La Camaronera Serves It Up Fresh In Little Havana • The Burger Beast

My first time at La Camaronera in Little Havana (1952 West Flagler Street) 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 the 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.