"Nicaraguans arrived in large numbers beginning in the 1980s due to the Sandinista revolution and created their hub in Miami, much like the Cubans did two decades earlier. They moved into the community of Sweetwater, locally referred to as Little Managua. El Novillo isn’t quite in Sweetwater but it’s close by. This upscale steak restaurant was one of the most important restaurants to come out of Miami’s Nicaraguan migration for its detailed colonial plaza decor and beef-heavy menu representative of the country’s foodways. The best part about this place (especially for those new to the cuisine) are the attentive waiters bringing you the full spread of Nicaraguan sides, such as gallo pinto and maduros, in elaborate platters served tableside. Finishing the meal with a tres leches is a smart move too." - Mandy Baca
