"Naomi's, Naomi's, se bon manje! You'll always come back to eat!"

That short jingle, composed by local musicians for Naomi's Garden Restaurant & Lounge, distills the Little Haiti restaurant down to its essence: it's good food (that's what se bon manje means in Haitian Creole) served in a familial environment that guests return to again and again. Read on to learn more about what keeps diners coming back:

The Manje

Named 2014's Best Haitian Restaurant by the Miami New-Times, Naomi's serves up food from that nation, as well as other Caribbean islands. Some of the favorites here are turkey stew, jerk chicken, oxtail, conch, and pwason fri, or whole fried red snapper. The eatery also offers lighter preparations like the baked chicken, which is seasoned with a signature epis blend of green onions, tomato, garlic, spices, and herbs.

The Hangout

The corner location is impossible to miss—it's covered in colorful murals of island life. Order cafeteria-style at the window, then take your food to go or head to the private garden behind the building. This urban oasis features palm-shaded tables, eclectic decor, and an artists' stage.

The Family

Naomi's began in 1981, when Israeli transplant Yaron Yemini and his wife, Shula, opened a healthy Middle Eastern eatery. They hired a nearly all-Haitian kitchen staff—many of whom are still here, more than 30 years later—and eventually transitioned to a Caribbean menu to serve the local community better. The Yeminis' sons, now the managers, were even born on the property, which is just one more charming detail that makes this place a neighborhood staple.