Fritanga Monimbo Kendall

"Fritanga Monimbo is not just the best option outside Little Havana or Sweetwater (the fritanga epicenters of Dade County). No, saying that would downplay how good Fritanga Monimbo is in its own right. They make solid versions of not only grilled skirt steak and queso frito—but also braised lengua in tomato sauce and fresco de chia. Like most fritangas, this is a very casual spot with some indoor seating, but most people stick to takeout." - ryan pfeffer, virginia otazo, mariana trabanino

"Kendall isn’t the first place that comes to mind when most Miamians think of where to find the best Nicaraguan food—unless you've been to Fritanga Monimbo. Fritanga Monimbo always delivers everything we want when we're in a Nicaraguan mood, and it has become one of the go-to fritangas for residents of this huge swath of unincorporated Miami-Dade County. Besides serving well-executed grilled meats and refreshing drinks, this place also specializes in some harder-to-find specialties, including a braised tongue that is as tender as filet mignon." - carlos c olaechea, virginia otazo

"Kendall isn’t the first place that comes to mind when most Miamians think of where to find the best Nicaraguan food. However, my first taste actually happened at this Kendall fritanga over 20 years ago. The flavors of the food here - chargrilled carne asada, delicately seasoned gallo pinto, and caramelized nuggets of sweet plantain - compelled me to learn as much as I could about Nicaraguan cuisine. Fritanga Monimbo continues to deliver to this day, and it has become one of the go-to fritangas for residents of this huge swath of unincorporated Miami-Dade County. Besides serving well executed grilled meats and refreshing drinks, this place also specializes in some harder-to-find specialties, including a braised tongue that is as tender as filet mignon." - Carlos C Olaechea

"Another very important export of Nicaraguan cuisine is the fritanga, the country’s answer to fast food. These casual cafeteria-style restaurants offer homemade Nicaraguan food to-go. The experience is simple. You wait in line (there’s always a line), pick your food, and they pile it high inside a styrofoam container. But more than that, they offer community hubs for Nicaraguans to see and interact with other Nicaraguans. Not only has Fritanga Monimbo been around for decades, but it has two locations in West Kendall, the second most important hub for Nicaraguans after Sweetwater. You can’t go wrong with the classics here: churrasco, gallo pinto, maduros, queso frito, and tortillas. But they also have unique items that other spots don’t, such as baho (beef brisket cooked in banana leaves) on the weekends and nacatamales." - Mandy Baca