Why This French Restaurant Surprised Me in Florida, Mainly Because of Its Location

I recently visited South Beach for a girls' weekend. Although I hadn't previously spent much time in Miami, I knew that the region was famous for its impressively eclectic food options, with a heavy Cuban influence. That's why I was surprised to find a French café just a stone's throw away from Ocean Drive. The moment I arrived at Maman, I was immediately transported to the south of France. Ample courtyard seating, coffees served in delicate china cups, and a display case filled with homemade pastries are just a few reasons why this local restaurant immediately won me over.

When I arrived at Maman, I had walked about a mile from my hotel, and was admittedly a bit travel weary after my early-morning flight. South Beach has so many remarkable restaurants and cafés to choose from, but a little research beforehand indicated that Maman was special. It was the reviews that won me over. One recent traveler shared: "I came all the way from Australia, and this was honestly one of the best brunches I’ve ever had! Everything was SO good—from the food to the atmosphere to the service."

I have to admit that I was surprised to learn that Maman has about a dozen locations, most of which are in the Northeast. There are just a handful in Florida, and I visited the South Beach location on Collins Avenue, immediately falling in love with the outdoor courtyard and rustic-yet-elegant interior. The restaurant feels like one of a kind, and though there may be other locations, visitors agree that the South Beach spot is special.

The only challenge I had was deciding what to order. There's a grab-and-go refrigerated section with some light bites, such as overnight oats and a yogurt parfait. If you have more time, you can grab a menu and browse the café's signature salads, sandwiches, and specialties. After much deliberation, I decided to try The Francine, complete with Parisian ham, Swiss, and whole grain mustard on focaccia. That, along with a delicious cappuccino, was the perfect antidote to a long travel day.

That morning, I was dining alone, so I had time to notice the other diners, some of whom were enjoying a quick bite between errands while others were set up with their work computers. The atmosphere was lively and upscale, yet simultaneously laid back. It's the kind of place that encourages you to settle in and stay as long as you'd like.

The next day, I returned with my friend to introduce her to the restaurant and had the chance to sample a few other things from the menu: an iced latte, seasonal salad, and Maman's famous nutty chocolate chip cookie (so delicious, in fact, that it's one of Oprah's favorite things).

So while Maman may not quite qualify as a hidden gem, it certainly surprised me in the best way. It's hard to compete with Miami's treasure trove of culinary gems, and while I've barely scratched the surface, I know that I'll return to Maman if I get the chance to visit South Beach again.

What are some of your favorite surprising eats in Florida? We're always looking for culinary gems, so be sure to nominate some of your favorites!