Sarussi Cafe Subs

16 Restaurants That Could Only Exist In Miami - Miami - The Infatuation

"If Sarussi Subs are the rings of Miami’s metaphorical tree, they can tell you a pretty accurate story about the city. The first one started as an Italian restaurant in 1964 and was later bought by a Cuban immigrant who added Cuban dishes to the menu. The restaurant invented a unique version of a Cuban sandwich by taking what it had available: a pizza oven, mozzarella, and sweet Italian bread. Eventually, Sarussi stopped serving Italian food altogether. Now, there are three locations—but the one on Bird Road has a Nicaraguan owner who (in keeping with tradition) is putting their own spin on the menu with a fritanga burrito and other Nicaraguan inventions. Sararussi won Miami’s evolution lottery by continuing to adapt its food to growing immigrant populations. Which is why this restaurant is the perfect embodiment of the city we live in today." - virginia otazo, ryan pfeffer