‘TIS THE SEASON TO EAT OUTSIDE IN THESE SPECIAL ENCLAVES
Photos by Rodolfo Benitez
There are innumerable options for eating out-of-doors in the Gables – at sidewalk cafes, in breezeways, on open plazas, even on rooftops. But the courtyard is something special. As an ancient architectural feature, courtyards date from around 5,000 B.C. in Egypt and Mesopotamia, becoming the atrium in Roman homes and the cloister in medieval monasteries. In all cases, the idea was to provide a cool, private space for family and intimate associates. Today, you can get a sense of this walled oasis in the dining courtyards of Coral Gables.
Bouchon
The only criticism we’ve ever had of Thomas Keller’s exquisitely authentic Parisian café is that it’s a bit noisy inside. Now, you can eat his perfected French cuisine in the romantic courtyard of the historic La Palma Hotel, sans bruit. 2101 Galiano St
Demetrio’s
Great coffee is not the only thing on the menu at this historic breakfast and lunch hangout; there are lots of gourmet
sandwiches and salads. But it’s the leafy courtyard with its iron filigree that makes it special. 300 Alhambra Circle.
Biltmore
The great open courtyard of Fontana Restaurant is one of the most stunning spaces in the Gables, with its Venetian Fountain and surrounding columns. The Italian fare, now with a new chef, makes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch. 1200 Anastasia Ave.
Taberna Giralda
How this sweet little Iberic courtyard, with its fantastic daily lunch specials (two gourmet courses of Spanish cuisine for $17) is
not overwhelmed remains one of the great mysteries of Coral Gables. Go there before it is discovered. 254 Giralda Ave.
Sospiro
This is really a wine bar as much as it is an Italian café; inside the walls are lined with bottles, while out back is the smallest of our dining courtyards – but oh so cozy and intimate! 2626
Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Books & Books
The music on Thursday and Saturday nights only adds to the pleasantly chatty vibe in this popular, copious space surrounded by the walls of the bookstore, where the café that serves light fare is also located. 265 Aragon Ave.
