When scores of immigrants from Nicaragua came into the United States starting in the late 1970s, they quickly made Sweetwater and the surrounding area the among the largest communities of emigres from the Central American nation in the country. According to the 2010 census, more than a fifth the city’s population hails from there. These immigrants made this small part of Miami their place to keep their culture alive. So it’s no surprise that the best fritangas – Nicaraguan eateries – are in a place known as “Little Managua.”
Quesillos Guiliguiste
11323 W Flagler St.
Miami, FL 33174
(305) 225-8877
Quesillos Guiliguiste has been around since the 1980s serving classic Nicaraguan food like nacatamales, chorizos, and chancho con yuca to the community. The most popular item is front and center at the entrance of this unassuming strip mall location. Their quesillos are folded tortillas with soft white cheese, crema, and pickled onions, typically eaten in a bag, for $6. This is what has people coming back again and again.
Raspados Loly’s
10404 W Flagler St.
Miami, FL 33174
(305) 227-0488
Sweetwater’s Raspados Loly’s has been serving hand-shaved ice treats that capture the fruit-filled taste of Nicaragua since 1987. This family business run by Loly Hernandez offers a menu including favorites like dulce de leche and coconut (both $5.75), which customers often mix for a creamy flavor paired with a sweet syrup, icy texture.
Nicaraguita’s Tortillas & Fritanga
10310 W Flagler St.
Miami, FL 33174
(305) 552-7355
Nicaraguita’s Tortillas & Fritanga has been the spot for snacks and a to-go box of food since the 1990s. This fritanga spot opened at a time when there weren’t as many places to get Nicaraguan-style foods such as carne asada and rolled tacos. Their popular items are the 3 for $1 Nicaraguan tortillas and half a pound of cheese for $7.20.
The Spotted Gallo
8785 W Flagler St.
Miami, FL 33174
(305) 364-5032
Opening in 2018, The Spotted Gallo has quickly become popular for its authentic Nicaraguan food and welcoming environment. Their plate of five double fried tostones topped with refried beans, sour cream, queso frito, chimichurri sauce along with customers’ choice of steak or chicken is a popular appetizer for $15. The community has shown its love for the restaurant during hard times. In 2022 a car crashed into the business front causing large amounts of damage, so the community raised over $2000 to help with repairs.
Cerro Negro
9613 W Flagler St.
Miami, FL 33174
(305) 227-9870
Named after Nicaragua’s famous volcano, Cerro Negro serves traditional platters filled with the country’s authentic flavors. Since opening in 2010, the restaurant has been a gathering spot for Sweetwater’s Nicaraguan community, where families share meals and spend time together. The menu ranges from nacatamales to bandeja criolla, but locals often stick with the affordable carne asada at $12.95, served with fried cheese and sweet plantains.
