El Chalan

Miami’s best food is often found in strip malls, and this budget Peruvian caff is a case in point. The aesthetics are cheap: bright, unflattering lights, laminated menus and photographs of the food. But the home cooking is top notch. The ceviche is fresh and tangy, the lomo saltado is present and correct, and the medley of traditional Peruvian cuisine is simple and comforting (aji de gallina, boneless chicken in a creamy sauce; tripe stew in yellow mint sauce). If you can’t afford the elegant Francesco’s, this is a great intro to Peruvian cuisine.