Best Restaurants in Coral Gables: A Complete Guide to Savoring the City’s Culinary Delights
Coral Gables boasts a diverse and charming restaurant scene with culinary delights that cater to every taste bud. From long standing Italian favorites such as Caffe Abracci, Portosole, and Luca Osteria to the contemporary Asian cuisine of Zitz Sum and Spanish tapas at QP Tapas, there’s something for everyone. Recently, new and creative talent, including Mamey and Lion & the Rambler, has emerged. And don’t miss out on other noteworthy restaurants such as Frenchie’s Diner, Tinta y Café, and Graziano’s Restaurant. Explore our guide to the best restaurants in Coral Gables!
Best Coral Gables Restaurants for Italian Cuisine
Coral Gables has a rich Italian culinary scene that ranges from classic dishes to modern interpretations. These restaurants offer a combination of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Caffe Abbracci: a Classic Italian Restaurant With a Modern Twist
Caffe Abbracci provides a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can savor classic Italian dishes with a modern flair. Some of their most popular items include the Linguine alle Vongole with fresh clams, garlic, and white wine sauce, and the Risotto Milanese with saffron, butter, and Parmesan cheese. The extensive wine list includes the finest Italian wines as well as labels from around the world.
Luca Osteria: a Neighborhood Favorite Serving Delicious Italian Dishes
Luca Osteria is a neighborhood favorite due to its affordable prices and delicious food. Chef Luca Dal Bosco combines traditional Italian ingredients with innovative culinary techniques to create a unique menu. The house-made pasta is a must-try, especially the delicate Tortelli alla Zucca with butternut squash and sage butter. Don’t forget to save room for their famous Tiramisu!
Portosole: a Charming Italian Restaurant With Cozy Atmosphere
Portosole is the perfect place for a romantic date or a cozy dinner with friends and family. The charming atmosphere paired with traditional Italian cuisine make it a local favorite. Chef-owner Claudio Giordano offers a variety of homemade dishes ranging from hearty Lasagna alla Bolognese to delicate Linguine alle Vongole. You can also enjoy an extensive wine list featuring wines from Italian regions such as Tuscany and Piedmont.
Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the best Italian flavors in Coral Gables. With restaurants like Caffe Abbracci, Luca Osteria, and Portosole, you will experience the finest and most authentic Italian cuisine.
New and Creative Dining Experiences in Coral Gables
For a unique dining experience in Coral Gables, try one of these innovative restaurants offering a fresh take on global cuisine. From South Florida twists on Latin American cuisine to contemporary Asian fusion, these culinary hotspots are sure to delight your taste buds.
Mamey: A South Florida Twist on Latin American Cuisine
Located in Coral Gables’ historic hotel, The St. Michel, Mamey offers a sophisticated dining experience with a menu influenced by Miami’s Latin American culture. Executive Chef Niven Patel draws from his Indian heritage and South Florida upbringing to create dishes like charred octopus with chorizo and apple and pork belly with malanga puree. The chic decor and dim lighting make for a romantic atmosphere that’s perfect for a special occasion.
Lion & the Rambler: An Upscale Restaurant With a Rooftop Terrace
If you’re looking for a place to impress your date or business clients, Lion & the Rambler is the perfect spot. Nestled in the heart of Miracle Mile, this upscale eatery serves New American cuisine with a playful twist. Favorites include the wagyu beef tartare and lobster mac and cheese. But what really sets Lion & the Rambler apart from other Coral Gables restaurants is its stunning rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy cocktails and small bites under the stars.
Zitz Sum: Mixing Global Flavors in Contemporary Asian Cuisine
Zitz Sum is a modern Asian restaurant that infuses traditional flavors with contemporary techniques, resulting in dishes that will excite your palate. The chefs source the freshest ingredients, from locally caught fish to exotic spices, to create unique creations like the shiitake and bok choy dumplings, spicy crab fried rice, and the Korean fried chicken sandwich. The decor is sleek and chic, making Zitz Sum ideal for a hip night out with friends or a first date.
Authentic Spanish Tapas and Steakhouse Classics
Experience the flavors of Spain and classic steakhouse cuisine in Coral Gables. From traditional Spanish tapas to hearty steak meals, this guide highlights the best dining options in these categories.
QP Tapas: a Traditional Spanish Tapas Place With Delicious Wine
At QP Tapas, enjoy the vibrant and colorful atmosphere of a traditional Spanish tapas bar while indulging in a wide variety of small plates and delicious wine options. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, meat, or vegetarian options, QP Tapas has something for every taste palate. Don’t miss out on the jamón serrano, albondigas, and paella. Plus, take advantage of their happy hour specials on drinks and tapas!
Christy’s Restaurant: A Classic Steakhouse With an Old Florida Charm
Situated in the heart of Coral Gables, Christy’s Restaurant offers a classic steakhouse dining experience with an old Florida charm. Their menu features a range of USDA prime beef cuts, from ribeye to filet mignon, as well as seafood, chicken, and lamb options. Don’t forget to start off your meal with their famous Caesar salad, prepared tableside. Pair your meal with a glass from their extensive wine list or a signature cocktail, like the Christy’s Manhattan. Finish off with their decadent desserts, like the Christy’s Key Lime Pie or Chocolate Moon Pie.
The Best Dishes at QP Tapas and Christy’s Restaurant
- QP Tapas: jamón serrano, albóndigas, paella
- Christy’s Restaurant: Caesar salad, USDA prime beef cuts, Christy’s Manhattan cocktail, Christy’s Key Lime Pie or Chocolate Moon Pie
Where to Find the Best Wine at QP Tapas and Christy’s Restaurant
- QP Tapas: their extensive wine list features a variety of Spanish wines, as well as options from other regions
- Christy’s Restaurant: their wine list includes both domestic and international options, with a focus on California and France
Indulge in the best Spanish tapas and steakhouse classics in Coral Gables. With these top-rated restaurants, experience the best of both worlds in one city.
Other Noteworthy Restaurants and Dining Options in Coral Gables
The culinary delights in Coral Gables don’t end with just Italian and Asian cuisine. There are several other noteworthy restaurants and dining options that deserve a visit. Here are some of them:
Frenchie’s Diner: A French-Inspired American Diner With a Fun Atmosphere
If you’re looking for a fun and casual dining experience, head over to Frenchie’s Diner. This restaurant serves up classic American diner food with a French twist. From burgers and wraps to crepes and quiches, Frenchie’s Diner has something for everyone. They also have a great selection of cocktails, beers, and wines to complement your meal.
Tinta y Cafe: A Popular Cuban Cafe Serving Breakfast All Day
For a taste of authentic Cuban cuisine, visit Tinta y Cafe. This popular cafe serves breakfast all day long, along with traditional dishes like ropa vieja, bistec de palomilla, and Cuban sandwiches. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with colorful decor and live music on the weekends.
Graziano’s Restaurant: A South American Steakhouse With Great Wine Options
Graziano’s Restaurant is a must-visit for meat lovers. This South American steakhouse serves up juicy and delicious cuts of beef, cooked to perfection. They also have a great wine list, featuring wines from Argentina and Chile. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with rustic decor and a friendly staff.
No matter what your taste buds crave, Coral Gables has something to offer. Don’t miss out on these other noteworthy restaurants and dining options!
Recommendations and Deals to Try the Best Dishes and Cocktails
If you’re looking for great dining experiences in Coral Gables that won’t break the bank, check out some of the best happy hour and drink specials at different restaurants!
Best Happy Hour and Drink Specials at Coral Gables Restaurants
- QP Tapas: Stop by for their “Hora Loca” from 5 pm to 7 pm Monday through Friday and enjoy $6 tapas and $4 Estrella beer.
- Lion & the Rambler: This upscale restaurant offers a daily happy hour from 5 pm to 7 pm with half-priced oysters and select cocktails.
- Graziano’s Restaurant: Visit this South American steakhouse for $5 wines by the glass during their happy hour from 4 pm to 7 pm.
Don’t miss these must-try dishes that will have your taste buds singing!
Must-Try Dishes: From Beef Carpaccio to Chicken Parmesan
- Caffe Abracci: Try their signature dish, beef carpaccio, thinly sliced beef drizzled with a zesty mustard vinaigrette.
- Luca Osteria: Enjoy their mouthwatering chicken parmesan, crispy breaded chicken topped with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
- Christy’s Restaurant: This classic steakhouse serves up a hearty dry-aged 24 oz bone-in ribeye steak.
For those who love Italian cocktails, Coral Gables has plenty of options to choose from.
Where to Find Italian-Influenced Cocktails in Coral Gables
- Caffe Abbracci: Sip on their signature Abbracci Martini, a classic vodka martini with a twist of blood orange.
- Luca Osteria: Try their Italian Kiss cocktail, made with vodka, limoncello, and grapefruit juice.
- Mamey: Order the Negroni Sbagliato, a twist on the classic Negroni that mixes Campari, sweet vermouth, and prosecco.
Coral Gables has a variety of dining options that offer everything from power lunches to alfresco dining. Make sure to check out these recommendations for the best dishes, drinks and happy hour specials to enjoy at some of the top rated restaurants in the city!
