4th Grade Mini Journalists turn restaurant reviewers

Over the last few years, Islander News reporters have brought readers many reviews of different establishments on the island and nearby, providing helpful insights into some of the island's restaurant owners, servers, chefs and the delicious dishes they prepare.

This time around, we turn to this year's class of Mini Journalists in the 4th grade classes of Ms. Clio Walshe-Crawford, Ms. Darlene Medina and Ms. Ana Montero, teachers at the Key Biscayne K-8 Center, who provide their own opinion as to their favorite places to enjoy a meal or snack on the island. Hope you enjoy them.

Sake Room

At Sake Room, their best dish is the sushi. They have spicy, non-spicy, and even some sweet sushi. In my opinion, the Hulk Roll is the best. If you like spicy, then I would suggest you give it a try. Unfortunately, the last time I went, the gyozas were a little dry; it will not keep me from picking Sake Room for a good sushi platter. I will continue to go to Sake Room, since my overall experience has been outstanding. I would highly recommend giving it a try!

Victoria Silva (age 9)

Sushi Siam

In Key Biscayne, at Sushi Siam, "the food has a lot of flavors!" After we won our first championship of the year, my friend George went to this restaurant with my family and me. I ordered the orange dragon rolls that have salmon and spicy mayo with fried shrimp and avocado. The best part was the amazing flavor of the food, and as it has an incredible number of sushi options to choose from, my family and I could taste the many diverse kinds of rolls. It was a party in my mouth! The service was good and fast, but the most impressive thing was that the food was delivered by a talking robot! Talk about innovative ways to use technology! I strongly recommend this place to everybody. My family and I had a wonderful time, especially when we met the robot, we are surely coming back again!

Benjamin Penna

One of the best things about visiting Key Biscayne is the opportunity to dine in our restaurants. One great restaurant is called Sushi Siam, and a lot of people like the sushi there. The service is also very good. Can you imagine a robot delivering your food? It is such a fun experience for people visiting the island! To finish your meal, you have dessert - and Sushi Siam has some of the best donut holes in the world! Sushi Siam is one of the best restaurants in Key Biscayne.

Luca Brando

In Novecento, the food tastes incredible! Every dish I have tried is like one of grandma's outstanding meals. I suggest the Milanezza de Carne, it's crispy and seasoned with oil. It comes with crisp flavorful fries. Unfortunately, the restaurant is always full, but it will not stop me from waiting patiently for a table, since all menu items are delicious. Also, you can always catch a fútbol game playing on a screen, too. I highly recommend it; it's amazing!

Victoria Courtaux (age 9)

Here, the food is really good, not to mention the cozy family atmosphere inside and outdoors seating for fresh air, too. For kids, I would personally recommend the Kid's Milanezza; it is delicious. It comes with the choice of beef or chicken. You can also ask for rice, mashed potatoes or fries. Most people enjoy the way they give lollipops at the end with your check. From time to time, they may get an order wrong; however, they find a way to make it up to you. It's a great restaurant to eat with family.

Isabel Cardoso (age 9)

Craft Key Biscayne

Pizza Lovers Be Advised! In Craft Key Biscayne, you can get the best pizza in town! They have more than 10 choices for pizzas. For example, they have a delicious mushroom pizza with creamy white sauce, which reminds me of my upbringing in Italy, where I savored my first slice. In addition, their "Pepperoni & Mozzarella" pizza is outstanding, but my absolute favorite is the "Margherita Classica" one. They even have gluten-free & vegan options to accommodate everyone. Simply fantastic! I Totally recommend it!

Sofia Camacho

Sir Pizza

My family has been going to Sir Pizza since the 1960s, when it first opened. The pizza is fantastic. I always order a pepperoni pizza, and I ask them to go light on the sauce. Some people like to get a side of ranch dressing, but I prefer spicy flakes. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Just be prepared - it can get busy and loud on Fridays. I would eat there every day if I could!

Sebastian Aparicio (age 9)

Flour & Weirdoughs

The food is awesome! My favorite treat is the cinnamon roll. I would like to recommend the chocolate croissant, too; they add a delish crunch to it. Sadly, sometimes the line can be so long, but I will not stop going there. My mom loves the coffee; it is her personal favorite. There is also an app, known as Too Good to Go, which lets you pick up an end of day, "surprise bag" for only $5. I have loved each surprise, so far!

Ava Garcia (age 9)

To me, the best restaurant you will find on Key Biscayne. It has so many delicious plates to choose from. Two of my favorite dishes are: the fried calamari, and served with two sauces; or the margherita pizza, a flavorful specialty to choose from. The pizzas are made with the freshest ingredients and cooked in a brick oven. This is a place you do not want to miss.

Maria Berriochoa (age 9)

My building has an amazing restaurant called "Cielo." The restaurant has many types of food and two menus, one for adults and one for kids. My absolute favorite is their Penne Pasta with cheese sprinkles. The employees are very friendly and give good service. Also, you could play in the pool while you wait for your meal, or they can take your order to the beach if you'd like. Super convenient! Their decoration is blue and white with very comfortable seats. It's a great spot to hang out with friends if you live in the building. Cielo's is located poolside inside Oceana and open to residents and guests.

Santi Torrado

Best empanadas in Miami at Smile Empanadas

The empanadas are baked and delicious, there are amazing flavors, mostly salty and one sweet guava cheese option, glorious. I recommend the cheeseburger, chicken, ham and cheese. The ham and cheese is very cheesy and the cheeseburger is very blow minding, a must try! Every empanada has generous fillings, and its portion sizes are bigger than other empanadas I tasted in the past. They deliver once a week to Key Biscayne!

Smile, located at 6907 S. Red Road in Miami, is owned by Key Biscayne residents. You can reach them at (305) 699-1958

Lola Capurro