Budget Bites

Budget-friendly international fare in Pinecrest and Coral Gables.

Owners, Diana Calderon, left, and her husband Carlos Pombo, head chef and creator, holding "Andrea's Favorite, " a dessert crepe, $6.50, from their restaurant, Crepe Cuisine, 5904 South Dixie Highway. The crepe contains strawberries, chocolate and whipped cream.

By Jane Wooldridge

Looking for a budget-friendly feast in Coral Gables or Pinecrest? We've got you covered...

South Miami's Crepe Cuisine has been offering a happy blend of good food, affordable pricing and a stylish décor since March. Along with the crepes you'd expect ... chicken with bechamel, sirloin with mushrooms, “crepe suzette” ... there are ones with a Latin twist, like pulled pork with cheese. Portions are substantial, ingredients are fresh and wines by the glass are well-priced. Ambience is lively; outdoor tables in a garden facing a parking lot and are quieter, though this time of year you'll probably want to sit inside. The food is downright yummy and all crepes are made to order.
Crepe Cuisine: 5904 S. Dixie Hwy, South Miami; 305-669-2580; Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily; dinner crepes $8-$14.

Kaliapy's is the kind of friendly, family-run place that's rare these days. Every dish is made to order, which means potentially long waits (call ahead to avoid). Rolls were straight from the oven while our eggplant rollatini starter was thick with cheese and topped with fresh herbs. A large bowl of white clam soup was light but hearty and loaded with fresh garlic and herbs. Fresh fish changes daily, joining the likes of chicken Parmesan, veal picatta and a wide variety of pastas, including a hearty linguine Bolognese. For dessert, pumpkin crème brule with a crispy caramelized crust and flan-like base was worth every calorie.
Kaliapy's, 12153 S. Dixie Hwy., Pinecrest; 305-252-7337; Lunch Wednesday-Friday and Sunday, dinner Tuesday-Sunday; pastas $12.95-$22.95, dinner entrees $14.95-$29.95.

Taco Rico is perpetually packed – with good reason. Each meal at this cheery self-serve outpost comes with a basket of crisp, grease-free chips and salsa (mild or hot). All other items are made to order. “Wet” pork burritos and enchiladas, are flavorful, mildly spicy and drowning in a red sauce.
Taco Rico Tex-Mex Cafe, 473 S. Dixie Hwy., Coral Gables, 305-663-3200, www.tacoricotexewmexcafe.com (also Miami Beach, Pinecrest); beer, margaritas, sangria available; entrees $4.69 (burrito) to $16.99 (fajita combo platter).