Rakija Grill

Rakija Grill is a Balkan restaurant that can either work for a casual weeknight meal or a fun, loud group dinner—depending on when you come and how much rakija you’re trying to drink. There are a few sidewalk tables, but we love eating inside because it feels like a miniature Balkan village.

All meals here should start with a tiny carafe of rakija, a type of flavored brandy popular in the Balkan region. For food, Rakija features a pretty diverse menu that includes salads, sandwiches, and even pizza, but stick with the Balkan specialties. The deluxe meze plate is a must and features an enormous chopping block covered with Balkan charcuterie, including various types of garlicky cured sausage, a creamy spreadable cheese called kajmak, and lots more. Other things that should be on the table: the gurmanska pljeskavica (essentially a Balkan burger stuffed with cheese and pancetta and served on a fresh pita with globs of kajmak and ajvar, a bold pepper spread) and what just might be the best stuffed cabbage rolls in Miami.

If you want dinner to feel like a party, come on Sundays. That’s when Rakija Grill turns into the Balkan version of a pachanga complete with a DJ and sometimes even well-known acts from the region.