In a new weekly series, Summer in Miami, Eater is highlighting places to eat and drink—sometimes lesser-known spots—in different neighborhoods for when your out-of-town friends come to visit. This week: Coral Gables.
[Photo via The Local Craft Food & Drink]
‘Tis the season for soupy temps, muggy mornings and the as-if-on-cue afternoon down pour. Yes, our tropical metropolis knows a good rain storm, but also, how to chow down. So every week, Eater will provide a list of the different places throughout each neighborhood and break it down into categories—the famous, the hidden gems and more—to guide your summer culinary journeys and arm you with a escape from the steamy days (and nights) outside.
Famous: Ortanique on the Mile
Address: 278 Miracle Mile
The low-down: From jerk-rubbed foie gras to West Indian cornish game hen, Chef Cindy Hutson has consistently served up some of the neighborhood’s finest cuisine for over 12 years. Although located in the heart of the Gables, it feels more like being whisked into a garden set in the Jamaican tropics. The mojitos here are some of the best in the city.
Under the Radar: Mixtura
Address: 160 Andalusia Ave
The low-down: The second outpost of this Peruvian cafe quietly took over the space vacated by La Cofradia. Order a cocktail from the pisco bar and settle in for Chef Jose Luis Herrera’s deft take on Peruvian-fusion fare such as ossobucco with chocloto, makis and duck rice.
French Fare: Pascal’s On Ponce
Address: 2611 Ponce de Leon Blvd
The low-down: A Gables stalwart, this effortlessly charming restaurant serves some of the finest French cuisine in the city. White linen service and fresh-cut roses set the scene for sumptuous dishes like duck terrine with foie gras, slow braised osso bucco and their popular 20-minute souffle.
On the Go Lunch: Green Gables Cafe
Address: 327 Alhambra Cir
The low-down: This small, bright cafe prides itself on an all organic and sustainable menu. Your best bet here is to place a breakfast or lunch order on their website for pick-up or delivery. The organic egg panini and black bean burger are favorites, but really, most everything in this feel-good mecca delivers.
The Pub Scene: The Local Craft Food & Drink
Address: 150 Giralda Ave
The low-down: Selected by Esquire Magazine as one of the “The Best Beer Menus in America,” The Local’s impressive beer list (including favorites from Cigar City, Bell’s and Brooklyn Brewery) is accompanied by a menu of bar favorites with a sophisticated twist. Try the grass-fed beef jerky to start and segue into the merguez-lamb hot dog or braised kurobuta pork belly before capping off your night with a bacon beignet.
Traditional Italian: Cafe Vialetto
Address: 4019 LeJeune Rd
The low-down: A simple, yet handsome haven for inspired Italian fare. Cafe Vialetto is perfect for a special occasion or to satisfy that everyday pasta craving. The risotto specials and the pear ravioli are a must-have.
Japanese: Su-shin Izakaya
Address: 159 Aragon Ave
The low-down: Sure, they serve sushi. But you’re not coming here for that. No, you’re coming to this no-frills spot for some icy Asahis and daily rotating Japanese pub fare like salmon collar, thick slabs of pork belly and chawanmushi (steamed egg custard with gingko seeds).
Sweets: Chocolate Fashion
Address: 248 Andalusia Ave
The low-down: This quaint, French bakery tucked away on Andalusia frequently draws a crowd. And it’s no surprise – the flaky croissants, light meringues and decadent chocolate eclairs consistently rank as some of the best around town.
The Brunch Crowd: Route 9
Address: 1915 Ponce de Leon Blvd
The low-down: It’s the kind of homey, yet elegantly presented, brunch food you’ll look forward to every weekend – pastry baskets brimming with maple bacon sticky buns, banana walnut brioche french toast with spiced whipped cream and platters of prosciutto di parma served with milkstout mustard.
Upscale Mexican: Talavera Cocina Mexicana
Address: 2299 Ponce de Leon Blvd
The low-down: With a focus on classic Mexican food, you’ll find traditional dishes given the five-star treatment at Talavera. Huarache (handmade corn masa flat breads stuffed with meats, cheese and black bean puree) and pozole are house specialties. Cool your palate with an exotic array of margaritas like tamarind, cilantro and spicy almond.
Coffee: Pasion del Cielo
Address: 100 Giralda Ave
The low-down: This cozy, corner nook with a flair for latte art, brews up a mean cappuccino and caramel cortadito. Grab one of their homemade brownies and enjoy the wi-fi.
Wine Bar: Cibo Wine Bar
Address: 45 Miracle Mile
The low-down: Unwind with a glass (or bottle) of vino courtesy of the “wine angels” who
retrieve your selection from a 20x30 wine cellar while suspended from a hydraulic harness. Split a pizza – the gorgonzola with pear is a favorite.
—Jackie Gutierrez-Jones
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