My first time at La Camaronera in Little Havana happened when one of the first food trucks in Miami parked in a lot near them. I walked over to take a gander at what was going on inside.
The place was packed, and there were no seats. It only had a standing counter space.
I decided right then that I would return with my dad in tow to check this place out. He had been to La Camaronera before, so I was the rookie this time around.
Started Small at La Camaronera
We started with the Bollitos de Carita (black-eyed pea fritters). I really couldn’t explain much to you about them other than the fact that they’re very addictive. While I ordered the Camarones Fritos (fried shrimp), my pops had the Original Pan con Minuta (fried snapper sandwich).
The breaded shrimp were crispy and delicious. The shrimp are tossed in a ketchup-based sauce, breaded, then fried. I had never heard of a ketchup-based breading technique, but hey, it works.
Tail On Fish Sandwich?
The Original Pan con Minuta (minuta means that they butterfly-cut the fish) still has its tail attached. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that some people eat the tail (actually, I know they do).
The sandwich is topped with chopped onions, ketchup, and tartar sauce on a fresh and squishy Cuban bread roll. A dab of their housemade hot sauce will next level your sandwich.
The Camaronera Sandwich has fried shrimp with chopped onions, ketchup, and tartar sauce on a Cuban bread roll. While the breaded shrimp again was great, the sandwich took it to another level.
You’d think I was done, but I wasn’t. It was key lime pie time. The pie was creamy and tart. I loved it because it was a great way to end the meal.
La Camaronera is Dual Purpose
One other piece of valuable information, La Camaronera, also functions as a fresh seafood market. Plus, you can pick a fish out of the refrigerated case and have them fry it for you right there.
A few years after my initial visit La Camaronera opened up an addition next door with tables and table service. It was initially a stand-at-the-counter-to-eat kind of deal since the restaurant opened its doors in 1976.
If you’re from out of town and want to take in a unique Miami experience with great food, then this is the place for you. La Camaronera is a landmark in Miami, so for those of you from South Florida who have never been here, for shame.
La Camaronera Menu
La Camaronera Food Pictures
La Camaronera
1952 W Flagler Street
Miami, FL
(305) 642-3322
Website – https://lacamaronera.com
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lacamaronera
Monday 11:30 am – 8:00 pm
Tuesday 11:30 am – 8:00 pm
Wednesday 11:30 am – 8:00 pm
Thursday 11:30 am – 8:00 pm
Friday 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday 11:30 am – 8:00 pm
I have no problem driving from Davie to Little Havana for a Camaronera sandwich. This place is phenomenal.