7 Spots Where The Locals Eat In South Miami Beach (PHOTOS)

If you don't have the budget for The Villa by Barton G., you might want to check out these places where the locals go. They're tasty, affordable and blissfully glitterati-free.
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Ah, the glitz and glamour of Miami Beach: The celebrities! The clubs! The hype! Yet in an oh-so fabulous town it's often hard to separate the glam from the good.

If you don't have the budget for The Villa by Barton G., located in Gianni Versace's former Ocean Drive mansion (and where mojitos costs $20 a pop), you might want to check out these places where the locals go. They're tasty, affordable and blissfully glitterati-free.

Insider tip: Many restaurants in SoBe add a 15% or more gratuity to the bill, so make sure you look before paying.

Local Favorites in Miami Beach
La Locanda(01 of07)
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A little off the beaten tourist-path, south of 5th Street, this small gem is where residents (and tourists in-the-know) head for great Italian food. Don't miss the Penne dell'Appennino, a mix of wild mushrooms with a touch of truffle oil, and the thin, crispy crust pizzas. The charming man with the thousand-watt smile darting between the tables is one of the owners, Francesco Cavaletti.La Locanada, 413 Washington Ave.Photo: Necee Regis
A La Folie(02 of07)
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Located on the quiet end of a bustling street, this tiny bistro offers more than thirty varieties of crepes (savory and sweet) as well as sandwiches, salads, wine and the best ice coffee ever (made with espresso). Dine at tables inside or street-side, or loll on cushions in the outdoor lounge. Very French. Very casual. Service is European (slow) but so what? You're on vacation!A La Folie, 516 Espanola Way.Photo: Necee Regis
Tap Tap(03 of07)
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A colorful Haitian restaurant with affordable mojitos, especially during half-price rum drinks happy hour. (Mon-Thurs. 5-7 p.m.) A perfect dining destination when you're in the mood for spicy marinated conch, goat stew or grouper with lime sauce. Try a side dish of spinach and coconut sauce. Live music rocks the house the third Saturday of every month.Tap Tap, 819 5th St.Photo: Necee Regis
La Tasca Tapas at Panizza Bistro(04 of07)
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Argentine bakery and breakfast spot by day; Spanish tapas and wine bar by night serving tasty bites by Basque chef Fernando Echevarri. Breakfast includes omelets and rancheros, but those with a sweet tooth can choose their own basket full of pastries. On Wednesday evenings, enjoy paella with live music and Flamenco dancing.La Tasca Tapas, 1229 Lincoln Rd.Photo: Necee Regis
Doraku Sushi(05 of07)
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Apres-work, locals make a beeline to Doraku Sushi where select half-priced drinks and sushi rolls are available at the 5-7 p.m. happy hour. Located a few steps away from the 18-screen Regal South Beach cinemas, Doraku plus a movie is a date-night plan. Plus it's an affordable way to spot celebrities in SoBe -- on the big screen. (Where they belong!)Doraku Sushi, 1104 Lincoln Rd.Photo: Necee Regis
La Sandwicherie(06 of07)
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The place to get your sandwiches for the beach. Or snag a seat outside at one of the dozen stools and enjoy a salad, smoothie, shake or fresh juiced drink. Sandwiches on French bread or croissants include pate, Camembert, saucisson and smoked salmon in addition to traditional offerings of roast beef, ham, turkey and tuna. All are splashed with their signature vinaigrette and come piled high with choice of toppings. Open from 8 a.m. till 5 a.m. (and 6 a.m. on weekends) for those with middle-o-the-night munchies.La Sandwicherie, 229 14th St.Photo: Necee Regis
Café at Books and Books(07 of07)
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What's better than a fabulous indie bookstore? How about a fab indie bookstore café with truly yummy food? Insiders know this outdoor eatery on Lincoln Road offers great deals on good food such as the succulent pulled pork tacos that come with a healthy dollop of their black bean dip. Vegan? No problem. There's a section of the menu just for you. While you're at it, wander inside and buy a book. This Books and Books location (there are several others) specializes in art, design, fashion and architecture tomes, though there's also a large selection of fiction and a room of children's and young adult lit.Café at Books and Books, 927 Lincoln Rd.Photo: Necee Regis

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