No Mexican fiesta (or meal) is complete without a hearty bowl of guacamole. Whether its to be eaten with chips and salsa, slathered on tortillas, or piled high on a salad — it’s the Mexican delight everyone is willing to pay extra for. From a kitschy well-loved chain, to high end dining, and of course favorite hole in the wall spots, here’s a list of our Top 10 Best Guacamole Finds in South Florida from north to south. Note: Restaurants are listed geographically. So, lets start at the top, in Fort Lauderdale because someone obviously knows what they’re doing up there!
1. El Vez Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Ocean breeze and chilled beer make for great accompaniments to Stephen Starr’s Ft. Lauderdale Mexican restaurant. This guac, aptly called Verde Guacamole, pumps up the freshness with the addition of poblano peppers, mixed herbs, and meyer lemon.
2. Lona Cocina Tequileria
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Sit outside and enjoy the sunset over Ft. Lauderdale beach or head indoors for a quieter, intimate space graced by a luxurious array of high-end tequila bottles locked away inside the restaurant’s own tequila locker. Either way, start dinner at Chef Pablo Salas’ American outpost with the crab-infused guacamole. There’s also a bacon and chicharron version for pork aficionados and traditional for purist palates.
3. Matador Room
Miami Beach, FL 33140
For those wanting their guac in an elegant space, head over to Matador Room. Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is known for surprising guests with creative spins on traditional dishes like the sweet pea guacamole which adds peas, sunflower seeds, and scallions to the mix.
4. Coyo Taco
Miami, FL 33127
This street-food style taqueria in the heart of Wynwood serves up tacos and drinks under the direction of Executive Chef Scott Linquist. Start off with the Coyo guacamole, made with smashed Hass avocado, cilantro and pico, served with chips or go for a salad bowl which features organic greens, guac, pumpkin seeds, queso fresco, and chipotle.
5. La Cervecería De Barrio. Seafood Cantina.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Diners have the option to choose between mild, medium. or hot guacamole that’s made to order while those strolling along the mall can see chefs at work at the guac station in the front of the restaurant. Choose from three different types: crispy ribeye, traditional, and tuna carnitas.
6. Oh! Mexico Restaurant
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Española Way’s Mexican spot has plenty to please those craving traditional Mexican dishes. Go ahead and order away from the extensive menu of botanitas (appetizers), tacos, and platos traditionales like chicken enchiladas or roast pork tamales. But before all that goodness arrives, get the appetite going with a starter of guacamole.
7. Lolo’s Surf Cantina
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Chef Richard Ampudia’s Baja-inspired beachside restaurant uses locally-sourced ingredients in his guac then adds pumpkin seeds to give the dish an extra crunch. There’s also roasted grasshoppers in the mix, a protein-packed snack known as chauplines commonly enjoyed as street food in Mexico.
8. Cantina La Veinte
Miami, FL 33131
This chic Brickell spot takes guacamole up a notch with dishes like Chicharron de Queso con Guacamole, guac topped with jicama and fresh tomato, served with crispy Parmesan cheese. There’s also a Chicharron de Ribeye guacamole which crowns the dish with pieces of the fried meat. Both pair well with a margarita.
9. Tacology
Miami, FL 33131
No third wheel here, get a trio of guacamole which includes a traditional variety (cilantro, onions, and serrano peppers) seasonal, topped with pomegranate and sunflower seeds, and quinoa guac garnished with the superfood, roasted corn, tomatoes, and red onions.
10. Chuy’s
Miami, FL 33196
The Austin-based Tex-Mex chain prides itself in fresh ingredients and its fun, proudly-kitschy vibe. Dishes are oversized here, including the Chuey Gooey, a secret menu item layered dip made with refried beans, ground sirloin, queso, jalapeño, pico de gallo, lettuce, and guacamole. There’s also, of course, the traditional guac appetizer for those not craving an entire meal.