Taquiza

Taquiza was founded in 2014 and built its reputation on one thing above all: fresh corn tortillas. It nixtamalises organic, non-GMO corn in house, the traditional process of cooking and soaking dried corn before grinding it, to make fresh masa, tortillas and chips. It is now based in Little River, where its home combines the taqueria with a tortilla factory, commissary and wholesale operation, and it has been recommended by the Michelin Guide.

The menu centres on tacos made with those fresh tortillas, with blue corn totopos, or chips, and guacamole among the items the restaurant highlights. The full menu is published online, and it is worth ordering a selection of tacos so you can compare fillings. If you are a group, a round of chips and guacamole for the table followed by tacos is the simplest way to eat here.

Taquiza is open every day from 12pm to 9pm, which makes it equally useful for lunch or an early dinner. It is an informal meal, and prices are at the budget end of Miami's dining scene. Busy times are likely to be weekday lunch and weekend evenings, so arrive slightly before or after the main rush if you want to avoid a wait.

The restaurant suits budget travellers, families, groups of friends and anyone who wants a casual meal with real attention to ingredients. It has also been featured on television food shows, including Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and The Zimmern List, if you like to follow those recommendations. Because the tortillas are made in house, it is a good place to understand why fresh masa matters in Mexican cooking.

If you are new to fresh masa, pay attention to the tortillas themselves, as they are the heart of the place, and try the chips with guacamole while you wait for your tacos.

Taquiza is at 8246 NE 2nd Avenue in Little River, north of the Design District, so it is best reached by car, taxi or ride-share. It pairs well with a visit to Boia De or Lagniappe further south on NE 2nd Avenue in the evening. Those who want to buy tortillas for home cooking can ask about the wholesale side of the business.