Restaurants with Outdoor Dining

Now that the coronavirus is upon us, our usual dining experience has changed. Only the restaurants that have outdoor dining have reopened, and with safety guidelines regarding the wearing of masks and distancing between tables.

Due to the county’s latest mandate, we have compiled a guide to restaurants that have outdoor seating. Of course, takeout and delivery is still allowed. What is amazing is just how many places in the Gables have one form or another of outdoor seating – more than 80 such establishments, with everything from courtyards to covered ways to true sidewalk café tables that Giralda Plaza and Miracle Mile were rebuilt to accommodate.

American, Asian, French, Italian, Latin & South American, Seafood, Spanish, Steakhouses, Pubs/Cafes/Misc., Fast Casual/Takeout

$ ……….. Under $25
$$ ……….. $25 – $40
$$$ ……….. $35 – $75
$$$$ ……….. $70 – $100
Prices are per person for appetizer and entrée, no tax, tip or drinks. Prices are approximate

AMERICAN

77 Sport Bar
Like most restaurants on Giralda Plaza, 77 Sport Bar already had outdoor dining. Even with six-foot distancing, they still have plenty of tables outside plus their shaded lounge area for hookah smoking. They’re known for having ice cold draft beer, perfect for the summer heat. $ 180 Giralda Ave. 305.735.1477

Bachour
Great brunch and world’s best pastries. Their expansive courtyard is perfect for a pandemic. It has plenty of outdoor seating options and was designed to have a breeze blow down the center, circulating fresh air throughout. $ – $$ 2020 Salzedo St. 305.203.0552

Burger Bob’s
Great burgers and chili. They’ve set up a few tables outside the restaurant, so you can eat your classic burger virus-free while enjoying a view of the Granada Golf Course. $ 2001 Granada Blvd. 305.567.3100

Cheesecake Factory
With over 250 menu items from flatbread pizzas to “glamburgers,” The Cheesecake Factory has something for everyone’s food mood. They also have outdoor tables in a covered area on Andalusia Avenue. $$ 2418 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.529.0703

Clutch Burger
Being on a pedestrian walkway, outdoor dining is plentiful for this home of gourmet burgers that requires you to unhinge your jaws. Fans for when there isn’t a breeze. $$ 146 Giralda Ave. 305.400.8242

Copper 29
The outdoor dining setting is more or less the same as before the pandemic, with a handful of high top tables on the sidewalk; now they’re just farther apart. A great setting for brunch, happy hour and people watching on the Mile. $ 206 Miracle Mile 786.580.4689

Denny’s
If you don’t know about Denny’s, then you probably don’t live in the U.S. Now this emporium of American breakfast and lunch standards has 14 outdoor tables. Stack of pancakes and sausage anyone? $-$$ 1 Miracle Mile 305.445.2300.

Doc B’s
The American eatery has taken advantage of the city’s temporary outdoor dining permit and has set up tables on the corner of Miracle Mile and Salzedo. We can finally have their cinnamon swirl pancakes again.
$$ 301 Miracle Mile 786.864.1220

Eating House
Pre-coronavirus, Eating House didn’t have any outdoor seating, so they made their own. Now there are three tables under a tent where two parking spots used to be. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but they get an A for effort. $$ 804 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.448.6524

Seasons 52
The restaurant itself is massive – especially for a space on Miracle Mile – which means they have plenty of sidewalk real estate. Their desserts alone are worth the visit. $$ 321 Miracle Mile 305.442.8552

Sports Grill
Now you can enjoy those famous Sports Grill special grilled wings [voted the best in the Gables by this magazine] without the fear of catching COVID. Outdoor seating both in front and out back. $ 1559 Sunset Dr. 305.668.0396

Tap 42
The outdoor scene at Tap 42 hasn’t changed a whole lot. The booths already have a high back that separates diners from each other. We’re just happy the brunch scene is alive and well. $$ 301 Giralda Ave. 786.391.1566

The Globe
Plenty of tables on Alhambra Circle, plus The Globe always keeps their doors open, so you can sit outside and still hear the live jazz on Saturday nights while munching on their incomparable conch fritters. Don’t forget lunch, with awesome mixed salads. $ – $$ 377 Alhambra Circle 305.455.3555

The Local
Any restaurant on Giralda Plaza has an advantage over every other restaurant. Being on a pedestrian walkway, outdoor dining is what they do best. They’ve put blue Xs on tables where patrons cannot sit to encourage social distancing. $ 150 Giralda Ave. 305.648.5687

Titanic Restaurant and Brewery
The brewery/restaurant down the street from the University of Miami has teamed up with the university to create outdoor seating in a park-like setting adjacent to the parking lot behind the restaurant.
$ – $$ 5813 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.667.2537

Yard House
Yard House has a huge menu so you can always find something to your taste – along with great lunch and happy hour deals. Plus, lots of outdoor seating at the Shops at Merrick Park. $$ 320 San Lorenzo Ave. 305.447.9273

---

ASIAN

Benihana
The national chain now has seating on Miracle Mile. It’s not the same as sitting around the grill trying to catch veggies in your mouth, but at least we can still have their hibachi steak.
$$ 242 Miracle Mile 305.567.2000

Canton Chinese
The only sit-down Chinese restaurant in the Gables now has outdoor seating on Ponce. Their fried rice, lo mein, and sweet and sour chicken is just the comfort food we need right now. $$ 2614 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.448.3736

Ichimi
This off-Mile eatery has developed a cult following for its Japanese noodles and ramen bowls. Now it has a couple of tables outside. Wish there were more! $ – $$ 2330 Salzedo St. 305.960.

Izakaya
Across from the Colonnades hotel on Aragon, Izakaya is a must for lunch. From chicken teriyaki to sashimi, all lunch specials come with shrimp & vegetable tempura, a California roll, miso soup and a salad.
$ 159 Aragon Ave. 305.445.2584

Kao Sushi & Grill
This Miracle Mile eatery has a plethora of tables outside, from tables out on the sidewalk to booths by the entrance. Amazing deals right now like $12 for a fried rice entrée and two-for-one sushi rolls. $$ 127 Miracle Mile 786.864.1212

Kae Sushi
The food is good, but the service is slow. But with dishes like $7 for shrimp shumai and $12 for specialty rolls, their pricing is more than reasonable. Come here if you’re short on cash, but long on time. $-$$ 143 Giralda Ave. 305.814.5872

Khaosan Road
Formerly Bangkok Bangkok II, this Giralda Plaza mainstay – with plenty of outdoor tables – has reinvented itself as the new home for Thai street food. Think you know Thai food? Be prepared for new and delicious tastes. $$ 157 Giralda Plaza 305.444.2397

Lotus Garden
Great Thai food at a great price. They now have outdoor dining options on the expanded sidewalk of Miracle Mile.
$ 318 Miracle Mile 305.446.2360

Malakor Thai Isaan
Malakor prides itself on authentic, tasty Thai food. That means pork skewers with sticky rice, or Gang Aom, a Thai curry with fish sauce and herbs. Great pad Thai. Now they have tables on the Mile. $$ 90 Miracle Mile 786.558.4862

Miss Saigon
Any restaurant on Giralda Plaza has an advantage over every other restaurant. If you also serve high quality food from Vietnam, you have a winning combination. Great pho. $$ 148 Giralda Ave. 305.446.8006

Mint Leaf
Their al fresco eating can only accommodate six people with three two-person tables; at least they are under an overhang. So, reserve early on date night for their excellent Indian cuisine. $$ 276 Alhambra Circle 305.443.3739

Moon Thai
With lots of tables and an umbrella at each, this is a great spot to eat outside if you don’t mind the noise from U.S. 1. Highly recommend their Japanese house salad (who doesn’t love ginger dressing?) and Pad Thai. $ – $$ 1118 S. Dixie Hwy. 305.668.9890

Sakura
This Japanese restaurant on U.S. 1 has expanded into the great outdoors. Great lunch specials like salad, gyoza, noodles, California roll and shrimp tempura for $12.95. $$ 440 S. Dixie Hwy. 305.665.7020

Sushi Maki
Here there are two different options for dining al fresco: the patio-esque area on the corner of Ponce and Aragon, or on the sidewalk on Ponce. We prefer the patio because the tables are larger and shade is a must. $ – $$ 2334 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.443.1884

---

FRENCH

Brasserie Central
If you want the experience of a French café, this is the spot, with seating along San Lorenzo or under umbrellas and an overhang in the vast courtyard of the Shops at Merrick Park. $$ – $$$ 320 San Lorenzo Ave. 786.536.9388

Chocolate Fashion
This tiny, but delightful French bakery café on Valencia now has a handful of tables outside, spreading onto the parking space street-side. Great place for breakfast, with excellent baked goods. $$ 248 Andalusia Ave. 305.461.3200

Pascal’s on Ponce
Pascal’s is the culinary canvas of owner-chef Pascal Oudin, who brings authentic and exquisite French cuisine to the heart of the city. Several tables on Ponce let you enjoy it al fresco. $$$ 2611 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.444.2024

Stephanie’s Crêpes
Now you don’t need to walk the streets of Paris to get a great breakfast, lunch or dinner crêpe. Instead, you can stop by this charming shop and try their brie-apple-walnut crêpe, or their chicken teriyaki crêpe, sitting under sidewalk shade outside. $ 2423 Galiano St. 786.636.8939

---

ITALIAN

Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza
Big pies and lots of seating at tables on the corner of Ponce and Almeria. Their specialty: Pies cooked at 900 degrees, so they are a little charred at the edges. $-$$ 2626 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.456.9200.

Bugatti
Known for its pasta (it started as a pasta factory before it become a restaurant), Bugatti now has outdoor seating, including next door at the historic Fink house courtyard. $$$ 2504 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.441.2545

Caffe Italia
Enjoy homemade pastas and other Italian cuisine, along with a hearty wine list, now served on their outdoor “patio” on 8th Street. $$ 3800 SW 8th St. 305.443.8122

Fiola
This upscale Italian restaurant offers intimate al fresco dining with four tables tucked away on the side of the building facing San Ignacio Avenue. Perfect for date night and all seafood cravings. $$$$ 1500 San Ignacio Avenue 305.912.2639

Forno
Maybe the best pizza in the Gables – super flavorful, with a thin, crisp crust. Last time we checked they were only making personal pizzas, but we’ll take them, with a couple of tables outside. $-$$ 1403 Sunset Dr. 305.661.3964

Portosole
The latest entry in the battle for Italian food lovers in downtown Gables, started by former staff of Zucca. With glass walls opening onto Ponce and Valencia, there is now plenty of seating at this elegant new North Italian eatery. 2530 Ponce de Leon Blvd. $$$ 786.359.4275

Salumeria 104
Specializing in Italian sliced hams, you can sit close to the street and watch as people struggle to parallel park or underneath the overhang for less entertainment, but more shade. $-$$ 117 Miracle Mile 305.640.5547

Terre del Sapore
We love eating here (seriously, they have superb Neapolitan pizza and now a new pasta menu), but there are only a couple of tables outside and no umbrellas. In the evening shade, however, quite pleasant. $-$$ 246 Giralda Ave. 786.870.5955

Villagio
A long-time favorite for weary shoppers at the Shops at Merrick Park, Villagio is a haven for outdoor dining, with cloth covered tables and huge umbrellas. $$-$$$ 358 San Lorenzo Ave. 305.447.8144

---

LATIN & SOUTH AMERICAN

Buenos Aires Bistro
We give this relatively new addition to the Gables an A+. Every table has wide, cushioned chairs and couches, perfect for relaxing with a cool cocktail – and we can’t get enough of their quinoa and salmon bowl. $$-$$$ 180 Aragon Ave. 786.409.5121

Caja Caliente
Prior to COVID, Caja didn’t have any tables outside. Now they have tons of tables (all six feet apart, of course) on the sidewalk on Ponce. Can’t beat their $4 lechon tacos on Tuesdays. $ 808 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.431.1947

Calle 23
We’re excited to have another hangout that will draw the Millenial crowd to the Gables with their neon signs and happy hour deals. Latin food at high tops on the sidewalk and a lounge by the entrance. $-$$ 230 Miracle Mile 786.325.3474

Divino Ceviche
Divino takes ceviche to another level, along with lots of other authentic types of Peruvian food and beer. Add to that their cluster of tables under umbrellas on Giralda Plaza for a winning formula. $$ 160 Giralda Ave. 786.360.3775

El Porteño
Great food, great wine and awesome cheese board that pays homage to the flavors of Argentina. Now you can enjoy it outside. $$-$$$ 271 Miracle Mile. 786.534.8888

Graziano’s
This gourmet Argentina deli and restaurant (with a great wine collection) has plenty of outdoor seating at high tops under the arches along Galiano, with signs indicating which ones have been sanitized. $ – $$ 2301 Galiano St. 305.460.0001

Havana Harry’s
This restaurant with a cult following now has outdoor seating. Indulge in croquetas, ropa vieja and tres leches while also following CDC guidelines. $ 4612 S. Le Jeune Rd. 305.661.2622

La Taberna Giralda
Only a few tables out front on the sidewalk, but they have a spacious courtyard out back. From tapas, to paella to their Spanish wine collection, there isn’t a bad item on the menu. $$ 254 Giralda Ave. 786.362.5677

Punto Criollo
Incredibly authentic Venezuelan cuisine. The arepas las gaiteras and the pechuga al grill are standout items on the menu. Expanded into the street on Andalusia to have three additional shaded tables. $ 262 Andalusia Ave. 786.599.7117

Talavera Cocina Mexicana
Voted the best Mexican restaurant in Coral Gables by this magazine, Talavera brings delicious authentic cuisine from south of the border to its array of tables on Giralda Plaza. $$ 2299 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.444.2955

---

MEDITERRANEAN

Rice Mediterranean Kitchen
Kabobs, bowls, wraps – this is your one-stop emporium for Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food, with lots of healthy food for very modest prices. Plus lots of seating on Giralda Plaza. $ 164 Giralda Ave. 305.200.5382

Sawa Restaurant & Lounge
We have long been huge fans of this split-personality mainstay at the Shops at Merrick Park, which offers parallel menus of Japanese and Lebanese food. Thankfully they have lots of outdoor seating under umbrellas. $$-$$$ 360 San Lorenzo Ave. 305.447.6555

TUR Kitchen
This relative newcomer to the Gables has a wonderfully inventive menu of Mediterranean cuisine, including excellent lamb and Aegean seafood dishes. Elegant seating under the arches along Giralda. $$$ 259 Giralda Ave. 786.483.8014

---

SEAFOOD

Gringo’s Oyster Bar
A shrine for fresh seafood with the freshest and tastiest oysters you will find anywhere. Also great lobster rolls. A long alleyway on the side of the restaurant, with overhead fans, lets you enjoy outdoors. $$ – $$$ 1549 Sunset Dr.

MesaMar Seafood Table
Is this the best seafood place in the Gables? Their customers think so, with super fresh local fish that is heightened by a delicious, inventive overlay of oriental and Latin flavors. Open for dinner only in tables along Giralda. $$$ 264 Giralda Ave. 305.640.8448

Sea Grill
The Shops at Merrick Park is a haven for outdoor dining. Even with six feet between tables, this Greek seafood restaurant has enough space to still seat upwards of a dozen parties in their outdoor patio. $$$-$$$$ 4250 Salzedo St. 305.447.3990

---

SPANISH

Bellmónt Spanish Restaurant
They already have a Miami Spice menu and their new al fresco seating on Miracle Mile is the perfect way to enjoy it. We hope they keep these even when things return to normal. $$$ 339 Miracle Mile 786.502.4684

Bulla Gastrobar
Bulla has created an outdoor patio so guests can still enjoy the flavors of Spain. Highly recommend the Tartar de Atun and the Cerveza Sangria. Or sip on a refreshing strawberry or blackberry limonada if you can’t take a post-meal siesta. $$ 2500 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.810.6215

Cava
Excellent, affordable “All You Can Eat” Spanish buffet ($15.95) with more than 40 choices including paella, pork, fish, chorizo, Spanish cheeses, now with a half dozen outside tables. $$-$$$ 3850 SW 8^th St. 305.433.7666

Tapeo Eatery & Bar
Mara’s Basque cuisine has been transformed into a bustling tapas bar with Spanish small plates. With plenty of seating on Giralda Plaza, now is the time to taste the difference. $$ 112 Giralda Ave. 786.452.9902

---

STEAK

Morton’s the Steakhouse
Morton’s in the Gables is not just another Morton’s. Its setting in the Colonnade gives it a unique elegance, with outdoor seating under the arches. Prime aged beef, excellent salads. $$$ 2333 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.442.1662

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
Fantastic aged steaks, a seafood tower that won’t quit, and a wine cellar that appears to have no end of its depth – and a few tables outside on Valencia if you wish to eat outside the cavernous interior. $$$-$$$$ 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.569.7995

Perry’s Steakhouse
Perry’s is a Texas chain that gets its beef from the heart of the Lone Star State – along with their famous five-finger giant pork chop that’s carved table side. Great out door patio with fire pit. $$$$ 4251 Salzedo St. 786.703.9094

---

PUBS/CAFES/MISC.

Bagel Emporium & Grille
Great bagels, as you would expect, but also a vast menu that includes omelets, waffles, soups, sandwiches, burgers and off course brisket, blintzes and roast turkey. And now outside seating. $-$$ 1238 S. Dixie Hwy. 305.666.9519

Bazille
Located inside Nordstrom in the Shops at Merrick Park, Bazille has long been the go-to bistro for shoppers in need of sustenance and downtime. Now they are offering patio dining on the 3^rd floor. $$$ 4310 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.999.7119

Café at Books & Books
Most people might not think about Books & Books when trying to decide where to eat, but it actually has a nice large courtyard. Now we can’t wait until their farm-to-table series is back. $ 265 Aragon Ave. 305.442.4408

Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar
If outdoor dining were a monarchy, Crema would be king. Tons of seating options from two-person tables on the expanded sidewalk to larger tables and couches by the entrance. $ 169 Miracle Mile 786.360.4026

Fritz and Franz Bierhaus
Massive outdoor patio on Merrick Way. Enjoy schnitzel and beer in a boot sans fear of getting infected. $$ 60 Merrick Way 305.774.1883

Liberty Caffe
Whether it’s just grabbing a coffee or sitting down for a full meal, Liberty Caffe offers a picturesque outdoor setting at the Coral Gables Country Club. $ 997 N. Greenway Dr. 305.392.1211

Mamey
It is hard to pigeonhole this new restaurant, with its mix of Caribbean, Polynesian and Thai gastronomy. The good news is that they have outdoor seating so you can sample a new taste palate. $$$ At the THēsis Hotel, 1350 S. Dixie Highway. 305.667.5611

Pinch Me Gastrobar & Market
Who says there aren’t cool, neighborhood pubs in the Gables? And they have a great patio outback! Happy hour sliders, bennies and crepes for brunch, and a tasty dinner selection of meat and fish. $$-$$$ 216 Palermo Ave. 786.801.1074

Sacha’s Café
The courtyard at Sacha’s is one of our favorite places for sandwiches, quiches and salmon. The tables are distant from each other and, tucked away off Ponce, in a quiet oasis. $ 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.569.1300

Threefold Cafe
You have to love a place that is dedicated to breakfast all day long, especially since you can enjoy the salmon scrambled eggs and smashed avocado toast under the umbrellas of Giralda Plaza. $$ 141 Giralda Ave. 305.704.8007

---

FAST CASUAL/TAKEOUT

Carrot Express
Following the trend, they added a few high top tables out on the expanded Miracle Mile sidewalk. A nice place to sit for a quick, healthy lunch. $ 259 Miracle Mile 786.471.4985

Coyo Taco
A great selection of tacos, and open till the wee hours, we always found the inside a little bright. So those outdoor tables on Giralda Plaza were the go-to place for seating even before the pandemic. $ 126 Giralda Ave. 786.629.7929

Green Gables Café 
This small, but popular café is a mainstay of vegetarian and vegan cuisine, with super healthy breakfasts and daily lunch specials (and carnivore food, too, though no dinner). Now it has tables on Alhambra for its loyal followers. $ 327 Alhambra Circle. 305.445.7015

GreenLife
Yes, they have salmon toast, açai bowls and oatmeal. But most people come here for the smoothies, cold pressed juice or the $5 ginger shots. $ 104 Giralda Ave. 786.409.5592

La Sandwicherie
Anyone familiar with their other locations celebrated the recent arrival of this mecca for sandwich lovers. Now you can nosh on their oversized masterpieces while sitting outside on Giralda Plaza $ 142 Giralda Ave. 786.615.2724

P.Pole Pizza
Outdoor seating is nothing new here. Whenever we eat here, if we’re not taking their flatbread-style pizza to-go, we sit outside, where it’s more quiet than the bustle inside. $ 279 Miracle Mile 786.618.5287