian food that I have ever had. I highly recommend anyone stop in here for a nice dinner out in Miami.
I tried the crispy polenta and the lamb rib fra diavolo when I had the pleasure of dining at Boia De, and both items were superb. I also decided to treat myself here, I recommend you do as well, and I ordered the crispy tiramisu which did not disappoint in the least.
Cote Miami
3900 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Phone: 305-434-4668
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I’ve been wanting to try Cote Miami ever since I saw it in the 2022 Michelin Guide. This upscale Korean steakhouse felt inviting with its relaxing atmosphere and sleek architecture.
We headed to Cote Miami after visiting the nearby Institute of Contemporary Art in the Wynwood neighborhood. It was the perfect dinner to end our first day in Miami.
Cote Miami delivers a truly upscale experience with a wine list that includes over 1,000 entries, a selection of fresh seafood, and some exceptional cuts of meat.
Our waiter was extremely knowledgeable about the different cuts available and convinced us to try a Dry Aged Ribeye that I highly recommend.
The Surf Club Restaurant
9011 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154
Phone: 305-768-9440
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On the opposite end of the island near North Beach Oceanside Park is a place called The Surf Club Restaurant inside the Four Seasons Hotel, perfect for anyone staying on the north end of Miami Beach. Although, if you’re not near here, I will say it’s worth the drive.
I strongly recommend the Maine lobster or the natural-fed veal chop for dinner. If you’re on a date with your significant other, then they have some perfect dinners for 2 like the Prime beef short rib Wellington that makes for a very romantic dinner when paired with some red wine.
Ariete
3540 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Phone: 786-615-3747
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When you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of South Beach and Downtown Miami, Coconut Grove is a perfect neighborhood to sneak away to, especially for a meal at Ariete.
Ariete is a New American restaurant that will seriously blow your mind. I tried the scallops and morels for an appetizer and it was absolutely delicious. After that, I went for venison entree because I very rarely see that on any menu. It did not disappoint.
Check out Ariete over on Main Highway in Coconut Grove near Peacock Park and The Barnacle Historic State Park.
Zak the Baker
295 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127
Phone: 786-294-0876
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Next is a place called Zak the Baker. This one is half restaurant and half bakery and it’s probably my favorite place to grab breakfast before I start my day when I’m in the Wynwood District.
You can get breakfast sandwiches, freshly-baked bagels, hot and cold coffee, sandwiches and salads, and so much more. You really can start your day off right when you stop by Zak the Baker.
I recommend the tuna salad bagel, it’s really phenomenal. If you like their food enough, you can even order platters of it to take home or to the office with you.
Zitz Sum
396 Alhambra Cir Suite 155, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Phone: 786-409-6920
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Zits Sum is an innovative Coral Gables restaurant located next to the Granada Golf Course. Even though owner Natalia Restrepo refuses to describe her cuisine as fusion, the menu expertly blends Japanese and Italian influences.
I immediately felt comfortable in the retro interior that reminded me of an old-timey speakeasy, and I would describe the atmosphere as classy yet intimate.
The menu changes regularly based on which ingredients are available. We were lucky to try some delicious braised lamb dumplings and charred cabbage. I also recommend the Asian-inspired frozen yogurt for dessert.
Itamae
140 NE 39th St #136, Miami, FL 33137
Phone: 305-631-2664
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Itamae is located inside the Miami Design District shopping center, so if you’re out splurging a bit on some new clothes or shoes, you may as well treat yourself to an unforgettable Peruvian or sushi meal while you’re at it.
That’s right, Itamae is a mind-blowing blend of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine that comes together flawlessly. I thought their sushi was fantastic, and they always have different specials on rolls written on a board when you walk in.
I recommend the tuna tiradito, a Peruvian dish of raw fish served with local avocado, capers, red onion, and ají limo.
Los Felix
3413 Main Hwy, Miami, FL 33133
Phone: 305-640-5013
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Los Felix is somewhat of a hidden gem in Coconut Grove. It’s one of the best restaurants in Miami due to its unique mix of indigenous-inspired cuisine and musical atmosphere. Plus, the prices are affordable given that the restaurant has received a Michelin star.
This restaurant sources native ingredients like heirloom corn, squash, or cacao from local small businesses. The dishes truly bring out the unique flavors and textures of these ingredients that make up the core of indigenous cooking.
The atmosphere feels unique and engaging thanks to the constant soundtrack of vinyl records or live music.
I recommend the Al Pastor tacos, corn grits, and pork cheek carnitas if you decide to try Los Felix. You can find this restaurant along Main Highway, not far from Peacock Park.
Sanguich de Miami
2057 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
Phone: 305-539-0969
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Eating at Sanguich de Miami felt like a trip back in time. This classic eatery features a walk-up window where you can order Cuban sandwiches and milkshakes.
The bread is fresh, the meat is delicious, and the portions are generous. The walk-up window and counter dining create a fun retro atmosphere that the Cuban-inspired brass trimmings and decorative tiles emphasize.
I can’t recommend this Little Havana restaurant enough if you want to experience Cuban cuisine during your stay in Miami. You’ll find this restaurant along U.S. Highway 41, not far from SW 21st Avenue.
Leku Miami
1100 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127
Phone: 786-464-0615
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Up next, if you’re an art aficionado, you’re going to want to head straight down to the Allapattah neighborhood of Miami and go inside the Rubell Museum, right across the street from Superblue Miami, and find Leku.
This place is where I go when I’m craving some authentic Spanish cuisine. I always start with the Cinco Jotas Iberico ham because it’s just unlike any other flavor you can get when it comes to meat.
That’s just an appetizer, however, so after that, I would recommend an order of the seafood paella to really complete the experience.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro
4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Phone: 305-749-9140
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This next place is called Mandolin Aegean Bistro and all I can say is “wow”. The cuisine here at Mandolin is unbelievable and unique in every way. It’s a fine blend of Turkish and Greek cuisine that embodies some of the best Mediterranean flavors around.
When you head to Mandolin, I recommend trying the beef souvlaki, but some other great options include the lamb chops or the whole sea bass.
Check out Mandolin off of Northeast 2nd Avenue in the Miami Design District, just north of the popular shopping mall and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami.
Joe’s Stone Crab Restaurant
11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: 305-673-0365
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Another one of my favorite Miami restaurants on South Beach is Joe’s Stone Crab Restaurant. You can probably guess by the name, but stone crab really steals the show at this establishment. Don’t worry, though, they have plenty of other things to eat as well.
I always find myself unable to resist a large order of the stone crab claws, but I also really love the lobster mac and cheese, as well as the grouper entree.
Check out Joe’s over by Marjory Stoneman Douglas Ocean Beach Park and the Marriott Stanton South Beach so there are plenty of things to do nearby.
Mignonette
210 NE 18th St, Miami, FL 33132
Phone: 305-374-4635
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We’re starting off strong on my list of top Miami restaurants with Mignonette. This place is located on Northeast 18th Street in the Edgewater neighborhood, right near Margaret Pace Park and the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay hotel.
When you get to Mignonette, I recommend grabbing a drink of your choice and then starting with some oysters since that’s what they’re known for here, as the name implies.
My favorite are the oysters Rockefeller, but you can get a flight of oysters for a nice sample of the different flavors. If you’d like something a bit more substantial, definitely go for the lobster roll.
Stubborn Seed
101 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: 786-322-5211
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This next place is a South Beach favorite of mine, Stubborn Seed. You can find this one off of Washington Avenue, just around the block from the famous Ocean Drive and up the road from South Pointe Park.
Probably what stood out to me the most at Stubborn Seed is that they make their own bread. For many people, myself included, warm bread and butter is one of the main reasons to visit a restaurant, so homemade bread was a real treat when I visited Stubborn Seed.
I recommend ordering the Nantucket scallops or the Mishima Ranch wagyu beef cheek with Perigord truffle grits.
Macchialina
820 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: 305-534-2124
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Up next is a place called Macchialina that you’ll find on Alton Road in South Beach, not far from Lummus Park.
As the name suggests, Macchialina serves up Italian food, and they do it extremely well, in my opinion. I have a weakness for the veal saltimbocca, but it’s always a toss-up between that and the 21-day dry aged New York strip steak.
Macchialina is also a great place to get a drink when you’re in South Beach, Miami. Their liquor collection is extensive, to say the least, but I found their assortment of wines to be the most enticing.
Makoto
9700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154
Phone: 305-864-8600
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Right inside the famed Bal Harbour Shops near upscale clothing stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue is Makoto. This restaurant is your ultimate destination after a day splurging on a shopping spree.
The sushi here is as refined and artful as anything else you’ll find in this elegant shopping mall. I particularly enjoyed the large selection of imported Japanese whiskeys, but my favorite aspect of the experience was the wagyu short rib off the grill.
They also serve amazing bento boxes that come with miso soup and wasabi rice here if you prefer one of those.
Ghee Indian Kitchen
8965 SW 72nd Pl, Kendall, FL 33156
Phone: 305-968-1850
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Ghee Indian Kitchen offers an upscale take on classic Indian fare. The dishes use fresh seasonal ingredients and feature sophisticated twists that elevate familiar flavors, such as the addition of pumpkin seeds to the naan bread.
The presentation of the dishes is gorgeous, and the atmosphere feels cozy and inviting with its soft lighting and warm wood accents.
I recommend trying the duck confit samosa or the marinated fish curry. The restaurant also offers some excellent takeout options!
Ghee Indian Kitchen is a Dadeland restaurant that is popular among locals thanks to its convenient location next to the Dadeland Mall. You can access it by following Pinecrest Parkway or Palmetto Expressway.
Lung Yai Thai Tapas
1731 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
Phone: 786-0334-6262
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I love the concept of tapas because these small dishes are an excellent way to sample different dishes and try new things. Lung Yai Thai Tapas in East Little Havana didn’t disappoint.
This cozy spot feels like an authentic Thai street food restaurant with menu items that include larb muang, yellow curry, or pholike palo moo. The combination of spicy dishes and savory dishes will have you experiencing a wide range of flavors.
This small restaurant is a few blocks away from the Bay of Pigs Museum & Library, along U.S. Highway 41. I highly recommend it for a late-night dinner since the place stays open until 10 PM
Jaguar Sun
230 NE 4th St, Miami, FL 33132
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I couldn’t leave Miami without trying at least one hip Downtown spot. Jaguar Sun intrigued me with its evocative name, and the place lived up to my expectations with its amazing craft cocktail menu and small plates.
This cocktail bar is a minimalist spot that feels modern and intimate. It was the perfect spot to sip on cocktails and watch the Miami crowd on a Saturday night.
Jaguar Sun has an excellent selection of beers and some original cocktail recipes, especially when it comes to exotic flavors. We also enjoyed some raw oysters and small pasta plates. I can’t recommend this cocktail bar for a night out on the town.
You’ll find Jaguar Sun inside of the X Miami building on NE 4th Street in the Downtown Miami area.
Luca Osteria
116 Giralda Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Phone: 305-381-5097
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Luca Osteria has it all, including an amazing wine selection, some of the best desserts I’ve ever tasted, and mouth-watering classic Italian pasta dishes.
This place elevates the Italian concept of the Osteria to the next level with its classy European-inspired setting and upscale fare. We ordered timeless classics like marinated olives, panzanella, and pasta al pesto before finishing with Anto’s tiramisu.
You’ll find this exceptional Italian restaurant in Coral Gables, right next to the Coral Gables Museum and the intersection between S Le Jeune Road and Coral Way.
Motek
19565 Biscayne Blvd #938, Aventura, FL 33180
Phone: 305-974-2626
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Motek Café is somewhat of a local institution with its three locations. Whether you stop by the Downtown café, head to the Coral Gables location, or try the Motek Café in Aventura, you can expect the same outstanding customer service and memorable food.
We decided to try Motek after hearing about the café’s popular all-day brunch menu. The chain serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes with staples like bagels, hummus, feta, lamb, or falafels.
We tried the boureka and hummus shakshuka on our first trip to Motek and returned to try some of the hot mezzes, including halloumi and Moroccan beef and lamb cigars.
Rosie’s
7127 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33150
Phone: 305-631-2496
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Rosie’s is one of the best Miami restaurants if you’re looking for a unique experience. The setting feels intimate, and even though the menu can feel small compared to other restaurants, the dishes feel truly creative.
The crispy fish sandwich was an amazing take on a classic street food staple, and the chicken and waffles were absolutely delicious. We also tried some sweets, such as the chocolate croissant and mango burrata that I highly recommend.
I also love the fact that Rosie’s hosts live music events, dinner parties, and the occasional poetry reading. This unusual but excellent restaurant is in Little Haiti, at the corner of NW 71st Street and NW 2nd Avenue.
Cafe La Trova
971 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130
Phone: 786-615-4379
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This upscale Little Havana spot can get busy, but the wait is well worth it. Café La Trova combines the Cuban-inspired cuisine of Julio Cabrera with the award-winning cooking of Chef Michelle Bernstein.
The result is an amazing dining experience. The five-star service and attention to detail in each preparation impressed me. My favorite menu items include the seared foie gras, the local catch snapper, and the recomforting Michy’s bread pudding.
The bar is also worth mentioning with its classy wine selection and excellent craft cocktails. Café La Trova is not far from the intersection of U.S. Highway 41 and SW 10th Avenue in Little Havana.
NIU Kitchen
104 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132
Phone: 786-717-6711
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Next up, we’re heading to Downtown Miami where you’ll find a place called NIU Kitchen. This tapas restaurant is one of my favorite places to eat in Miami, hands down.
Each dish here is a blend of spectacular flavors that will transport your taste buds to a whole other realm. I recommend trying the Anec which is duck thigh confit, pears, and a demi-glace.
Check out NIU Kitchen on Northeast 2nd Avenue, right near the YVE Hotel Miami and Bayfront Park. It’s a great place to eat after relaxing in the park all day or before a show at the nearby Olympia Theater.
La Sandwicherie
34 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130
Phone: 305-374-9852
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It’s not all fancy dinners here in Miami. I mean lunch is a thing too, after all. When I’m looking for lunch in Miami, there’s usually one place that comes to mind before anything else: La Sandwicherie.
It’s awesome because they have multiple convenient locations around Miami, so you’re never far from La Sandwicherie. I usually go to the one downtown next to the Brickell City Centre and EAST Miami hotel.
I recommend one of the signature sandwiches here like The Terminator or the Napoli sandwich, but there are so many other delicious foods here to choose from.
CVI.CHE 105
105 NE 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33132
Phone: 305-577-3454
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Up next is CVI.CHE 105. This Peruvian joint is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to ceviche, and I wouldn’t recommend anyone else’s over theirs. Of course, while ceviche is the specialty, they have tons of other fantastic menu options to suit all palates.
What I recommend when going out to eat at CVI.CHE 105 is starting with one of their many ceviche options like a traditional lomo saltado or one of their seafood-based options like pescado a lo macho or pargo entero.
After you’ve warmed up your taste buds with some refreshing ceviche, I recommend ordering some rotisserie chicken, either a quarter, half, or whole chicken, depending on how hungry you are.
PLANTA
Multiple locations
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Next up on my list of best Miami restaurants is a place called PLANTA, and this one is for all the vegans and vegetarians out there (or anyone else that happens to enjoy plant-based cuisine).
They have more than one location, but the PLANTA I usually go to is located in the CocoWalk mall on Grand Avenue in Coconut Grove, right near Regatta Park and The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami.
When you get here, I recommend trying the coconut ceviche for a refreshing appetizer and then moving towards something like the Thai creamed spinach which I really loved.
Zuma Miami
270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33131
Phone: 305-577-0277
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This next place, Zuma Miami, is a stylish and modern Japanese restaurant that I think everyone should check out while they’re in town. This is easily one of the best restaurants in Miami, if you ask me, when it comes to traditional Japanese food.
I absolutely love everything on their tempura menu, but they also serve a 1.5-pound roasted lobster with shiso-ponzu butter that is simply divine.
You can find Zuma Miami on Biscayne Boulevard in Downtown Miami inside the Kimpton EPIC Hotel overlooking the Miami River, in the same area as Whole Foods Market and the Silverspot Cinema Downtown Miami.
Ferraro’s Kitchen Restaurant and Wine Bar
1099 NE 79th St, Miami, FL 33138
Phone: 786-534-2136
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Up next is Ferraro’s Kitchen Restaurant and Wine Bar that you can visit over on Northeast 79th Street in the Upper East side neighborhood, right near the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve and Pelican Harbor Marina.
This Italian restaurant is one of my favorite places to eat in Miami when I’m in the mood for some seafood risotto or maybe even their 40-ounce Angus beef porterhouse if I’m feeling up for a challenge or I’ve got someone to share it with. Don’t be afraid to give their octopus carpaccio a shot as well, it’s one of the best appetizers.
CRUST
668 NW 5th St, Miami, FL 33128
Phone: 305-371-7065
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CRUST is another great place to get Italian food in Miami, especially when you don’t feel like dressing fancy and spending all of your money. This is a perfect place for a nice quiet dinner out in Miami, away from some of the chaos that comes with dining in the city.
Pasta is what they do best here, by far, and there are tons of options. My favorite is the fettuccine Alfredo or the penne bolognese. What’s awesome about CRUST is that you can upgrade to gluten-free pasta if you don’t want the regular stuff.
Just remember, aside from gluten-free penne, CRUST doesn’t make any modifications or substitutions to their menu items, so make sure you are okay with every ingredient before ordering.
El Mago De Las Fritas
5828 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33144
Phone: 305-266-8486
Time for some delicious Cuban food! El Mago De Las Fritas is the place to be when it comes to authentic Cuban cuisine. My favorite menu item from here is the palomilla steak, but they also have a steak bowl that is filling and tasty for a quick lunch on the go.
I also recommend you order the croqueta preparada which is ham and swiss cheese in between croquetas to form a mouth-watering sandwich.
Check out El Mago De Las Fritas on Southwest 8th Street in West Miami, just east of J. Fritz and Frances Gordon Park.
Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina
19999 W Country Club Dr, Aventura, FL 33180
Phone: 786-279-6600
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Master Chef Michael Mina has created one of my all-time favorite steakhouses near Miami with his restaurant Bourbon Steak. This place is home to some of the most succulent, savory cuts of meat on the planet, if you ask me.
They have USDA Prime cuts, Japanese wagyu, and even American wagyu steak to choose from here at Bourbon Steak. Making a decision from this incredible selection was not an easy task.
Check out Bourbon Steak at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, next to Tidal Cove Waterpark, and across the street from the Aventura Mall.
Braga Portuguese Restaurant
1401 SW 22nd St, Miami, FL 33145
Phone: 305-392-0959
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If you’re looking for some cuisine with a Portuguese flair, then this is the spot for you. Braga Portuguese Restaurant is one of my Miami’s best restaurants for completely traditional Portuguese cuisine.
I highly recommend starting your experience off the right way with an appetizer of caldo verde soup or fried zucchini. After that, you should really try one of their entrees with codfish, otherwise known as bacalhau.
Something else to love about Braga is the Executive Lunch menu that they offer from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. All the options include either a glass of wine or soft drink and the choice of soup or salad.
INTIMO
840 1st St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: 305-964-8006
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Up next is a place called INTIMO, a Peruvian restaurant that you can find off of 1st Street in the South of Fifth neighborhood on South Beach. Not only do they serve traditional Peruvian fare, but you can also order sushi and sashimi as well for a bit of a Japanese twist.
I highly recommend the chaufa de mariscos as your entree when you pay them a visit here at INTIMO. It consists of Cantonese-style fried rice with a fresh seafood medley, scallions, peppers, and peas. What more could you ask for? Well, if you’re like me, maybe some dessert.
