Where to Eat in Coral Gables
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Each month we publish a select list of restaurants that we recommend for our readers. We cannot, of course, include the Top 100 each month, so this month we are featuring 56 of the best in the categories of, Asian, Mediterranean, Seafood, Spanish, Steak Houses, and Pubs & Cafes & Delis. Next month we will look at the best of American, Latin American, French, and Italian restaurants – along with some of our other perennial favorites.
ASIAN
Anaba
This small, cozy sushi bar and restaurant just east of Galiano serves Japanese fare such as gyoza, ramen, and teriyaki bowls in a casual setting with a couple of outdoor tables. Good, fresh sushi and rolls; our favorite is the poke bowl ($20), comprised of tuna, salmon, Kani salad, ikura (red caviar), seaweed, and edamame – the Japanese mayonnaise and caviar add a salty, creamy edge. 70 Aragon Ave. 305.476.0655 $$
Benihana
There’s nowhere else in Coral Gables where you can see an onion volcano made at your table, and that kind of showmanship is why we can’t help but love Benihana. Great place for a kid’s birthday – or just to have some fun – with hibachi steak and teriyaki chicken. 242 Miracle Mile. 305.567.2000. $$-$$$
Dōjō
When Chef Pablo Zitzmann first opened Zitz Sum on Alhambra, it was a pop-up. That now-permanent spot is joined by his latest creation Dojo, an izakaya restaurant that encourages patrons to start with some chilled sake. From there it’s mochiko fried chicken oysters, Okonomiyaki cabbage pancake, and a 14-ounce teak cooked on a teppanyaki grill. Too bad it is open only for dinner. 148 Giralda Ave. 305.849.3456. $$-$$$
Fuku
A Sando is a popular Japanese sandwich comprised of deep-fried chicken served between slices of soft, crustless Japanese milk bread. The menu includes three versions of the OG sando, along with chicken burgers, chicken tenders, and sides that include cucumber salad, gem wedge salad, rice vinegar and waffle fries. Framed images of chicken wings are hung around the bright, fast-food style restaurant, along with wooden shelves displaying soy sauce, tamari, and chili crunch for sale. 135 Miracle Mile. 786.615.5901 $-$$
Ichimi
This off-Mile eatery has developed a cult following, with diners often content to stand in line for the opportunity to eat Ichimi’s huge ramen and rice bowls. And the wait is worth it. Delicious and rich, with faraway flavors you can’t find just anywhere, in a raw, cool space. Pro tip: try the scallion pancakes. 2330 Salzedo St. 305.960.7016 $-$$
Kae Sushi by Chef Landa
Kae Sushi prides itself on fusing Japanese with Latin flavors, adding coconut, jalapeno, and mango to the mix. At Kae Sushi you can build your own poke bowl from a smorgasbordof ingredients, order individual sushi or sashimi pieces, or take advantage of rolls and lunch specials for $16 to $20. 143 Giralda Ave. 786.257.0511 $$
Miss Crispy Rice
Miss Crispy Rice brings its playful, affordable omakase to Coral Gables, offering multi-course menus (7 for $35, up to 16 for $127) and creative twists like crispy rice nigiri. Dishes include otoro with watermelon and latke with caviar. With sake, wine, and a fun vibe (“Kill Bill” bathroom included), it’s a fresh, casual take on Japanese dining. 808 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 239.980.2912.
Khaosan Road
Formerly Bangkok, Bangkok, 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, from curry street sausage to chili paste fish to the best crispy duck. 157 Giralda Plaza. 305.444.2397 $$
Kojin 2.0
There must be something in the air at 804 Ponce de Leon, the spot which formerly hosted Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli’s Eating House and then Chef Michael Bolen’s Lion & The Rambler. Today, the address belongs to Kojin 2.0, taking up the mantel for creative cuisine, like their twice-cooked chicken, scallops with white bean sauce and pork, and a Japanese take on the traditional chicken sandwich. Tasting menus from $85-plus with constantly changing ingredients. 804 Ponce de Leon. 786.747.1404 $$$
Su Shin Izakaya
Located across the street from the Colonnade building, this tiny, bustling Japanese restaurant serves a great bento box – along with an impressive array of daily specials that are posted on the wall in chalk. Super popular lunch spot, for good reason – a much deeper take on Japanese food than just sushi and rolls. 159 Aragon Ave. 305.445.2584 $$
Malakor Thai Isaan
This eatery on Miracle Mile prides itself on delivering true, tasty Thai food. That means pork skewers with sticky rice, grilled fatty pork neck sliced and tossed with lime juice, or the Gang Aom, a Thai curry with fish sauce, dill, and herb paste. And they can really spice it up. 90 Miracle Mile 786.558.4862 $$
Moon Thai & Japanese
Can’t decide between Japanese or Thai food? No problem. Here, you can have a Japanese house salad or miso soup as an appetizer and Pad Thai as an entrée. Truly the best of both worlds. Comfy booths inside and umbrella-covered outdoor tables. Great duck dishes. Across the street from UM. 1118 S. Dixie Hwy. 305.668.9890 $$
Mottai
The interior – inspired by French Japonisme, a blend of European architectural elements and Japanese symbolism – is worth a visit by itself. The cerulean blue and ivory white color palette makes the high ceilings feel airier, with a central canopy over an open sushi station. The exquisitely light fare tweaks traditional Japanese cuisine into something brighter. The sashimi and nigiri are world class, deftly prepared by sushi chef Hiroshi Shintaku. Among the signature dishes, the black garlic chicken is excellent, as is the kinoko hot pot, the Japanese version of Korea’s Bi Bim Bop. 2881 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.454.2488 $$$$
Namaste
Hidden on a side street off Ponce, the last standing Indian restaurant in the Gables is small and humble (“namaste” means “I bow to you”) yet superb in its rendering of classic Indian dishes, from tandoris to biryanis. Our favorite is the mango curry chicken, followed by the chef ’s special black pepper shrimp. 221 Navarre Ave. 786.534.2161 $$
Sakura Japanese
A vast menu for rolls, along with selections of noodles, yakitori, katsu, tempura, teriyaki, etc. But they serve some of the best sushi and sashimi in town, if raw fish is your thing. We alsolove their seating – a half dozen curved alcoves that line the walls and provide a sense of private space. 440 S Dixie Hwy. 305.665.7020 $$
Sawa
Delicious take on Japanese flavors served in parallel with Lebanese Mediterranean, Sawa offers seating inside or outside at the Shops at Merrick Park. A vast selection of sushi rolls and tapas that range from chicken yakitori to octopus ceviche, along with super fresh Middle Eastern comfort food. Belly dancers on weekend nights, plus a doggy menu and late-night happy hour. 360 San Lorenzo Ave. (Shops at Merrick Park) 305.447.6555 $$$
SHINGO
If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, consider the omakase menu at Coral Gables’ first Michelin- starred restaurant. Located in the historic La Palma building, the restaurant is the brainchild of now twice-starred Chef Shingo Akikuni, previously of Hidden in Wynwood. Every element of the restaurant is carefully curated, from the pristine 14-seat table to how each course is served. 112 Alhambra Circle. shingomiami.com. $$$$
Sushi Maki
Flagship of the Ng family food empire, Sushi Maki has some of the best quality sushi anywhere, albeit in an unsophisticated space. No matter. Good prices, fresh fish, and some over the top desserts to balance all that protein – like deep fried Oreos. 2335 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.443.1884. $$
Zitz Sum
Brought to you by Chef Pablo Zitzmann of No Name Chinese fame, this “pop up” dinner restaurant off the huge lobby of the 396 Building is here to stay. The result of a year-long pandemic dive into dim sum by Zitzmann, the dumplings, hand-rolled daily, are superb. Other menu items are highly inventive and flavorful. 396 Alhambra Circle. 786.409.6920 $$-$$$
MEDITERRANEAN
Fogare
Fogare is a new restaurant serving modern Mediterranean and international fusion cuisine in the Aloft Hotel, taking over the space formerly occupied by Mistico. Even if you’ve been to Aloft recently, you could’ve missed it, with its unassuming door off the lobby and only a small sign. Inside is a hidden gem, with an industrial interior that lets the food take center stage, and an international menu that features a diverse mix of fresh, fire-finished plates, smoked seafood, and globally-inspired tapas such as short rib baklava, morcilla spring rolls, and bluefin tuna tataki. 2524 S. LeJeune Rd. 305.454.3999 $$$-$$$$
Karma by Levant Restaurant
Levant is named after the Mediterranean region of Western Asia that includes Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, and most of Turkey (also Cyprus, depending on who you ask). At the Coral Gables restaurant, all the chefs are Turkish and the owners hail from Iraq. The food is similarly eclectic, featuring dishes from across the Levant, including Lebanese batata harra (spicy potatoes), and their signature baked Iraqi eggplant and peppers in a clay pot. 2415 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.762.2905 $$-$$$
Marhaba
This relatively modest space in a retail strip provides a comfortable, intimate setting, with hanging lanterns, soft drapery, patterned walls and green velvet chairs. It feels neighborhood warm, a place for people to settle in, pass plates around and stay awhile – or knock out a quick lunch. The easy atmosphere fits the clientele, diners from different backgrounds who gatherover Lebanese food that tastes completely traditional. Try the Marhaba Trio, with hummus, Baba ghanouj, and labneh, all fresh dips distinct in texture and flavor. 537 Madruga Ave. 786.752.8330 $$-$$$
MIKA
Over three decades into a career that has amassed six Michelin stars, Chef Michael White’s new MIKA restaurant celebrates “coastal Riviera” cuisine, with a menu that ranges from steak to pasta to crudos, with an entire section devoted to latter. Recommended: The sea scallops with citrus colatura, the beef carpaccio, and the gnocchi, stuffed with ricotta and bathed in a pomodoro sauce. A comfortable, Boho-esque interior of woven chandeliers and imitation olive trees. 3007 Ponce de Leon Blvd. (The Plaza Coral Gables) 305.404.2200 $$$-$$$$
Motek
Surprisingly enough, this Israeli-inspired restaurant has taken home the prize for the best burger
at Burger Bash twice in a row now, an unexpected feat explicable only by a bite of the sandwich itself. But as popular as the Arayes Burger is, it’s not why you should visit Motek. You come here for the Eastern Mediterranean food: a smorgasbord of shish kebabs, mezzes, shawarma, and hummus, in a comfortably cavernous space. 45 Miracle Mile. 305.396.8547 $$-$$$
My Cousin Nick
If you’ve eaten at Calista Greek Seafood Taverna on Giralda Plaza, My Cousin Nick may be your new favorite fast-casual spot. Billed as the home of Greek street food, the restaurant is owned by Calista proprietor Thomas Fotouras. The menu ranges from gyros to signature bowls, salads, fries, croquettes, and more. You can make your own meal or choose from the menu, order at the counter, and be off within minutes. 2207 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.778.2381 $-$$
SEAFOOD
Calista Greek Seafood Taverna
There aren’t many pure Greek restaurants in Coral Gables, but Calista is aiming to change that, serving authentic Greek dishes with fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers’ markets. Their specialty dish is the Moussaka, an eggplant or potato-based dish reminiscent of a lasagna that is commonly served in Egypt, the Balkans, and the Middle East. Also, excellent Greek meatballs, classic spinach and feta phyllo pie, and yes, seafood dishes. 150 Giralda Ave. 786.310.7660 $$-$$$
MesaMar
Some of the best – if not THE best – seafood in the Gables with inventive fusions between Peruvian and Japanese cuisine. Their fish is caught daily in local waters and brought to your table for inspection. The whole fried fish is a marvel. Also, make sure to try the lobster tacos and the rock shrimp with mushrooms and ponzu sauce. Pitbull’s favorite restaurant in Miami. 263 Giralda Ave. 305.640.8448 $$$
NOMA Beach at Redfish
Redfish is born again, this time as NOMA Beach at Redfish, under the command of celebrity chef Donatella Arpaia. The pricey haute cuisine of Chef Adrianne has been replaced with simpler, more moderately priced dishes that feel much closer to the old Redfish, albeit with an Italian seafood spin. The award winning meatballs and romantic views of the bay that are unbeatable. 9610 Old Cutler Rd. 305.668.8788 $$$
Sea Grill
Sea Grill is a popular weekend destination for lovers of Mediterranean seafood. A large, brightly lit and futuristic space with lots of energy, it serves fish caught in the Aegean Sea and flown to the Gables. Their octopus, which takes two days to prepare, is simply superb. Lots of outdoor seating, big screens inside showing visions of Greece, and the best Greek salad in town. 4250 Salzedo St. (Shops at Merrick Park) 305.447.3990 $$$
SPANISH
Bulla Gastrobar
As valued for its cocktails as for its tapas, Bulla is also something Coral Gables needs – an informal, smart neighborhood hangout with a young, boisterous vibe. Great “small plates” and refreshing sangria. Yes, it is a national chain, but it still feels local. 2500 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.441.0107 $$
La Jamoteca
The specialty here is ham, and it’s no ordinary ham, but the gourmet Iberico ham that is raised
in a special place in Spain on a special diet of local acorns. You can enjoy this ham in sandwich or sliced form – but there is also a short but authentic menu of traditional Spanish foods, from white anchovies, to stuffed red peppers, to potato and egg tortillas, etc. Pleasant outdoor seating, with ice-cold Spanish beer, or inside with the hung hams. 359 Miracle Mile. 786.360.4376 $$-$$$
La Taberna Giralda
Routinely rated among the top tapas places in South Florida, La Taberna brings the added
twist of a chef from Galicia, who puts his own regional spin on the dishes. It’s a small place with a neighborhood vibe, orange walls, string lights and great live flamenco on Saturday nights ($5 cover), so reservations are a must. Sophisticated and inexpensive lunch specials that change daily, with a lovely hidden courtyard. 254 Giralda Avenue 786.362.5677 $$
Pastor at Pascal’s
Pascal’s on Ponce was the benchmark for refined, classic French cuisine in South Florida. Last year Oudin retired, replaced by Chef Alberto Pastor, a Basque native who has transitioned the restaurant into a combination of Spanish and French fare, with a slight tilt toward the Iberian: White asparagus “cojonudos” from the Navarra region of Spain, Galician style grilled octopus, and piquillo peppers stuffed with braised oxtails. The warm Manchego cheesecake with red fruit jam is astonishingly good. 2611 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.444.2024. $$$-$$$$
Sra. Martinez
Michelle Bernstein has revived her Sra. Martinez, and the space alone – with an alcove for live music — tells you you’re in for something specialThe menu runs from carbonara croquetas to oxtail paella with bone marrow and a dry-aged strip steak finished in a wood-burning oven. Cocktails include a chocolate negroni and a lychee martini, with a happy hour worth checking out. 2325 Galiano St. 786.860.5980 $$$
STEAK HOUSES
Christy’s
Coral Gables’ oldest steakhouse, Christy’s was long the power lunch go-to – until it stopped serving lunch. But its aged steaks are still consistently superb, as are the seafood entrees. Their Caesar salad is absolutely the best in town, matched by classic oysters Rockefeller, garlicy escargot, and a jumbo shrimp cocktail that’s a house specialty. Feels like you are in an episode of Mad Men, with the dark red walls – and the only prime rib in the Gables. Great bar, top cocktails. 3101 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.446.1400 $$$-$$$$
Daniel’s
The new kid in town, replacing the previous super- haute Fiola, but with the same crew at the helm. First opening in Fort Lauderdale last year – and quickly earning a spot in the 2025 Michelin Guide – Daniel’s offers cuts of (you guessed it) wagyu beef and prime rib. They’ve also kept a couple of the Fiola favorites, like rigatoni vodka, while adding a lobster mac and cheese and oysters Rockefeller that uses watercress instead of spinach. 1500 San Ignacio Ave. 305.912.2639. $$$$
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
Fantastic aged steaks, a seafood tower that won’t quit, and a wine cellar that appears to have no end of depth. A place for special celebrations. Recently redecorated, but the open kitchen with its copper “sash” across the top still gives the main dining room a warm glow. Good menu at the bar – and now open for lunch! 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.569.7995 $$$-$$$$
Fogo de Chão
At Fogo de Chão, meat reigns supreme. Try the “churrasco experience” ($61) and let expert gaucho chefs keep the finely cut slabs coming, from beef ribeye to flank steak to lamb pincanha. If you’re a Wagyu fan, this is the place to be. The interior is as grand as the experience, which is a show in itself, Brazilian-style. Great cocktails in the upstairs lounge for before or after. 2801 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 786.297.8788 $$$-$$$$
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Mort’s in the Gables is not just another Morton’s. Its setting in the Colonnades gives it a unique elegance, with outdoor seating under the arches. Dependable quality, prime-aged beef, excellent salads, and warm fresh loaves of bread for the table. Good place to take that important client. Great bar food with filet mignon sandwiches or short rib tacos. 2333 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.442.1662 $$$
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
Perry’s is a Texas chain that gets its beef from the heart of the Lone Star State. Great outdoor space with a fire pit and a huge interior with its own piano bar. The entrees are all carefully concocted, including excellent reduction sauces for the finer cuts and their famous five-finger giant pork chop that is carved at the table and can feed two. Pro tip: The Friday pork chop special. 4251 Salzedo St. (Shops at Merrick Park) 786.703.9094 $$$$
Rò Steakhouse
Located inside Alhambra Towers, Rò is not your typical steakhouse. It is an immersive encounter with inventive cuisine, a windowless space that creates the atmosphere of a futuristic cave. Rò is the first American entry of the ViCa Hospitality Group, which has developed some 40 themed restaurants throughout Mexico. Creative dishes like grilled artichoke hearts with roasted sweet pepper sauce and spicy rock shrimp add to the most affordable steak in town, a half-pound rib eye for $32. 121 Alhambra Plaza. 786.778.4158. $$$-$$$$
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Some of the most expensive steaks in the Gables, but also some of the best. A chain with a surprisingly sweet backstory in Ruth Fertel, who bought the original steakhouse in New Orleans in 1965, their Gables location is both spacious and business-like. Almost all the beef is USDA Prime and the menu ranges far beyond steak, including menus for those on specialty diets (keto, gluten-friendly, vegetarian). 2320 Salzedo St. 305.461.8360 $$$-$$$$
PUBS & CAFES & DELIS
Bagel Emporium
And you thought all the great Jewish delis had disappeared. Not this one. Rated the best bagels and deli sandwiches in Miami, it’s also a great breakfast spot (waffles, blintzes, French toast). But this is where you come for a real pastrami or corned beef sandwich on rye. Yes, $20 a pop, but a time machine to New York’s lower East Side. Soon to relocate to Ponce de Leon Blvd. 1238 S. Dixie Highway. 305.666.9519 $$-$$$
Bay 13 Brewery + Kitchen
Bay 13 Brewery & Kitchen is Coral Gables’ go-to for craft beer and laid-back vibes. With Aussie-inspired brews, $5 happy hour bites, and standout dishes like scallops or steak with ale sauce, it’s perfect for casual meetups or relaxed dinners. Spacious patio, daily specials, and in-house brewing make it a must for beer and pub food lovers alike. 65 Alhambra Plaza. 786.452.0935. bay13brewery.com $$
Birdie Bistro
The beloved Burger Bob’s has returned – reborn as The Birdie Bistro at Granada Golf Course. Now run by longtime favorite Rita Tennyson, it keeps the spirit (and many menu items) of the original, with a few upgrades. Familiar faces, classic affordable burgers & fries, with American fare (great chili) and a fresh vibe make it a nostalgic yet new community spot worth visiting. 2001 Granada Blvd. (Granada Golf Course). 305.567.3100. birdiebistro.co $-$$
Café at Books & Books
Healthy eats and a beautiful (mostly) shaded outdoor courtyard make this the perfect place for a quick catch-up or a solo lunch with a good book. Excellent salads for healthy readers. Live music on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights gives this bookstore café a touch of the romantic. 265 Aragon Ave. 305.448.9599 $$
Façade
Façade in Coral Gables goes beyond pastries with all-day breakfast, homemade bread, and standout dishes. The spicy onion toast ($17) with eggs, caramelized onions, and chili oil is a flavor bomb, while the Dippy Soldiers ($14) offer an elevated take on eggs and toast. Cozy vibes, great music, and inventive eats. 271 Giralda Ave. @facademiami $$
Frankie and Wally’s
Frankie and Wally’s is somewhere between a grocery store, restaurant, and to-go sandwich shop. The open-concept space features a gourmet market with shelves stocked with olive oils, hot sauces, pastas, and pickled vegetables. If you’re in need of local produce, it also carries red beets, oranges, starfruit, lettuce, and more. Besides the market, there’s seating and an open kitchen, where you can watch your sandwich being prepared. Try the “The Frankie” on a soft Italian hero roll with ham and salami. 216 Palermo Ave. $$-$$$
Fritz and Franz Bierhaus
Be transported from Coral Gables to Oktoberfest. Enjoy German comfort food like Weisswurst and Heringsschmaus and German beers (amazing selection) straight from the source. Naturally, you must order a beer, but here you can have it served in a giant glass boot – and the selection, like the place, is huge, with outdoor seating. 60 Merrick Way 305.774.1883 $$
Sanguich
Sanguich De Miami brings its award-winning Cuban sandwiches to The Plaza Coral Gables, now with a walk-up ventanita and tropical batidos. The standout pan con bistec features tender shredded steak and crisp potato sticks on toasted Cuban bread. Unpretentious, quick, and deeply satisfying, it’s a must-visit for classic Cuban favorites done right. 111 Palermo Ave. sanguich.com $
Sports Grill
A go-to spot for any major sporting event, but also a popular destination for any given night of the week. You don’t even need to look at the menu: the pub is home to the Special Grilled wings, dipped in their signature sauce, then charbroiled and lightly covered in a secret sauce. The Coral Gables Magazine perennial winner for best wings. 1559 Sunset Dr. 305.668.0396 $
Threefold Café
You have to love a place that is dedicated to breakfast all day long. But who needs dinner when you can get shrimp tacos for breakfast, along with salmon scrambled eggs, chicken parma, and that Millennial favorite, smashed avocado toast? Also popular for Sunday brunch. And their coffee is some of the best around. 141 Giralda Ave. 305.704.8007 $$
Tinta y Café
Funky and comfortable, this former gas station turned Cuban café has 1) the best Cuban coffee, 2) great fluffy eggs for breakfast, 3) furniture that makes you feel like you are in someone’s living room, and 4) some of the most inventive Cuban sandwiches you will ever eat, way beyond the media noche. 1315 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.285.0101 $-$$
Titanic Brewery and Restaurant
A nice beer garden out back and pub food makes this English brewery a hotspot for nearby University of Miami students and staff. Karaoke on Sundays, blues on Wednesdays, and live bands regularly. Easy drinking, easy eating, and easy listening. 5813 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305.667.2537 $$