Pinolandia
Nicaraguan restaurant · East Little Havana
119 NW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33128
Highlights
Authentic Nicaraguan fritanga, famous for carne asada
Authentic Nicaraguan fritanga, famous for carne asada
"Pinolandia is one of Miami’s most iconic fritangas. Customers line up in front of a cafeteria-style steam counter and pick the items they want. There are a few picnic-style tables in a paved courtyard in front of the restaurant, but it’s also perfectly acceptable to tear into your carne asada while hunched over the hood of your car (there’s a parking lot next door exclusively for customers). That carne asada is the thing to get here, and it has one of the tastiest marinades we’ve had at a fritanga. Make sure to visit the adjacent general store to pick up a traditional homemade drink like tamarind with chia seeds." - ryan pfeffer, virginia otazo
"This is one of our favorite fritangas in Miami. We typically end up here after a night of drinking, since it’s open 24 hours and constantly churns out freshly grilled carne asada. However, it’s also a great option during the day when you’re craving meat, rice, and fried cheese in a styrofoam container. The line can sometimes be long during peak lunch and dinner hours, though it does move steadily. The good thing is that once you pay for your food, you can immediately sprint to the car. If you have an extra 90 seconds, step into the little market to grab yourself a cacao milk or pineapple and rice punch. You’re already going to be late anyway." - carlos c olaechea, ryan pfeffer
"PInolandia is another great fritanga that's open 24 hours a day and constantly churns out freshly grilled carne asada. This place is a little more spartan than some of its nearby competitors, although dedicated fans keep coming back for expertly grilled meats, crunchy rolled tacos with a virtual swimming pool of crema, and savory tomato-based stews. Like almost all fritangas in Miami, make sure to order a traditional drink with your food, like a sweet barley tea that’s supposed to settle the stomach after a plate of rich food (or a night of drinking)." - carlos c olaechea, virginia otazo
"For classic Nicaraguan eats, stop by Pinolandia Fritanga. A mere $10 gets a massive plate of gallo pinto, carne asada, queso frito, a side salad, and platano maduros. The cafeteria-style hole-in-the-wall is open 24 hours a day (except for Wednesdays when it closes at 11 p.m.), making it the ideal stop on the way home from a long night on the town. The line may take a few minutes, but it’s worth the wait." - Amber Love Bond
"Pinolandia is our favorite fritanga in Miami for several reasons: the Little Havana location is open 24 hours a day (useful information when you’re leaving Space), they have ample off-street parking, a 24-hour Nicaraguan bodega, and the food is dependably great. The best thing to get here is the carne asada, which you can watch being grilled while the aroma of flame-licked beef marinated in naranja agría fills the restaurant. You’ll also want to grab a slice or two of queso frito, which is thick, squeaky, and really creamy. And, like almost all fritangas in Miami, you can’t say you’ve been there without ordering a traditional drink. We like the cacao, our favorite version of chocolate milk made with ground cacao seeds." - ryan pfeffer, virginia otazo
