By: Robert Lovi By: Robert Lovi | June 20, 2022 | Food & Drink,
Seven miles southwest of Downtown Miami, lies the city of Coral Gables. An exclusive destination with an incredible culinary scene that stands alone on its own. The city has some of the best restaurants in the area, with an array of options for the most adventurous palates. Here you will find innovative and classic concepts in a more relaxed environment, but the city is just as eclectic as its Miami counterparts. Below you will find a list with some of the best restaurants in Coral Gables so you can indulge in delightful gastronomic experiences.
See Also: How To Spend A Day In Coconut Grove
6915 Red Road / Website
This is Grove Bay Hospitality Group's modern steakhouse located in the heart of Coral Gables. Public Square offers an elevated version of classic American fare like Roasted Cauliflower Steak, Grilled Branzino. The Sushi & Raw Bar's selection of Ceviche, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, and more. Here guests can enjoy brunch, lunch, and dinner accompanied by a wide selection of delicious drinks. It's no secret that Public Square is renowned for its extensive wine list, including bottles and carafes from all over the West Coast, and an annual Wine Vault membership that provides access to a private cellar.
230 Miracle Mile / Website
Calle 23 Miami, a trendy Cuban eatery, serves Havana-inspired Cuban classics. Here, guests will be transported to Havana's streets, bringing to life the stories of Cuba's roots through music, culture, cocktails, and cuisine. There's a drink for everyone at Calle 23 Miami, whether you're looking for a margarita or a cocktail like the Mojito, Cucumber Smash, or the Passion Caramel. The Tostones Con Ropa Vieja, La Frita Cubana, and the Tortilla Espanola Con Chorizo are great companions to these tasty cocktails. At the end of the night, you can also enjoy some of the best salsa music in Miami. Patron margaritas are $10 on Tequila Thursdays. There is live music almost every week, including salsa by @complicesevents starting at 8 p.m. on Thursdays and a happy hour every day of the week. Afro 23 Band performs live music on Friday and Saturday nights. An excellent spot for food, drinks and culture.
206 Miracle Mile / Website
Cocktails at Copper 29 Bar, an edgy Miami restaurant and bar in Coral Gables, are a refreshing change from the norm. Copper 29 Bar's creative and laid-back atmosphere is ideal for capturing endless Instagram-worthy photos while providing a unique Miami experience. This spot Bar is open to the public, and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the creative atmosphere along with some tapas and specials. The Palmetto Express cocktail features Santa Teresa 1796 rum, coconut Thai chili, and other Miami favorites. Incorporating the finest ingredients, Copper 29 Bar elevates mixology to new heights for its patrons. This restaurant is ideal for a fun night with friends, good food, and a little chemistry.
360 San Lorenzo Ave / Website
Inspired by the bustling Shops at Merrick Park, Sawa Restaurant & Lounge was founded in 2010 by restaurateurs from the same family who wanted to bring a modern, inventive Japanese-Mediterranean fusion concept to the neighborhood. As the restaurant's name suggests, Sawa is Arabic for "togetherness" and Japanese for "harmony," which accurately represents the eatery's successful fusion of two disparate cuisines. A decade after opening, Sawa continues to stand out in the crowded Coral Gables dining scene with its fresh, flavorful fare, weekend belly dance shows, and festive indoor/outdoor atmosphere. The restaurant has won numerous awards for its success. Here you will find a pet-friendly patio, daily happy hours, and private dining options all add to the appeal of this beloved neighborhood institution, which can be enjoyed for any number of reasons, from date nights and happy hours to birthday celebrations
330 San Lorenzo Ave / Website
"C'est Bon," a colloquial French expression meaning "It's good," is the go-to spot for mouthwatering, made-to-order crepes and other fresh cafe favorites in Merrick Park. A neighborhood favorite since it opened in 2002, this restaurant offers quick, friendly counter service, a diverse menu with everything from healthy breakfast and lunch options to decadent dessert options, and a convenient pre-packaged takeout selection. To escape the bustling shopping district of Coral Gables, C'est Bon offers ample indoor and outdoor sidewalk seating and a diverse menu that will keep guests coming back time and time again.
396 Alhambra Circle / Website
Chef Pablo Zitzmann's passion project and COVID pivot, Zitz Sum, is one of Miami's most unexpected culinary sensations. Originally a pop-up shop, the concept has since grown into a must-visit destination for foodies who know what they're doing. The popularity of the pop-up led to the establishment of a permanent location in Coral Gables, where it has since become one of the most sought-after dining destinations in the city. With less than a year in business, Zitz Sum was nominated by the James Beard Foundation as a "Best New Restaurant" long-list nominee. This recognition hailed and humbled Zitzmann and propelled it onto the national culinary scene. Recently the Michelin Guide awarded Zitz Sum as a "Bib Gourmand" restaurant. A must-visit resraurant.
804 Ponce de Leon / Website
On Wednesday, June 15, 2022, the much-anticipated modern American restaurant in Coral Gables, Florida, opened to the public. In the words of Chef/Owner Michael Bolen, the menu consists of contemporary American dishes that are both complex and simple at the same time, using ingredients that can be difficult to come by from some of the world's most renowned purveyors. The 804 Ponce de Leon Boulevard restaurant and bar offer a nine-course tasting menu for $120 per person, each paying homage to Bolen's favorite dishes from his youth. Seasonality is the game's name at this eclectic eatery, which is inspired by South Florida's local bounty and executed with mastery. When looking for a unique dining experience, you can't go wrong with Lion & The Rambler, which pioneered Coral Gables' new tasting-counter style of dining.
65 Miracle Mile / Website
The name of the restaurant and bar pays homage to New York City's timeless style and charm. The Gramercy is a bustling, beaux arts-style brasserie that serves generous American Brasserie cuisine and a sushi bar. A $65 prix fixe brunch menu with a $45 bottomless beverage package is available on Saturday and Sunday at the Gramercy.
9610 Old Cutler Road / Website
After Hurricane Irma devastated the historic property in September 2017, Chef Adrianne reopened the restaurant with indoor seating, a waterfront patio, and cabanas. Matheson Hammock's rooftop observation deck offers a 360-degree view of the water that can only be found at this location. Although the Redfish by Chef Adrianne house has stunning views of the bay, the most sought-after spots are the 10-seat, custom-built Oyster Bar inside. It took a trip from coast to coast by Eglis Siu, the executive chef of Redfish, to find America's best oysters. They then used them to create dishes that feature only top-notch seafood from Redfish. Chef Adrianne's signature "Maximum Flavor" style has made her a household name, and guests can expect every dish and cocktail to be infused with that flavor.
45 Miracle Mile / Website
Chef Adrianne Calvo's mother's maiden name, Forte, is used to honor her daughter's Italian heritage. Her mother's Sicilian ancestors settled in Ferrara, an Emilia-Romagna city and commune in northern Italy, where the Forte surname originated. Prosciutto, mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano, and balsamic vinegar are all products of Emilia-Romagna, where Forte's menu is influenced by the region's culinary traditions. Forte's rustic decor, sunflowers, homemade focaccia, and traditional desserts transport guests to a Tuscan Villa. There are a wide variety of authentic indulgences to choose from, including handmade pasta like 24-hour Braised Short Rib Pappardelle, Squid Ink Linguini Vongole, and Classic Spaghetti Pomodoro; specialty pizzas like Antipasto, Apertivo's, Burrata Bar, and Raw Bar; Antipasto; Apertivo's; Burrata Bar; and more.
Photography by: Courtesy Stefan Johnson/Unsplash, Jason Leung/Unsplash