Yambo Restaurant Reviews

My daughter and I love to grab lunch at Yambo's and can even do Keto here! Delicious, plentiful and reasonably priced. We live in Miami now, are gringas and love Nicaraguan food. We enjoy sitting in the back with all the fun jungle decorations. The staff do not speak English but we have no problems pointing to the food we wish to try. They are pleasant and attentive. We had the always good Carne Asada, Queso frito and ensalada. Yummy! No carbs. Free parking but very limited. A must go to in Little Havana!

No English spoken here, but where else can you get a heaping plate of incredibly satisfying rice and beans, meat, fish, fried bananas and a beer for under $10? Also, the place is joyfully decorated and the people are wonderful! Afterwards you can easily go over to Calle Ocho for a thimble-sized cafecito that will give you a caffeine rush and help you digest your feast.

For an amazing experience get out of your comfort zone and try Yambo. Wow, they have a new printed menu and ... prices have stayed pretty much the same. They have an outdoor cafeteria with loads of choices (I've never eaten there). Inside is a nice sitdown restaurant decorated with the most kitchy Central American stuff - an eyeful. We did not have it this time, but a neighboring table did - the huge appetizer plate feeds an army. I had the roast chicken with a huge portion of rice and beans. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the nacatamale. Great place.

Me and my friends came to this restaurant, and were discriminated against. My friend who is black asked for a menu and was refused and the staff acted like they did not understand what she was saying, right after our latina friend came over and was asked politely with a smile how could help her.

I found Yambo about 10 years ago. It's close to Little Havana, but a trip to Nicaragua. We took a guest the other evening who had been a Peace Corps volunteer in Nicaragua - he was at home. The mixed appetizer plate serves 4. The fried fish is always a hit as is the pollo asado and beef. And the prices are low according to Miami standards!

This place is the most dirty and disguting place I have ever eaten from. When you first come in you see al the birds flying on top of yout food trying to eat it.... WOW....I just don't even want to waste my time typing anything for this place... Just don't go there Please... is gross

Food was great, portions were plentiful, service could use some improving. No music unless you put money into the jukebox. Seems as though the staff didn't liked to be asked questions about the menu. Nonetheless the food was amazing once we recieved it

I love Spanish food! This one is an adventure. After a late night in Miami, I stumbled across this small 24-hour Nicaraguan place. I was the only Gringo there... but have been treated well on every visit... and met a couple of Chicas on one trip! :) Always get the fried cheese!

My man friend took me to Yambo intending to pick up food and eat at home but I was just enchanted by the simple atmosphere, nice weather and asked to sit and eat there. It's not fancy, but I thought it was simple and cute and it reminded me of sitting in the middle of granada or managua and wanted to immerse myself as much as I could in his Nicaraguan culture. There's big pots of "chile sauce with onions" which I never had but thought was great. Not sure how sanitary that is? I kept quiet because I have spanish skills to that of a toddler but he went away and ordered his favorites in spanish. Two carne asada specials for us served with gallo pinto, queso frito, ensalada, and plaintain chips; his favorite coco drink, and Nacatamales to take home. Less than $24 for all of that! No you did not misread that and I did not stutter, 24 FREAKIN DOLLARS!!! What more can you ask for?! Gallo pinto decent but I kind of prefer his mother's gallo pinto (She would probably love to hear that), great portions of carne asada, queso frito was delicious and not greasy as you would think, crisp plaintain chips served in a paper bag, ensalda was a bit bland and man friend commented on how it usually is served with more vinegar. I enjoyed his coco drink and kind of wished I would have ordered a classic nica beverage opposed to the boring "aqua" I ordered because I knew how to say it to the woman taking our order. We left with lots of leftovers which we were able to warm up nicely and ate the nacatamales for breakfast the next day. Glad to know there is a wonderful Nica spot in Miami and would definitely come back but with manfriend or a friend that speaks spanish. Or maybe be brave and throw myself in so I HAVE to practice on improving my nica spanish skills. Oh yea, TIP: BRING CASH! CASH ONLY!

This is a casual restaurant in Little Havana. It is not all that impressive as you walk up but never fear. As you walk up you notice that you can order from one of two windows and then sit on the outside patio. This method is pretty popular as the line was about five to ten minutes long. For a nicer setting (my recommendation) go inside. Inside is rather pleasant as it is over decorated with lots of nic-nacks from Nicaragua. The servers were prompt in taking the order. My Spanish was about as good as their English, but the menu was in both languages so it all worked out. I had the carne asada with rice and beans (peas), fried plantain and salad. Beverage menu was plentiful and I opted to have a large tamarind drink (large was $3 and was the size of a 7-Eleven big gulp). Food was overly generous, tasty and fresh. Will I return...absolutely!!

Great food for a great price. After doing some touristy things like visiting winwood walls and little Havana my fiance and I along with my cousin and his wife were hungry but looking to avoid a tourist trap. This place was perfect. We ordered at the counter but sat and ate inside. The portions are large enough to share. I would definitely go back.

My mother's side of the family is from Nicaragua, which I have traveled to many times. This place serves excellent comfort food for a reasonable price. Everything that I ordered was very close to what you will get in Nicaragua, and it all tasted great. The decor is on the wild side, no boring white walls here, and the place is open 24 hours.

I always go eat here because of how delicious the food tastes. I recommend the full meal with rice, steak, fried cheese, plantains and cole slaw. The flavors are delicious. Even when I feel full, I want to keep eating! Cooked to perfection. One portion could be suitable for two people because they do serve A LOT in the to-go containers. The walls are filled with Hispanic decorations and cute art. There is an indoor area but I prefer sitting outside. Trust me,if you want a satisfying, big Hispanic meal, it wont disappoint!

This is a great place to visit. You think you are in Nicaragua. The food is great and has 24 hours service. It is always fresh we love to go there. Specially with our friends and family. Also the price is good. They have inside and outside dining. The last time we had them cook for a celebration we had at our home. Delivery and food was super good. A great experience. Go and check it out!

True Nicaraguan flavors! And opened 24/7!!! Perfect for Visitors.

I have visited central America and the style and taste mirror what I have experienced. The food is authentic Latin food.. Great flavoring. The place is outside and is served cafeteria style. This place is not fancy and is more of a rustic and primitive feel to it. The food was tasty and the people were very friendly.

I ate here for just a dinner! It was a very good experience! It was inexpensive, large dishes and very far from local cousins. It was like a short trip to a Latin country. The local is unusual with colorful forniture

Me and my husband were on our way to key west for work and stopped by for a quick lunch. Food is amazing. Service kind of ok. I don’t think anyone speaks english. The woman’s bathroom is “eccentric”. I was not happy with the bathroom. Like I said. Food was real good and cheap. Worth to stop by if you are in the area!!! I will come back again!!

Awesome food! Awesome restaurant! We found this on yelp, and it's Spanish only. We speak English and Chinese but still want to have a try. Luckily, there's some English explaining the dishes. As a seafood lover, I got the fried snapper for sure. It was a whole fish fried warmly with lemon aside. I finished the fish and leaving the bones only. My friend got BBQ beef which was marinated well. Another one got a bit spicy pork which is also got a great seasoning. Another great thing is, they have huge portion side salad which made all of us pretty happy. For drink, there's no explanation, so we just decided to try our luck. We got chalala (guava), cacou (choco), limonade and chicha (purple corn juice). I have to say they are all successful picks and chicha is really good tasting! And the waitress is very nice and kind waiting us pointing at random things. :D

Carne Asada is great just don’t eat in the dining room as the service was pretty awful. Just order your food in the front and eat out front. We were referred here for authentic Nicaraguan food. Lots of locals here.

I just went to this place and i askedIf I could pay with card and the lady said yes, never mentioned it was $10 minimum, ridiculous way to lose money and customers, The one that servered me the food, When she was going to charge, after offering a special of five dollars, My bill with the drink was six dollars, but she said the minimum is $10, she already have the food served, come on common sense she have to threw away pretty much the whole thing because I wasn't going to use the ATM that she was offering because where is the deal then, and only because of the fact that $10 minimum I think is ridiculous, the owner of this place have these ladies afraid, Because I've worked in this business for such a long time I know rather to charge six dollars then wasting the food and wasting money as well, they said that they're only employees that sounded to me like they are not important, when they are the most important people besides the customers in the restaurant Mr. owner you better start changing your way of thinking because around you most of the places don't have a way to charge a card and you take the advantage of charging a minimum of $10 which I think is not OK, I am by you to go to meetings of hospitality and learn about restaurants a little more and you will see that not doing that he's going to get you more people and more customers and more money, just left this place very angry

i am very anglo but needed a place to eat after a late night of work near lil havana. tried to find a diner but duh, look at the neighborhood i work in?! found yambo's on trip advisor and decided to try. they were close to my work and offer parking in a congested neighborhood. it's buffet behind the counter. i asked for possible language help but none needed because the woman serving was fully bi-lingual (we laughed at my assumption). they are nicaragua food which is similar to latin altho here is my take on it.... meats - pork chunks (delcious but quick fried so outside crisp!), chicken and tongue. tongue was recommended by the guy waiting in line next to me but maybe another day. they do only white rice, and there may a have been beans but i selected just the rice. they offer a "salad" which was good but a take on cole slaw - finely shredded cabbage with a sweet/sour vinegar dressing. i was very full and very satisfied with my dinner. i think my bill was $6 - unbelievable value!! you pay for food at one window and can get beverages at another window. this girl didn't speak english, but who cared as you could easily point at what you wanted! it was pouring rain the night i was there but the patio cover is more than large and there was at least 10 other people there. a nice mix of middle aged to quite young, english to spanish to spanglish. i felt totally safe and wanted. it's 24/7 - so i'm sure they do a big late night biz after the night clubs in miami. i'd definitely go again.

Supper good food. The place is crazy good and the people are wonderful. I'm not from Nicaragua but this just feels real. Wow what an experience!!!!!

We stopped for lunch...with 2 small kids, the waitress talked us into the sampler, it was a huge amount of food and a chance to try everything, food wasn’t overly warm but was legit

This place is great..it's usually open. They're not expensive. The plates are big enough to share. There's no menus, but you can ask what stuff is. They have real Nicaraguan drinks. The only downside is that sometimes, rarely, they don't cook the beans thoroughly and they stay hard in the rice, or what they call "gallo pinto".

The best "carne asada" (grilled meat)! This is very simple place, but very good meat. You can enjoy eating outside or inside. I liked!

I went here again because I wanted the family to see some of the decorations they have from Nicaragua and to have some good carne asada. The food was great and the gallopinto and maduros con queso were awesome! Service was quick out of a buffet style and we sat in some tables they have outside.

This is the last time I will Order from this place. From the treatment I received you’d think that was getting my food for free. There are much better options for Nicaraguan food in Miami when it comes to value, quality of good and service

This spot has been an institution for lovers of Nicaraguan style food and late night partiers for years now! Though definitely nothing fancy it's whimsical decor and eclectic clientele is always a spectacle to see while enjoying fresh dishes served up by hard working Nicaraguan ladies. Spanish is the language of business in this part of Miami (as in many parts of this tropical city!) but no need to worry because the food is visible to the customers and all one must do is point to what you like or looks good. Yambo is open 24 hours a day at least on the weekends and sometimes just before dawn they do start running out of some food but with so much turnover rest assured that the food you do get will be fresh and staples like the "carne asada con gallo pinto" (grilled beef,rice and beans,Nicaraguan slaw and tortilla or plantains) will always be available. Do try any of their "frescos" ...these are homemade natural drinks with imaginative flavors such as orange-melon,orange-carrot,cacao,passion fruit or barley,which has a bubble gum taste to eat and actually contains grains of barley in it! They're all quite refreshing! Overall I would definitely recommend Yambo for good Nicaraguan food (especially after a night of revelry in this party city) and a dose of local color!!!

Haven't had nicaraguan food in a while and this restaurant doesn't disappoint. When you arrive you can either sit outside and go through a cafeteria style line, or you can go inside and get served by a waitress. I decided to have the sampler plate for $15, which had a bit of everything. As seen on the photo, the sample platter is a monstrosity. I was expecting a few bites of different things, but that platter could have fed a whole table. The platter came with yuca, pork, salad, carne asada, rice and beans (gallo pinto), chicken tacos, moronga (bloody pork?), sweet plantains, platanos verdes (fried), fried cheese, and an enchilada, which is not like the ones you get in a mexican restaurant. Overall the food on the platter was excellent, and I specially loved the carne asada or grilled meat. However, I thought that the pork was not as original as it should have tasted. I have actually had this dish made by a friend's mom who is from Nicaragua, and compared to that dish, I thought it was lacking flavor, but nonetheless, the pork was good, but definitely it lacked that true "chancho asado" flavor. I also found the tacos to be dried, but then I was told I was supposed to put the sour cream on them. Ooops! Nonetheless, didn't care much for the tacos or the enchilada, which I thought was also dried, but then again, I'm comparing them to mexican food and I was told they are made different in Nicaragua. I didn't dare try the moronga as it didn't look appetizing to me, and had I known, I would have asked to have chicharrón, instead of moronga, but will save that for my next trip. I also ordered the tamarind juice and that was as homemade as my friend's mom used to make it so I also ordered the Calala to try, and it was also excellent. The juices at yambo are not watered down like in other miami places so definitely they are worth trying out, specially if you never had them before. To finish, we had the buñuelos, which is fried yuca dipped with some type of sweet syrup; delicious, but they were cold; when I've had them in the past, they are warm and not cold. Nevertheless, they had the "nica" buñuelo taste, so would get that again, if I could. If you're in the area, I highly recommend this place, although the parking situation is quite bad. Best to go there after the lunch rush hour, if possible. When I get back there, for sure I'm having the carne asada dish as it was delicious! And make sure you pour the sour cream on the gallo pinto for a tasty meal! By the way, didn't think the waitress was all that friendly, but when we busted some spanish, her attitude changed. When in the south florida area though, friendliness at restaurants is the last thing I'm looking for.

Looks like I was ripped off. I ordered from menu an $8 dish, meat with rice and plantains plus a glass of water. When I ask for the bill waitress Carolina said $12. I asked how so and she said with the tax. I told still it could not be a $4 tax on 8 dollars. After two more rounds of me saying no possible she says oh.. and plus the tip. So apparently she added herself a 42% tip. Like I said a ripp off. I will not be back.

And a great one ! Don't bother and go for the chef's specialities. Well spiced meat and awesome sides. Very friendly and helpful staff for a bunch of tourists lost in little Havana.

I stumbled across Yambo as they are very near where I was staying. I ordered a main - fried pork with two sides included. The food was superb and there was so much that I struggled to finish it. I was automatically given free water and vegetables, but despite this ordered a mango & orange fruit juice, which was freshly made & gorgeous. All this set me back $10 (OK $12 with tip). Amazing value. Friendly, professional staff. Nicely decorated in Nicaraguan style. Own car park. Does take-away too, and I noticed this option was very popular with lhe locals.

Eclectic interior full of wood carvings, hanging statures, and other tchotchkes. The Carne Asada plate is REALLY GOOD and inexpensive ($6?) I highly recommend it, but expect to be ignored during your meal.

Free parking, good food (try the pork). exelent price. Food options and more. Friendly and attentive

If tasty Nicaraguan food is your primary objective, there are better places to choose from (ie Fritanga Monimbo) as I found the food to be greasy but the decor at Yambo’s takes the top spot - this place is a slice right out of Nicaragua.

Great good! NO, AMAZING FOOD! Had the pollo frito with rice and maduros. AMAZING. You must also try the queso frito. They have a salsa on the table and it was amazing, put some on the chicken and the rice and it is delicious. This place can get a line, but they are quick. I was craving Yambo the next day. I also heard they were 24 hours. Will definitely be visiting again very soon!

I went with some friends to Yambo and ordered around 12 carne Asada meals but the cashier was so rude and mubbling insults I felt so disrespected. It was at night there wasn't any Respect between the casier and the customers. Why does Yambo hire people that are rude to customers and dont want to work. Has a Nicaraguan Community leader Ive always brought Customers to Yambo But today I felt embarrassed how they treated my guest and me. I payed over Almost $150 dollars of Food and Drinks. Yambo needs to work on there Customer Service and Adapt a Slogan to their employees that reads "The customer is always right".

I do remember this place some 12 years ago use to be great food great service , but now the owners seems to don't car about customers but money . no order at all does't matter if you get there first or last they don't ask. just serve as they want it. since moving away from Miami I used to say when I visit Miami I must come to eat at this place , witch I did 03/16/2017 . but surprise no more good food or service.in my opinion the should focus more in customers and give better service.

I stopped by Yambo for a quick bite. Ordered the carne asada with rice and beans and plantain. I wish my Spanish speaking skills were better as my waitress spoke very little almost zero English. When it was time to pick my sides I pointed to a neighboring table to identify the rice and beans. I thought I indicated that I wanted fried plantains, but somewhere in the mix I ended up with plantain chips. I'm not complaining, just sharing my experience. Food was tasty as always and hard to beat the value at Yambo. Yes, I will return and when I do I'll have the proper wording down to order fried sweet plantains:)

Pull up a chair and enjoy some local fare food that will keep you grinning from ear to ear. It's may not be glamorous but will truly be a place to remember. The food and decor will keep you coming back for more.

This place serves big portions of food and is cheap. If you love chocolate milk then order the cacao. That is fire!!! You will be hooked.

We were visiting family in Miami this past week and they told us that we HAD to eat dinner at YAMBO. When we pulled up in reminded me of the Nicaraguan restaurants I visited in past travels. It was amazing. We are Nica's so we feel like experts in Nica cuisine...YAMBO did not disappoint. The décor was funky. The waitress was very helpful. The food was SO GOOD. The value was unmatched. The average price of a plate is $8.00 and they serve you enough to share. We loved it and can't wait to go back!

I spend a lot of time on the beach on the weekends. 6+ hours of pouring vodka & Red Bulls down my throat works up quite the appetite. The food portions are large and the prices are so affordable that you wouldn't believe that you are still in Miami. I have never had a complaint. The Rabo dish is a must try!

Another satisfied visit to Yambo. I usually stop here for lunch but this time I arrived late in the evening. I dined inside which was not as busy as I'm accustomed to during the earlier hours. Likes: -Great value. Large portion of carne asada with rice and peas, fried plantains, and salad along with a large tamarind juice all for $10 -Food is tasty -Service is prompt -Not a chain restaurant Dislikes: -No longer accepts credit cards...cash only (ATM on the premises) Will I return? Absolutely

I have never been to this restaurant or even Miami, yet they have taken 3 identical card payments from my card, which suggests to be that they must be aware of this being a fraudulent card. Maybe pay in cash if you're visiting.

I have been to el Yambo so many times and it never disappoints. The food is great and the drinks are delicious. I highly recommend it to anyone. It's opened 24 hours, parking is tight but so worth it.

If you're from Miami, specially from the SouthWest you have either past by Yambo all you life ( millennials and so on), stopped by to eat some good Nica food at least once with your family, or on the way back from a night out of clubbing. This place has been around for so long, its opened 24 hours, and the amount of food you get for the price you pay its outrageous! 2 can eat from one full order... maybe 3 I dont know. I think the best is the carne asada its pretty dang good. Dont you ever say not to the friend cheese, platanitos, & repollo. Some say there if better Nica places in Miami... I to be honest do not usually even think about having "fritanga," so I am not very familiar. But, I will go weigh my options soon. And Yambo no matter what will always have a place in my belly and my memories.

Yambos is a fun and interesting place to go for some Fritanga food. It's not the best Fritanga I've ever had but it is Yummy! The service can be hit or miss. But you can't beat the price in my opinion

Coming from a Nica, I really like El Yambo. It's open 24/7 and you can't go wrong with the food; classic carne asada con gallo pinto, fried cheese, and maduro or tajadas. You can't go wrong. Def recommend the Torta De Leche if they have it (it's on the side where you buy drinks). And the aesthetic of the place is amazing, definitely makes you feel Nicaragüense. Lots of effort put into the place on the outside. **I've never been inside but it still looks pretty too from pictures.

Always delicious 😊 hearty and you must try the fried cheese. (Cheso Frito) yummy gangstas love it. So do soft people.. But im a real G. Ive been going there for like 17 years and they are still awesome dude

Nice afternoon in miami with a nice lunch , my friends gone for first time to a Nicaraguan restaurant and they love it they try a bit of everything and is was really good cerdo asado con yuca the best really enjoy that lunch.

Carne Asada y pinto de gallo...it's all you need to know. Eat outside, but check the inside of the place for the coolest jungle motif, ever.

Absolutely loved the place! Authentic food, music, atmosphere. Most people working there don't speak English, which makes the experience more real, but we managed to order some house specialties that were absolutely fab! Huge portions, great quality. Would definitely recommend

Nice place and great tasting meat we had the rice and steak and it was so tasty , we also loved the marinated onion salsa , we really enjoyed the place . Parking a little tight .

cheap and good food i usually go for lunch at yambo...... Not really good for big groups but if you are 3-4 people in group you can sit down in the restaurant area.

Food is cafeteria type. Cold and chewy from being prepared in bulk and kept in open trays. Ambiance is very low class. Decoration inside the rest is cute and very tipocal. Servers outside are rude and impatient we had several plates to try it all. Tamal was cold , mariquitas where old and cold, the gallo pinto was less than fair, the carme asada was fsir , the vigoron was decent. I will never go back much better Nicaraguan rest in Miami to est in this dump

I stopped by Yambo again and had lengua con salsa. For those that don't know the translation, it's cow tongue. I had it with rice and peas, plantains, and salad. The serving was huge and I could not finish it (yes I have a hearty appetite). Food was super tasty. My waitress spoke zero English and I speak very little English, but we managed to figure it all out. Would I return again? Absolutely

Def one of our stops when down in Miami. We're actually planning a weekend trip down there and for sure going to stop in while we're down!

This place is amazing! The Yambo dish is delicious and the staff is beyond courteous :) be sure to stop by!

My wife and I met in Miami in the late seventies at university. She had recently left Nicaragua and one of the things we shared was the love of Latin food. We went to Yombo to fill all these desires and it was fantastic! The ambiance is perfect. Once inside the restaurant you are taken into the heart of the Nicaraguan people. The food is typical and delicious. The service is excellent without being intrusive. As a warning, the portions are very very generous! We ordered an appetizer that was actually large enough for a meal serving two people. There is no problem with taking the food home with you because you will never leave Yombo hungry!